
Disclaimer: This article covers general information to help you prepare for an immigration medical exam in the United States. However, we are not immigration experts and do not offer legal advice. For personalized guidance on your immigration case, including when and how to proceed with the legal process, we recommend consulting a qualified immigration attorney before scheduling your medical exam.
The immigration medical exam (Form I-693) confirms whether a green card applicant meets the health standards set by immigration authorities. For many, it’s an unfamiliar process that raises questions about what’s involved and how to prepare.
If you’re an applicant seeking lawful permanent residency or citizenship in the United States, it’s normal to feel anxious about the process. Revive Community Health’s goal is to help you understand what to expect and which documents to gather ahead of time to reduce stress and prevent issues that may delay your application.
How Do I Schedule an Immigration Medical Exam?
Call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY: 1-800-767-1833) or use the USCIS “Find a Doctor” tool to find a civil surgeon near you. Only a USCIS-designated civil surgeon can perform a green card medical exam. Once you get in touch with one, inform them that you’re scheduling the exam for immigration purposes. If you’re in Arizona, you can choose us as your provider and book an appointment here.
Will Insurance Cover the Cost of the I-693 Exam?
Most health plans exclude the immigration medical exam from covered expenses, requiring you to pay for it out of pocket. Fortunately, certain policies may help with vaccines, lab tests, and X-rays. Reaching out to your insurance provider can clarify what’s included in your plan.
What Should I Bring to My Immigration Medical Exam?
Showing up prepared for your medical exam can save time and make the process easier. Here’s a list of what to gather before your appointment:
- Photo ID: Bring a valid government-issued ID, such as your passport, driver’s license, or state ID.
- Vaccination or immunization records: Bring proof of vaccines you’ve received throughout your life.
- Medical history and list of medications: Inform the civil surgeon about any previous and current health conditions and treatments.
- Chest X-ray copies (if applicable): If you’ve had chest X-rays before, bring those records.
- Exam fee payment: Ask your provider ahead of time to confirm accepted payment methods.
- Health insurance card (if you have one): Confirm with the doctor’s office if they accept insurance.
- USCIS Form I-693: Download, print, and complete only Part 1 in advance. Please do not sign it until a civil surgeon tells you to.
Overview of What to Expect During an Immigration Medical Exam
A green card medical exam differs from a routine checkup with your family doctor. It’s focused on meeting immigration health requirements rather than assessing your overall health. The civil surgeon will look for conditions that might make you “inadmissible” or ineligible to receive a green card.
An appointment is about 30 minutes long. The doctor will review your medical and immunization history, ask questions about your health, and perform a physical exam. They’ll also check for:
- Communicable (infectious) diseases like tuberculosis, gonorrhea, and syphilis
- Physical or mental health conditions associated with harmful behavior
- History of drug and/or alcohol abuse or addiction
- Health-related issues that could prevent you from supporting yourself financially
A USCIS civil surgeon will conduct the following to determine whether you have any of the above health issues:
Tuberculosis Test
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs. When testing for acute or chronic TB, American civil surgeons follow CDC guidelines:
- The medical professional will perform a TB blood test called Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) on applicants aged 2 or older. If your results suggest possible TB, you will need additional tests, including a chest X-ray.
Blood and Urine Tests
A blood test checks for syphilis, and a urine test screens for gonorrhea. USCIS mandates these for anyone aged 15 and older, no matter where you’re applying from.
Syphilis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) affecting 5 million people each year worldwide. Symptoms include sores and skin rashes. It can affect multiple organs and systems over time, making it life-threatening without treatment.
Gonorrhea, or “the clap,” is an STI that can cause severe infections in the genitals, rectum, and throat. In 2020, an estimated 82.4 million people globally had gonorrhea. Rarely, untreated cases can spread to the blood or joints.
These STIs are curable when caught early. Diagnosing and treating them benefits overall health and keeps the immigration process on track.
If you’ve received treatment for gonorrhea, syphilis, tuberculosis, or any other infectious disease, please bring all medical records proving your treatment and a letter from your general physician confirming that the condition is cured, managed, or unlikely to recur.
Immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and Hepatitis B may also be checked in your bloodwork to ensure immunity.
Vaccination Screening
The physician will confirm that you’ve received all vaccines required by the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) based on your age, including:
- COVID-19
- Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B
- Haemophilus Influenza, Type B
- Influenza
- Measles
- Meningococcal
- Mumps
- Pertussis
- Pneumococcal Pneumonia
- Polio
- Rubella
- Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids
If you’re missing any of these vaccines, a civil surgeon can provide them during your exam.
Drug, Alcohol, and Mental Health Screening
The civil surgeon will ask questions about any prescription medications you take and your past or current drug and alcohol use. If you have a history of substance abuse or mental illness, bring proof that you’ve received successful treatment.
Can I Appeal if I’m Considered Inadmissible?
In the rare event that USCIS finds you ineligible for a green card and you believe the doctor made an error during your exam, you may file an appeal within 30 days. However, this information is, as mentioned, for general reference only and should not be considered legal advice.
Keep in mind that minor health issues and well-managed conditions are unlikely reasons for a denied green card application. For example, having a cold during the exam, managing a chronic condition like hypertension or hyperglycemia, or being HIV-positive is not a legal barrier to your hopes of making the U.S. your home. Even a history of communicable diseases like TB or syphilis would not lead to denial if treated and cured.
A Reminder to Consult a Legal Expert Before Proceeding
Every situation is unique, and what applies in one case may differ in another. For this reason, we highly recommend seeking guidance from a legal professional. A specialist in U.S. immigration laws can clarify your options and assist with any waivers or appeals.Once they confirm your suitability for a medical exam and you’re ready to check it off your to-do list, schedule your appointment with Revive Community Health to move forward with your application. Same-day slots are available.