5 Common Misunderstandings About the Immigration Medical Exam
If you are preparing for an immigration medical examination, you may have questions about what to expect. There is a lot of information online, and some of it can be confusing or outdated.
The immigration medical examination is an important part of certain U.S. immigration processes. The examination is performed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and includes a medical history, physical examination, vaccination review, and required testing based on current CDC and USCIS requirements.
Here are 5 common misunderstandings about the immigration medical exam—and what you should know instead.
1. “I already had a physical with my regular doctor, so I don't need another exam.”
Not necessarily.
An immigration medical examination is a specific examination required for certain immigration applications. It must be completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon following CDC technical instructions.
A regular annual physical or examination from your personal physician does not automatically replace the immigration medical examination. The civil surgeon is responsible for completing Form I-693 and documenting the required findings and testing.
What you should do:
Schedule your immigration medical examination with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and ask what documents and records you should bring.
2. “Everyone needs the exact same blood tests.”
This is a common misconception.
The laboratory testing required during an immigration medical examination can depend on the applicant's age, medical history, symptoms, and current CDC requirements.
For example, CDC instructions currently require syphilis testing for applicants ages 18 through 44, while gonorrhea testing is required for applicants ages 18 through 24 and in certain other circumstances. Tuberculosis screening also has specific requirements; applicants age 2 and older generally require an IGRA test, with additional evaluation required in certain situations.
What you should do:
Your civil surgeon will determine which tests are required based on the current immigration medical examination guidelines and your individual circumstances.
3. “If I don't have my vaccination records, I automatically have to get every vaccine again.”
Not necessarily.
Your civil surgeon should review any vaccination records you have. Valid written records can be used to document previous vaccinations, including vaccinations received outside the United States.
Self-reported vaccinations without acceptable written documentation generally cannot be used as proof. Depending on your age, records, documented immunity, and other circumstances, the civil surgeon will determine which vaccinations are required.
What you should do:
Bring all available vaccination records to your appointment—even if they are from your home country. Records can help the civil surgeon determine which vaccines you have already received and which may still be needed.
4. “Having a medical condition automatically means I will fail my immigration medical exam.”
Not necessarily.
The purpose of the immigration medical examination is not simply to determine whether someone is completely healthy.
The examination evaluates specific health-related grounds that may affect immigration admissibility under U.S. law. The civil surgeon documents the results of the examination and required testing on Form I-693.
Importantly, the civil surgeon does not make the final decision on whether an applicant receives an immigration benefit. USCIS makes the immigration determination after reviewing the application and supporting documentation.
What you should do:
Be honest and provide accurate information about your medical history. If you have questions about how a particular medical condition may affect your immigration case, discuss the medical aspect with your civil surgeon and immigration-related legal questions with a qualified immigration attorney.
5. “Once I receive my sealed Form I-693, I can open it to check everything.”
Do NOT open the sealed envelope.
After the civil surgeon completes Form I-693, the form is provided to the applicant in a sealed envelope for submission to USCIS. USCIS instructions state that the form should not be accepted if the envelope has been opened or altered.
Your civil surgeon should also provide you with a copy of the completed Form I-693 for your personal records.
What you should do:
Keep the original Form I-693 sealed and submit it according to the USCIS filing instructions that apply to your case. Keep your personal copy in a safe place.
The Bottom Line
The immigration medical exam is not the same as a routine doctor's visit, and requirements can vary depending on the applicant's age, vaccination history, medical history, and current CDC instructions.
Understanding the process ahead of time can help reduce confusion and make your appointment go more smoothly.
If you are preparing for an immigration medical examination, contact a USCIS-designated civil surgeon to learn what you should bring and what to expect during your appointment.