Why Keeping Copies of Your Immigration Medical Documents Matters

When completing an immigration medical examination, many people focus on getting the appointment completed and submitting their paperwork to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, there is another important step that should not be overlooked: keeping copies of your immigration medical documents for your personal records.

Your immigration medical documents contain important information about your examination, vaccinations, laboratory testing, and Form I-693. Keeping organized copies can make it easier to access your information if questions arise later.

1. Keep a copy of your completed Form I-693

The Form I-693 is an important part of the immigration medical examination process for applicants who are required to submit it.

USCIS instructions explain that the civil surgeon completes the form and provides the applicant with the sealed form for submission, along with a copy for the applicant's records.

Important: Do not open the sealed envelope containing the Form I-693.

The sealed form should remain sealed for submission according to the applicable USCIS requirements. Your personal copy can be kept separately with your other immigration records.

2. Your medical records can be useful if questions arise

Immigration cases can involve many documents over an extended period of time. Having a copy of your immigration medical documentation can help you remember what was completed during your examination.

If you later need to discuss your medical examination with your attorney, immigration representative, civil surgeon, or another authorized professional, having your records available can make it easier to provide accurate information.

3. Keep your vaccination records

Vaccination records are an important part of the immigration medical examination.

Keep copies of vaccination records that were reviewed or provided during your examination. If you received vaccinations as part of the process, keep documentation showing what you received.

This information can also be useful for your future healthcare needs.

Why is this especially important for families?

Families often have multiple vaccination records and medical documents. Keeping a separate file for each family member can prevent documents from becoming mixed up.

For example:

Parent 1

• Vaccination records
• I-693 copy
• Medical examination documents

Parent 2

• Vaccination records
• I-693 copy
• Medical examination documents

Child

• Vaccination records
• I-693 copy
• Medical examination documents

4. Documents can be difficult to replace later

Some medical records may come from different sources, including previous healthcare providers, schools, health departments, or medical facilities in another country.

If you already have copies, you may not have to spend additional time trying to locate the same information again.

This is particularly helpful when vaccination records were obtained outside the United States.

5. Your immigration case may take time

Immigration processes do not always happen quickly.

Because applications can involve multiple steps and documents, it is a good idea to maintain an organized personal immigration file.

Your medical examination documents can be stored alongside other important immigration paperwork.

Consider keeping:

• A copy of your completed Form I-693
• Vaccination records
• Laboratory documentation, when provided
• Medical examination paperwork
• Appointment information
• Receipts or payment records
• Copies of relevant USCIS correspondence

6. Keep your records organized and secure

Immigration and medical documents contain personal information. Store them in a safe location where you can access them when needed but where unauthorized people cannot easily access them.

You may want to keep:

A physical copy:
Store important documents in a secure folder or file cabinet.

A digital copy:
If appropriate, scan important documents and store them securely on a password-protected device or trusted secure storage system.

Avoid leaving sensitive immigration or medical documents where they can easily be lost, damaged, or accessed by others.

7. Copies can help when speaking with an immigration attorney

If you work with an immigration attorney or accredited representative, your medical documents may be among the records they need to review as part of your immigration case.

Having your own copy allows you to provide accurate information when requested.

Your attorney can also advise you about what documents should be submitted and when.

8. Don't assume you will remember everything

Immigration medical examinations can involve multiple documents, dates, vaccinations, and medical requirements.

Months or years later, it may be difficult to remember exactly what happened during your examination.

Keeping copies provides a written record that you can refer back to when necessary.

What Should You Keep in Your Immigration Medical File?

Consider creating a dedicated folder for your immigration medical records.

Your folder may include:

☐ Copy of your completed Form I-693

☐ Vaccination records

☐ Laboratory records, when provided

☐ Medical examination documentation

☐ Receipts and payment records

☐ Appointment information

☐ Relevant USCIS correspondence

☐ Other documents provided by your civil surgeon

For family members, create a separate section or folder for each person.

A Very Important Reminder About the Sealed I-693

One of the most important things to remember is that the sealed Form I-693 should not be opened.

If your civil surgeon provides you with a sealed envelope containing your Form I-693 for USCIS, keep the envelope sealed.

If you need to review the information for your personal records, use the copy provided to you rather than opening the sealed envelope.

Final Thoughts

Keeping copies of your immigration medical documents is a simple step that can provide valuable organization and peace of mind throughout your immigration process.

Your medical examination is only one part of a larger immigration journey. By keeping copies of your Form I-693, vaccination records, and other related documents, you can have important information available if you need to reference it later.

Stay organized. Keep your copies safe. And remember: never open your sealed Form I-693 envelope.