What Happens During an Immigration Medical Exam?
Maybe your immigration attorney told you it’s time to complete your Form I-693, or you received a notice from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services asking you to submit your immigration medical exam to move your case forward. If you’re wondering what happens during an immigration medical exam, you’re not alone — many applicants have the same question.
The immigration medical exam is a required step for a green card or adjustment of status. The process is usually simple, but it must follow federal guidelines so your health evaluation is properly documented on Form I-693 by a civil surgeon.
In this guide, you’ll learn what happens during an immigration medical exam, who performs it, and what tests are included in the immigration medical exam so you can prepare with confidence.
Who Performs the Exam?
Your exam must be completed by a USCIS-authorized I-693 civil surgeon — a physician officially designated to conduct immigration medical evaluations and complete Form I-693.
If you’re scheduling locally, clinics like Lumberton Internal Medicine Group provide authorized exams for applicants in Lumberton, NC and surrounding communities.
Exams performed by non-authorized providers are not accepted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, even if the medical evaluation itself is correct.
Step-by-Step: What Happens During an Immigration Medical Exam
1. Identity Verification and Paperwork
Your visit begins with identity verification and review of required documents. The clinic will confirm your personal information and prepare your immigration medical paperwork.
You may be asked about:
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Medical history
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Current medications
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Past surgeries or hospitalizations
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Previous vaccination history
Accuracy at this stage is important because all information must match your immigration application.
2. Review of Vaccination Records
Vaccination compliance is a required part of the immigration medical exam.
The civil surgeon will:
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Review your immunization records
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Determine which vaccines are required based on age and guidelines
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Administer missing vaccines if necessary
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Document everything on Form I-693
Common vaccines evaluated include MMR, Tdap, varicella, hepatitis B, influenza (seasonal), and others depending on eligibility.
If you don’t have records, vaccines can usually be provided during your appointment.
3. Physical Examination
A routine physical exam helps evaluate your overall health and identify any conditions relevant to immigration health standards.
The physical exam typically includes:
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Height, weight, and vital signs
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Heart and lung evaluation
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Vision screening
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General physical assessment
This is not a comprehensive annual physical — it is a focused evaluation required for immigration purposes.
4. Required Laboratory Testing
Many applicants ask what tests are included in the immigration medical exam. Required testing depends on age and risk factors but commonly includes:
✔ Tuberculosis (TB) screening
✔ Blood test for syphilis
✔ Gonorrhea testing (for certain age groups)
✔ Additional evaluation if indicated
If a screening test requires follow-up, the civil surgeon will guide you through next steps.
5. Medical History Assessment
The civil surgeon will review your health history to identify conditions that may require documentation, including:
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Prior treatment for tuberculosis
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Communicable diseases
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Mental health conditions
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Chronic medical conditions
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Substance use history
This review ensures Form I-693 is completed accurately and completely.
6. Completion of Form I-693
After all evaluations are complete, the civil surgeon will finalize your immigration medical documentation.
The clinic will:
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Complete Form I-693
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Place your results in a sealed envelope
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Provide instructions for submission
Important: The sealed envelope must remain unopened when submitted with your immigration application.
How Long the Appointment Usually Takes
Most immigration medical exam appointments take about 30–60 minutes, not including lab processing time or follow-up vaccines if required.
Preparation helps avoid additional visits and delays.
Why the Immigration Medical Exam Matters
The purpose of the exam is to confirm applicants meet U.S. public health requirements. The evaluation focuses on:
✔ Communicable disease screening
✔ Required vaccination compliance
✔ Accurate medical documentation
✔ Eligibility clearance for immigration processing
When completed correctly by an authorized I-693 civil surgeon, the exam helps your application move forward smoothly.
How Our Clinic Supports Immigration Applicants
At Lumberton Internal Medicine Group, we simplify the process by providing:
✔ USCIS-authorized immigration medical exams
✔ On-site vaccines and required testing
✔ Accurate Form I-693 completion
✔ Clear preparation guidance
✔ Bilingual patient support
Our goal is to help you complete your immigration medical exam correctly the first time and avoid unnecessary delays.
Conclusion
Understanding what happens during an immigration medical exam can make the experience much less stressful. The process is structured, efficient, and designed to ensure your medical documentation meets immigration requirements.
With the right preparation and an authorized I-693 civil surgeon, most applicants complete the exam quickly and confidently — one important step closer to their immigration goals.