RFE for I-693 Vaccination Form

[monyfer 27]

We got an RFE today. The verbatim is very long, but it in part reads:

The form I-693 that was submitted is incomplete. The applicant did not sign or date the form as required. Please return to the civil surgeon and submit a completed Form I-693 vaccination record.

The vaccination record that you submit must be submitted with page 1 and page 5 of the Form I-693 (revised 10/11/2011). Page 1 contains the applicant’s biographical data and signature, and the civil surgeon’s information and signature, and page 5 is the vaccination record. Please submit page 1 and page 5 which are to be completed by the civil surgeon, and return with the enclosed blue form.

New Form I-693: The applicant is required to submit a new Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination ZRecord, that is properly completed and signed. The newest version of Form I-693 includes the medical information as well as the vaccination record. Under a new agency guideline, applicants two years of age or older are required ot either have a tuberculin skin test or a new blood test performed.

The applicant either did not initially submit Form I-693, or he/she submitted Form I-693 that indicates his/her medical exam was conducted on or after June 1, 2008. As such, the applicant must submit a fully completed and properly signed Form I-693 (10/11/11 revision date). However, USCIS will continue to accept the previous version, dated 7/20/10, for examinations completed between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, 2011. Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, civil surgeons must use the new version of the form.

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My fiance had his medical exam done during his K-1 and in November we went to the Civil Surgeon to get the vaccine supplent of I-693 filled out. I remember that fiance went alone, and I told him he would have to sign the form in front of the civil surgeon. After the appointment, I asked him if he signed and he said he didn't think so. The envelope was sealed, so I couldn't see. Now, getting this RFE, I know he did not.

I called the Civil Surgeon's and they checked his paperwork and confirmed he did not sign and that was THEIR fault (they admitted this). Because it was just a vaccine supplement, the nurse did it, the civil surgeon was not present.

We are set to go back this Saturday to get this done again, but I am terrified they are going to do something to mess it up again. Also, we used the old form back in November, but that was OK because we were will in that November - December time frame to use the old form. Now, we must use the new form. Not sure what is different. Is that new tuberculin test they refer to something that was not there before?

How can I make sure the Civil Surgeon signs? I am planning to go this time and will fight tooth and nail to see every document before it is sealed. I am afraid they will mess it up though and we will get denied. I don't want to go to a new civil surgeon and pay tons of money though...this place already has the records and did the vaccines last time.

Also, I am confused by some of the wording on the RFE. First, it says he just needs to sign and date the supp, but then it says something about a new medical exam down below.

What should we do? Please help. If they mess it up again, it sounds like you don't get any more chances and we don't want a denial

[kcoyclay1 98]

Now that the civil servant has all the required information on file, you will be able to see the document before it is sealed. You have the option to request a copy for yourself as well. There's no secret in these envelops. The reason immigration needs them sealed is to verify that it was not tampered with after it is received by the applicant. The seal on the flap indicates that it was not tampered with. No worries here. Get the new forms and have them fill it out. Ensure that everything is done before it's sealed and mail it with the RFE document to the address on the RFE. All the best.

[kcoyclay1 98]

Read your RFE carefully. It stated that you are to use the new medical record forms and submit pages 1 and 5 with the vaccination records. Submit what they request. Let the civil surgeon know what is required. Please don't forget to return the RFE in your package. Ensure everything is signed.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

I think this is the pertinent part: "...The applicant did not sign or date the form as required...

The vaccination record that you submit must be submitted with page 1 and page 5 of the Form I-693 (revised 10/11/2011). Page 1 contains the applicant’s biographical data and signature, and the civil surgeon’s information and signature, and page 5 is the vaccination record. Please submit page 1 and page 5 which are to be completed by the civil surgeon, and return with the enclosed blue form."

You are right that the verbiage beyond that is confusing... new forms, skin tests, etc. Maybe he will have to get a TB test, but no big deal. It sounds like the nurse filled it out, and s/he wasn't supposed to do that. The Civil Surgeon should do it, also this person knows what parts need to be signed. I'd go back and get the CS to do the form (the correct parts) and have your husband sign. Also, ask them to make a copy for your records.

