After you complete your immigration medical exam with a USCIS‑designated civil surgeon, the examining physician seals your results inside an envelope, which you submit to USCIS or the consular officer. But what if you need a copy of those results for your own records, for a follow‑up appointment, or to verify that your Form I‑693 was completed correctly? The process is more complicated than simply asking for a photocopy, because the original Form I‑693 is a confidential government document that you are not permitted to open. However, you are entitled to a copy of your own medical records under HIPAA and state privacy laws – but you must request it correctly and from the right party. Many applicants are surprised to learn that the civil surgeon is not always required to keep copies of the I‑693 after a certain period, and the consulate or USCIS will not provide you with a copy once they have received it. Understanding the rules for requesting your immigration medical exam results can save you frustration and ensure you have a personal record of your vaccination history and test results for future use.
Critical Rule: You are legally entitled to a copy of your immigration medical exam results, including the completed Form I‑693 and all supporting lab reports and X‑ray films, under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). However, the civil surgeon is not required to keep your records indefinitely – they must retain them for at least 10 years from the date of the exam, but some destroy them earlier unless you request a copy in writing. You cannot obtain a copy from USCIS or the consulate – you must request it directly from the civil surgeon or panel physician who performed the exam. If the civil surgeon is no longer practicing, you may need to contact the medical records department of the clinic or hospital where the exam was conducted.
Understanding What's in Your Immigration Medical Exam Results
Your immigration medical exam results comprise more than just the sealed Form I‑693 (or DS‑2053 for consular processing). The complete record includes several components, each of which you may need for different purposes:
- Form I‑693 (or DS‑2053): The official medical examination form completed by the civil surgeon, documenting your physical examination, immunization history, and any Class A or Class B findings.
- Laboratory test results: Blood test results for syphilis, gonorrhea, and, for certain applicants, HIV and other required tests. These are often separate printouts from the lab.
- Tuberculosis screening results: The IGRA blood test result or PPD skin test reading and interpretation.
- Chest X‑ray report and images: If a chest X‑ray was performed, the radiologist's report and the X‑ray films or digital images are part of your record.
- Vaccination record worksheet (DS‑3025 or vaccination supplement): A detailed record of which vaccines you have received and which are still needed.
- Clinical notes: Any additional notes from the civil surgeon regarding your medical history or physical findings.
Having a complete copy of these documents is valuable not only for your personal records but also for future visa applications, adjustment of status, or even for transferring your medical information to a new primary care physician in the United States.
Who Can Request a Copy – and Who Will Provide It?
Not every entity involved in the immigration process can give you a copy of your results. The rules are clear:
- The civil surgeon or panel physician: This is the primary source. The physician's office is the only entity that can provide you with a complete copy of your medical exam records, including the signed Form I‑693. Under HIPAA, you have the right to access your own protected health information from the healthcare provider that created it.
- USCIS or the consulate: Once you submit the sealed envelope, USCIS or the consular officer becomes the custodian of the document. However, they are not a covered entity under HIPAA and are generally not required to provide copies of medical records. They may provide a copy upon request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), but this is a lengthy process (6+ months) and they typically redact sensitive information. It is far easier to obtain the copy from the civil surgeon.
- Third‑party labs or imaging centers: If the civil surgeon sent your blood work or X‑rays to an external facility, those facilities also maintain copies of your lab reports and imaging. You can request them directly from those labs, though you may need to sign a release form.
If the civil surgeon's practice has closed or the physician has retired, you may need to contact the state medical board or the clinic's parent organization to locate the archived records.
⚠️ Important: You cannot obtain a copy of the sealed Form I‑693 that you submitted to USCIS – that envelope is considered a federal document. You must request your results before the envelope is sealed, or request a duplicate copy from the civil surgeon after the exam. Many civil surgeons will give you a free copy of the form (without the official seal) at the time of the exam, so always ask.
Step‑by‑Step Guide to Requesting Your Medical Exam Results
To ensure a smooth request process, follow this sequence. The steps are the same whether you are requesting the results for yourself or for an attorney or family member acting on your behalf.
- Identify the correct provider: Determine the name and address of the civil surgeon or clinic that performed your exam. If you lost the contact information, check your appointment confirmation, payment receipt, or the USCIS letter that directed you to the civil surgeon.
- Write a formal HIPAA‑compliant request letter: Your request must be in writing and include your full name, date of birth, the date of the exam (if known), a clear statement that you are requesting a copy of your complete immigration medical exam records (including Form I‑693, all lab reports, X‑ray reports, and vaccination records), and your signature. You may also need to provide a copy of your government‑issued ID to verify your identity.
- Submit the request to the clinic's medical records department: If the clinic has a dedicated medical records office, send your request there. Otherwise, address it to the civil surgeon's office. You can mail, fax, or hand‑deliver the request. Some clinics also accept requests via patient portals.
- Pay any applicable fees: Under HIPAA, the provider may charge a reasonable fee for copying and mailing the records. This fee is typically $0.10‑$0.25 per page for paper copies, plus postage. For electronic copies (e.g., PDF on a CD or via secure portal), the fee may be lower. The provider cannot charge you a fee for searching or retrieving the records – only for the actual copying and mailing.
