What Is an Immigration Medical Exam? Requirements, Tests, and Process Explained
- March 5, 2026
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you or someone you love is experiencing a mental health emergency, call 988 (Crisis Lifeline) or 911 immediately.
An immigration medical exam is a required health screening for applicants applying for permanent residency (green card) or certain immigration benefits in the United States. The exam must be completed by a USCIS-designated Civil Surgeon and documented on Form I-693. The exam includes a medical history review, physical exam, tuberculosis screening, blood tests, and verification of required vaccinations. Once completed, the Civil Surgeon seals the form for submission to USCIS.
What Is an Immigration Medical Exam?
If you’re applying for a green card in the United States, there’s one step you simply cannot skip: the immigration medical exam.
Required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), this exam is a federally mandated health screening designed to determine whether applicants are inadmissible to the United States on public health grounds. It is not a general wellness checkup. It has a specific scope, a specific form, and must be completed by a specific type of doctor.
The results are recorded on Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, which is then sealed and submitted to USCIS as part of your green card application. The exam evaluates whether an applicant has:
- A communicable disease of public health significance
- Failed to show proof of required vaccinations
- A physical or mental disorder with associated harmful behavior
- A history of drug abuse or addiction
The process is thorough, but with the right civil surgeon, it’s straightforward, and getting it right from the start makes all the difference.
Who Needs an Immigration Medical Exam?
Most applicants filing Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) inside the United States are required to complete an immigration medical exam. This includes:
Applicant Type | Exam Required? |
Green card applicants (adjustment of status) | Yes |
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens | Yes |
Family preference visa applicants | Yes |
Diversity Visa (DV Lottery) winners | Yes |
Refugees/Asylees adjusting status | Partial Form I-693 may apply |
Applicants outside the U.S. (consular processing) | Panel physician exam required |
Important Update: As of December 2, 2024, USCIS now requires applicants to submit Form I-693 at the same time they file Form I-485. Submitting your green card application without the medical exam results may result in USCIS rejecting the entire application. If you’re in the process of applying, this change directly affects your timeline; plan your exam well in advance of filing.
What Is Form I-693?
Form I-693 is the official document your civil surgeon completes after performing your immigration medical exam. Think of it as the official record of your exam; it captures your medical history, physical exam results, lab findings, and vaccination record all in one place.
A few key things to know about Form I-693:
- Only a USCIS-designated civil surgeon can complete it. No other doctor, regardless of their credentials, is authorized to fill out this form for immigration purposes.
- The form must be sealed. Your civil surgeon will complete the form, seal it in an envelope marked “DO NOT OPEN, FOR USCIS USE ONLY,” and provide you with a personal copy.
- Do not open the sealed envelope. USCIS will not accept a form that has been tampered with or opened.
- Validity update (June 2025): As of June 11, 2025, a Form I-693 is valid only while the associated immigration application is pending. If your Form I-485 is withdrawn or denied, the I-693 is no longer valid; you will need a new exam if you reapply.
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Why Choosing an Experienced Civil Surgeon Matters
Not every doctor can perform an immigration medical exam, and not every civil surgeon handles the process with the same level of care and accuracy.
USCIS designates civil surgeons specifically to conduct immigration medical exams. These are physicians who have met federal requirements and understand the precise documentation, testing protocols, and vaccination standards required. Choosing an experienced immigration exam provider matters for several reasons:
Accuracy reduces delays. Errors or omissions on Form I-693 are one of the most common reasons USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE). A well-trained civil surgeon ensures the form is completed correctly, completely, and in compliance with the current edition requirements.
Familiarity with updates. USCIS guidelines change. The December 2024 simultaneous filing requirement, the June 2025 validity update, and the removal of the COVID-19 vaccine requirement in January 2025 are just a few examples of recent shifts. An experienced civil surgeon stays current on all of these.
Compassionate care eases anxiety. For many immigrants, the medical exam can be stressful. A clinic that regularly serves immigrant communities understands this and handles every exam with professionalism and sensitivity.
At Windermere Medical Group, immigration medical exams are handled by USCIS-certified civil surgeons who are deeply familiar with the entire process. The practice has served communities across North Georgia for 10+ years, with a philosophy centered on patient empowerment and accessible care.
