Common Mistakes That Delay Your Immigration Medical Form (I-693) — Explained by Dr. Sapna Rajput, Civil Surgeon in Mountain View, CA

Completing your I-693 Immigration Medical Exam is a critical step in the Green Card application process, but even small errors can lead to frustrating delays or Requests for Evidence (RFEs) from USCIS.

As explained by Dr. Sapna Rajput, D.O., a USCIS-designated Civil Surgeon based in Mountain View, California, many delays can be avoided with the right preparation and understanding of the process. Below are the most common mistakes patients make and how to make sure your I-693 form is completed quickly and correctly.

1. Using a Doctor Who Is Not a USCIS-Designated Civil Surgeon

Only a USCIS-approved Civil Surgeon can complete and sign the I-693 immigration medical form. If your exam is done by a regular primary care provider, USCIS will not accept it, even if all tests appear correct.

Tip: Always verify your doctor’s civil surgeon status on the USCIS Civil Surgeon Locator. Dr. Rajput is a USCIS-designated Civil Surgeon serving patients from Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, Santa Clara, and across the Bay Area.

2. Bringing Outside Lab Results

A frequent reason for delays is submitting outside lab reports. USCIS requires all labs, including titers, TB, syphilis, and gonorrhea tests to be ordered directly by the Civil Surgeon’s office. Outside test results are not accepted, even if recently performed.

Tip: Complete your lab testing through your Civil Surgeon’s designated lab to ensure compliance and avoid rework.

3. Missing or Incomplete Vaccination Records

USCIS mandates proof of key vaccinations such as MMR, Tdap, Varicella, Hepatitis B, and Influenza (during flu season). Missing or incomplete records can cause significant processing delays.

Tip: Bring all available vaccination documents. If you lack records, Dr. Rajput’s clinic can perform antibody titers or provide required vaccinations in-office to finalize your form quickly.

4. Not Signing or Completing Page 2 of the I-693 Form

Applicants must fill out and sign Page 2 of the I-693 before the Civil Surgeon can complete their section. If this page is unsigned or incorrectly dated, USCIS will reject the form.

Tip: Complete and sign Page 2 during your appointment to ensure accuracy.

5. Not Completing All Required Pages of the I-693 Form

Another frequent reason for rejection is failing to fill out all patient portions of the I-693 form before your appointment. USCIS requires you to complete pages 1–3 in full and to write your name on every page of the form.

If your form is missing information or unsigned, the Civil Surgeon cannot proceed with the exam, and your paperwork may be delayed or invalid.

Tip: Before your appointment, review pages 1–3 carefully, fill in your full legal name exactly as it appears on your passport or immigration documents.

6. Using an Outdated I-693 Form Without a Barcode

USCIS periodically updates the I-693 form, and using an outdated version can cause your entire exam packet to be rejected. The current version of the form must include a barcode printed along the bottom of each page, which allows USCIS to scan and track your case efficiently.

Tip: Always download the most recent I-693 form directly from the official USCIS website. Do not use copies found elsewhere online or forms given to you by others unless confirmed to be current. If your form does not have a barcode on the bottom, it is outdated and cannot be accepted.

7. Submitting an Opened or Unsealed Envelope

USCIS only accepts sealed I-693 envelopes signed by the Civil Surgeon. If the envelope is opened—even accidentally—the form is considered invalid.

Tip: Keep your sealed envelope closed and intact. At Bay Area Immigration Exam Medical Clinic, you will receive a PDF copy of your I-693 form.

8. Failing to Complete Missing Labs or Vaccines

If your exam remains incomplete because of pending labs or missing vaccines, your form cannot be finalized or sealed. This is one of the easiest mistakes to avoid, yet one of the most common causes of delay.

Tip: Follow up quickly on all pending requirements. At Dr. Rajput’s office, patients receive reminders and clear instructions to ensure their paperwork stays on schedule.

9. Not Reading or Following Instructions from the Civil Surgeon

Every clinic provides detailed instructions about what to bring, how to complete forms, and which steps must occur before your visit. Failing to carefully read or follow these instructions can significantly delay your process.

Examples include:

• Arriving without required identification or vaccine documentation

• Ignoring emailed instructions or portal messages from the clinic

• Sending incomplete paperwork

• Not submitting all required documentation or getting blood work as ordered by Civil Surgeon

Tip: Read all communication from your Civil Surgeon thoroughly before your appointment. At Dr. Rajput’s clinic, patients receive clear written guidance on labs, documents, and timelines. Following these steps ensures your exam moves smoothly and your paperwork is completed on time.

Expert Insight from Dr. Sapna Rajput

“Many patients are surprised to learn that even minor documentation errors like using an old form or forgetting to write their name on each page can delay their entire immigration process,” says Dr. Sapna Rajput, D.O. “Our goal is to make every step simple and compliant so patients can move forward with confidence.”

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Bay Area Immigration Exam Medical Clinic

525 South Drive, Suite 101

Mountain View, CA 94040

650-254-6665