How Families Can Make Multiple I-693 Appointments Easier
When several members of the same family need an immigration medical examination, keeping track of multiple appointments, vaccination records, identification documents, laboratory requirements, and Form I-693 paperwork can feel overwhelming.
The good news is that a little preparation can make the process much easier.
USCIS requires a separate Form I-693 for each applicant who is required to submit one. This means that even when parents and children are completing their immigration medical examinations together, each person has an individual medical examination and individual Form I-693.
Here are some practical ways families can prepare for multiple I-693 appointments.
1. Organize documents for each family member separately
One of the easiest ways to avoid confusion is to create a separate folder or envelope for every person who needs an immigration medical examination.
Each person's folder can include:
- Valid photo identification
- Passport, when applicable
- Vaccination records
- Previous medical or vaccination documentation
- Any other documents requested by the civil surgeon
- Payment information
- A copy of relevant immigration paperwork, when appropriate
USCIS specifically instructs applicants to bring medical records, including vaccination records, to the initial appointment.
Tip: Label each folder with the person's full legal name and date of birth. This can be especially helpful when several family members have similar names.
2. Gather vaccination records before the appointments
Vaccination documentation is an important part of the immigration medical examination.
The civil surgeon reviews an applicant's vaccination history to determine which vaccination requirements apply. If a person does not have documentation showing that required vaccinations were received, additional evaluation or vaccination may be necessary.
For families, this can become much easier if parents collect everyone's vaccination records before the appointment.
If your family has vaccination records from another country, bring the original records or available documentation for the civil surgeon to review.
Helpful tip for parents
Do not assume that every family member needs the exact same vaccines. Vaccination requirements can depend on factors such as age and medical circumstances.
Children and adults may have different vaccination requirements, so each person's records should be reviewed individually.
3. Make a checklist for every family member
Instead of using one large family checklist, create an individual checklist for each applicant.
For example:
Parent 1
- ☐ Photo ID
- ☐ Passport
- ☐ Vaccination records
- ☐ Medical records, if applicable
- ☐ Immigration documents
- ☐ Payment
Parent 2
- ☐ Photo ID
- ☐ Passport
- ☐ Vaccination records
- ☐ Medical records, if applicable
- ☐ Immigration documents
- ☐ Payment
Child
- ☐ Identification
- ☐ Passport, if applicable
- ☐ Vaccination records
- ☐ Medical records, if applicable
- ☐ Immigration documents
- ☐ Payment
This simple system can help prevent one person's documents from being accidentally left at home.
4. Ask about scheduling multiple family members together
If several family members need an I-693 examination, ask the civil surgeon's office whether appointments for family members can be coordinated or scheduled close together.
Whether multiple family members can be accommodated on the same day depends on the office's scheduling availability and the needs of each applicant.
When calling to schedule, let the office know how many family members need examinations and provide the ages of any children who will be attending.
This allows the office to plan appropriately for the family's visit.
5. Allow enough time for the family's appointments
A family completing multiple immigration medical examinations may need more time than an individual applicant.
Each applicant needs an individual evaluation and a separate Form I-693. Additional requirements may also vary from person to person.
For that reason, families should avoid assuming that several examinations will take exactly the same amount of time.
When scheduling, ask the office how much time should be planned for the entire family.
6. Prepare children for their appointments
For younger children, an immigration medical examination may be unfamiliar or stressful.
Parents can make the experience easier by explaining beforehand what will happen in simple, age-appropriate language.
Depending on the child's age and individual circumstances, the appointment may involve:
- Reviewing vaccination records
- A medical examination
- Laboratory testing when required
- Vaccinations when required
- Completing the appropriate portions of Form I-693
Parents should bring the child's relevant medical and vaccination records so the civil surgeon can review them.
Most importantly, parents should avoid promising a child that they definitely will not need a vaccination or laboratory test. The civil surgeon determines what is required based on the applicable immigration medical examination guidelines and the individual's circumstances.
7. Keep everyone's information accurate
When several family members are completing paperwork at the same time, it is easy to accidentally mix up information.
Before each examination, make sure the applicant's information is correct, including:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Address
- A-Number, if applicable
- Other identifying information requested on the form
USCIS instructions emphasize that the civil surgeon must take reasonable steps to confirm the identity of the person receiving the examination and ensure that the information on the Form I-693 corresponds to the applicant.
8. Plan for possible follow-up
Not every family member will necessarily have the exact same examination experience.
One person may have complete vaccination documentation while another may need additional vaccinations or documentation.
Another family member may require additional testing or follow-up.
USCIS instructions state that applicants should attend the initial medical examination and any follow-up examinations that are required.
For this reason, families should keep their schedules flexible enough to accommodate possible follow-up requirements.
9. Keep copies of completed documents
Once the civil surgeon completes the Form I-693, USCIS instructions state that the applicant should receive the completed form in a sealed envelope for submission to USCIS, along with a copy for the applicant's records.
The sealed envelope is important.
Do not open the sealed Form I-693 envelope.
Families should store each person's sealed envelope safely and keep the copies of the completed forms with their personal immigration records.
10. Create one family immigration folder
After everyone's examinations are complete, consider creating one family folder containing:
- Copies of each completed Form I-693
- Copies of vaccination records
- Copies of identification documents
- Appointment information
- Receipts and payment records
- Any follow-up documentation
- Other relevant immigration paperwork
Keep the documents organized by family member.
For example:
Family Immigration Medical Records
Parent 1
- I-693 copy
- Vaccination records
- Receipts
Parent 2
- I-693 copy
- Vaccination records
- Receipts
Child 1
- I-693 copy
- Vaccination records
- Receipts
Child 2
- I-693 copy
- Vaccination records
- Receipts
This can make it much easier to locate information later if you need to review your records.
A Simple Family I-693 Checklist
Before leaving for your family's appointments, ask:
☐ Does every applicant have identification?
☐ Do we have everyone's vaccination records?
☐ Are the records separated by family member?
☐ Have we brought relevant medical documentation?
☐ Do we know each person's appointment time?
☐ Have we allowed enough time for all family members?
☐ Have we asked whether additional testing or vaccinations could be needed?
☐ Do we know how the completed Form I-693 will be provided?
☐ Will we keep a copy of each completed Form I-693?
☐ Will we keep every sealed envelope closed?
Final Thoughts
Completing immigration medical examinations for an entire family does not have to be confusing. The key is organization and preparation.
Because each applicant requires an individual Form I-693, families should prepare a separate set of documents and information for every person. Bringing complete vaccination records, organizing documents in advance, communicating with the civil surgeon's office about the number and ages of family members, and keeping copies of completed paperwork can help make the process more manageable.
Remember that immigration medical examination requirements can change, and individual requirements may vary. Families should follow the current USCIS instructions and the guidance of their USCIS-designated civil surgeon.