If you sent in another improperly filled out response, due to the fact that this form is not something you are responsible for, I think they would give you another RFE, not a denial. It can happen. Hope that makes you feel better.

[monyfer 27]

Thank you, all. We are going to go back on Saturday and have them re-do the vaccine portion, and this time my husband will sign it. I will be there to MAKE SURE (lol). The RFE just asks for him to fill out part one and the vaccine supplement. The secretary on the phone said the Civil Surgeon doesn't do the vaccine supplement, just the nurse. Will the Civil Surgeon still need to sign? I assume so, but it seems their offices are indicating otherwise.

Edited March 13, 2012 by monyfer

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Thank you, all. We are going to go back on Saturday and have them re-do the vaccine portion, and this time my husband will sign it. I will be there to MAKE SURE (lol). The RFE just asks for him to fill out part one and the vaccine supplement. The secretary on the phone said the Civil Surgeon doesn't do the vaccine supplement, just the nurse. Will the Civil Surgeon still need to sign? I assume so, but it seems their offices are indicating otherwise.

Well, seeing as the nurse screwed it up...

Really, the responsibility for this shouldn't rest on your shoulders. It's not your job or duty to know/understand vaccines and how the form works. (I know you are capable of understanding, but it's not something you are required to do). If I were you, I would say, as nice as possible, something like "Because the nurse made a mistake before, I hope you understand my hesitation in having the same person fill out the form again. Is there someone else who can complete it and can we look over it together?" I am not a CS, but I don't see the point of having CS's if the nurse just does it. I thought the whole point of having USCIS-designated Civil Surgeons was that this person had to be extra qualified in public health issues and USCIS requirements, which includes knowledge on how to fill out the form. Is the nurse a qualified CS? I don't know if it's illegal, but it doesn't seem right to me. The fact that the nurse messed up just seems to prove the point.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

Thank you, all. We are going to go back on Saturday and have them re-do the vaccine portion, and this time my husband will sign it. I will be there to MAKE SURE (lol). The RFE just asks for him to fill out part one and the vaccine supplement. The secretary on the phone said the Civil Surgeon doesn't do the vaccine supplement, just the nurse. Will the Civil Surgeon still need to sign? I assume so, but it seems their offices are indicating otherwise.

As far as I know, the civil surgeon has to sign off on the form. So, I would have it redone, your husband and the civil surgeon sign it. And yes, get a copy for your own records. They should have given you one before too.

[monyfer 27]

Thanks. I am assuming, baed on the RFE, the only thing wrong was the signature missing and the form now being outdated. I am assuming all vaccines noted there were ok or they would have told us that too, no?

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

ask to see the form or a copy, actually your husband will have to ask. How long has itnbeen since his medical exam? If more than one year from the date of filing the AOS he needs a new one. Most likely the wording you saw is "boiler plate" form letter stuff. Sounds like the real issue is the signature.

[monyfer 27]

ask to see the form or a copy, actually your husband will have to ask. How long has itnbeen since his medical exam? If more than one year from the date of filing the AOS he needs a new one. Most likely the wording you saw is "boiler plate" form letter stuff. Sounds like the real issue is the signature.

I am hoping it was just boiler plate text. We will get a copy this time, and pressure for the Civil Surgeon to sign if they try to claim that just the nurse can do it..I won't leave the office until the CS himself signs!

His medical exam was in September..so we are still within the time frame for that.

[monyfer 27]

We sent the form back, signed, and the new version but I am freaking out again because my husband was never given a flu shot. They just gave him MMR, TD, and showed he has VH history. The RFE we got did not mention anything about the vaccines not being correct - just the signature. But now my poor brain is working overtime in paranoid mode, scared we will get denied because of lack of the flu shot?!?!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

No! Relax!

[monyfer 27]

No! Relax!

Thanks Harpa. I am trying to relax - but it's really hard!