SoCal Immigration Services | Immigration Document Preparation in Southern California

Quick Answer

Form I-693 immigration medical exams have specific validity periods that adjustment applicants must understand. The exam must be signed by a civil surgeon no more than 60 days before filing I-485 and remains valid for two years from the signature date. Timing your medical exam correctly prevents delays and extra costs.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

Redondo Beach green card applicants need properly timed medical exams to avoid complications in their adjustment cases. SoCal Immigration Services helps Arab families throughout the South Bay understand I-693 validity rules and coordinate exam timing with their I-485 filing.

Understanding I-693 Medical Exam Requirements

Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, is required for most applicants adjusting status to permanent residence within the United States.

Purpose of the Medical Exam:

The immigration medical exam screens for communicable diseases of public health significance and reviews vaccination records. It's conducted by USCIS-designated civil surgeons—physicians specifically authorized to perform immigration physicals.

Who Needs I-693:

Most I-485 adjustment of status applicants need an I-693. Some categories, like certain refugee adjustments, may have different requirements. Consular processing applicants get their medicals abroad at designated panel physicians instead.

Current I-693 Validity Rules

USCIS has specific rules about when your medical exam must be completed and how long it remains valid.

•60-Day Rule: The civil surgeon must sign Form I-693 no more than 60 days before you file your I-485 application
•Two-Year Validity: Form I-693 remains valid for two years from the date the civil surgeon signs it
•USCIS Decision Timing: USCIS must make a decision on your case before the I-693 expires
•No Backdating: Civil surgeons cannot backdate forms; the signature date must be the actual exam date
•Vaccination Updates: If vaccinations are needed, they must be completed before the exam is finalized

Timing Your Medical Exam

Proper timing of your I-693 exam prevents validity problems during your adjustment case.

1
Determine Your I-485 Filing Date
Know when you plan to file your adjustment application. The I-693 must be signed within 60 days before this date—not too early.
2
Schedule Civil Surgeon Appointment
Book your appointment with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon allowing time for the exam and any needed vaccinations before your I-485 filing date.
3
Allow Processing Time
Civil surgeons may need time to complete forms after your appointment, especially if lab results or vaccination records must be obtained. Build in buffer time.
4
Obtain Vaccination Records
Gather your vaccination records before the appointment. Missing records may require additional vaccinations or time to obtain documentation.
5
Coordinate with I-485 Filing
Submit your I-485 after receiving your signed I-693 but within 60 days of the civil surgeon's signature date.

What If Your I-693 Expires During Processing?

Long I-485 processing times sometimes cause I-693s to expire before USCIS makes a decision.

USCIS Request for New Medical:

If your I-693 expires during processing, USCIS will issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) asking for a new medical exam. You'll need to visit a civil surgeon again and submit a fresh I-693.

Cost Implications:

Repeat medical exams mean additional costs—civil surgeon fees, lab fees, and potentially vaccination costs. This is an unfortunate consequence of extended processing times.

Planning Ahead:

While you can't always avoid I-693 expiration during long processing periods, filing your I-485 promptly after your medical maximizes the validity window.

The Medical Exam Process

Understanding what happens at the civil surgeon appointment helps you prepare properly.

•Medical History Review: The civil surgeon reviews your medical history and asks about conditions, medications, and treatments
•Physical Examination: Basic physical exam including vital signs, vision, hearing, and systems review
•Laboratory Tests: Blood tests and possibly other lab work to screen for certain conditions
•Vaccination Review: Civil surgeon reviews your vaccination records against USCIS requirements
•Tuberculosis Testing: TB test (skin test or blood test) and possibly chest X-ray if indicated
•Mental Health Screening: Basic screening for mental health conditions with public health significance
•Form Completion: Civil surgeon completes Form I-693 with findings and vaccination record

Required Vaccinations

USCIS requires proof of certain vaccinations for adjustment applicants. Missing vaccinations must be administered before the civil surgeon can complete your I-693.

