When applying for U.S. permanent residency, the USCIS immigration medical exam (Form I-693) is one of the most important steps. Even a small error can lead to delays, Requests for Evidence (RFEs), or having to repeat the entire medical exam. At Lumberton Internal Medicine Group, we help patients avoid these issues every day — but being prepared is the best way to keep your immigration process on track.

Below are the most common mistakes that cause delays and how you can avoid them.

1. Bringing an Incomplete or Incorrect Vaccination Record

USCIS requires proof of specific vaccinations. Many applicants arrive with:

• Missing records

• Handwritten vaccine cards without verification

• Records from outside the U.S. that are incomplete or unclear

Why it matters: Without acceptable documentation, the civil surgeon must repeat vaccines or order blood tests, which adds time and cost.

How to avoid delays:

• Bring your entire childhood and adult vaccination history.

• Request copies from your doctor, pharmacy, or country of origin before your appointment.

2. Filling Out Form I-693 Incorrectly

Applicants often make mistakes such as:

• Signing the form before arriving

• Filling out the wrong sections

• Using outdated versions of the form

Important: You must not sign Form I-693 until you are in front of the civil surgeon. USCIS may reject the form if it's signed early.

How to avoid delays:

• Download the current form from USCIS.gov.

• Complete ONLY the fields the clinic instructs you to fill out.

3. Not Bringing a Valid Government ID

Many exams are delayed simply because the applicant does not bring proper identification.

Accepted IDs include:

• Passport

• Driver’s license

• State-issued ID

• Work permit (EAD)

Not accepted:

• Photocopies

• Expired IDs

• School IDs (in most cases)

4. Arriving Without Required Medical Documents

Certain conditions require additional documentation, such as:

• Tuberculosis treatment records

• Positive COVID-19 test history

• Mental health or substance-use treatment records

• Hospitalization reports

How to avoid delays:
If a doctor has ever treated you for TB, mental health, or a communicable disease, bring written clearance or history from that provider.

5. Not Completing Required Blood Tests or Chest X-Ray

Some applicants try to skip lab work due to fear of needles or cost. Unfortunately, USCIS does not allow exceptions.

Missing labs will delay your sealed I-693 form.

At our Lumberton clinic:

• We offer on-site blood work

• We coordinate chest X-rays when needed

• Results are usually fast, keeping your process moving smoothly

6. Scheduling Too Close to Your Filing Deadline

Sometimes exam results, lab testing, or vaccine updates require more than one visit.

If you wait until the last minute, you may miss your filing window.

Tip: Schedule your immigration medical exam at least 2–3 weeks before your USCIS submission date.

7. Opening the Sealed Envelope

Once the civil surgeon completes your immigration exam, USCIS requires the form to be submitted in a sealed envelope.

Opening it — even accidentally — invalidates the form.

If the envelope is opened:
You must return to the clinic for a new sealed packet.

How Lumberton Internal Medicine Group Helps You Avoid Delays

At our Immigration Medical Exam Clinic in Lumberton, NC, we offer:

• USCIS-designated civil surgeons

• Same-week appointments

• On-site vaccines and labs

• Fast turnaround on sealed I-693 forms

• Bilingual staff (English, Spanish and Haitian Creole)

We guide you from start to finish so nothing slows down your immigration process.

Schedule Your Immigration Medical Exam in Lumberton, NC

Don’t let avoidable mistakes delay your green card journey.
Our team makes the process easy, accurate, and stress-free.

📞 Call to schedule your I-693 exam today!
📍 Lumberton Internal Medicine Group – Lumberton, North Carolina