How much should you expect to pay for an immigration medical exam, and what exactly does that fee cover? An immigration medical exam costs $250 to $650 on average for the physical and mental evaluation, laboratory testing, and completion of the required documentation. The total depends on factors like your location, vaccination history, and the specific tests your civil surgeon needs to order. Fees for immigration medical examinations are established by the civil surgeon, and fees may vary by civil surgeon. A Queens immigration medical exam provider at Rock Medical PC can walk you through the full cost breakdown so you know what to budget before your appointment.
What Does the Immigration Medical Exam Include?
The immigration medical exam, documented on Form I-693, is a required step for most applicants adjusting their status to become lawful permanent residents of the United States. The exam is conducted by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon and is used to determine whether an immigrant is inadmissible to the United States on health-related grounds. Not just any doctor can perform this exam. Only doctors designated by the USCIS as civil surgeons can complete an immigration exam.
The exam itself covers several components, and the cost of each can vary depending on the provider and what you need. A standard immigration medical exam typically includes:
- A physical examination and review of your medical history
- Screening for communicable diseases, including a tuberculosis blood test (QuantiFERON), syphilis blood test, and gonorrhea urine test
- A review of your vaccination records against CDC requirements
- Completion of Form I-693 in a sealed envelope for USCIS submission
The total cost for lab tests alone averages $150 to $300, though prices vary depending on the specific tests required and the facility performing them. If additional testing is necessary, such as a chest X-ray following a positive TB screening, those costs are typically added separately. Vaccinations that you still need may also increase the total, which is why bringing your existing vaccination records can help keep expenses down.
Why Do Immigration Medical Exam Costs Vary?
Several factors influence what you will ultimately pay for your I-693 exam. The city and state where you undergo the exam can significantly impact the price, as urban areas and regions with higher living costs tend to have more expensive medical services. In a city like New York, exam fees may run toward the higher end of the national range.
Your personal medical history may necessitate additional tests or follow-up appointments, increasing the cost. Applicants who need multiple vaccinations or further evaluation for a positive TB result will pay more than someone who arrives with complete records and no follow-up needs. Your age also plays a role, since the CDC sets different vaccination requirements based on age group.
Most health insurance plans do not cover immigration medical exams as they are considered administrative rather than medically necessary, though some plans may cover certain aspects of the exam or required vaccinations. It is worth checking with your insurer beforehand. You can typically use your Health Savings Account (HSA) funds to pay for an immigration medical exam, provided the expenses meet IRS guidelines.
How to Prepare and Reduce Costs
Proper preparation can help you avoid unnecessary delays and unexpected fees. If you’ve already received vaccines, bring your records to the exam. Acceptable forms of proof include the official vaccination record or a copy of your medical chart showing the vaccine name, lot number, and date of administration. Records from other countries are generally accepted as long as they are in English or include a certified translation.
The COVID-19 vaccine is no longer required as of January 2025. However, other vaccinations remain mandatory depending on your age. For most healthy adults, required vaccines may include Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), varicella (chickenpox), hepatitis B, polio, and influenza during flu season. Getting any missing vaccinations at a local pharmacy or through your insurance before the exam can be more cost-effective than receiving them at the civil surgeon’s office.
You should also download and partially complete Form I-693 (Part 1) before your appointment, but do not sign it until your civil surgeon instructs you to do so. The process typically requires at least two visits: one for the exam, testing, and records review, and a second visit once your test results are in and the facility can complete the required paperwork. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, along with any relevant medical records.
It is also important to know that USCIS now requires certain applicants filing Form I-485 to submit Form I-693 with their Form I-485, or the Form I-485 may otherwise be rejected. Scheduling your exam early in the green card application process can help you avoid last-minute rushes and potential application delays.
Schedule Your Immigration Medical Exam in Jamaica, Queens
Rock Medical PC makes the I-693 process straightforward with a USCIS-approved certified civil surgeon on staff, on-site lab work, and a multilingual team ready to support you. Contact us to schedule your immigration medical exam and get a clear understanding of costs before your visit.
This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical or legal advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare provider and your immigration attorney about your individual needs.
