Green Card Approval After Medical Exam: What to Expect

Applying for a green card is a significant step, and one important part of the process is the medical exam. It’s not just a box to check—it’s a USCIS requirement to ensure you meet health standards.

The exam screens for communicable diseases and mental or physical health conditions that could pose risks and confirms your vaccinations are up to date.

Once you’ve completed the exam, you may be asking: what happens next? This guide will help you understand what to expect so you’re ready for the next steps.

Submit Your Medical Exam Results to USCIS

After completing your medical exam, the civil surgeon you visited will complete Form I-693, officially called the Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. This form is your key to showing USCIS that you’ve met all health requirements.

How to Submit Form I-693: Step-by-Step

Submitting Form I-693 can vary depending on your situation, but here’s how it works:

  1. The civil surgeon must place your completed Form I-693 in a sealed envelope. Do not open it. USCIS will reject the form if the envelope has been tampered with.
  2. As of December 2, 2024, USCIS requires applicants to submit Form I-693 along with their green card application (Form I-485). This is mandatory to avoid delays or rejections.
  3. If you didn’t submit the medical form with your initial application, USCIS will notify you when it’s time to provide it. At that point, you’ll need to mail the sealed envelope to the designated address or bring it to your green card interview.

Remember, keeping all documents organized and following instructions exactly as USCIS outlines is essential to keeping your application on track.

The USCIS Review Process

Once USCIS receives your green card application and medical exam results, they’ll review everything. This review process is thorough—they’ll carefully examine all submitted documents to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.

During the review, USCIS may take one of three actions:

Approval

If everything checks out, your green card application will move forward. You’ll receive an approval notice, and the process will continue smoothly.

Request for Evidence (RFE)

If USCIS needs more information, they’ll issue an RFE. This could happen if there’s an issue with your medical results, like missing vaccinations or incomplete information. Responding promptly and thoroughly is key to avoiding further delays.

Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID)

In rare cases, if the medical exam reveals a serious health condition that could make you inadmissible, USCIS might issue a NOID.

This doesn’t mean your application is automatically denied—you’ll have the chance to provide additional evidence or address their concerns.

Once USCIS reviews the results, they’ll notify you of the next steps, so keep an eye out for official correspondence.

Typical Timeline and Potential Delays

So, how long does it take to get a green card after your medical exam? On average, it can take anywhere from 2 to 12 months. That’s a pretty broad range because every case is different.

Factors That Can Affect Processing Time

Several things can influence how long it takes for USCIS to process your green card:

  • Incomplete Applications: Errors or missing information can cause delays. Make sure everything is complete and accurate the first time.
  • Background and Security Checks: USCIS conducts background checks on all applicants, which can take time, depending on individual circumstances.
  • High Volume of Applications: Processing times can vary depending on the number of applications USCIS is handling at any given time.

While you can’t control every factor, here are some steps you can take to avoid unnecessary delays:

  • Respond to RFEs promptly and thoroughly.
  • Double-check all forms and documents before submitting them.
  • Consider premium processing if eligible. This service speeds up certain application types for an additional fee.
  • Work with an immigration attorney to make sure everything is done right the first time.

After Green Card Approval

Once your green card application is approved, USCIS will notify you by mail. This notice will include details about the next steps, and in some cases, you may need to attend an interview at a local USCIS office.

Here’s what happens after your application is approved:

  1. Receiving Your Green Card: USCIS will mail your physical green card within 1-2 months of approval.
  2. Attending an Interview (If Required): Some applicants are required to attend a final interview before their green card is issued. Be prepared to answer questions about your application.
  3. Taking the Oath of Allegiance: If you’re pursuing naturalization later, this step will occur after you receive your green card.

Need Help with Your Green Card Application? Contact N400 Harbor Immigration Law Today

The green card process can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to meeting USCIS’s many requirements. That’s where we come in.

At N400 Harbor Immigration Law, we’re committed to helping you every step of the way, from submitting Form I-693 to addressing any unexpected challenges that arise.

Don’t let the paperwork or the process hold you back. Call us today at 305-396-8882, and let’s work together to make your immigration goals a reality.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation