Immigration Physical Exam Near Me – What to Expect and How to Prepare

Immigration physical exam, also called Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (form I-693), is a necessary step if you want to fulfill your dream to become a permanent resident of the US and apply for a green card. But this step is not an easy task, as you must meet the criteria of the U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is considered a big milestone on your immigration journey. That’s why Imed Urgent Care provides immigration physicals to make your medical exam stress-free and complete all the requirements of Form I-693. 

So let’s talk about immigration physical exam, what to expect, and how to prepare for success. 

What Is an Immigration Physical Exam?

An immigration physical exam or USCIS medical exam is a health checkup required by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The main goal of this exam is to ensure that applicants for a visa or green card don’t have any medical conditions that could make them inadmissible to the U.S. It is a mandatory step for all those people who want permanent residency in the United States. It’s a type of health standard set by the government for the people who immigrate to the US. 

Basically, the government wants to make sure you’re not carrying any infectious diseases, haven’t missed important vaccinations, and are physically and mentally fit to be in the country. It’s not about judging your overall health—it’s really just a legal box that needs ticking.

Who Needs It?

If you’re applying for:

You’ll probably need to get this exam done. Children, adults, and even elderly applicants are also required to complete it, depending on their immigration path.

Who Can Perform the Exam?

Not just any doctor can do it. The immigration physical must be conducted by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon if you're inside the U.S. or a panel physician if you're applying from abroad.

You can find a list of approved civil surgeons in your area directly on the USCIS website. You just need to type Immigration Physical Exam near me, plug in your ZIP code, and it’ll show you nearby doctors who are officially authorized to perform the exam.

Don’t wait until the last minute to book an appointment. Some clinics have long wait times, but iMed urgent care opens 7 days a week for immigration physical exam services and helps you to book same-day appointments without waiting longer. 

What Happens During the Exam?

Let’s see what you can expect when you go in for your immigration medical.

Medical History Review

Your civil surgeon will ask you a bunch of questions about your medical background and focus on chronic conditions and major illnesses you have experienced in the past. Don't panic here, just think of it like a friendly and detailed chat about your health. They’ll ask about:

Be honest here! Lying or withholding info can delay your immigration process or even get your application denied.

Physical Examination

This part is just a general head-to-toe check to assess your health. The doctor will look at your:

It’s a very straightforward process and there’s nothing to be nervous about. They're just making sure there’s nothing major going on health-wise.

Tuberculosis (TB) Test

This one's a biggie. As of now, USCIS requires:

If your TB test comes back positive, don’t panic. It just means you’ll need a chest X-ray to rule out active TB. If the X-ray looks fine, you’ll still be cleared.

Vaccination Review

You’ll need to show proof of certain vaccinations. These include:

If you’re missing any shots, don’t worry! The doctor can usually give them to you on the spot or schedule you for a follow-up. If you have vaccine records from your home country, bring them along! They can save you time and money.

Blood and Urine Tests

If you're 15 or older, expect blood and urine tests to check for:

These are standard tests and required by USCIS. Again, testing positive doesn’t automatically mean your green card is denied—it just means you need treatment and documentation showing you followed through.

How to Prepare for Your Immigration Medical Exam

Now that you know what’s involved, let’s talk about how to prep like a pro. 

Bring the Right Paperwork

Make sure you’ve got these with you:

Get Vaccination Records Translated

If your vaccine records are in another language, get them officially translated before your appointment. USCIS requires English documentation.

Skip the Makeup and Jewelry

Doctors may need to examine your skin and check your reflexes, so keep it simple on exam day. You’ll also likely need to give a blood sample, so loose-fitting sleeves are preferable.

Eat and Hydrate Normally

There’s no fasting required but don’t show up on an empty stomach either—especially if you’re nervous about getting your blood drawn.

What Happens After the Exam?

Once the exam is done and the lab results come back, your doctor will either:

Make sure you also ask for an extra copy of the exam for your personal records. You never know when you might need it.

The sealed envelope is valid for two years—so if your immigration process drags on a bit as it sometimes does, you've got the solution.

How Much Does It Cost?

Immigration medical exam prices vary by clinic and location but you can expect to pay anywhere from a basic package of $150 to $390, standard package of $390 to $500, and comprehensive package up to $1200, depending on:

Health insurance doesn’t always cover immigration medicals, so it’s a good idea to call ahead and ask about pricing. Some clinics also offer package deals to bundle everything.

How Long Does It Take?

The physical exam itself usually takes around 30 to 60 minutes but the whole process, especially if you need extra vaccines can take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on lab turnaround times. Plan ahead and give yourself at least 2–4 weeks before your USCIS deadline, just to be safe.

Common Questions About the Immigration Medical Exam

Will the doctor tell USCIS if I have a chronic illness?

Not necessarily. Chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure don’t automatically disqualify you. The doctor’s main concern is with communicable diseases, drug abuse, and mental health risks that pose a public safety concern.

What if I test positive for something?

You'll likely be asked to follow up with treatment and show proof. In most cases, that’s all USCIS needs to see. Having a positive result for TB or syphilis doesn’t mean your green card is automatically denied.

Can I use my regular doctor?

Only if they’re a USCIS-approved civil surgeon. Most primary care physicians aren’t.

Can I take the exam outside the U.S.?

Yes, but you’ll need to go to a panel physician in your country. These are also designated by the U.S. government, and you can find them via your local U.S. embassy’s website.

How to Find a Trusted Immigration Doctor Near You

Searching for immigration physical exam near me will get you tons of results, and choosing the one can be confusing. You will check the Google reviews or Yelp to get an idea of how friendly and organized the clinic is. But still you’ll get both positive and negative reviews. So if you want the best option, then iMed Urgent Care in Ohio is here for you to provide you with free immigration physical exam services. Here, all the doctors are officially approved and you’ll experience compliant services. You never need to ask about wait time because you can visit iMed Urgent Care anytime during working hours 7 days a week to complete your exam. We offer you an in-house lab facility which helps you save the time you spent on multiple appointments. iMed Urgent Care is the best choice for you if you want a complete solution for immigration physical exam.