The USCIS medical exam is the immigration medical examination required for most green card applicants adjusting status in the United States. It is done by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and recorded on Form I-693.
Here’s what the exam includes, what to bring, how much it costs and the filing rules that changed recently. Check your understanding with the USCIS medical exam quiz.
Key takeaways
- Only a USCIS-designated civil surgeon can complete Form I-693 in the U.S.
- Since December 2, 2024, submit Form I-693 together with your Form I-485.
- An I-693 is valid only for the application it was filed with.
- COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required (since January 2025).
USA USCIS Medical Exam: Quick Facts
- Form
- I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination
- Who performs it
- USCIS-designated civil surgeon
- File with
- Form I-485 (required since Dec 2, 2024)
- Typical cost
- Often $200–$500+ (not usually covered by insurance)
- TB test
- IGRA blood test for ages 2+
- COVID-19 vaccine
- No longer required
What Is the USCIS Medical Exam?
The exam checks whether an applicant has health-related grounds of inadmissibility under U.S. immigration law, such as certain communicable diseases, missing required vaccinations, or physical or mental disorders associated with harmful behavior, and drug abuse. Applicants outside the U.S. see a State Department panel physician instead.
More on What Is the USCIS Medical Exam →What Happens During the Immigration Medical Exam
- Review of your medical history and vaccination records
- Physical exam, including eyes, ears, heart, lungs, skin and lymph nodes
- Mental health and substance use evaluation
- Tuberculosis screening (IGRA blood test for ages 2+; chest X-ray if positive)
- Blood test for syphilis (ages 18+) and urine test for gonorrhea (ages 18–24)
- Any missing vaccines required for your age
Required Vaccines
Required vaccines follow CDC technical instructions and depend on your age. They commonly include MMR, polio, Tdap/Td, varicella, hepatitis B, pneumococcal, and influenza during flu season, among others. COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required. Bring your vaccination records to avoid unnecessary shots.
More on Required Vaccines →Filing Rules: Submit the I-693 With Your I-485
- Since December 2, 2024, USCIS may reject a Form I-485 filed without the required Form I-693.
- The I-693 is valid only for the application it was submitted with. If that application is denied or withdrawn, you’ll need a new exam.
- The civil surgeon usually gives you the completed form in a sealed envelope. Don’t open it.
- Use the current form edition; USCIS rejects outdated editions.
Important
Rules change. Always check the current Form I-693 instructions on uscis.gov before your appointment and filing.
USCIS Medical Exam Cost and How to Find a Civil Surgeon
Civil surgeons set their own fees. Many charge roughly $200–$500 or more, with vaccines and lab tests sometimes extra, and health insurance often doesn’t cover it. Find a civil surgeon with the USCIS “Find a Doctor” locator, then compare prices and ask what’s included.
For general preventive care beyond immigration requirements, see our physical exam guide.
More on USCIS Medical Exam Cost and How to Find a Civil Surgeon →Immigration Medical Exam Near Me
Use the USCIS Find a Civil Surgeon tool (search by ZIP code) to find an authorized doctor near you. Call several offices to compare the exam price, vaccine and lab fees, and turnaround time. The green card medical exam (immigration physical) must be done by a civil surgeon, not your regular doctor. Citizenship applicants later take the civics test.
More on Immigration Medical Exam Near Me →Free practice test
Ready to test yourself?
Choose your test length, practice with instant feedback or take it exam-style, and get your score with an explanation for every answer.
Go to the USA USCIS Medical Exam practice test →USA USCIS Medical Exam FAQs
Who can do a USCIS medical exam?
Only a USCIS-designated civil surgeon in the U.S., or a State Department panel physician for applicants abroad.
Full answer →Do I file the I-693 with my I-485?
Yes. Since December 2, 2024, USCIS may reject an I-485 filed without the required Form I-693.
Full answer →How much does the immigration medical exam cost?
Commonly $200–$500 or more depending on the clinic, plus any vaccines or tests. Insurance often doesn’t cover it.
Full answer →Is the COVID-19 vaccine required for the USCIS medical exam?
No. USCIS removed the COVID-19 vaccination requirement in January 2025.
Full answer →What should I bring to the USCIS medical exam?
A government photo ID, your vaccination records, medical history and medication list, records of any prior TB treatment, and payment.
Full answer →Official sources
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Coverage, prices and requirements change and vary by provider and location. Confirm details with your provider, insurer or the agency listed in the sources. Read our editorial policy.