Does having a chronic illness like diabetes or heart disease affect my Form I-693?

Chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer are generally not grounds of inadmissibility unless they fall into one of the four categories described above. The civil surgeon will document significant medical conditions on Form I-693, but most chronic illnesses do not affect admissibility.

What happens if the civil surgeon finds a communicable disease?

If the civil surgeon identifies a communicable disease of public health significance, they will document it on Form I-693 and may refer you for treatment. In some cases, your application may be placed on hold until the condition is treated. Your immigration attorney can advise you on the implications for your specific case.

Are there waivers available for medical grounds of inadmissibility?

Yes. USCIS offers waivers for some medical grounds of inadmissibility. The availability and requirements for waivers depend on the specific condition and your immigration category. Consult your immigration attorney to determine if a waiver is available and appropriate for your situation.

Will the civil surgeon share my medical information with anyone other than USCIS?

The civil surgeon is required to maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with applicable laws. Medical information documented on Form I-693 is submitted to USCIS as part of your immigration application. The civil surgeon does not share your medical information with other parties without your consent, except as required by law.

What if I disagree with the civil surgeon's findings?

If you believe the civil surgeon's findings are incorrect, you have the right to seek a second opinion from another USCIS-designated civil surgeon. Consult your immigration attorney for guidance on how to address disputed medical findings in your immigration case.

Form I-6936 min read readUpdated January 2025

What Medical Conditions Can Affect My Form I-693?

Quick Answer

Certain medical conditions are considered grounds of inadmissibility under U.S. immigration law. These include communicable diseases of public health significance, lack of required vaccinations, physical or mental disorders with associated harmful behavior, and drug abuse or addiction. Most conditions are treatable or have available waivers.

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Medical Grounds of Inadmissibility

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), certain medical conditions can make an applicant inadmissible to the United States. These medical grounds of inadmissibility are evaluated during the immigration medical examination. The four main categories are: (1) communicable diseases of public health significance, (2) failure to show proof of required vaccinations, (3) physical or mental disorders with associated harmful behavior, and (4) drug abuse or addiction. The civil surgeon documents any findings related to these categories on Form I-693.

Communicable Diseases of Public Health Significance

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) designates specific communicable diseases as grounds of inadmissibility. Currently, these include tuberculosis (TB), syphilis, gonorrhea, Hansen's disease (leprosy), and any disease that has been declared a public health emergency of international concern. Active TB disease is the most commonly identified communicable disease in immigration medical examinations. Applicants with active TB must complete treatment before their application can be approved.

Vaccination Requirements

Failure to have the required vaccinations is a separate ground of inadmissibility. USCIS requires proof of vaccination against a specific list of diseases including influenza, tetanus and diphtheria toxoids, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningococcal disease, varicella, pneumococcal disease, and rotavirus (for children). If you are missing any required vaccines, the civil surgeon can administer them during your examination or refer you to a pharmacy or health department.

Physical or Mental Disorders With Harmful Behavior

A physical or mental disorder associated with harmful behavior — or a history of such a disorder — can be a ground of inadmissibility. This does not mean that any mental health diagnosis makes you inadmissible. The key factor is whether the disorder is associated with behavior that has posed or is likely to pose a threat to the property, safety, or welfare of yourself or others. The civil surgeon evaluates this carefully and documents their findings on Form I-693.

Drug Abuse and Addiction

Current drug abuse or addiction is a ground of inadmissibility. The civil surgeon will ask about substance use history and may order drug testing if there is clinical indication. A history of drug abuse that is in remission may not necessarily result in inadmissibility, but it will be documented and evaluated by USCIS. If you have concerns about how your medical history may affect your application, consult your immigration attorney before your examination.

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