Complete Guide to the USCIS Medical Exam: Requirements and Process

When applying for immigration benefits in the United States, one of the critical requirements for most applicants is the USCIS medical exam. This medical examination is an essential step in the process of obtaining a green card, a visa, or other forms of immigration status. The USCIS medical exam ensures that applicants meet the health-related requirements set by U.S. immigration law.

What is the USCIS Medical Exam?

The USCIS medical exam is a medical examination required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for individuals applying for adjustment of status or immigration benefits, including permanent residency (green card). The medical exam is conducted by a USCIS-approved physician, also known as a civil surgeon.

The exam helps ensure that applicants do not have any medical conditions that could pose a threat to public health or safety. It also verifies that the applicant meets the necessary health standards set forth by the U.S. government. The results of the medical exam are used as part of the green card application process and other immigration filings.

Why is the USCIS Medical Exam Required?

The USCIS medical exam serves several important purposes:

1. Public Health Safety
   The exam screens for communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis (TB), syphilis, and other diseases that could potentially pose a public health risk. It also checks for conditions like leprosy, which the U.S. government wants to monitor and manage to prevent the spread of the disease.

2. Mental Health Evaluation
   In addition to physical health, the medical exam also includes a mental health evaluation. This is to ensure that applicants do not have any mental or physical health conditions that could interfere with their ability to adapt to life in the U.S. or pose a risk to public safety.

3. Ensuring Immunization Compliance
   The USCIS medical exam ensures that applicants have the required immunizations. Vaccinations are essential for preventing the spread of diseases, such as measles, polio, and hepatitis, which can be harmful to a new population.

4. Ensuring Immigration Law Compliance
   By completing the USCIS medical exam, applicants fulfill one of the requirements for obtaining a green card or other immigration benefits. The exam ensures that individuals applying for immigration meet the physical and medical eligibility criteria set by U.S. immigration law.

Who Needs to Take the USCIS Medical Exam?

The USCIS medical exam is required for the following individuals:

1. Green Card Applicants
   Anyone applying for a green card (permanent residency) in the U.S. must undergo the USCIS medical exam. This includes individuals applying for a green card through family-based petitions, employment-based petitions, or the Diversity Visa Lottery.

2. Visa Applicants
   Foreign nationals applying for immigrant visas at U.S. consulates abroad must also complete the USCIS medical exam as part of the visa application process.

3. Adjustment of Status Applicants
   If you are already in the U.S. and applying to adjust your status to permanent residency (i.e., moving from a non-immigrant visa status to a green card holder), you will need to complete the medical exam.

4. Certain Non-Immigrant Visa Holders
   Some non-immigrant visa holders, like those seeking asylum or refugee status, may also be required to undergo a medical exam as part of the process.

What Does the USCIS Medical Exam Involve?

The USCIS medical exam is a detailed process that includes various components. Here is what you can expect during the exam:

1. Find a USCIS-Approved Civil Surgeon
   Before you can undergo the USCIS medical exam, you need to find a doctor who is approved by USCIS to perform the exam. These doctors are called civil surgeons. You can search for a list of approved civil surgeons on the USCIS website or ask for recommendations from an immigration attorney or local immigration office.

2. Medical History and Physical Examination
   During the exam, the civil surgeon will take your medical history, which includes asking about any past or current medical conditions, surgeries, or treatments you’ve had. They may ask questions about mental health, drug use, or any history of communicable diseases. The civil surgeon will also conduct a physical examination to assess your overall health.

3. Vaccination Requirements
   The USCIS requires applicants to be up-to-date on certain vaccinations. These vaccinations include but are not limited to:

   • Mumps
   • Measles
   • Rubella
   • Polio
   • Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids
   • Hepatitis B
   • Varicella (chickenpox)
   • Influenza (flu) if you are applying during flu season
   • Meningococcal disease (for applicants aged 11-21)

If you are missing any of these vaccines, the civil surgeon will administer the necessary shots during the exam. However, there are certain medical exemptions that may apply if you are unable to receive a vaccine due to medical conditions.

4. Tuberculosis (TB) Screening
   The medical exam also includes a TB test. If you are 2 years or older, the civil surgeon will perform a TB test using a skin test (called the Tuberculin Skin Test or TST) or blood test to determine if you have been exposed to tuberculosis. If you test positive, additional tests such as a chest X-ray may be required to check if the disease is active.

5. Other Medical Conditions
   The doctor will check for other medical conditions that might affect your eligibility for a green card or immigration benefits. For instance, applicants are screened for syphilis, leprosy, and other serious medical conditions that may disqualify them from obtaining immigration status.

6. Mental Health Evaluation
   As part of the medical exam, the civil surgeon may evaluate your mental health status to ensure you do not have any mental health conditions that might make you a danger to yourself or others or prevent you from being able to adjust to life in the U.S.

Required Documentation for the USCIS Medical Exam

Before your exam, you will need to gather a few documents:

• Form I-693: The USCIS Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, must be completed by the civil surgeon and submitted to USCIS as part of your immigration application. The civil surgeon will fill out this form during your exam.
• Vaccination Record: If you’ve received vaccinations in the past, bring documentation of your vaccination history to the exam, as this will help avoid unnecessary shots.
• Identification and Passport: You should bring government-issued identification, such as your passport or driver’s license, to the exam.

Cost of the USCIS Medical Exam

The cost of the USCIS medical exam varies depending on the civil surgeon you visit, but it typically ranges from $100 to $500. Some civil surgeons may also charge additional fees for vaccinations or lab tests, such as the TB test. Make sure to inquire about the total cost when scheduling your appointment.

Conclusion

The USCIS medical exam is a crucial part of the immigration process, ensuring that applicants meet the health standards required by U.S. immigration law. By completing the medical exam, applicants undergo a thorough screening for communicable diseases, vaccinations, and mental health conditions, all of which help maintain public health and safety. Understanding the requirements and process of the USCIS medical exam can help you navigate this essential step in your immigration journey. Be sure to consult with an approved civil surgeon, gather the necessary documentation, and follow through with all health requirements to ensure a smooth and successful immigration application process.