Can I Open the Sealed Envelope From My Immigration Medical Exam?

The Answer Is No — Never Open the Envelope

Do not open the sealed Form I-693 packet intended for submission to USCIS. Opening that packet may cause USCIS to reject it as improperly submitted. The clinic may provide a separate unsigned copy for the patient's records.

This rule exists to protect the integrity of the medical findings submitted to USCIS. The sealed packet ensures that the information submitted is exactly what the civil surgeon documented — unaltered and unmodified.

Why the Seal Matters

The sealed envelope is a chain-of-custody mechanism. It ensures that the medical findings submitted to USCIS are exactly what the civil surgeon documented — unaltered and unmodified. USCIS relies on this integrity to trust the medical findings.

If applicants could open and reseal the envelope, the integrity of the medical examination process would be compromised. The seal is what makes Form I-693 a reliable, tamper-evident document.

How to Review Your Results Without Opening the Envelope

The only way to review your Form I-693 results without breaking the seal is to request a copy before the civil surgeon seals the envelope. When you pick up your completed form, ask the civil surgeon's office for a copy of the form before they seal it.

This copy is for your records only — it is not submitted to USCIS. Keep it with your other immigration documents. If you did not request a copy at pickup, contact the civil surgeon's office to ask whether a copy is available from their records.

What to Do If You Accidentally Opened the Envelope

If you accidentally opened the sealed envelope, contact the civil surgeon's office immediately. Do not attempt to reseal it or submit it to USCIS — USCIS will reject it.

In most cases, you will need to undergo a new immigration medical examination and receive a new sealed envelope. The civil surgeon will advise you on the next steps. Contact the office as soon as possible — the sooner you address the issue, the less it will delay your immigration case.

What If You Are Curious About Your Results?

It is completely natural to want to know your medical exam results. The best way to get that information is to ask the civil surgeon's office for a copy of your results before the envelope is sealed. You can also ask the civil surgeon to explain the findings to you at the time of the exam. The civil surgeon is required to discuss any significant findings with you.