Immigration Medical Examination

If you’re applying for a U.S. Green Card, whether through family sponsorship, employment, or asylum, you must undergo an immigration medical examination as required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

What is the purpose of the immigration medical exam?

The purpose of the medical exam is to ensure that you meet the health-related requirements for lawful permanent residency and that you do not have any Class A or Class B medical conditions:

• Class A conditions make you ineligible for adjustment of status. Such conditions may include, for example:
  • A communicable disease of public health significance
  • A physical or mental disorder that may pose, or has posed, a threat to the property, safety, or welfare of people, including yourself
  • Drug abuse or addiction.
• Class B conditions may include a permanent physical or mental abnormality, disease, or disability that is significant enough to interfere with your ability to care for yourself or that may require extensive medical treatment in the future.  

Who Needs the Medical Exam?

Most Green Card applicants must complete the immigration medical examination, including those applying through:

• Family-based immigration (spouse, parents, children, or siblings of U.S. citizens or green card holders)
• Employment-based immigration
• Asylum or refugee status adjustment
• Diversity Visa Lottery winning.

Certain nonimmigrant visa applicants may also be required to take a medical exam based on their case.

What to Expect During the Medical Exam for a Green Card

A USCIS-designated civil surgeon will conduct the exam, which typically includes:

• Physical Examination – General health checkup, including vital signs, weight, and medical history review
• Vaccinations – USCIS requires specific vaccinations, such as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), tetanus, hepatitis B, and others
• Testing for communicable diseases like tuberculosis (TB) and syphilis
• Chest X-ray (if needed) – For applicants testing positive for tuberculosis
• Blood Tests – Screening for certain infectious diseases
• Form I-693 Completion – The doctor will complete Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, which must be submitted to USCIS.

Who can perform the medical exam

Only a civil surgeon designated by USCIS (for applicants within the U.S.) or a panel physician authorized by the U.S. Department of State (for applicants abroad) can conduct the exam.

Can I use my regular doctor for the exam?

No, you cannot. Only USCIS-designated civil surgeons or panel physicians can perform the exam.

Where to get medical exam for immigration

If you are applying for adjustment of status, you must undergo the medical exam with one of the civil surgeons designated by USCIS. You can find a USCIS-approved doctor for the immigration medical exam near you on the USCIS website.

COVID-19 Vaccination

Effective January 22, 2025, USCIS no longer requires COVID-19 vaccination.

What if I don’t have all my vaccination records?

The doctor may administer missing vaccines during the exam.

How much is immigration medical examination

An immigration medical exam, conducted by a civil surgeon designated by USCIS, typically costs between $250 and $600, but can vary depending on location, provider, and the need for additional tests or vaccinations.

You are responsible for paying for the immigration medical exam.

Is immigration medical exam covered by insurance?

Health insurance typically does not cover the immigration medical examination.

USCIS medical exam form

The results of the medical exam for a Green Card are submitted to USCIS on Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. This form is used to establish that you meet the health-related requirements for lawful permanent residency in the U.S. You can find the form on the website of USCIS.

What documents should I bring to the exam?

Typically, you’ll need your passport or ID, vaccination records, medical history, and any required forms like Form I-693.

When to Submit Form I-693

Effective December 2, 2024, if you are required to submit Form I-693, or a partial form I-693 (such as the Vaccination Record), you must submit it with your Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Otherwise, USCIS may reject your Form I-485.

I-693 Validity Period

Effective April 4, 2024, any form I-693 that was properly completed and signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023, does not expire. You can use it indefinitely as evidence that you are not inadmissible on health-related grounds.

What medical conditions could make someone ineligible for a Green Card?

Some of the health-related conditions that can make an applicant inadmissible to the U.S. include:

• Untreated communicable diseases of public health significance (e.g., tuberculosis or syphilis)
• Drug or alcohol addiction
• Failure to meet required vaccinations
• Certain mental or physical disorders with harmful behavior.

If you’re concerned about medical inadmissibility, our attorney can help you explore possible waivers or legal options.

How Our Immigration Attorney Can Help

Navigating the green card medical exam process can be confusing. Our dedicated immigration lawyer at the Law Offices of Oksana Van Rooy provides:

• Personalized Guidance – We help you understand medical requirements and ensure you’re fully prepared
• Doctor Referrals – Assistance in finding a USCIS-approved doctor near you
• Application Review – Ensuring your Form I-693 is properly completed and submitted on time
• Waiver Assistance – If you have a medical condition that may cause inadmissibility, we explore legal options to overcome barriers.

Helpful Links

• USCIS Medical Exam Info
• Find a USCIS-Approved Doctor
• Vaccination Requirements

Get Legal Help for Your Immigration Process

If you have questions about the medical examination for immigration or need assistance with your immigration case, our team at the Law Offices of Oksana Van Rooy is here to help. Contact us today for a consultation and ensure your immigration process goes smoothly!

Page updated: March 17, 2025