Can the civil surgeon reissue the same Form I-693 without a new exam?

No. Because the sealed envelope is a tamper-evident document, the civil surgeon cannot simply reissue it without a new examination. A new sealed envelope requires a new examination to ensure the medical information is current and accurate.

What if I lose my Form I-693 after submitting it to USCIS?

If USCIS has already received your Form I-693, losing your personal copy does not affect your application. USCIS has the original. You can request a copy of your records from USCIS through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request if needed.

Will my immigration case be affected if I need a new exam?

If your I-485 has already been filed and USCIS is waiting for Form I-693, a delay in submitting it could slow your case. Contact your immigration attorney immediately to discuss how to handle the situation and whether to proactively notify USCIS.

How long does it take to get a new Form I-693 after losing the original?

The timeline depends on appointment availability and any required follow-up testing. In many cases, we can complete a new examination within a few days. Contact our office to discuss your specific situation and timeline.

Is there any way to avoid paying for a new exam if I lost my form?

Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid the cost of a new examination if the original sealed Form I-693 is lost. USCIS requires a valid sealed form, and the only way to obtain one is through a new examination. This is why we strongly recommend submitting your form to USCIS as quickly as possible after your examination.

Form I-6934 min read readUpdated January 2025

What If I Lose My Form I-693?

Quick Answer

If you lose your sealed Form I-693 before submitting it to USCIS, you will need to contact the civil surgeon's office that completed your examination. In most cases, a new examination will be required. Our office maintains records and can advise you on the best course of action.

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What to Do Immediately If You Lose Your Form I-693

If you discover that your sealed Form I-693 envelope is lost, contact the civil surgeon's office that performed your examination as soon as possible. Explain the situation and ask for guidance. Do not panic — while losing the form is a serious inconvenience, it is a solvable problem. The civil surgeon's office will review your records and advise you on the appropriate next steps, which may include scheduling a new examination.

Why a New Examination Is Usually Required

Because Form I-693 must be submitted to USCIS in a sealed envelope signed by the civil surgeon, there is no way to simply reprint or reissue the original sealed form. The sealed envelope is a tamper-evident document — once it is lost, the only way to provide USCIS with a valid Form I-693 is to complete a new examination and have the civil surgeon create a new sealed envelope. This protects the integrity of the immigration medical examination process.

How Our Office Can Help

At ImmigrationMedicalExams.com, we maintain detailed records of all examinations we perform. If you lose your Form I-693, contact our office and we will review your records to determine the best course of action. In some cases, if the loss is discovered quickly and your examination was recent, we may be able to expedite a new examination. We understand that losing this important document is stressful and will work with you to resolve the situation as efficiently as possible.

Preventing Loss of Your Form I-693

The best way to avoid losing your Form I-693 is to submit it to USCIS as quickly as possible after your examination — ideally within a few days. If you cannot submit it immediately, store it in a secure location such as a fireproof safe or a locked filing cabinet. Consider giving it directly to your immigration attorney for safekeeping until it is time to submit. Never leave it in a car, a bag that could be lost or stolen, or any location where it could be damaged by water or heat.

Costs and Timeline for a Replacement Examination

If a new examination is required due to a lost Form I-693, you will be responsible for the full cost of the new examination. The timeline for completing a new examination depends on appointment availability. At ImmigrationMedicalExams.com, we typically offer appointments within a few days and can often accommodate urgent requests. Contact our office to discuss scheduling and fees for a replacement examination.

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