What Happens During an Immigration Medical Exam?
Here’s what applicants can expect when they arrive for their immigration medical exam.
Medical History Review
The exam begins with a comprehensive review of your medical history. The civil surgeon will ask about:
- Past and current medical conditions
- History of physical or mental health disorders
- Substance use history
- Any prior treatment or hospitalizations
This is a good-faith review, not an interrogation. Be honest and complete; accuracy here protects both you and the integrity of your application.
Physical Examination
A standard physical is conducted, which includes evaluation of the following:
- Heart and lungs
- Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- Abdomen and lymph nodes
- Skin and extremities
- General neurological assessment
The civil surgeon is looking for signs of any conditions that would constitute a health-related ground of inadmissibility. In most cases, this portion of the exam proceeds without issue.
Required Laboratory Tests
Depending on age and medical history, the following lab tests are typically required:
Test | Who It Applies To |
Tuberculosis (TB) screening | All applicants ≥2 years old |
Syphilis serology | Applicants ≥18 years old |
Gonorrhea culture | Applicants ≥18 years old |
HIV test | All applicants ≥15 years old |
Results take some time to process, which is why it’s important to schedule your exam well before your intended filing date.
Vaccination Requirements for Immigration
Vaccinations are a required component of the immigration medical exam. The civil surgeon reviews your vaccination history and administers any vaccines you are missing. Required vaccines for immigration currently include:
- COVID-19 (removed as of January 22, 2025, no longer required)
- Influenza (seasonal)
- Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids / Tdap
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Hepatitis A and B
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Pneumococcal (age-appropriate)
- Meningococcal (age-appropriate)
- Rotavirus (age-appropriate)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) (age-appropriate)
- Inactivated Polio Virus (IPV)
If you have prior vaccination records, bring them to your appointment, even if they’re in another language; a certified translation may be accepted. The civil surgeon will verify what you’ve already received and administer only the missing items.
Chest X-Ray
A chest X-ray may be ordered if TB screening indicates a possible infection or if there is a clinical indication that further imaging is needed. Not every applicant requires a chest X-ray, but those with a positive TB skin test or TB blood test will typically need one. Results are factored into the TB classification on Form I-693.
How Long Does the Immigration Medical Exam Take?
Most immigration medical exams are completed over 1 to 2 visits. The initial visit typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes and covers the history review, physical exam, lab draws, and any vaccinations administered. A follow-up visit may be required if:
- Lab results (such as TB culture) need additional processing time
- Certain vaccinations require a second dose or booster
- Supplemental imaging or evaluation is needed
At Windermere Medical Group, appointments are available Monday through Saturday, making it easier for working individuals and families to schedule without disrupting their week.
How Accurate Documentation Helps Avoid RFEs
A Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS is something every applicant wants to avoid. It delays the process, adds stress, and often requires repeating steps that could have been done the first time correctly.
One of the most common triggers for immigration-related RFEs is incomplete or inaccurate Form I-693 documentation — including:
- Missing signatures from the civil surgeon or applicant
- An incorrect or outdated edition of the form
- Vaccination records that are incomplete or illegible
- Unsealed or damaged envelopes
- Lab results that don’t match required testing protocols
Working with an experienced civil surgeon who is meticulous about documentation significantly reduces this risk. At Windermere Medical Group, civil surgeons are trained to complete Form I-693 with precision, ensuring every component meets USCIS standards before the form is sealed.
When to Schedule Your Immigration Medical Exam?
Timing is everything. Since December 2024, Form I-693 must be submitted at the same time as your Form I-485. This means you need to have your medical exam fully completed, including all required lab results and follow-up visits, before you file.
Here’s a simple timeline to follow:
- 4–6 weeks before filing: Schedule your immigration medical exam
- At your appointment: Complete the physical, labs, and vaccinations
- Within 1–2 weeks after: Receive final sealed Form I-693 (after lab results are processed)
- At the time of filing: Submit Form I-693 with your Form I-485 simultaneously
Do not wait until the last minute. Lab results take time. Some vaccinations require multiple doses. Delays in the exam process can delay your entire application.
