Immigration Physical Exams: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Immigration Physical Exams: What to Expect and How to Prepare

An immigration physical—also known as a green card medical exam—is required for most people applying to become permanent U.S. residents through adjustment of status.

The examination must be completed by a physician designated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as a civil surgeon. A routine physical from your primary care provider cannot replace it.

What is the Purpose of an Immigration Physical?

An immigration medical exam determines whether an applicant has certain health conditions that may affect eligibility for permanent residency under U.S. immigration law.

The civil surgeon documents the results on Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. The physician does not approve or deny your immigration application. USCIS makes that decision after reviewing your complete application.

If you are applying for an immigrant visa from outside the United States, you will generally need an examination by an approved panel physician rather than by a domestic USCIS civil surgeon.

What Does an Immigration Physical Include?

Medical History

The civil surgeon will review your medical and vaccination history. You may be asked about the following:

  • Previous illnesses and hospitalizations
  • Physical and mental health conditions
  • Current medications
  • Past tuberculosis diagnoses or treatment
  • Substance use history
  • Conditions associated with harmful behavior

Answer all questions completely and honestly. Additional records or evaluations may be required in certain cases.

Physical Examination

The examination typically includes an assessment of your:

  • Eyes, ears, nose and throat
  • Heart and lungs
  • Abdomen and lymph nodes
  • Skin and extremities
  • Mental status

This is not a general wellness physical and does not replace routine medical care.

Required Testing

Testing depends on your age and medical history. It may include:

  • A tuberculosis blood test
  • A chest X-ray when medically required
  • Syphilis screening
  • Gonorrhea screening
  • Additional testing when a condition is suspected

Applicants ages 2 and older generally need an approved tuberculosis blood test as part of the immigration examination. A positive result does not automatically mean you have active tuberculosis, but further evaluation may be necessary.

Vaccination Review

The civil surgeon will review your records to determine whether you meet the vaccination requirements for your age group.

Bring all available vaccination records. If you are missing required documentation, the civil surgeon may recommend laboratory evidence of immunity or, when medically appropriate, administer an age-appropriate vaccine.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Bring the following items unless the clinic gives you different instructions:

  • A valid government-issued photo ID
  • Your USCIS A-Number, if applicable
  • The current edition of Form I-693, with Part 1 completed
  • Vaccination records from childhood and adulthood
  • English translations of records written in another language
  • Relevant medical records, including previous tuberculosis documentation
  • A list of medications and current health conditions
  • Any recent chest X-rays requested by the clinic

Do not sign Form I-693 before your appointment. You must sign it in the civil surgeon’s presence.

Contact the office before your visit to confirm its identification, interpreter, and document requirements.

What Happens After the Immigration Medical Exam?

The civil surgeon may need to wait for laboratory results or additional medical information before completing your paperwork. If testing identifies a condition requiring treatment or further evaluation, the office will explain the next steps.

Once the examination is complete, the civil surgeon will provide the following:

  • A completed Form I-693 in a sealed envelope for USCIS
  • A copy of the completed form for your records

Do not open the sealed envelope. USCIS may reject a Form I-693 if the envelope has been opened or altered.

Follow USCIS's current filing instructions for your application. Certain applicants must submit Form I-693 with Form I-485.

Schedule Your Immigration Physical

truHealthNow has USCIS-authorized civil surgeons who can complete immigration medical exams and Form I-693 documentation.

Appointments are available at our clinics in Alexandria, South Riding and Woodbridge, Virginia, and Germantown, Maryland.

Call 240-238-2177 or schedule your immigration physical.

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