Form I-693 Medical Exam in Ohio: Requirements, Costs & Complete Process

If you are in Ohio and apply for a green card, then USCIS requires you to prove you meet certain health requirements. Form I-693 is used to prove this. This is the Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. Only a USCIS-approved civil surgeon can complete this form.

If you are looking for a civil surgeon in Ohio, or want to know more about the I-693 requirements, cost, and process, then let’s discuss and clear all your confusion here. 

What Is Form I-693?

Form I-693 is the official USCIS form used to show that an immigrant applicant meets the required health standards for the United States. A USCIS-approved civil surgeon completes the form after performing the immigration medical exam, checking for tuberculosis, and reviewing the applicant’s vaccination history.

The main purpose of this exam is to check:

Form I-693 is different from a regular physical exam because it follows specific rules set by the CDC for  immigration medical exams. If you are searching for a USCIS medical exam near me, make sure you choose a doctor who is authorized by USCIS to perform immigration medical exams. The form must be completed and signed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. 

Your regular primary care doctor cannot complete Form I-693 medical exam unless they are also a USCIS-designated civil surgeon.

Who Needs to Complete Form I-693 Medical Exam in Ohio?

Most people who file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) from inside the United States need to submit Form I-693. This includes people applying for a green card through:

U.S. citizens do not need Form I-693. Some applicants can also have different requirements. For example, certain K-1 fiancé visa holders who already completed a medical exam overseas only need to update their vaccination information instead of completing a new full medical exam.

If you are not sure whether you need a full I-693 medical exam, then you can check it with your immigration attorney before scheduling your appointment.

Important Filing Update

USCIS generally requires applicants who need Form I-693 to submit it with Form I-485. Filing Form I-485 without a required medical exam or valid I-693 can cause problems with your application. That’s why it is a better option to first schedule your appointment with a USCIS-approved civil surgeon before filing your I-485 so your medical paperwork is ready when you submit your application.

Ohio Civil Surgeon Requirement: Why It Matters

A primary doctor cannot complete this form. Only a doctor with an active USCIS civil surgeon designation can complete and sign Form I-693. To qualify as a civil surgeon, the doctor must:

Choosing the right doctor is important. If your I-693 is completed by a doctor who is not a USCIS-designated civil surgeon, then USCIS does not accept this form. You have to repeat the medical exam, pay the fee again, and deal with additional delays.

So before making an appointment, always confirm that your doctor is currently authorized as a USCIS civil surgeon. And you can ensure it using the official USCIS Find a Civil Surgeon tool.

What Happens During the I-693 Exam

An immigration medical exam in Ohio consists of four main parts:

Medical History Review

The civil surgeon will ask about your medical history, past health conditions, and current medications. Bring your photo ID, vaccination records, medical records, and a list of current medications to your appointment. 

Physical Examination

The doctor will perform a general physical exam. This includes checking your vision, hearing, heart, lungs, and other major body systems to look for conditions that could affect your health or public health.

Tuberculosis (TB) Screening

Those applicants who are age 2 or older are generally screened for tuberculosis with an IGRA blood test under current CDC technical instructions.

If the test is positive or requires further evaluation, then the civil surgeon requests a chest X-ray or additional testing. Follow-up can take extra time so it is best to schedule your exam early if you have an upcoming immigration filing deadline.

Vaccination Review

The civil surgeon reviews your vaccination records and compares them with the vaccines required for immigration purposes. If you are missing any required vaccines, then the doctor can recommend or provide them. 

Some commonly reviewed vaccines include:

COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for Form I-693 immigration medical exams as of January 2025.

When you go to the doctor, bring the vaccination records you have. Proper documentation can help you avoid getting vaccines you have already received and help reduce the cost and time of your visit.

Important: HIV testing is not part of the current Form I-693 medical exam requirements.

What to Bring to Your I-693 Appointment

Arriving prepared avoids repeat visits and repeat charges. Bring:

Preparing before an exam can help you avoid extra visits, delays, and additional costs. Bring:

Having these documents ready can make your appointment faster and help the civil surgeon complete your Form I-693 without unnecessary delays. 

How Much Does Form I-693 Cost in Ohio?

The cost of an immigration medical exam is not set by USCIS. Each civil surgeon or clinic has its own prices, so the total cost can vary depending on the provider and the services you need.

In Ohio, you can generally expect to pay:

The biggest factor affecting your total cost is often vaccinations. Bringing your complete vaccination records can help the civil surgeon see which vaccines you actually need and prevent unnecessary vaccinations.

Before your appointment, call the clinic and ask for an itemized price estimate based on your situation. This can help you understand the expected cost and avoid unexpected charges.

And if you are in Ohio, then you have the best option available, iMed Urgent Care provides an immigration exam at a very affordable price. You get a complete immigration exam for just $330. 

Form I-693 Validity: How Long Does It Last?

Under current USCIS rules, Form I-693 is generally valid for two years from the date the civil surgeon signs the form. This is important because the signature date can be different from the date you had your physical exam.

For example, a clinic can perform your exam on one day but complete and sign Form I-693 later after receiving lab results or finishing your vaccination review. Before leaving the clinic, check the signature date on your form. 

If your Form I-693 was valid when you submitted your Form I-485, it generally remains valid while your adjustment-of-status application is pending, even if USCIS takes a long time to make a decision. But in some situations, USCIS requires a new medical exam. This can happen if your case is denied and later reopened, remanded, or otherwise requires additional review.

But as immigration rules can change so check the latest USCIS guidance or speak with an immigration attorney if you are unsure whether your existing I-693 is still valid.

Step-by-Step: The Complete I-693 Process in Ohio

Why Choose iMed Urgent Care for Your I-693 Exam in Ohio

iMed Urgent Care serves the greater Ohio area, including Grove City, East Columbus, and South Columbus, with USCIS-compliant immigration medical exams.

We understand how important it is to complete your Form I-693 correctly the first time. Missing documents, incomplete forms, or other issues can cause delays in your green card application. 

When you choose iMed Urgent Care for your I-693 medical exam, we provide you:

Walk-ins are welcome at all locations and appointments can usually be scheduled quickly to help you stay on track with your filing timeline.