An immigration medical exam is a necessary part of immigrating to the United States and becoming a permanent resident (green card holder). USCIS requires the immigration medical exam to protect the public health of the U.S. population. The exam screens for certain health conditions, confirms your vaccination history, and produces the documentation USCIS needs to process your application. A Jamaica, Queens immigration medical exam provider at Rock Medical PC can guide you through every step of this process with the care and attention your case deserves.
What Does the Immigration Medical Exam Include?
The immigration medical exam follows a structured process outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and USCIS. The exam must be completed by a government-authorized doctor, also known as a civil surgeon. Immigration medical examinations for aliens inside the United States must be performed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon.
During the appointment, the civil surgeon will complete several key assessments. These typically include:
- A review of your medical history, including past illnesses, surgeries, and ongoing treatments
- A physical examination covering your eyes, ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes, and skin
- A blood test (an IGRA, such as QuantiFERON) or other CDC-approved test to screen for tuberculosis, with a chest X-ray if indicated
- Blood testing for syphilis and, in some cases, gonorrhea screening
- A thorough review of your vaccination records with administration of any missing required vaccines
During the medical examination, the civil surgeon will perform tests for communicable diseases of public health significance and screen for certain physical or mental disorders, as well as drug addiction and abuse. Once all testing is complete, the civil surgeon records the results on Form I-693, the official Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.
After completing your immigration medical examination, the civil surgeon must give you the completed Form I‑693 for USCIS in a sealed envelope, which USCIS requires you to submit without opening. Do not accept it if it is not in a sealed envelope.
Which Vaccinations Are Required?
Vaccination compliance is a significant part of the immigration medical exam. Under the immigration laws of the United States, an alien who applies for an immigrant visa abroad, or who seeks to adjust status to that of a lawful permanent resident while in the United States, is required to receive vaccinations to prevent a number of diseases. The specific vaccines you need depend on your age, medical history, and what you have already received.
For most adults, commonly required vaccinations include MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), varicella (chickenpox), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), polio, hepatitis B, and the seasonal flu vaccine during flu season. On March 11, 2025, CDC updated their Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons to remove the COVID-19 vaccination from the list of required vaccinations for immigration purposes. Your civil surgeon will review your existing records and determine exactly which vaccines are needed.
If you do not have your vaccination records, the civil surgeon can help determine next steps. Instead of repeating vaccinations, a titer test, also known as an immunity test, can be completed for some immunizations. For example, immunity testing for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, MMR, and Varicella (chickenpox) is available. A sample of blood is taken from the arm, with results in 24-72 hours. Bringing any documentation you have, even partial records, can help streamline the process and reduce the number of vaccines needed at your appointment.
How to Prepare for Your Immigration Medical Exam
Preparation can help your exam go smoothly and prevent unnecessary delays. Before your appointment, gather the following items:
- A valid government-issued photo ID, such as your passport or driver’s license
- Your vaccination records or immunization cards, if available
- Any relevant medical records, including documentation of past tuberculosis treatment or prior positive test results
- Bring Form I‑693 with Part 1 (your personal information) filled out, but do not sign it until you are in front of the civil surgeon, as required by USCIS instructions
Effective Dec. 2, 2024, USCIS requires certain applicants filing Form I‑485 to submit Form I‑693, or a partial Form I‑693 such as the Vaccination Record, at the same time as the I‑485, or the application may be rejected. Because of this concurrent filing requirement, timing your medical exam with your adjustment application is important. If your adjustment application is later withdrawn or denied, you may need a new medical exam for any future application, depending on how USCIS applies its validity rules at that time; consult current USCIS policy before reusing an older I‑693.
At Rock Medical PC in Jamaica, Queens, Dr. Farid Shahkoohi is a board-certified internist and USCIS-designated certified civil surgeon with over 30 years of experience. The practice offers all required components of the immigration medical exam, including blood work, vaccinations, and I-693 form completion, in one convenient location.
Schedule Your Immigration Medical Exam in Jamaica, Queens
Your green card journey includes many steps, and the immigration medical exam does not have to be a stressful one. Rock Medical PC provides comprehensive immigration medical exams with a multilingual staff that understands the needs of our diverse Queens community. Contact us to schedule your appointment. We are here to help you move forward with confidence.
This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical or legal advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare provider and immigration attorney about your individual needs.
