A Sealed, Unsubmitted Form I-693 Is Valid Indefinitely. Plan Ahead to Avoid Last-Minute Delays and Unnecessary Expenses.
A Sealed, Unsubmitted Form I-693 Is Valid Indefinitely. Plan Ahead to Avoid Last-Minute Delays and Unnecessary Expenses.
A missing or incomplete Form I-693 can affect your green card application in different ways. USCIS may reject your filing, issue a Request for Evidence (RFE), or, in certain circumstances, deny your application. Knowing the difference can help you understand what needs to be corrected and how to proceed.
For applicants required to submit Form I-693 with their adjustment-of-status application, getting the medical documentation right from the beginning is particularly important. Under a USCIS policy update issued on August 5, 2026, officers have discretion to deny certain applications without first requesting additional evidence. This makes early preparation and careful documentation essential.
Although these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they represent different actions during the immigration process.
| Outcome | When It Happens | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Rejection | During initial filing review | USCIS does not accept the application for processing. The applicant generally needs to correct the filing and resubmit it. |
| Request for Evidence (RFE) | During review of an accepted application | USCIS requests missing, corrected, or additional documentation within a specified deadline. |
| Denial | After USCIS evaluates the application | USCIS determines that the application does not meet the requirements for approval. |
The next steps depend on whether USCIS rejected your filing, requested additional evidence, or denied your application.
On December 2, 2024, USCIS announced that applicants required to submit Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, must generally include it when filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
This requirement also applies to applicants who need only a partial Form I-693, such as the vaccination record. If the required documentation is missing, USCIS may reject the Form I-485 filing.
You can review the current requirements on the USCIS Form I-693 page.
If USCIS rejects your Form I-485 and returns your Form I-693 with its envelope opened, you may be able to reuse the original medical report when refiling. USCIS allows this under specified conditions, including submitting the original report, accompanying documentation, and a copy of the rejection notice.
However, a medical report associated with a denied or withdrawn application generally cannot be reused for a new application under the applicable validity rules. Review your rejection notice and consult your immigration attorney before refiling.
An I-693 RFE indicates that USCIS needs additional or corrected medical documentation before it can complete its review.
Common reasons include:
Depending on the deficiency, USCIS may require corrected documentation, additional testing, or a new medical examination.
The requirements depend on how Form I-485 is filed.
For paper filing: Submit Form I-693 in the original sealed envelope provided by the civil surgeon. Do not open or alter the envelope yourself.
For eligible online filing: For eligible online filing: If you are eligible to file Form I-485 online, use a copy of the completed Form I-693 provided by your civil surgeon for electronic submission. Dr. Gordon's office always provides applicants with a copy for their records and online filing purposes. Do not open the sealed envelope or use the original Form I-693 inside it. Retain the sealed original in case USCIS requests it later.
Always follow the current Form I-485 filing instructions, as online filing availability depends on the applicant's eligibility category.
Yes. USCIS may deny an application if the required evidence remains insufficient, an RFE response does not address the requested information, or the applicant fails to respond within the specified deadline.
On August 5, 2026, USCIS issued Policy Alert PA-2026-05, updating its guidance on evidence requirements and RFEs.
Under this guidance:
An RFE therefore deserves prompt attention. Applicants should carefully follow the notice and provide the requested evidence within the stated timeframe.
If an application is denied, questions about refiling, appeals, or reconsideration should be discussed with a qualified immigration attorney.
Receiving an RFE does not automatically mean your green card application will be denied. It means USCIS has identified information that needs to be addressed.
Here are four practical steps to follow.
Identify exactly what USCIS is requesting. The notice may call for a complete Form I-693, corrected documentation, additional test results, or vaccination-related information.
Check the response deadline and submission instructions before taking further action.
Schedule an appointment promptly and share the relevant medical requirements from your RFE.
Depending on the request, the civil surgeon may need to review your records, arrange additional testing, or prepare an updated Form I-693.
Bring your RFE notice, government-issued photo identification, available vaccination records, relevant medical history, and a copy of your previous Form I-693, if available.
Having these documents ready can help the civil surgeon determine what additional steps are necessary.
Work with your immigration attorney to submit all requested evidence together, following the instructions and deadline specified in your RFE notice. If you do not already have legal representation, consider consulting a qualified immigration attorney to help you navigate the response process. Dr. Gordon's office maintains professional relationships with immigration attorneys in the Kansas City area and can provide recommendations if needed.
Under USCIS's August 2026 guidance, submitting an incomplete response may result in a decision based on the available evidence, potentially leading to denial if the documentation is insufficient. To avoid unnecessary delays, arrange any required medical testing or follow-up evaluations promptly and allow sufficient time to prepare a complete response before the deadline.
There is no fixed I-693 RFE processing time. After USCIS receives your response, your online case status may update, and the application continues through review. The time required for a decision depends on the USCIS office, its workload, and whether additional review or an interview is necessary.
You can monitor your application through the USCIS Case Status Online tool and review the agency's published processing times.
Keep in mind that completing medical testing and Form I-693 documentation may require additional time before you can submit your RFE response.
Whether you're preparing to submit Form I-485 or responding to an I-693 RFE, having accurate medical documentation ready can help prevent unnecessary delays. Since testing, vaccination reviews, and follow-up evaluations may take additional time, completing the examination process well before your filing or response deadline is important.
At Immigration Exam Doctor in Overland Park, Kansas, Steven Wittenberg Gordon, MD, a USCIS-designated civil surgeon, helps applicants complete their immigration medical requirements through thorough examinations, vaccination record reviews, coordination of required testing, and Form I-693 preparation.
If you're preparing for your green card application or need medical documentation in response to an RFE, schedule your immigration medical exam to get started with sufficient time to complete the necessary requirements.
If Form I-693 or a partial Form I-693 is required for your application, USCIS generally requires you to submit it with Form I-485. Missing required documentation may result in rejection.
USCIS may provide up to 12 weeks, but the response period can be shorter. Follow the deadline and instructions in your specific notice.
An RFE may add time to the application process because USCIS needs to review the requested evidence before making a decision.
Under USCIS's June 11, 2025, policy update, a Form I-693 signed on or after November 1, 2023, generally cannot be reused if it was submitted with an application that was later denied or withdrawn. In such cases, applicants typically need a new Form I-693 when filing another application. Earlier forms are subject to different validity rules. Consult your immigration attorney to determine the requirements for your situation.
