What If I Move Before Receiving My Form I-693?

Processing5 min readUpdated July 2026

What If I Move Before Receiving My Form I-693?

Quick Answer

If you move before picking up your completed sealed Form I-693, contact our office immediately to update your contact information and discuss your options. In-person pickup is always the safest choice. If you have relocated and cannot return to our Costa Mesa clinic, we can discuss mailing the sealed envelope to your new address via a secure, tracked delivery service.

Contact Our Office Immediately

If you move or are planning to move before you have picked up your completed sealed Form I-693, the most important thing you can do is contact our office as soon as possible. Do not wait until after you have moved to let us know — the earlier you communicate with us, the more options we have to ensure your form reaches you safely.

When you call, let us know your new address and updated contact information. We will update your file and discuss the best way to get your sealed Form I-693 to you. If your form is already ready for pickup, we will hold it securely at our clinic until arrangements are made.

Why In-Person Pickup Is Always the Best Option

Even if you have moved, in-person pickup at our Costa Mesa clinic is always the safest way to receive your sealed Form I-693. The sealed envelope is a sensitive document that must remain intact and undamaged until it is submitted to USCIS. Picking it up in person eliminates all risk of the envelope being lost, damaged, or opened in transit.

If at all possible, consider making a trip back to our clinic to pick up your form in person. Many applicants find that the peace of mind is worth the trip, especially given the consequences of a damaged or lost sealed envelope — which would require a completely new immigration medical examination.

Mailing Options If You Cannot Return in Person

If returning to our clinic in person is not feasible, we can discuss mailing your sealed Form I-693 to your new address. We strongly recommend using a tracked, secure mail service with signature confirmation — such as USPS Priority Mail Express or a courier service like FedEx or UPS — to minimize the risk of loss or damage.

Please be aware that mailing a sealed envelope carries inherent risks. Postal handling can sometimes damage envelopes, and there is always a small risk of loss. If the sealed envelope is damaged or lost in transit, you will need to undergo a new immigration medical examination. This is why we always recommend in-person pickup when possible.

  • Use USPS Priority Mail Express or a courier service with tracking
  • Require signature confirmation upon delivery
  • Ensure the envelope is packaged to prevent bending or crushing
  • Keep the tracking number and delivery confirmation for your records
  • Contact our office immediately if the envelope does not arrive as expected

What Happens If the Form Is Lost in Transit

If your sealed Form I-693 is lost in the mail, it cannot be replaced by simply printing a new copy. The civil surgeon must complete a new Form I-693, which requires a new immigration medical examination. There is no way to "re-issue" a lost sealed form without repeating the examination process.

If you believe your form has been lost in transit, contact our office immediately. We will work with you to determine the best course of action. In some cases, it may be worth waiting a few additional days to see if the form arrives before scheduling a new examination.

Authorizing a Representative to Pick Up on Your Behalf

If you have moved but have a trusted family member, friend, or your immigration attorney still in the area, they may be able to pick up your sealed Form I-693 on your behalf. Contact our office in advance to arrange authorization for a third-party pickup. We will need to verify the authorization before releasing the sealed form.

This is often the best solution when an applicant has relocated but has someone they trust who can pick up the form and either hold it safely or forward it to the applicant. If your attorney is local, they are often the most reliable choice for authorized pickup.

Frequently Asked Questions

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