Immigration Medical Exams Available Across North Georgia
Windermere Medical Group understands that North Georgia is home to a growing and diverse immigrant community. That’s why immigration medical exams are available across six convenient locations:
Location | Serving |
Cumming, GA | Forsyth County and surrounding areas |
Canton, GA | Cherokee County and surrounding areas |
Alpharetta, GA | North Fulton County and surrounding areas |
Gainesville, GA | Hall County and the surrounding areas |
Habersham, GA | Banks and Habersham County communities |
Lawrenceville, GA | Gwinnett County and surrounding areas |
Ready to schedule?
Windermere Medical Group offers immigration medical exams Monday through Saturday across multiple North Georgia locations. Contact your nearest WMG clinic to book your appointment today.
Benefits of Choosing a Dedicated Immigration Exam Clinic
There’s a meaningful difference between seeing a general practitioner who occasionally handles immigration exams and visiting a clinic with genuine expertise in the process.
What sets WMG apart:
- USCIS-certified civil surgeons trained in the specific protocols and documentation requirements for Form I-693
- In-house lab services for faster turnaround on required tests
- Monday–Saturday availability to accommodate working individuals and families
- Multilingual and culturally sensitive care for North Georgia’s diverse immigrant population
- Comprehensive documentation support to minimize the risk of RFEs
- Same-day appointments available for eligible patients
- Full-service care beyond the exam, WMG also offers primary care, acute care, and urgent care, so your relationship with your provider doesn’t end when the exam does
Immigration is one of the most important journeys a person can undertake. The medical exam is one part of that process, but it’s one that deserves to be handled with care, accuracy, and respect.
How to Prepare for Your Immigration Medical Exam?
A little preparation goes a long way. Here’s what to bring and do before your appointment:
Bring with you:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (passport preferred)
- Vaccination records (in English or with certified translation)
- Any relevant medical records or documentation of prior conditions
- Health insurance card (check whether your plan is accepted)
- Payment for exam fees (fees vary by provider; contact WMG for current pricing)
Before your appointment:
- Get a good night’s sleep and eat healthy
- List any current medications or supplements
- Note any prior history of TB exposure, communicable diseases, or drug treatment
- Do not open or alter any sealed documents from a prior exam
Book your immigration medical exam at Windermere Medical Group,
serving Cumming, Canton, Alpharetta, Gainesville, Baldwin, and Lawrenceville. Call your nearest location or schedule online today.
Conclusion
The immigration medical exam is more than a box to check; it’s a federally required health evaluation that directly affects the outcome of your green card application. With USCIS regulations evolving, including the simultaneous filing requirement and updated Form I-693 validity rules, it’s more important than ever to work with a civil surgeon who knows the current requirements inside and out.
Windermere Medical Group’s civil surgeons bring both clinical expertise and a genuine commitment to the communities they serve across North Georgia. From Cumming to Lawrenceville, the practice is here to make this step in your immigration journey as smooth, accurate, and stress-free as possible. As a full-service provider of primary care, acute care, and urgent care, WMG is equipped to be your healthcare partner long after the green card is in hand.
Schedule your immigration medical exam today at your nearest Windermere Medical Group location.
FAQs:
1. What is an immigration medical exam, and why is it required?
It’s a USCIS-mandated health screening to confirm applicants are not inadmissible on public health grounds. Results are submitted via Form I-693.
2. Can any doctor perform my immigration medical exam?
No. Only a USCIS-designated civil surgeon can complete Form I-693 for adjustment of status applicants inside the U.S.
3. How long is Form I-693 valid?
As of June 11, 2025, Form I-693 is valid only while the associated Form I-485 application is pending.
4. Do I still need the COVID-19 vaccine for my immigration exam?
No. As of January 22, 2025, the COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for immigration medical exams.
5. Where can I get an immigration medical exam in North Georgia?
Windermere Medical Group offers USCIS immigration medical exams in Cumming, Canton, Alpharetta, Gainesville, Baldwin, and Lawrenceville.
About the Author
Priya Bayyapureddy
Dr. Priya Bayyapureddy, MD is a board certified Internal Medicine doctor with over 20 years of experience in primary care Internal Medicine. Dr. Bayyapureddy completed her Internal Medicine residency at Emory University School of Medicine and internship at University of Tennessee College of Medicine at Chattanooga.