- Specify the format: You have the right to request the records in either paper or electronic format. If you prefer a digital copy (e.g., PDF), state that clearly in your request. Many clinics now provide records through a secure patient portal.
- Follow up within 30 days: Under HIPAA, the provider must respond to your request within 30 days. If they need more time, they may extend by an additional 30 days, but they must notify you in writing. If you do not receive a response, call or email the clinic to check on the status.
✅ Pro Tip: At the time of your medical exam, ask the civil surgeon if they can give you an unofficial copy of the completed Form I‑693 and the vaccination worksheet before they seal the envelope. Many physicians are happy to provide a copy for your personal records at no extra charge, saving you the trouble of making a separate request later.
What If the Civil Surgeon Has Closed or Retired?
Obstacles arise when the civil surgeon is no longer available. However, you still have options:
- Contact the clinic's parent organization: If the civil surgeon worked for a larger medical group or hospital system, the records are likely archived with the organization's medical records department. Contact the main hospital or clinic and ask for their records retention policy.
- Check with the state medical board: Some states require physicians to retain medical records for a specific number of years (typically 7‑10 years). If the physician has retired, the state medical board may have a record of where their records were transferred.
- Contact the laboratory directly: If you need only the lab results (e.g., blood tests, IGRA), you can request them directly from the lab that processed them. The clinic should have provided you with a lab requisition or the lab's name. You may need the date of service and your personal information to locate the records.
- For X‑rays, contact the imaging center: Similarly, X‑ray films and reports are often stored by the radiology department. You can request copies from that facility.
- As a last resort, file a FOIA request with USCIS: If you absolutely need the Form I‑693 itself and cannot get it from the civil surgeon, you can file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with USCIS. However, this can take 6‑12 months and the record may be heavily redacted. It is not recommended unless all other avenues have been exhausted.
If the civil surgeon is still practicing but refuses to provide your records, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) for a HIPAA violation. This is a serious step, but it is your legal right.
Common Mistakes When Requesting Your Medical Records
Many applicants make errors that delay or derail their records request. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Asking the wrong office: Requesting records from USCIS or the consulate instead of the civil surgeon. These agencies will not provide you with a copy.
- Not providing sufficient identification: The clinic needs to verify your identity before releasing records. Always include a copy of your passport or driver's license.
- Failing to specify what you want: Requesting just the Form I‑693 may not give you the lab reports and X‑ray images. Be specific about all components you need.
- Not including your signature: Under HIPAA, a signed authorization is required. An unsigned request will be ignored.
- Waiting too long: The longer you wait after the exam, the harder it may be to locate the records. The clinic may have destroyed older records after the retention period. Request your copy as soon as possible after the exam.
- Ignoring fees: Some applicants assume the record is free and are surprised by copying fees. Budget $20‑$50 for the request.
What to Do with the Copy Once You Get It
Once you receive your immigration medical exam records, review them for accuracy. Check that all your personal information is correct and that the civil surgeon has signed and dated the form. If you notice any errors, contact the civil surgeon immediately to correct them – you may need to submit a corrected Form I‑693 to USCIS if the original was already submitted. Also, keep the copy in a safe place, as you may need to provide it to future employers, schools, or for future visa applications. The vaccination record portion is particularly useful for completing additional vaccine series, such as the hepatitis B series, or for proving immunity to a new physician.
If your adjustment of status or visa application was denied and you need to reapply, having a copy of your medical results can save you from repeating the entire medical examination, provided that the exam is still valid (within two years for I‑485 applicants, or six months for consular processing).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get a copy of my medical exam results from USCIS?
A: No – USCIS does not provide copies of medical records to applicants. You must request the records from the civil surgeon who performed the exam. If you need the records for a FOIA request, you can file that separately, but it will take months.
Q: How long does it take to get a copy of my immigration medical records?
A: Under HIPAA, the provider must respond within 30 days. Most clinics provide the records within 1‑2 weeks, depending on their workload. If you ask for a copy at the time of the exam, the civil surgeon may give you one immediately.
Q: Is there a fee for getting a copy of my medical records?
A: Yes – the clinic may charge a reasonable fee for copying and mailing the records. Electronic copies are often cheaper or free. The fee cannot exceed the actual cost of copying and postage.
Q: Can I get a copy of my X‑ray images?
A: Yes – you are entitled to receive a copy of your X‑ray films or digital images. The imaging center or the civil surgeon can provide them, usually on a CD or via a secure portal.
Q: What if I need my medical records in a different language for use abroad?
A: You will need to have the records translated into the required language by a certified translator. The civil surgeon or clinic does not provide translations. You can obtain the original English copy and then arrange for a certified translation separately.
Q: Do I need a copy of my medical records if I am filing for adjustment of status?
A: You do not need a copy for the USCIS filing – you must submit the sealed envelope. However, having a copy for your personal records is highly recommended in case you need to refer to vaccination dates or test results later, or if you need to provide proof of vaccination to a new doctor.