USCIS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield USCIS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. When can a civil surgeon re-use a previously completed Form I-693 for an applicant who is re-filing? → If the form was signed within the past 2 years and has not expired
2. What should a civil surgeon do when an applicant fails to return for required follow-up testing after the initial exam? → Document the missed appointment and make reasonable attempts to contact the applicant
3. How do USCIS professionals transfer knowledge from training to practice? → Through supervised practice, mentoring, gradual independence, and ongoing feedback
4. An applicant applying for adjustment of status is 45 years old. Which vaccines are required as part of the USCIS medical examination for this age group? → All ACIP-recommended vaccines for the applicant's age, including influenza and Td/Tdap
5. What is the primary purpose of running a control serum alongside patient samples in a USCIS civil surgeon laboratory test? → To verify that the assay is performing within acceptable limits
6. If an applicant tests positive for latent tuberculosis (LTBI) with no active disease, what is the USCIS classification? → Class B1 — requires follow-up but does not bar admission
7. An applicant tests positive on an IGRA (interferon-gamma release assay) blood test for TB. The next required step is: → Chest X-ray to rule out active TB disease
8. If a civil surgeon suspects an applicant has falsified or forged vaccination records, the civil surgeon should: → Treat the applicant as having no vaccination history and administer appropriate vaccines
9. If USCIS loses the sealed Form I-693 envelope that the civil surgeon provided to the applicant, what should the applicant do? → Contact the civil surgeon to provide a duplicate or complete a new exam
10. According to ACIP evidence-based recommendations, what is the minimum interval required between two MMR doses? → 4 weeks (28 days)
11. What is a 'panel physician' in the context of USCIS medical exams? → A physician authorized by a US Embassy or Consulate to examine visa applicants abroad
12. Which of the following is classified as a Class A inadmissible medical condition? → Active tuberculosis (infectious TB)
13. What happens if an applicant refuses to take a required vaccination during the USCIS medical exam? → They may be found inadmissible on health-related grounds
14. What is the primary purpose of Form I-693 in the immigration process? → To document results of the immigration medical examination
15. Which of the following is a disease that can make an applicant inadmissible to the United States during USCIS Medical Exam? → Tuberculosis
16. Form I-693 must be submitted to USCIS in what condition to be considered valid? → In a sealed envelope with the civil surgeon's signature across the seal
17. Which form do civil surgeons use to record the results of communicable disease screening for adjustment of status applicants? → Form I-693 (Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record)
18. What is the purpose of the tuberculin skin test (TST) or IGRA blood test in the USCIS medical exam? → To screen for latent or active tuberculosis infection
19. According to USCIS standards, a civil surgeon must keep copies of completed Form I-693 for a minimum of: → 3 years
20. What happens if an applicant's Form I-693 is more than 2 years old at the time USCIS adjudicates the case? → USCIS will require a new medical examination before adjudicating
21. How can applicants locate a USCIS-designated civil surgeon in their area? → By using the civil surgeon locator tool on the USCIS website
22. Which form of Hansen's disease (leprosy) is classified as a Class A communicable disease in USCIS immigration medical examinations? → Infectious multibacillary (lepromatous) leprosy
23. According to epidemiological evidence, which immigration applicant population carries the highest rates of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI)? → Applicants from high TB-burden countries in Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe
24. How long is a completed Form I-693 generally valid for use in an immigration application? → 2 years from the date the civil surgeon signs it
25. If a civil surgeon discovers an administrative error on a Form I-693 after sealing the envelope, what is the correct corrective action? → Complete a new, corrected Form I-693 and re-seal it
26. Under USCIS policy, which of the following is an acceptable reason for a civil surgeon to decline to perform an immigration medical exam? → The civil surgeon does not have the medical equipment needed to conduct a proper exam
27. When a civil surgeon discovers during the exam that an applicant has an existing untreated Class A condition, what is the correct action? → Refer the applicant for treatment before completing the form
28. Under USCIS regulations, which of the following conditions is classified as a Class A inadmissible condition? → Active pulmonary tuberculosis
29. If an applicant disputes a civil surgeon's medical findings, what is their primary recourse? → Seek a second opinion from another USCIS-designated civil surgeon
30. Which digital document format is most commonly accepted when submitting Form I-693 electronically to USCIS? → PDF