The Sealed Form I-693 — What You Need to Know
USCIS requires Form I-693 to be submitted in a sealed envelope signed by the civil surgeon. Here is everything you need to know about the sealed envelope requirement.
What Is the Sealed Envelope?
The USCIS Requirement
USCIS requires that Form I-693 (the immigration medical examination report) be submitted in a sealed envelope signed by the civil surgeon. This requirement exists to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the medical examination results.
Why It Must Stay Sealed
The sealed envelope protects the confidentiality of your medical information and ensures that the contents have not been altered. USCIS will not accept an opened envelope — the entire examination would need to be repeated.
What Happens If Opened
If the sealed envelope is opened — even accidentally — USCIS will reject it. You will need to return to our office for a new examination and a new sealed envelope. There is no way to re-seal an opened envelope.
Important: Never open the sealed envelope. Submit it to USCIS exactly as you received it from our office.
How We Seal Your Form I-693
Our process follows USCIS requirements precisely to ensure your sealed envelope is accepted without issue:
- Civil surgeon completes and signs Form I-693
- All required documentation is reviewed for accuracy
- Form I-693 is placed in a USCIS-compliant envelope
- Civil surgeon signs and dates the sealed envelope flap
- Envelope is sealed per USCIS requirements
- You receive the sealed envelope — do not open it
Submitting to USCIS
Follow these guidelines when submitting your sealed I-693 envelope to USCIS:
- Submit the sealed I-693 envelope with your Form I-485 package
- Do not open the envelope under any circumstances
- Keep the envelope in a safe, dry location until submission
- If mailing, use a trackable shipping method
- Make a copy of your I-485 package before submitting
- Your attorney can receive a digital copy of supporting documents upon your written authorization
Digital Copies
While USCIS requires a physical sealed envelope for submission, we can provide digital copies of supporting documentation for your records or for your immigration attorney.
For Immigration Attorneys
We can provide a digital copy of supporting documentation to your immigration attorney upon your written authorization. This allows your attorney to review your records without opening the sealed envelope.
For Applicants
You may request a digital copy of your supporting documentation for your personal records. Contact our office to request a copy. Note that the sealed envelope itself cannot be replicated — only supporting documents.
Validity Period
USCIS generally considers Form I-693 valid for two years from the date of the civil surgeon's signature. If your case is not adjudicated before your I-693 expires, you will need a new immigration medical examination. Monitor your case timeline and contact us if you have concerns about expiration.
What If the Envelope Is Opened?
USCIS Rejection Risk
USCIS will reject an opened I-693 envelope. There is no exception to this rule. An opened envelope cannot be re-sealed or repaired. Your application may be delayed or denied if you submit an opened envelope.
Need for Re-Examination
If your envelope is opened, you will need to return to our office for a complete new immigration medical examination. Contact us as soon as possible — we will work to reschedule you quickly to minimize delays to your immigration case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Get Your Sealed I-693?
Schedule your immigration medical exam today. We handle everything — including your USCIS-compliant sealed envelope — at our Costa Mesa clinic.