The Immigration Medical Exam (Form I-693): What to Expect
Published on: November 10, 2025
Getting your Green Card (I-485) involves a few key steps, and one that often causes confusion is the immigration medical exam, Form I-693. Many applicants worry it's a difficult test of their health, but it's much simpler than that!
Here’s what you need to know.
What the Exam Actually Covers
This is not a complete physical or a check for common illnesses. The doctor's job is to check for very specific things required by U.S. immigration law. The main goal is to ensure you are not "medically inadmissible."
This check focuses on four main areas:
- 💉 Vaccinations: The doctor will review your vaccine records to ensure you are up-to-date on all required immunizations (like MMR, Tdap, Polio, and the seasonal flu).
- 🧠 Physical & Mental Status: A very brief check for any obvious physical or mental conditions that could be harmful to you or others.
- 🩸 Communicable Diseases: This involves a blood test (mainly for Syphilis) and a tuberculosis (TB) test.
- 💊 Drug or Alcohol Use: The doctor will ask questions about any history of substance abuse.
How to Find the Right Doctor (A "Civil Surgeon")
This is the most important step! You cannot use your regular family doctor. The exam must be performed by a doctor who is specially approved by USCIS. These doctors are called Civil Surgeons.
To find one, you must use the official USCIS "Find a Doctor" tool. Just enter your zip code, and it will give you a list of approved physicians near you.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
When you call to make your appointment, ask what they require. In general, you should bring:
- Your government-issued photo ID (like your passport).
- Your complete vaccination and immunization records. (This is key! Bringing good records can save you money on getting new shots).
- Your health insurance card (though many civil surgeons do not accept insurance for this specific exam).
- The exam fee (call ahead to ask the price, as it varies).
The Critical "Sealed Envelope" Rule Rules
After your exam, the doctor's office will give you a sealed envelope containing the completed Form I-693.
DO NOT, under any circumstances, open this envelope! 🚫
If the seal is broken, USCIS will reject the form, and you will have to pay for a new exam. You must submit this sealed, unopened envelope with your Green Card application or bring it with you to your Green Card interview.