Required Vaccines:

The vaccine requirements include: Mumps, Measles, Rubella (MMR), Polio, Tetanus/Diphtheria, Pertussis, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rotavirus (age-appropriate), Meningococcal, Varicella (chickenpox), Pneumococcal (age-appropriate), Influenza (seasonal), Haemophilus influenzae type B, and COVID-19.

Age-Appropriate Requirements:

Not all vaccines are required for all ages. Civil surgeons determine which vaccines you need based on your age and medical history.

Waivers:

Vaccine waivers may be available for medical contraindications or sincere religious/moral objections. Discuss waiver options with the civil surgeon if applicable.

Choosing a Civil Surgeon

Only USCIS-designated civil surgeons can perform immigration medical exams. Choose carefully for a smooth experience.

•Designated Civil Surgeon: Must be on the USCIS civil surgeon list—use the USCIS website locator tool
•Location Convenience: Choose a surgeon convenient to your home or work in the Redondo Beach area
•Cost Comparison: Fees vary significantly between civil surgeons; call ahead for pricing
•Appointment Availability: Some surgeons have long wait times; book early
•Language Capabilities: Some civil surgeons have multilingual staff or interpreters available
•Included Services: Understand what's included in the quoted price (labs, vaccines, form completion)

Common I-693 Problems

Several issues can create problems with immigration medical exams. Avoiding these ensures smooth processing.

•Exam Too Early: Civil surgeon signed more than 60 days before I-485 filing—must redo the exam
•Expired Before Decision: Two-year validity period passed before USCIS decided your case
•Incomplete Vaccinations: Missing required vaccines that the civil surgeon noted as needed
•Wrong Civil Surgeon: Exam performed by non-designated physician—not valid
•Form Errors: Mistakes on the form that require correction or new exam
•Sealed Envelope Opened: I-693 must remain in sealed envelope until USCIS opens it

Why Redondo Beach Families Choose SoCal Immigration Services

Our team helps adjustment applicants throughout the South Bay coordinate their medical exams with I-485 filing for optimal timing.

•Arabic-Speaking Staff: Discuss medical exam requirements and timing in your language
•Timing Coordination: We help you schedule your exam to maximize validity during processing
•Civil Surgeon Referrals: We can suggest designated civil surgeons in the Redondo Beach area
•Vaccination Guidance: We advise on gathering vaccination records before your appointment
•RFE Response: If you receive an RFE for a new medical, we help coordinate the response
•Complete Case Management: We handle all aspects of your I-485 including I-693 coordination

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:How long is the I-693 medical exam valid?

A: Form I-693 is valid for two years from the date the civil surgeon signs it. USCIS must make a decision on your case before this two-year period expires.

Q:When should I get my immigration medical exam?

A: The civil surgeon must sign your I-693 no more than 60 days before you file your I-485. Getting it too early means it won't be valid when you file.

Q:What if my I-693 expires while USCIS is processing my case?

A: USCIS will send a Request for Evidence (RFE) asking for a new medical exam. You'll need to visit a civil surgeon again and submit a fresh I-693.

Q:What vaccinations are required for the immigration medical?

A: Required vaccines include MMR, Polio, Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, Varicella, Influenza, COVID-19, and others. The civil surgeon determines which you need based on age and records.

Q:How much does the immigration medical exam cost?

A: Costs vary by civil surgeon, typically ranging from $200-$500+ depending on needed vaccinations and lab work. Call civil surgeons in Redondo Beach for current pricing.

Q:Can any doctor perform the immigration medical exam?

A: No. Only USCIS-designated civil surgeons can perform I-693 exams. Use the USCIS website to find designated civil surgeons near you.

Q:Do you help coordinate I-693 medical exams?

A: Yes! Our team helps Redondo Beach families time their medical exams properly, understand vaccination requirements, and coordinate with I-485 filing.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Redondo Beach and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.

Published: February 1, 2026Last Updated: February 1, 2026

Time Your Medical Exam Right

Don't let I-693 timing issues delay your green card. Our team helps Redondo Beach families coordinate medical exams with their adjustment applications.

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