The immigration medical exam is a required step for many people applying for a U.S. green card. The exam checks your health and confirms that you meet all USCIS health screening rules. The process follows strict standards to ensure public safety.
This exam is also called the USCIS I-693 medical exam. Only a certified doctor, called a civil surgeon, can perform it inside the United States. If you live near Tampa or Brandon, you must complete your exam with a USCIS-approved medical professional who understands every step.
The purpose of the exam is simple:
Every part of the exam follows federal guidelines. These rules come from USCIS, CDC, and U.S. immigration law.
Official guidance:https://www.uscis.gov/i-693 & https://www.cdc.gov/immigrant-refugee-health/
The exam may feel confusing at first, but this guide explains every step in clear, simple language.
Finding the right doctor is one of the most important parts of the process. USCIS does not accept an exam from a regular family doctor. A USCIS-designated civil surgeon must complete the exam.
A civil surgeon is:
Choosing the correct doctor helps prevent delays. USCIS will reject your exam if the doctor is not certified.
If you live near Tampa or Brandon, make sure the clinic clearly states that they have a USCIS civil surgeon. This ensures your exam meets all requirements.
The immigration exam follows official CDC technical instructions. These instructions tell doctors exactly how to perform each test. The rules never change from clinic to clinic. Every civil surgeon must follow the same national standards.
Requirements include:
The CDC instructions guide all doctors performing these exams.
These rules help protect public safety and ensure all immigration applicants receive fair and equal treatment.
The cost of the immigration medical exam varies. USCIS does not set the price, so each clinic may charge differently. Most fees depend on:
Many applicants want a clear price before they book. Good clinics provide transparent fees to avoid surprises. If you need extra vaccines or testing, the cost may change. Asking for a price list early can help you plan.
Scheduling the exam is easy. Many clinics offer morning, afternoon, or evening appointments. Some provide same-day visits for urgent immigration deadlines.
You should schedule your exam as early as possible. This avoids delays with your green card exam process.
Below are the steps depending on where you are applying from.
You will complete an adjustment of status medical exam. This exam must be done by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon. After the exam, you receive a sealed Form I-693.
What this includes:
USCIS will not accept the form if the envelope is opened, so handle it carefully.
If you apply outside the United States, you will not see a civil surgeon. Instead, you must visit a doctor approved by the U.S. embassy, called a panel physician.
Key points:
This exam is usually completed before your visa interview.
Bringing the right documents helps the exam go smoothly. Missing documents can delay your results or require a second appointment.
Please bring:
If you cannot find your vaccine records, the doctor may help you update them.
The civil surgeon follows CDC exam guidelines and USCIS rules. The exam is simple and does not take long. Most appointments last less than one hour.
The doctor will:
Every step is designed to follow the official USCIS medical screening process.
The TB test is one of the most important steps. Civil surgeons must follow CDC TB guidelines.
This may include:
All applicants ages 2 or older must complete TB testing.
USCIS requires specific tests to screen for infectious diseases.
This includes:
These tests help confirm that you meet federal health requirements.
Vaccines are a major part of the immigration exam. USCIS requires proof of the following:
If you lack proof, you may need catch-up immunizations. This helps meet the full USCIS vaccine list requirements.
The doctor will ask questions about your past and current behavior. This helps identify any issues related to:
This part is confidential and handled with care.
After your exam, the civil surgeon completes your Form I-693. The form must follow all USCIS documentation standards.
You will receive:
The envelope must stay sealed. USCIS rejects opened or damaged envelopes.
After the exam, the doctor reviews your results and completes all final steps.
What happens next:
Many applicants move to the next step without issues.
Some parts of the exam may differ for women, especially during pregnancy.
Important points:
Always tell the civil surgeon if you may be pregnant.
USCIS may deny an application for certain medical reasons. These are called medical inadmissibility grounds.
Possible issues include:
Doctors do not make the final decision. USCIS reviews all documentation.
Some applicants may qualify for waivers.
These waivers help resolve issues that may affect approval.
Options include:
A knowledgeable attorney or clinic can guide you through this process.
Civil surgeons must follow strict government rules. This ensures fairness in every immigration exam.
Their duties include:
These standards help protect both applicants and public health.
Most exams take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the required tests.
Results remain valid for the USCIS-approved time period, based on current rules.
Bring ID, Form I-693, vaccination records, medical history, and medications.
Yes. USCIS requires all required vaccines or approved catch-up doses.
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