How to Prepare for the Medical Exam Required for U.S. Immigration

Civil surgeons perform medical exams for immigrant change of status cases.

Before any immigrant leaves or enters the United States, the person undergoes a medical examination. This medical examination ensures that the immigrant has a healthy status without spreading any types of serious and contagious medical ailments between countries. Normal family physicians cannot perform these medical exams. A recognized civil surgeon in the United States must conduct the examination. If you seek to enter the United States from overseas, the Department of State can recommend a panel physician to give the examination before considering the visa application.

Instructions

1. Obtain a list of civil surgeons to conduct the exam. Search online through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website (uscis.gov). Place in your zip code to review a list of surgeons in your area. If you do not have Internet access, contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center at the toll-free telephone number of 1-800-375-5283, or make an appointment to visit the USCIS office.

2. Get a form I-693 Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record from the USCIS agency. Download the form and instructions from the USCIS website. Click on the Forms tab at the top of the page. Scroll down the chart of forms until you locate the I-693 form. Print out the form free of charge. You can also order the form by phone through the USCIS Forms Request line at 1-800-870-3676.

3. Complete only the first part of the I-693 form. Provide all your personal information, such as your full name, current home address, phone number, date of birth and social security number. The civil surgeon will complete the rest of the form during the examination. Only sign it after the surgeon instructs you to do so.

4. Send the form along with your other immigration forms to the USCIS per the I-693 instructions. There are no fees for submitting the form.

Tips & Warnings

• Although filing the I-693 form is free, you will have to pay the civil surgeon for the examination.

• Do not open the sealed envelope the civil surgeon places in the I-693 form. Broken seals will not be accepted by the USCIS.

References

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; Immigration Medical Examinations; March 2011
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record

Resources

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: Form I-693 Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination