Individuals who apply for admission into the United States must prove that they meet health status requirements. Conditions that can make you inadmissible on health-related grounds include:
- If you have a communicable disease that presents a public health risk
- If you do not have sufficient documentation to prove that you have been vaccinated against vaccine-preventable diseases, as indicated by the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP)
- If you have a physical or mental disorder that could pose a threat to yourself or others—or if the behavior associated with that disorder has posed a threat to yourself or others in the past and is likely to reoccur
- If you are addicted to or abusing drugs or alcohol
There are some exceptions to the above provisions for individuals who have received a waiver and children under the age of 10. An immigration attorney can help you determine whether you meet the admissibility requirements for health and public safety and help you complete your Form I-693.
What if I Am Considered Inadmissible Per Form I-693?
If you do not meet all the requirements on Form I-693, you will not be considered admissible to the United States. In this situation, the officer handling your case will either request additional information with a Request for Evidence (RFE) form or send a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). Both forms allow you the opportunity to redress the issues to improve your admissibility.
A USCIS officer may also send an NOID if they have reason to believe that your medical condition has changed since you received the initial I-693. This typically occurs when there is an extended period between the date that the civil surgeon signs the Form I-693 and the date the form is submitted. In this case, you will be asked to undergo another medical examination and submit a new Form I-693.
If you are deemed inadmissible and receive either an RFE or NOID, you should contact your immigration lawyer as soon as possible. They will help you determine the next steps to take in order to proceed with your green card application.