If you’re applying for a green card or adjusting your status in the U.S., one important step is the immigration medical exam. It may sound simple, but many applicants overlook key details that can lead to delays, missing documents, or even case denials. The medical exam is required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to confirm you’re not inadmissible for public health reasons.
This article breaks down what to expect, how to prepare, and how to avoid common mistakes—so your medical exam doesn’t slow down your immigration process.
What Is the Immigration Medical Exam?
The immigration medical exam is a health screening required for most green card applicants. It must be performed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon (for applicants inside the U.S.) or a panel physician (for applicants outside the U.S. through consular processing).
The purpose is to identify certain health conditions that could make a person inadmissible under U.S. immigration law, such as:
- Communicable diseases like tuberculosis (TB)
- Lack of required vaccinations
- Mental or physical disorders linked to harmful behavior
- Drug or substance abuse issues
Step 1: Find a USCIS-Approved Doctor
Not every doctor can perform the immigration exam. USCIS requires that you visit a designated civil surgeon if you’re filing from within the U.S.
How to find one:
- Go to the USCIS civil surgeon locator: https://my.uscis.gov/findadoctor
- Search by zip code or city
- Contact the doctor’s office directly for pricing, scheduling, and exam requirements
Note: Prices vary widely, so it’s worth calling a few clinics to compare.
Step 2: Know What to Bring
You’ll need to bring specific documents to your medical exam. Forgetting even one can delay the process.
Bring these items:
- Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
- Vaccination records (translated if not in English)
- A copy of your Form I-693 (if filing from the U.S.)
- A list of current medications
- Previous medical records, if you have a chronic condition
- Payment for the exam (ask in advance if cash or card is accepted)
For children under 14, a birth certificate with an English translation is usually required.
Step 3: Get Your Vaccination Records in Order
One of the most common delays happens when applicants don’t meet vaccination requirements.
Required vaccines may include:
- COVID-19
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Hepatitis A and B
- Tetanus-diphtheria (Td or Tdap)
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Influenza (during flu season)
- Pneumococcal (for certain age groups)
If your vaccine record is incomplete, the doctor will offer the missing shots during the exam—for an additional fee.
Step 4: Understand What Happens During the Exam
Here’s a basic outline of what the doctor will do:
- Review your medical history
- Conduct a physical exam (height, weight, blood pressure, etc.)
- Administer a tuberculosis test (usually a chest X-ray or blood test)
- Check for drug use or mental health issues
- Review and update your vaccination record
The entire exam usually takes about 1–2 hours, depending on the clinic.
Step 5: Avoid These Common Mistakes
Too many applicants make small errors that can delay or invalidate their exam.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Using a non-approved doctor: Only USCIS-approved doctors can complete Form I-693.
- Forgetting vaccination proof: You might end up paying for vaccines you already had.
- Filing an outdated Form I-693: Always download the most recent version from uscis.gov.
- Missing signatures: Both you and the doctor must sign the form. Don’t open the sealed envelope once you get it!
- Scheduling too early: The medical exam must be less than 2 years old at the time USCIS reviews your case—and no more than 60 days before filing if you submit it with Form I-485.
Step 6: What Happens After the Exam
After the exam, the doctor will complete and seal Form I-693 in an envelope. Do not open it. It must remain sealed for USCIS to accept it.
You’ll get a copy for your records. Depending on your case, you’ll either:
- Submit the sealed envelope with your Form I-485 package, or
- Bring it to your green card interview, if instructed to do so
For applicants going through consular processing, the panel physician sends the medical results directly to the U.S. embassy or gives you a sealed copy to bring to your interview.
Quick Stats That Matter
- 🩺 Over 75% of delays caused by Form I-485 filings are due to missing or invalid medical exams. (USCIS internal data, 2023)
- 💉 Vaccine records cause about 4 out of 10 Request for Evidence (RFE) notices on I-485 cases. (AILA Practice Tips, 2022)
- 🕒 Average processing time for medical exam appointments is 7–14 days, depending on region. (USCIS survey of civil surgeons, 2023)
FAQs About the Immigration Medical Exam
1. Can I get the medical exam before filing my green card application?
Yes, but the exam must be done no more than 60 days before filing Form I-485 if you plan to include it with your application.
2. Will I be tested for COVID-19?
USCIS currently requires proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, but not a test unless you show symptoms.
3. How much does the exam cost?
The cost can range from $200 to $500 or more, depending on location and required vaccines.
4. Can I use a doctor outside the U.S.?
Only if you’re going through consular processing. You’ll need to see a designated panel physician approved by the U.S. embassy in your country.
5. What if I fail the exam?
If you have a medical condition that makes you inadmissible, you may be able to apply for a waiver. The doctor will let you know if this applies.
Final Tips for a Smooth Exam Experience
✅ Schedule your exam early, especially if you’re filing soon
✅ Bring all required documents, especially ID and vaccine records
✅ Don’t open the sealed envelope when you receive it
✅ Follow up with your doctor if you haven’t received the results within a week
The immigration medical exam doesn’t have to be stressful—just make sure you’re informed, prepared, and organized. That way, this critical step won’t become a hurdle in your path to permanent residency.
