USCIS Doctors Medical Documentation and Form I-693 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Who retains the original completed Form I-693 — the civil surgeon, the applicant, or USCIS?
- The applicant retains and submits it to USCIS (Correct answer)
- The civil surgeon retains the original
- USCIS receives it directly from the civil surgeon
- A copy goes to all three parties simultaneously
Correct answer: The applicant retains and submits it to USCIS
The applicant receives the sealed Form I-693 from the civil surgeon and submits it to USCIS with their adjustment of status application.
Question 2: What is the civil surgeon's responsibility regarding record retention for Form I-693?
- Keep a copy of Form I-693 in the applicant's file for at least 2 years (Correct answer)
- No retention required after submission
- Send a copy to CDC within 30 days
- Retain indefinitely in a USCIS-approved database
Correct answer: Keep a copy of Form I-693 in the applicant's file for at least 2 years
Civil surgeons are required to retain a copy of Form I-693 in the applicant's records for a minimum of 2 years.
Question 3: What should a civil surgeon do if an applicant refuses to be tested for syphilis?
- Document the refusal on Form I-693 and note that the required test was not performed (Correct answer)
- Complete the exam without syphilis testing and submit the form
- Cancel the entire exam and notify USCIS
- Reschedule the exam and require compliance before proceeding
Correct answer: Document the refusal on Form I-693 and note that the required test was not performed
If an applicant refuses mandatory testing, the civil surgeon must document the refusal on Form I-693, which will affect the completeness of the exam record.
Question 4: Which part of Form I-693 addresses mental disorders and substance abuse history?
- Part 5 – Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse (Correct answer)
- Part 2 – Medical History
- Part 7 – Civil Surgeon Certification
- Part 1 – Applicant Information
Correct answer: Part 5 – Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse
Part 5 of Form I-693 is specifically designated for documenting findings related to mental disorders and substance abuse.
Question 5: If a civil surgeon's designation expires while an applicant's Form I-693 is still valid, is the form still acceptable?
- Yes, as long as the form was signed while the civil surgeon's designation was active (Correct answer)
- No, the form becomes invalid when the civil surgeon's designation expires
- Only if USCIS issues a waiver
- Only if the applicant can prove they cannot access another civil surgeon
Correct answer: Yes, as long as the form was signed while the civil surgeon's designation was active
A Form I-693 remains valid if it was properly completed and signed while the civil surgeon held an active USCIS designation, even if the designation later expires.
Question 6: What notation must the civil surgeon include when documenting a finding of active tuberculosis disease on Form I-693?
- Class A – Tuberculosis, Active Disease, with supporting diagnostic results (Correct answer)
- Class B1 – Tuberculosis, Pulmonary
- Class C – Inactive Tuberculosis
- Class D – Potential Tuberculosis
Correct answer: Class A – Tuberculosis, Active Disease, with supporting diagnostic results
Active tuberculosis disease must be classified as a Class A condition on Form I-693, with diagnostic findings documented to support inadmissibility.
Who retains the original completed Form I-693 — the civil surgeon, the applicant, or USCIS?