Can You Reuse Your Opened Medical Exam (Form I-693) If USCIS Rejects Your Original Filing?

In some situations, you may be able to reuse your opened immigration medical exam if your case is rejected and returned by USCIS because of a problem with the fee payment, missing pages, or other damage to your case. This can save you from having to repeat the medical process and pay for another exam. Note: a "rejection" is different from a "denial." A rejection is when a case is returned shortly after mailing because it could not be accepted by USCIS to then be decided. A denial is when a case is accepted by USCIS, adjudicated, and then denied because the applicant is not qualified for the particular benefit sought. Medical exams cannot be reused in the event of a denial, only in the event of a rejection.

When Can You Reuse Your Opened Medical Exam?

You may reuse your opened Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record if all of the following are true:

• The entire original I-693 medical exam package is returned to you.

• The original envelope that the I-693 was in is returned to you, having been opened by USCIS.

• The USCIS rejection notice specifically states that you may reuse the medical exam.

How to Resubmit Your Medical Exam

If you qualify to reuse your Form I-693, follow these steps when resubmitting your application:

1. Include the original envelope that contained your Form I-693, even though it has been opened/damaged by USCIS.

2. Include the original complete Form I-693 signed by the civil surgeon.

3. Attach a copy of the USCIS rejection notice that authorizes you to reuse the medical.

4. Include any supporting documents that were originally provided by the civil surgeon.

5. Resubmit these items along with your corrected or complete application package.

   
   

Why This Matters

Immigration medical exams can be costly and time-sensitive, and USCIS generally requires that the exam be completed within a certain validity period before they can approve your case. If your case is rejected for a procedural reason, such as missing fees or signatures, being able to reuse your medical exam helps you avoid delays, expenses, and the need to retake the exam.

Our Recommendation

Always review rejection notices carefully and keep the returned package until you confirm your next filing steps. If you receive instructions stating you can reuse your medical exam, follow them exactly.

If you’re unsure whether your returned exam is reusable or how to resubmit it properly, we can guide you through the process and ensure your application is accepted the next time you file.

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Disclaimer: This post is attorney advertising. It is meant as general information only, and is not legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. We suggest you set up a consultation with us before acting on anything you read here. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes; every case is unique and must be analyzed individually.