Can I Open the Sealed Form I-693 Envelope?
Can I Open the Sealed Form I-693 Envelope?
Quick Answer
No. You must never open the sealed Form I-693 envelope. The civil surgeon seals the completed form in an envelope and signs across the seal. If the envelope is opened or tampered with, USCIS will reject the form and you will be required to undergo a completely new immigration medical examination at your own expense.
Why the Sealed Envelope Rule Exists
USCIS requires that Form I-693 be sealed by the civil surgeon to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the medical examination results. The sealed envelope ensures that the information submitted to USCIS is exactly what the civil surgeon documented — unaltered and unmodified by anyone else. This chain of custody requirement protects both the applicant and the integrity of the immigration process. Any break in this chain raises immediate red flags for USCIS adjudicators.
What the Civil Surgeon Does to Seal the Envelope
After completing your immigration medical examination and filling out Form I-693, the civil surgeon places the completed form inside an envelope, seals it, and signs their name across the seal. This signature across the seal is critical — it serves as a tamper-evident indicator. If the envelope is opened, the signature across the seal will be broken or disturbed, making it immediately apparent to USCIS that the envelope was tampered with.
What Happens If You Open the Envelope
If you open the sealed envelope — even out of curiosity or to make a copy — USCIS will reject your Form I-693 entirely. You will be required to schedule and pay for a completely new immigration medical examination. There are no exceptions to this rule. USCIS adjudicators are trained to inspect the envelope for signs of tampering, and a broken seal is grounds for immediate rejection of the form.
How to Safely Store and Transport the Sealed Envelope
Once you receive the sealed envelope from our office, store it in a safe, dry place away from moisture and heat. Do not bend, fold, or place heavy objects on the envelope. When transporting it to USCIS or your immigration attorney, consider placing it inside a larger protective envelope or folder. Never leave it in a hot car or in a location where it could be damaged. Treat it as the important legal document it is.
Getting a Copy of Your Medical Records
If you want a copy of your Form I-693 for your personal records, you do not need to open the sealed envelope. At ImmigrationMedicalExams.com, we provide you with a separate copy of your completed form before sealing the original. If you did not receive a copy at the time of your examination, contact our office — we maintain records and can provide you with a copy without compromising the sealed envelope intended for USCIS.
Frequently Asked Questions
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