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Immigration Medical Exam

What to expect for medical exams in the United States.

1. Click the "Find a U.S. Doctor" button below to open a new window.

2. Enter your zip code, then click "Search." 

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3. Choose a doctor from this list or call a few to find one that is a good fit for your needs.

TIPS:

  • Ask about the cost.

    • How much is the appointment?

    • How much do they charge vaccinations, blood tests, or chest x-rays?

    • Will they bill your health insurance?

    • What forms of payment do they accept?

  • Ask about timing.

    • How far in advance do their appointments fill up?

    • How long does it typically take them to get test results back and for the doctor the sign the medical exam form?

    • Note: We need your medical exam before we can file your application for permanent residency, BUT the examination is valid for only 60 days after the doctor signs it. We must submit your application before that expiration date.

  • Ask about language​ support (if it applies to you).

    • Are there people in the office who speak your language?​

    • Would they be able to provide an interpreter on the phone?

    • Would they allow you to bring an interpreter, and if so, can they come in person, or do they need to be on the phone?

  • Ask about the medical examination form (Form I-693).​

    • Will they have blank forms at the clinic, or should you bring one with you?​

    • Will they help you fill in parts 1 & 2 with your information, or do they expect you to do this with no assistance from anyone in their office?

4. Prepare Form I-693. Some civil surgeon offices will help you complete parts 1 & 2 of this form. If you would like us to prepare this for you, please let us know.

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NOTE: You might not have an Alien Registration Number, and you probably do not have a USCIS Online Account Number. If you're not sure, please check with us. 

5. Gather your documents:

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  • Government-issued photo ID (such as a state ID or driver license, passport, work authorization card, or consular ID)

    • Children 14 and younger can present a birth certificate or other official document listing their name, date and place of birth, and parents' full names.​ Foreign-language documents require an English translation.

  • Vaccination or immunization records

    • For a list of required vaccinations, click here.​

    • If you do not have a record of vaccinations, or if you may need a booster, the clinic will use a blood test to check for immunity.

    • The clinic will tell you if you need any additional vaccinations.

  • List of current medications

  • Medical insurance card (if any)

    • Most insurance plans do not cover immigration examinations. If the clinic does not submit your bill to insurance on your behalf, you can ask for a ​detailed receipt to submit to your insurance on your own.

  • Medical records

    • Typically required only ​if you have a serious or chronic illness, if you have been treated for venereal disease, or if you are under psychiatric treatment.

  • Previous chest x-rays (if any)

  • Payment​

    • Call the clinic ahead of time to ask about acceptable forms of payment.​

6. What to expect at your appointment.

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  • Appointments typically last between 40-60 minutes.

  • This is a screening exam. That means the doctor is looking for any reason to deny your visa for medical reasons, including communicable diseases, dangerous psychological conditions, and alcohol or drug abuse.

    • It is not a diagnostic exam. That means you will not receive medical advice about detecting or treating medical conditions.

  • ​You will talk with the doctor or a member of their staff about your medical history, including any current medications and treatments.

    • If you have a written summary of your medical history​ from your treating physician or that you created yourself, bring it with you.

  • ​The doctor will perform a physical exam. ​

    • This includes at a minimum an examination of the eyes, ears, nose and throat, extremities, heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes and skin​.

  • The doctor will test for certain communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea. This typically includes a blood test, urine test, and chest x-ray.

    • Children 14 and under are generally not required to have a blood test or chest x-ray.​

  • IMPORTANT: If you have any history of serious a medical condition, psychological condition, or drug or alcohol abuse, please discuss this with your attorney before the medical examination. We may need to help you prepare additional evidence to take to your medical appointment.

7. What to expect after your appointment.

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  • If you need additional testing, vaccinations, or treatment, the medical office will explain what you need and the time frame. Be sure you understand this before you leave. You can ask for it in writing if necessary.

  • In most cases, no additional procedures are necessary. The doctor will complete and sign Form I-693 and give it to you in a sealed envelope. Do NOT open the envelope.

  • Please ask for an unsealed copy for you to keep.

  • Drop off your sealed form AND the unsealed copy at our office (instructions here).

    • OR mail them to our PO Box via USPS Priority Mail.

  • We must file your permanent residency application within 60 days of the doctor's signature, or it expires and you must re-do ​the exam.

Overseas Exams

What to expect for medical exams outside the United States.

NOTE: Unlike medical exams inside the United States, each country has slightly different practices and procedures. The following instructions are generally applicable around the world, but there could be some local variations.

1. Go here for a list of all U.S. embassies and consulates ("posts").

2. Click on the post where you will attend your immigrant visa interview.

3. Find and click on the button "Medical Exam Instructions."

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4. The instructions include a list of approved "panel physicians" for that post.

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  • You must have proof of your scheduled visa interview appointment before you can schedule your medical exam appointment.

  • You must schedule an appointment with one of these physicians before your visa interview. 

5. The instructions will also list the documents to take to your appointment. Typically, that includes the following documents.

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  • Visa interview appointment notice

  • Submission confirmation page for Form DS-260

  • Passport or travel document

  • ​Vaccination or immunization records

    • For a list of required vaccinations, click here.​

    • If you do not have a record of vaccinations, or if you may need a booster, the clinic will use a blood test to check for immunity.

    • The clinic will tell you if you need any additional vaccinations. 

  • List of current medications

  • Medical records

    • Typically required only if you have a serious or chronic illness, if you have been treated for venereal disease, or if you are under psychiatric treatment.

  • Previous chest x-rays (if any)

  • Passport-style photos taken within the last 6 months​

  • Payment or proof of payment​ for the exam​​

6. What to expect at your appointment.

​​

  • Appointments typically last between 40-60 minutes.

  • This is a screening exam. That means the doctor is looking for any reason to deny your visa for medical reasons, including communicable diseases, dangerous psychological conditions, and alcohol or drug abuse.

    • It is not a diagnostic exam. That means you will not receive medical advice about detecting or treating medical conditions.

  • You will talk with the doctor or a member of their staff about your medical history, including any current medications and treatments.

    • If you have a written summary of your medical history​ from your treating physician or that you created yourself, bring it with you.

  • ​The doctor will perform a physical exam. ​

    • This includes at a minimum an examination of the eyes, ears, nose and throat, extremities, heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes and skin​.

  • The doctor will test for certain communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea. This typically includes a blood test, urine test, and chest x-ray.

    • All applicants 15 and older require a chest x-ray and a blood test for tuberculosis.

    • In some countries, children 2 and older require a blood test for tuberculosis.

    • If you show signs of tuberculosis or if you are HIV/AIDS positive, you will have to go through an additional 3-6 month long medical process, intended to limit the spread of tuberculosis in the U.S. 

  • IMPORTANT: If you have any history of serious a medical condition, psychological condition, or drug or alcohol abuse, please discuss this with your attorney before the medical examination. We may need to help you prepare additional evidence before your medical appointment.

7. What to expect after your appointment.

​

  • If you need additional testing, vaccinations, or treatment, the medical office will explain what you need and the time frame. Be sure you understand this before you leave. You can ask for it in writing if necessary.

  • In most cases, no additional procedures are necessary. The medical office will either send their report directly to the consulate OR give it to you it in a sealed envelope. Do NOT open the sealed envelope. You will take it to your visa appointment.​

  • You will not receive a copy of the medical examination report.

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