Everything You Need to Know About Immigration Physical Exams - Si Habla Español & Walk-ins Welcome!
If you’re in the process of applying for U.S. immigration, one of the essential steps in the journey is the immigration physical exam. The exam is a necessary requirement to ensure you meet the health standards set by the U.S. government, but it’s not just a typical health check-up — it’s specifically designed to screen for conditions that could impact your eligibility for immigration.
What is an Immigration Physical Exam?
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires applicants to undergo a medical examination as part of the immigration process. This exam focuses on screening for certain medical conditions, including contagious diseases and immunizations that are required by law.
Important to Note:
This immigration physical exam is not a comprehensive medical exam. It’s
aimed at ensuring that you are free of diseases that might pose a
public health risk, and confirming that you meet the U.S. vaccination
requirements. It is not meant to replace a full physical examination
with your primary care doctor.
What to Bring for Your Immigration Physical Exam
When you schedule your appointment for the immigration physical, it’s crucial to come prepared. Here’s a list of items to bring:
- Valid Identification:
Bring your passport or another government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license). - Vaccination Records:
If you have any immunization records, whether from the U.S. or your home country, bring them along. If possible, have them translated into English, though we can help interpret them as needed. - List of Current Medications:
If you take any medications regularly or are being treated for a chronic medical condition, bring a list of these medications with you. - Medical History:
If you’ve been treated or hospitalized for mental health issues, psychiatric conditions, or substance abuse, make sure to bring any relevant written medical records. - Form I-693:
You can fill out the first three pages of the I-693 form at home, but don’t sign it until you’re with the doctor. - Payment:
Exam fees are required at the time of service. We accept cash, credit, or debit cards. Keep in mind that this exam is not covered by insurance.
What to Expect During Your Immigration Physical Exam
During your exam, you can expect the following:
- Medical and Social History Review: Your doctor will ask about your health history, including any current health conditions.
- Vaccination History Review: If you have vaccination records, your doctor will review them to determine if you need any additional vaccines.
- Physical Examination: A standard physical examination will be conducted.
- Blood and Urine Tests: These are necessary to check for conditions like syphilis, gonorrhea, and tuberculosis (TB).
- Syphilis Test (RPR blood test) — Required for applicants ages 18–44.
- Gonorrhea Urine Test — Required for applicants ages 18–24.
- Tuberculosis Screening (QuantiFERON blood test) — Required for applicants aged 2 years and older. If your TB test is positive, you may need a chest X-ray to confirm no active TB.
- A drug screen test may be required, although this is not always the case.
Post-Exam Process
Once the physical exam is completed, your doctor will certify Form I-693, which will include your medical exam results and vaccination history. This certified form will be sealed in an envelope, which you should not open. You’ll submit this sealed envelope along with your immigration application.
Important:
The immigration physical exam is only valid for one year from the date of your exam. Be sure to submit the certified form to USCIS before it expires.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use health insurance for this exam?
Unfortunately, we do not accept health insurance for the immigration physical exam or any lab work associated with it.
What are the vaccination requirements?
The vaccination requirements vary depending on your age. The most commonly required vaccinations are MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella (Chickenpox), Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis), and Flu shots (during flu season). Some applicants may need additional vaccines based on their age, medical conditions, or travel history.
How much does the exam cost?
Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
- Adults (18 and older): $280 (Doctor’s fee + all required tests)
- Children (2–17 years old): $200
- Infants (0–1 year old): $100 (No blood or urine tests required for infants)
We also offer family discounts for multiple members, so you can save on your total fees.
Can I get my tests and vaccines done before the exam?
No, we require that the tests be performed during your immigration
physical exam. This includes the TB test, syphilis test, and gonorrhea
test.
Si Habla Español — Bilingual Services Available!
To make the process easier, we offer bilingual services for Spanish-speaking patients. If you’re more comfortable speaking Spanish, don’t hesitate to let us know — our staff is happy to assist you in both English and Spanish.
Walk-ins Welcome
No appointment? No problem! We accept walk-ins for immigration physical exams. If you need to get your exam done quickly or have a tight schedule, just walk in and we’ll help you through the process.
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