Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid During Your USCIS Medical Exam

Preparing for your USCIS medical exam can feel overwhelming, especially if you're unfamiliar with the process. This crucial step in your immigration journey determines whether you meet the health standards required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Avoiding common pitfalls can reduce stress and help your appointment go smoothly.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the top 5 mistakes people make during their immigration medical and how to avoid them—so you can feel confident and prepared.

1. Not Bringing the Required Documents

One of the most common mistakes is arriving at your exam without the proper paperwork. At a minimum, you’ll need:

• A government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.)

• Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record)

• Vaccination records (translated to English, if necessary)

• A copy of your medical history, if applicable

Tip: Double-check with your designated civil surgeon ahead of time to confirm any additional documents they might require.

2. Scheduling with an Unqualified Doctor

Only doctors authorized by USCIS, known as civil surgeons, can perform the immigration medical exam. Scheduling with an unapproved provider can lead to delays and rejected applications.

USCIS medical exam tip: Always verify your doctor’s status on the official USCIS Find a Doctor tool before booking.

3. Hiding or Altering Medical History

Some applicants feel tempted to withhold or change information about past illnesses, vaccinations, or treatments. This is a serious mistake.

Being honest doesn’t disqualify you—in fact, it shows integrity. Civil surgeons are trained to evaluate your situation fairly. Attempting to hide information could raise red flags or even delay your case.

4. Skipping Required Vaccinations

USCIS requires applicants to be vaccinated against specific diseases, including:

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)

• Hepatitis B

• Varicella (Chickenpox)

• Influenza (seasonal)

Failure to meet vaccination requirements means your Form I-693 could be marked incomplete.

If you’re missing vaccinations, your doctor may offer them during the exam. If you have medical or religious exemptions, be sure to mention this in advance.

5. Waiting Too Long to Schedule the Exam

Timing is everything. Form I-693 is only valid for two years from the date the civil surgeon signs it. If your immigration case drags on, you may need a new exam.

Additionally, appointment slots can fill quickly. Waiting until the last minute might limit your options—especially if follow-up tests are needed.

Avoiding these common USCIS medical exam mistakes can make a world of difference in your immigration journey. With a little preparation and the right support, you can get through the process confidently and stress-free.

👉 Book an error-free immigration medical with our expert team. We’re USCIS-certified and ready to guide you every step of the way.