Immigration Exam

What is the purpose of the exam?

USCIS requires the examination to establish that applicants who are seeking immigration benefits are not inadmissible to the United States on public health grounds.

The results of your medical examination are confidential, and USCIS uses them primarily for immigration purposes.

What does the Exam Cost?

Our fee is $350 for the exam. *This fee does not include vaccinations or tests that may need
to be completed to fulfill the USCIS requirements. A $50 deposit is required to schedule the medical exam. This deposit will be applied towards the cost of the exam UNLESS you NO SHOW to your appointment -OR- give less than 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule. In those instances, the deposit will be forfeit and an additional deposit would be required to schedule another appointment.

What should I bring to my exam?

Having all of your documents ready before your appointment can help the medical exam
go smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need to bring with you:

·       Your pre-filled I-693 form. *Remember- do not sign the form until the civil
surgeon instructs you to do so.

·       Your immunization or vaccination records

·       Copies of your lab results within the past 5 years

·       Copies of any previous chest X-rays, if any

·       A letter from your regular doctor outlining the treatment plan for any health problems you have

·       A government-issued photo ID, such as your passport, state ID, driver’s license,
travel permit, or work permit

 ·     Payment for the medical exam fee

During the Exam

The green card medical exam is not like a routine physical you’d receive from your family doctor. Nor will the doctor give you a “pass” or “fail” grade based on your overall health.

During the medical exam, the doctor will review your immunization and medical history with you. They will ask both general and specific questions about your health. You’ll also get a basic checkup (or “physical”).

In addition, the doctor will look for specific conditions that fall into the following categories
(see below for information about how the presence of such conditions can affect your green
card application):

·       Communicable diseases (including tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea)

·       Drug abuse or addiction

·       Physical or mental disorders associated with harmful behavior

·       Conditions that make it impossible for you to support yourself

To check for the above conditions, the doctor will order several types of tests: 

Tuberculosis test

–  The civil surgeon will follow the CDC’s Tuberculosis Technical Instructions for Civil
Surgeons, which currently require them to conduct a test called the “interferon gamma release assay”
(IGRA) on all green card applicants aged 2 and older.

Generally, you will not be required to return to the doctor’s office to obtain the IGRA results.

–  If, however, the IGRA results reveal signs or symptoms of tuberculosis, you’ll be required to get a chest
X-ray and undergo other further testing.

Blood and urine tests

–  Doctors are required to have the applicant perform a blood test for syphilis and a urine test for gonorrhea on all green card applicants aged 15 and older — whether applying from within the United States or abroad. The doctor will refer you to a laboratory to complete these tests.

Vaccination screening

The doctor is required to make sure that you’ve received all required vaccines. If you’re missing any, you’ll be required to obtain these from an outside facility. *Local pharmacies often have these available.

IMPORTANT: USCIS now requires green card applicants to show proof of vaccination against
COVID-19 when attending the medical exam.

Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine requirements when immigrating.

Drug and alcohol screening

The doctor will ask questions about any prescription drugs you take, as well as your past and present drug and alcohol use.

After the Exam

The civil surgeon will ask you to sign the form once the exam is complete. Do not forget to sign the form — USCIS will not accept unsigned forms.
Unless you’re instructed to come back to the doctor’s office, we will provide your medical exam results in a sealed envelope at the end of your appointment. Do not break the seal or open the envelope.

We will also provide a copy of the results for your records.

You must send the sealed, unopened envelope (which also contains your completed Form I-693) to USCIS or bring it to your interview, depending on whether you schedule your medical exam before or after filing your green card application package.

Use this link to find out more about the exam and download the I-693 form you’ll need to bring with you to your appointment: https://www.uscis.gov/i-693