Updated: December 5, 2024
Every immigrant that applies for a Green Card must first complete a medical examination with a USCIS certified doctor.
This article explains everything you need to know about the medical exam and it's associated form, Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.
Immigration medical exams need to be performed by USCIS-authorized doctors. USCIS refers to these doctors as Civil Surgeons and allows them to perform the medical examination required for the Green Card application process.
To find an approved civil surgeon near you, visit myUSCIS Find a Doctor or call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283.
If you're filing from outside the United States, the medical exam must be completed by a Panel Physician. Panel physicians are different from civil surgeons.
To find more information about the approved panel physician near you, visit Department of State Medical Examination site.
The cost of the medical exam is set by the physician and can vary between providers. Typically the exam is between $100 - $500. You can shop around by calling different providers in your area to find the best price.
During the exam, the doctor will perform a basic physical, ask several questions about your health, and run various tests. After the exam the doctor will fill out and seal the Form I-693 and supporting documents in an envelope for you.
IMPORTANT: Do not open this envelope. USCIS will not accept your medical form if it is not in a sealed envelope or if the envelope is altered in any way.
While USCIS previously allowed Form I-485 to be submitted without a complete Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, they changed that rule as of December 2, 2024, and now require that adjustment of status applicants submit the medical exam at the time of submission of Form I-485.
For applicants who are required to submit Form I-693, USCIS will reject Form I-485 if the completed medical exam is not submitted concurrently with Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
Effective April 4, 2024 any Form I-693 that was properly completed and signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023, does not expire and can be used indefinitely as evidence to show that the applicant is not inadmissible on health-related grounds. USCIS officers have the discretion to request more evidence or a new or updated Form I-693 if they have reason to believe the applicant’s medical condition has changed since the civil surgeon signed the Form I-693, or that the Form I-693 submitted does not accurately reflect the applicant’s medical condition and the applicant may be inadmissible on health-related grounds. Medical exams completed before November 1, 2023, have a 2-year validity period.
You are not required to have another exam if you already had one prior to admission. However, the Form I-485 (green card form) must be submitted within one year of an overseas medical examination.
If a new medical examination is not required, you must still show proof that you meet the vaccination requirements. If the vaccination record (DS 3025) was not included in the original overseas medical examination, you will need a new medical exam.
If you need help or have questions about the medical exam or the Form I-693, please reach to our team and we'll get back to you shortly.
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