What is an Immigration Examination
Every Green Card applicant must take the green card medical exam regardless of the basis on which they seek the green card status.
A government-designated doctor called a Civil Surgeon administers the exam, which consists of:
- A physical and mental evaluation
- Drug and alcohol screening.
- A review of medical history and immunization records
- Tests for various diseases and illnesses
The medical examination is administered to ensure that you have no health-related grounds that deem you inadmissible to the United States.
Preparing for the USCIS Examination
It is best to have all relevant documentation as possible to reduce the chances of a delay in your application. These are some of the important documents you should bring to your medical exam:
- A full copy of your medical history
- Vaccination and immunization records
- Any previous copies of chest X-rays
- If you have a health condition, then it is advisable to bring your regular doctor’s letter outlining a treatment plan. Government-issued photo ID to verify your identity.
- Funds to pay for your medical exam are not USCIS-regulated. Fees may vary across different USCIS jurisdictions and geographic locations.
Tests Conducted During the Examination.
The immigration medical exam consists of a physical examination, medical review of medical history, chest X-ray, urine test for gonorrhea as well as blood tests for syphilis. The physical exam includes an examination of the ears, eyes, nose, and throat, heart, extremities, lungs, lymph nodes, abdomen, and skin. For green card applicants aged 15 or older, the medical exam doctor must perform a blood test for syphilis and a urine test for gonorrhea.
Children under the age of 15 are usually not required to undergo chest X-rays and blood tests during the immigration medical exams.
The immigration medical exam is not a complete physical exam and cannot replace your full physical exam, diagnosis, consultation, or treatment plan you may need from your primary health care provider. Its purpose is to screen for certain medical conditions for the completion of your immigration application process. The physician is not required to screen you for any other conditions except the ones specified by the United States Public Health Services for immigration purposes.
Vaccination Requirements
Vaccination is an important part of the medical examination that an applicant filing for an I-485.
United States immigration laws require vaccinations to prevent the diseases in the list below. It also applies to foreign nationals seeking an adjustment of status to a permanent resident status while in the U.S.:
- Mumps
- Measles
- Rubella
- Polio
- Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids
- Pertussis
- Haemophilus influenza type B
- Hepatitis B
- Any other vaccine-preventable diseases recommended by the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices
Immigration Exams
We specialize in completing form I-693, Report of Medical Examination, and Vaccination Record for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
What to bring to your exam
- Past vaccine records
- A government-issued photo ID
- An interpreter, if needed
During your exam
- Total time spent in the office is about 1 hour.
- You’ll complete the first page of the I-693 form.
- We will take your blood pressure and pulse, review your medical history, and perform an exam.
- We will determine which vaccines and laboratory tests are needed. Typically, these vaccines and tests will be done on the same day of your visit.
- Usually, you will return in 2-3 days to have your tuberculosis (TB) test checked. If you live far away or can’t return, we can do a routine blood test during your exam instead.
Costs
- A full Immigration Medical Exam (not including vaccines or laboratory tests), performed by a Civil Surgeon, and paperwork processing typically costs $400.
- Most people do need updated vaccines or laboratory tests, but if you do, it will add to the cost of the exam.
- If you are a refugee or have already had your Immigration Medical Exam done in another country, you will likely only need the vaccine supplement form filled out. This costs $130 plus the cost of any vaccines needed.
- Payment is by cash or credit card.
Getting your forms
- You may pick up your completed form at our office or we will mail it to you.
- You may open the yellow envelope. Inside you will find a white envelope and a copy of the I-693 form. Do not open the white envelope. That should go to USCIS or your lawyer.
Our goal is to make this process as easy as possible for you. Please let us know if you have any special requests. If you have more than one person that needs an exam, let us know so we can schedule back-to-back appointments.
