What Happens If USCIS Rejects My Form I-693?
Quick Answer
If USCIS rejects Form I-693, they will typically issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) or a rejection notice explaining the reason. Common reasons include using an outdated edition of the form, a broken seal on the envelope, missing civil surgeon signature, or an expired form. You will need to obtain a corrected or new form and resubmit it within the specified timeframe.
Rejection vs. Request for Evidence (RFE)
USCIS distinguishes between a rejection and a Request for Evidence. A rejection typically occurs when the form has a fundamental defect — such as a broken seal, missing signature, or wrong edition — that makes it impossible to process. An RFE is issued when the form is technically acceptable but additional information or documentation is needed. Both require prompt action. A rejection may require a completely new examination, while an RFE may be resolved with supplemental documentation or a corrected form.
Common Reasons for Rejection
The most common reasons USCIS rejects Form I-693 include: using an outdated edition of the form after the acceptance deadline has passed; a broken, opened, or tampered seal on the envelope; missing civil surgeon signature or date; the civil surgeon's USCIS designation has lapsed; the form was submitted more than 60 days after the civil surgeon signed it; and the form has expired (more than two years old). Each of these issues requires a different corrective action.
What to Do After a Rejection
If USCIS rejects your Form I-693, read the rejection notice carefully to understand the specific reason. Contact your civil surgeon's office and your immigration attorney immediately. Depending on the reason for rejection, you may need to: schedule a new immigration medical examination; obtain a corrected form from the civil surgeon in a new sealed envelope; or provide additional documentation. Act promptly — delays in responding can affect your overall case timeline.
Can the Civil Surgeon Issue a Corrected Form?
In some cases, the civil surgeon can issue a corrected form without requiring a new physical examination. For example, if the rejection was due to a missing signature or an administrative error, the civil surgeon may be able to correct the form and provide a new sealed envelope. However, if the rejection was due to an expired form or an outdated edition, a new examination will be required. Contact our office to discuss the specific situation.
Preventing Rejection in the First Place
The best way to avoid rejection is to work with an experienced civil surgeon who is familiar with USCIS requirements. Verify that your civil surgeon is currently USCIS-designated, confirm that they are using the current edition of the form, submit the form within 60 days of the civil surgeon's signature, and keep the sealed envelope intact until submission. Our office has a strong track record of producing forms that are accepted by USCIS on the first submission.
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