Do Not Open the Sealed Envelope

The most important rule when you suspect an error on Form I-693 is this: do not open the sealed envelope. USCIS requires that Form I-693 be submitted in a sealed envelope signed across the seal by the civil surgeon. Opening the envelope — even to check for errors — invalidates the form.

If you have concerns about the accuracy of your Form I-693, contact your civil surgeon before submitting the form to USCIS.

How to Identify a Potential Error

You may become aware of a potential error in several ways: your immigration attorney may notice an issue when reviewing the form, USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) citing a specific deficiency, or you may recall that certain information was not discussed during your appointment.

Common errors include missing signatures, incorrect form edition, incomplete vaccination documentation, missing lab results, and failure to document all required medical conditions.

The Correction Process

If an error is identified before the form is submitted to USCIS, contact your civil surgeon immediately. Explain the specific concern and ask whether a corrected form can be issued.

If the civil surgeon agrees that an error was made, they will prepare a corrected Form I-693, seal it in a new envelope, and sign across the seal. The original sealed envelope should be destroyed.

• Contact the civil surgeon as soon as possible
• Describe the specific error or concern clearly
• Ask whether a corrected form can be issued
• Do not submit the original form to USCIS if you know it contains an error
• Involve your immigration attorney in the process

If an RFE Has Already Been Issued

If USCIS has already issued an RFE citing a deficiency in Form I-693, contact your civil surgeon and your immigration attorney immediately. The RFE will specify what additional documentation or correction is needed and will include a response deadline.

Your civil surgeon may be able to provide a corrected form or supplemental documentation to address the RFE. Your attorney should coordinate the response to ensure it is complete and submitted on time.

How to Prevent Errors

The best way to address errors is to prevent them. Choose a civil surgeon with a low RFE rate and high exam volume. Ask about their quality control process for Form I-693 completion. A dedicated immigration clinic with experienced staff and robust quality controls is far less likely to make errors than a low-volume general practice.