Can I Take the Immigration Medical Exam Without Vaccine Records?

  If you’re preparing for your immigration medical exam (Form I-693), and if you do not have any vaccination record you may wonder “Can I take the exam if I don’t have my vaccine records?”

The short answer is yes, you can still take the immigration medical exam, but there are some important things you should understand to avoid delays, extra costs, or repeat visits.

What USCIS Requires for Vaccinations

  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires applicants for a green card or adjustment of status to meet specific vaccination requirements based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These requirements are documented on Form I-693 by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon.

  USCIS does not require you to have perfect records, but it does require proof that you meet vaccination requirements or that missing vaccines are properly addressed.

What Happens If You Don’t Have Vaccine Records?

  If you do not have vaccination records at the time of your immigration medical exam, the civil surgeon has a few options depending on your situation:

  In many cases, the civil surgeon may recommend blood tests to check immunity for certain vaccines, such as MMR or Varicella. If the blood work shows immunity, those vaccines can be marked as complete without needing to repeat them.

  If immunity cannot be confirmed, you may be required to receive the missing vaccines before Form I-693 can be completed and sealed.

  At Lumberton Internal Medicine Group, we review any vaccine records you have—including records from your home country—and help determine the most cost-effective and appropriate next steps.

Can I Bring Foreign Vaccine Records?

  Vaccination records from other countries are accepted as long as they are clear and legible. If the records are in another language, they may need to be translated.

  Even if you believe you were vaccinated years ago, keep in mind that some vaccines expire under immigration guidelines, and you may need boosters.

  Our team also assists patients in verifying vaccines administered in North Carolina through the NC Immunization Registry, often helping patients avoid unnecessary repeat vaccines.

Will Missing Records Delay My Immigration Process?

  Missing vaccine records can delay your immigration process if they are not addressed properly. USCIS will not accept Form I-693 if required vaccinations are missing or incomplete.

  However, delays are usually preventable when you work with an experienced USCIS-approved civil surgeon who knows how to document immunity, order appropriate tests, and complete the form correctly the first time.

What Should I Bring to My Appointment?

 Even if you don’t have full vaccine records, you should bring:

• A valid passport or photo ID

• Any vaccination records you do have (even partial ones)

• Payment for the exam

Conclusion

  You do not need complete vaccine records to start your immigration medical exam, but missing documentation must be handled correctly to avoid USCIS rejections or Requests for Evidence (RFEs).

If you’re preparing for your immigration medical exam in Lumberton, NC, working with a knowledgeable and USCIS-designated civil surgeon can make the process much smoother.

  Lumberton Internal Medicine Group is a USCIS-approved civil surgeon clinic serving Lumberton, NC and surrounding areas. We specialize in completing Form I-693 accurately, reviewing vaccine records from the U.S. and abroad, and guiding patients through each step of the immigration medical exam process with care and clarity.

 If you have questions or want to schedule your exam, our team is here to help you move forward with confidence.