USCIS Immigration Medical Exam: What Do They Check?

Immigrating to the United States is an exciting journey, but it comes with important steps that must be completed correctly. One critical part of this journey is undergoing the USCIS immigration medical exam. If you are applying for a green card or adjusting your status, you will be required to pass this examination conducted by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. Understanding what they check during the USCIS immigration medical exam will help you prepare, avoid surprises, and ensure a smoother path to permanent residency.

What Is the Purpose of the USCIS Immigration Medical Exam?

The primary goal of the USCIS immigration medical exam is to protect public health in the United States by identifying applicants with specific medical conditions that could pose a threat to the community. It ensures that individuals seeking immigration benefits do not have health issues that are considered inadmissible under U.S. immigration law. These inadmissible conditions can include communicable diseases of public health significance, lack of required vaccinations, physical or mental disorders associated with harmful behavior, and drug abuse or addiction. Applicants must demonstrate that they are not inadmissible on health-related grounds, and the medical examination plays a pivotal role in making that determination.

What Does the USCIS Immigration Medical Exam Check For?

The USCIS immigration medical exam is comprehensive and covers several important aspects of an applicant’s health. In addition to reviewing your medical history and performing a physical examination, a civil surgeon will also make sure you have had all necessary immunizations and screen for communicable infections like gonorrhea, syphilis, and tuberculosis (TB). If you lack any necessary vaccines, you may be asked to receive them before the exam is considered complete. Additionally, the doctor will screen for mental health conditions and assess whether you have any substance abuse issues. This part of the process is critical because certain untreated or contagious conditions can disqualify you from obtaining lawful permanent residence. Each step of the medical examination is carefully documented on Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, which is later submitted to USCIS as part of your immigration application.

How to Prepare for the USCIS Immigration Medical Exam?

Preparation is essential to make the process as smooth as possible. Before attending your USCIS immigration medical exam, you should gather all relevant medical records, especially vaccination records, previous TB test results, and any documentation related to chronic health conditions or mental health treatments. Don’t forget to carry a photo ID from the government, like a driver’s license or passport. Since any errors or omissions could cause your application to be delayed, it is crucial that you honestly describe your entire medical history. For an extra charge, many civil surgeons can give you any additional vaccinations you require during the same visit. Presenting your best self during the examination can also be achieved by preparing yourself both physically and psychologically for the test by getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of water. 

What Happens During the Physical Examination?

The physical examination component of the USCIS immigration medical exam is thorough, but not overly invasive. Your eyes, ears, nose, throat, limbs, heart, lungs, belly, lymph nodes, skin, and external genitalia will all be inspected by the civil surgeon. To evaluate your mobility and coordination, they may ask you to do basic physical tasks in addition to using a stethoscope to listen to your heart and lungs. The doctor may also ask questions about your current medications, previous surgeries, and any symptoms you might have. This detailed examination ensures that you do not have physical conditions that could affect your ability to integrate into U.S. society or place an undue burden on public health systems.

Disease Screening During the USCIS Immigration Medical Exam

One of the most important aspects of the USCIS immigration medical exam is disease screening. You will be tested for tuberculosis using either a chest X-ray or an Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) blood test, depending on your age and risk factors. To find out if you have active or latent TB, more testing will be necessary if the TB test comes back positive. For applicants who are 15 years of age or older, syphilis blood tests and gonorrhea urine tests are required. The civil surgeon will also look for signs of other communicable diseases that could make you inadmissible. Screening for these diseases is critical not just for immigration purposes but also for your health and well-being, ensuring you receive timely treatment if needed.

Vaccination Requirements for USCIS Immigration Medical Exam

Vaccination compliance is a major element of the USCIS immigration medical exam. Measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, influenza, and COVID-19 are among the preventable diseases against which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mandates that immigrants be vaccinated. Your civil surgeon will verify your vaccination records and administer any missing vaccines if needed. Failure to meet vaccination requirements can delay your green card application. Still, you may be eligible for a waiver in certain cases, such as allergies to vaccine components or religious objections. It is advisable to update your vaccination records ahead of your medical exam to minimize additional appointments and costs.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Evaluation

During the USCIS immigration medical exam, the civil surgeon will evaluate your mental health to determine whether any mental or psychiatric conditions could result in harmful behavior. Conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression with a history of self-harm may raise concerns. However, simply having a diagnosis does not automatically make you inadmissible; the key factor is whether the condition is associated with harmful behavior that could pose a danger to yourself or others. The examination also includes screening for substance abuse. Applicants with a history of drug abuse or addiction may be required to submit additional documentation or treatment records. Honesty is crucial during this part of the process to avoid complications with your immigration case.

Final Thoughts

You might feel more at ease and confident about the procedure if you know what to anticipate during the USCIS immigration medical exam. From disease screening to vaccination verification and mental health assessments, the exam ensures that new immigrants are healthy and ready to integrate successfully into U.S. society. Being well-prepared with the necessary documents, being honest during the evaluation, and following through with any recommended treatments or vaccinations will put you on the best path toward achieving your immigration goals.

Would you also like me to provide a sample Form I-693 checklist you could include at the end of the blog as a downloadable resource? It could add even more value!

FAQs:

What should I bring for my USCIS immigration medical examination?

Along with paperwork for any current medical concerns, you should include a government-issued photo ID, your immunization records, any past chest X-rays or TB test findings, and a list of drugs you now take. Despite the fact that many doctors want money in advance for immigration medical testing, carry your health insurance card if you have one.

Can I fail the USCIS immigration medical exam?

Yes, it is possible to fail the exam if you have a Class A medical condition, such as untreated tuberculosis, certain communicable diseases, drug addiction, or a physical or mental disorder associated with harmful behavior. The problem may occasionally be resolved with therapy or a waiver, enabling you to proceed with your immigration application.

How long is the USCIS immigration medical exam valid?

The results of your USCIS immigration medical exam are generally valid for two years. However, it is important to submit your Form I-693 to USCIS within 60 days of the civil surgeon signing it to avoid processing delays.

How much does the USCIS immigration medical exam cost?

The cost of the exam varies depending on the civil surgeon’s location and practice, but typically ranges from $200 to $500. Additional costs may apply for vaccinations, lab tests, or follow-up visits.

What happens after the USCIS immigration medical exam?

After the exam, the civil surgeon will complete Form I-693, seal it in an envelope, and give it to you to submit to USCIS. You must not open the sealed envelope. USCIS will review the medical report as part of your green card application or adjustment of status process.