The immigration medical exam is an essential part of the green card process for most applicants. It’s performed by a government-authorized doctor called a civil surgeon. During the exam, the doctor will:
- Review your medical history and vaccination records
- Conduct a physical and mental health evaluation
- Screen for drug and alcohol use
- Test for certain diseases and illnesses, sometimes including an X-ray
The purpose of this exam is to ensure that applicants are not inadmissible to the United States due to any health issues. While many applicants feel nervous about this part of the process, it’s rare to fail the medical exam. Even if you have a condition that could complicate your application, you might be able to request a waiver.
Important Update: USCIS has recently updated its guidelines for Form I-693. Starting November 1, 2023, medical exams completed and signed after this date will no longer have an expiration. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to prepare for your immigration medical exam.
Choosing the Right Doctor
There are two types of doctors who can perform the medical exam:
- Civil surgeons for those applying from within the U.S.
- Panel physicians for applicants living abroad, authorized by the U.S. Department of State
Before choosing a doctor, ask about fees, availability, and whether they accept your health insurance.
How Much Will the Medical Exam Cost?
The cost of the immigration medical exam can vary, typically ranging between $100 and $500, with $200 being common. Keep in mind that there’s no government funding for this exam, so you will need to cover the cost.
Scheduling Your Medical Exam
When and how you schedule your medical exam depends on where you’re applying from:
If You’re Applying From Within the U.S.
- When to schedule: You have two options:
- Option 1 (Recommended): Complete the medical exam before submitting your green card application and send the sealed results with your application.
- Option 2: Schedule the exam after submitting your green card application, and bring the results to your interview.
- How to schedule: Use the USCIS “find a doctor” tool or call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 to find a civil surgeon near you.
If You’re Applying From Abroad
- When to schedule: You must schedule the exam only after receiving your green card interview letter from the National Visa Center (NVC).
- How to schedule: Look up your U.S. embassy or consulate’s website for instructions and contact details for authorized doctors.
What to Bring to Your Medical Exam
Having the necessary documents ready will help the exam go smoothly:
- Immunization or vaccination records
- Your medical history
- Copies of previous chest X-rays (if applicable)
- A letter from your regular doctor outlining any ongoing treatments
- A government-issued photo ID (passport, state ID, etc.)
- Payment for the exam
- Your health insurance card (if applicable)
If applying from the U.S., you also need to bring Form I-693, which the civil surgeon will complete. If applying abroad, bring your green card interview appointment letter.
What Happens During the Exam?
The immigration medical exam typically lasts around two hours. The civil surgeon will:
- Ask questions about your medical history and perform a physical checkup.
- Conduct specific tests for communicable diseases (like tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea).
- Administer blood and urine tests for syphilis and gonorrhea (for applicants aged 15 and older).
- Screen for required vaccinations and ensure you’ve received them, including COVID-19 vaccination.
Important Details for Women
Female applicants should complete the medical exam even if they are in their menstrual period. Pregnant women may postpone the chest X-ray until after giving birth but must complete it before entering the U.S. or finalizing their green card application.
Health-Related Reasons for Denial
Certain health conditions can lead to a denial of your green card, such as:
- Communicable diseases: Active, untreated conditions like tuberculosis, syphilis, gonorrhea, or leprosy.
- Drug and alcohol abuse: Active use of illegal substances or alcohol abuse.
- Mental illness with harmful behavior: History of violent behavior related to mental health issues.
- Inability to work: If your health prevents you from supporting yourself financially.
Preventing or Challenging Health-Related Denials
If you have any of these conditions but have been treated or are managing them well, you can bring medical records to show treatment or management of your condition. In some cases, you can apply for a waiver of inadmissibility to address health-related concerns.
After the Immigration Medical Exam
Once the exam is complete, the civil surgeon will provide the results in a sealed envelope. Do not open the envelope, as USCIS will only accept unopened forms.
- If you’re applying from within the U.S., send the sealed envelope to USCIS or bring it to your interview, depending on when you scheduled your exam.
- If you’re applying from abroad, you will either bring the sealed envelope to your interview or have the doctor send it directly to your U.S. embassy or consulate.
FAQs about the Immigration Medical Exam
What is the immigration medical exam?
It’s a required medical examination for those applying for a green card to determine if they are inadmissible due to health reasons.
Who needs the immigration medical exam?
Most applicants for permanent residency must undergo this exam, with some exceptions.
How do I find a civil surgeon?
USCIS provides a list of approved civil surgeons on its website, or you can contact a local USCIS office.
How long does the exam take?
The exam typically lasts between 30 minutes to two hours, depending on how many people are being seen.
Can I appeal if I’m found inadmissible due to health reasons?
Yes, if you are found inadmissible, you can appeal and may be able to apply for a waiver.
This exam can be stressful, but with the right preparation, you can make the process go smoothly. Let Law and Visas guide you through every step of your green card journey.
