How to Complete the Medical Examination

Updated: October 4, 2021

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 its Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.

Finding a Doctor

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.

Inside the United States

To find an approved civil surgeon near you, visit myUSCIS Find a Doctor or call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283.

Outside the United States

If you’re 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.

How much does it cost?

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.

How to Prepare for the Medical Exam

You should bring the following items with you:

• Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. Print out and bring the form to your appointment. Fill out Part 1 of the form but do not sign it until the civil surgeon tells you to do so.
• Government-issued I.D., such as a valid passport or driver’s license.
• Vaccination or immunization record, such as DT, DTP, DTaP, Td, Tdap, OPV, IPV, MMR, Hib, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, varicella, pneumococcal influenza, rotavirus and meningococcal disease.
• Medical insurance card. Check with the doctor’s office to see if they accept your medical plan.
• Payment. Check with the doctor’s office about acceptable forms of payment.

What happens at the exam?

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.

How to Send the Form to USCIS

You have 2 options:

1. Send the completed (sealed) form with your green card application to USCIS.
2. Or, take the completed (sealed) form to your USCIS interview (not the biometrics appointment).

Rules Regarding Submission

As of April 2022, USCIS has modified the rules surrounding how long an applicant can take to submit their medical exam after the civil surgeon’s signature. Medical exams now have a 2-year validity period from the time of the civil surgeon’s signature to adjudication by USCIS. Due to this, best practice is to plan the medical exam around application submission or wait to complete it until the applicant is scheduled for a USCIS interview. Different doctors charge different prices, so we recommend you look around a few in your area to find the best price.

Important note: Unfortunately, if USCIS takes longer than 2 years to process your application, you may need to get another medical examination.

What if I already had an exam outside the U.S.?

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.

Have questions about the 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.