Navigating the Immigration Exams Process

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Mandatory Exam

Applicants seeking lawful permanent resident status must undergo immigration exams. The government requires this medical exam for all applicants for adjustment of status and for most overseas applicants for an immigrant visa, so you will need to plan for it. An authorized doctor, known as a civil surgeon, performs the exam within the United States. While the exam includes a physical and mental evaluation, it is not a complete physical. You are responsible for paying all costs associated with this medical appointment.

Required Medical Records

Bringing your complete medical records to the appointment helps the civil surgeon. These documents provide a complete picture of your health history, which is necessary for the doctor to complete the required forms accurately. You will also need to bring your vaccination records, and the civil surgeon will determine if you need additional immunizations.

You should bring your passport or another government-issued photo ID, and make sure it is valid for identification purposes. For some, this may include an affidavit if you do not have a passport. The clinic will need to verify your identity before the examination begins. This is a standard procedure for all applicants.

Infectious Disease Screenings

The medical exam includes screenings for specific infectious diseases. These screenings are a component of the public health assessment. You may be tested for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea to promote health safety. The tuberculosis screening typically starts with a blood test, but a chest X-ray may be required if the initial test is positive or inconclusive.

The civil surgeon reviews your medical history and the results of these tests. If a screening indicates an infection, the doctor will note the findings on your paperwork. Treatment may be required before your medical form is completed. The main goals of this medical exam are to:

Identify any health conditions that could be a public health concern in the U.S.
Make sure that any identified conditions are appropriately addressed.

Required Form I-693

The civil surgeon completes Form I-693 by recording the exam results and vaccination record. A civil surgeon’s role is to complete this form accurately based on the findings of your examination. This form is the official record of your medical evaluation.

After the exam, the civil surgeon will place the completed Form I-693 in a sealed envelope, and you must not open it. This sealed envelope, which must be submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), is required. An unsealed or tampered envelope will be rejected.

Failing to include all required vaccinations or complete sections of the form can delay your application processing. The form remains valid for two years from the date it is signed by the civil surgeon, unless otherwise specified. Typical errors to avoid include:

Submitting an incomplete form
Using a doctor who is not a designated civil surgeon
Forgetting to sign the form in the designated area

Schedule Immigration Exams Today

Completing the immigration medical exam is a necessary step for your application. By understanding what the exam entails, you can prepare for your appointment and gather the correct paperwork. You should schedule your immigration exam with a civil surgeon to complete this part of your application.