Obtaining permanent residency in the United States involves several important steps, and one of the most crucial is undergoing the U.S. Immigration Medical Exam. This exam ensures that applicants meet the health and vaccination requirements established by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
At True Family Clinic, our USCIS certified civil surgeons conduct the immigration medical exam with care, accuracy, and confidentiality. This guide answers the ten most common questions people ask before booking their exam so that you can feel prepared and confident on your visit day.
1. What is the U.S. Immigration Medical Exam?
The U.S. Immigration Medical Exam is a mandatory health assessment required for individuals applying for a green card or adjustment of status.
The purpose of the exam is to confirm that the applicant does not have any communicable disease, mental disorder, or other health condition that would make them inadmissible to the United States.
Only licensed civil surgeons authorized by USCIS can perform this exam. During the process, your medical and vaccination history, as well as your overall physical health, are evaluated. The results are documented on Form I-693, which must be submitted with your immigration application.
2. Who Must Take the Immigration Medical Exam?
Most individuals applying for permanent residence or a green card must undergo this exam. While not every visa applicant is required to do so, many categories of immigrants must complete it to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration health standards.
You are generally required to take the exam if you are:
- Applying for a Green Card (Permanent Residency)
- Seeking Refugee or Asylee status
- Applying for certain types of U.S. visas that require medical documentation
- Adjusting your status while already in the U.S.
Even children and dependents may need to complete the exam to meet USCIS requirements.
3. What Does the U.S. Immigration Physical Exam Entail?
The U.S. Immigration Physical Exam is a comprehensive evaluation designed to assess your general health and screen for conditions that may pose public health risks. At True Family Clinic, we ensure the process is comfortable, efficient, and clearly explained to every patient.
Below is an overview of what’s included in the exam:
Medical History Review:
A detailed discussion about your past illnesses, surgeries, medications, allergies, and mental health concerns.
Physical Examination:
A complete examination assessing your heart, lungs, abdomen, eyes, ears, throat, skin, and neurological function.
Immunization Review:
Verification that your vaccinations are up to date according to CDC guidelines. Missing vaccines can be administered at the clinic.
Tuberculosis (TB) Test:
A skin or blood test is performed to screen for active or latent tuberculosis infection.
Blood Tests:
Includes screenings for syphilis and other infectious diseases required by USCIS.
Chest X-ray (if necessary):
Conducted if TB test results are positive or unclear to rule out active tuberculosis.
This process ensures you meet the health and medical fitness standards required for U.S. immigration.
4. What Documents to Bring to Your Appointment?
Arriving prepared helps save time and ensures a smooth visit. Bring the following items to your appointment:
- A valid government issued ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID)
- Vaccination records (translated into English if necessary)
- USCIS Form I-693
- Exam Fee and payment for any required vaccines or tests
- Records of chronic conditions, prescriptions, and recent test results
Having these documents ready helps your civil surgeon complete your medical evaluation efficiently.
5. How Do You Prepare for the Exam?
A little preparation goes a long way in making your immigration medical exam quick and stress-free. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Get a full night’s sleep before your appointment.
- Eat a light meal beforehand so your blood tests are not affected by fasting.
- Bring your eyeglasses or contact lenses if you wear them.
- Gather all vaccination records to avoid unnecessary shots.
- Make a list of all current medications.
Arrive at least 10–15 minutes early to complete paperwork and relax before your exam begins.
6. How Long Does the Immigration Medical Exam Take?
The length of your appointment depends on the number of tests and vaccines you require. Most exams take about 30 to 60 minutes.
If you need lab tests or a chest X-ray, you might be asked to return for a follow-up visit when results are available. The staff at True Family Clinic will guide you through every step to ensure you know what to expect.
7. How Much Does the Immigration Medical Exam Cost?
The cost of the immigration medical exam varies based on your specific health needs.
Some applicants meet most requirements already, while others may require additional vaccinations or follow-up testing. True Family Clinic provides a transparent breakdown of costs during your visit, so there are no surprises.
8. How Long Are the Results Valid?
Your medical exam results are recorded on Form I-693, which remains valid for two years from the date your civil surgeon signs it.
If your immigration application has not been processed within that time, you may need to take the exam again. To avoid delays, it’s best to submit your completed form to USCIS promptly.
9. What Happens If You Don’t Pass the Immigration Test?
If any issues are found during your exam, don’t worry. Most medical findings can be resolved with treatment or follow-up care.
For example:
- If you test positive for tuberculosis or syphilis, proper treatment will be provided before retesting.
- If you are missing vaccinations, they can be administered on-site.
- If you have a chronic condition, your civil surgeon will document its management and stability.
Once all medical requirements are met, your updated results can be resubmitted to USCIS.
10. Where Can You Receive the U.S. Immigration Medical Exam?
If you’re in Texas, True Family Clinic provides USCIS certified immigration medical exams conducted by experienced primary care physicians.
Our medical professionals handle every part of the process, from the physical exam to the paperwork, ensuring that your application is completed accurately and efficiently. We help you meet all USCIS medical requirements with confidence and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use my own vaccination records?
Yes. Providing your vaccination records helps verify your immunizations and prevents duplicate shots.
Q2: Will immigration officials have access to my health data?
Your medical information remains confidential. Only the sealed Form I-693 is submitted to USCIS.
Q3: What if I’ve lost my vaccination card?
Your civil surgeon can order blood tests to check your immunity levels and determine if booster shots are needed.
Q4: Can I take the exam before applying for adjustment of status?
Yes. Taking the exam in advance allows you to submit your medical form along with your application.
Q5: Do you offer immigration exams for children?
Yes. True Family Clinic provides age-appropriate exams and vaccinations for children as required by USCIS.
Book Your Immigration Medical Exam Today
Completing your U.S. Immigration Medical Exam is a vital part of your journey toward permanent residency. True Family Clinic makes the process simple, compliant, and patient-focused.
Book your immigration medical exam today with our primary care doctors and take the next step toward your future in the United States with confidence.
