Completing the USCIS Immigration Medical Exam (Form I-693) is an essential part of the green card and adjustment of status process. While the exam itself is usually straightforward, many applicants experience unexpected delays because USCIS determines that the submitted Form I-693 does not meet its requirements. These issues often have nothing to do with a person’s health and are instead related to documentation, timing, or procedural mistakes.
For applicants in Lumberton, North Carolina, and throughout Robeson County, understanding why USCIS rejects Form I-693 can help prevent avoidable setbacks. As a USCIS civil surgeon–approved clinic serving the Lumberton area, we know how to avoid these kind of errors that cause USCIS to reject or request corrections to immigration medical exam forms. Below are the most common reasons these rejections occur and how they can be avoided.
One of the most frequent reasons USCIS rejects Form I-693 is when the sealed envelope containing the medical exam is opened. After the immigration medical exam is completed, the civil surgeon provides Form I-693 in a sealed envelope that must remain unopened until it is submitted to USCIS. If the envelope is opened for any reason, USCIS may consider the form invalid and require the applicant to complete a new medical exam.
Another common issue involves submitting an expired or invalid medical exam. USCIS has specific validity rules for Form I-693, and these rules depend on when the exam was completed and when the immigration application was filed. Applicants who complete the exam too early, file their application too late, or submit an outdated version of the form may receive a rejection or a request to redo the medical exam.
Missing or incomplete vaccination documentation is also a major cause of delays. USCIS requires applicants to meet vaccination guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If required vaccines are missing, records are incomplete, or supporting lab results are not properly documented, USCIS may determine that Form I-693 is insufficient. At Lumberton Internal Medicine Group we help you to comply with all the vaccination requirements.
Errors or missing information on Form I-693 can also lead to rejection. Even small mistakes, such as missing signatures, incorrect dates, or incomplete sections, can cause USCIS to question the validity of the form. In some cases, the form may be completed correctly but does not match information already submitted to USCIS, which can also result in delays or additional requests.
USCIS will also reject Form I-693 if the medical exam was not performed by a designated USCIS civil surgeon. Exams completed by regular healthcare providers who are not authorized by USCIS are not accepted, regardless of whether the medical examination itself was properly conducted. Applicants in Lumberton, NC should always confirm that their provider is officially approved before scheduling their immigration medical exam.
Finally, USCIS may reject Form I-693 if the form appears altered, damaged, or incomplete after it has been sealed. Torn pages, missing documents, or visible changes to the form can raise concerns about its integrity. Applicants should handle the sealed envelope carefully and submit it exactly as provided by the civil surgeon.
Final Thoughts for Applicants in Lumberton, NC
For many immigrants in Lumberton and Robeson County, Form I-693 rejections are preventable with proper preparation and attention to detail. Choosing a USCIS civil surgeon, bringing complete vaccination records, and carefully following USCIS submission instructions can significantly reduce the risk of delays.
If you are preparing for your USCIS immigration medical exam in Lumberton, North Carolina, taking the time to understand these common issues can help your application move forward more smoothly.