When should I take the I-693 medical exam?

The I-693 medical exam is an important step in various immigration processes in the United States, serving to prove that the applicant does not have health conditions that could pose risks to public health. Even though the exam is part of many types of visas and applications-including cases involving the U visa when adjusting status to permanent residency-it is crucial to know the most appropriate time to take it.

In the case of the U visa, the I-693 exam is generally required when you are ready to move forward in the adjustment of status process, such as when you decide to apply for the green card. It is worth remembering that the medical report, once issued by an authorized doctor (civil surgeon), is valid for two years. For this reason, taking the exam too early can mean that the document expires before the conclusion of your process.

Therefore, the ideal is to schedule the exam close to the time of submitting your adjustment of status application, ensuring the document is valid throughout the review of your case. It is important to carefully follow all instructions from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), as rules may be updated.

Additionally, always seek specialized and reliable institutions to perform the exam, thus avoiding scams or marketing campaigns that promise miraculous results. Strict compliance with immigration laws is essential to ensure your process runs smoothly.

In summary, you should consider taking the I-693 exam close to the time you file your adjustment of status application, ensuring the medical document is within the validity period required by USCIS. Always check official guidelines and consult reliable sources to clarify any doubts, so you can correctly follow the legal procedures.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.