What You Need to Know: Immigration Medical Exams
If you're looking to immigrate to the United States, you will need a medical exam. Here's what you need to know.
Immigration Medical Exams
Ready to become a permanent resident of the United States? When you apply to get your green card, you’ll be asked to undergo a medical examination as part of the application process. Physicians Immediate Care has provided reliable medical exams to thousands of immigrants wishing to start a new life in the US, and we want to let you know what to expect. Here’s what you need to know about your required medical exams.
Who needs a medical exam for immigration?
A person within the United States who is applying for a Green Card or going through the process of U.S. Naturalization, a medical examination within the U.S. is required, and completion of I-693 Federal Form.
Who can perform the examination?
For most applicants, the doctor conducting your exam must be authorized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Known as civil surgeons, immigration medical exam doctors are chosen by USCIS to conduct fair and accurate exams.
What does the immigration medical exam consist of?
The medical exam for immigration involves two visits to a healthcare provider. Your second visit must be with a USCIS-approved civil surgeon.
1st Visit: At this visit (the “intake”), your vaccination records will be reviewed (if you don’t have them, don’t worry, we will assist you with the next steps!), and necessary testing will be conducted for 3 infectious diseases. Not all three tests will be required for every USCIS applicant. Your age and medical history will be reviewed during 1st visit to help determine which tests are needed.
These are:
Quantiferon Blood Test: a screening test for Tuberculosis that is mandated for all persons over the age of 2 years old
RPR Blood Test: a screening test for Syphilis
Gonorrhea Urine Test: a screening test for Gonorrhea
An Immigration Specialist will review your vaccination records. If you do not have your records, you may receive the vaccinations required (from our clinic or a local immunization clinic) or be tested for vaccine immunity by having a blood test called an “immune titer.” Note: Vaccine administration in the clinic and titers will be an additional self-pay fee.
2nd visit: At this visit (the “completion”), you will be seen by our Civil Surgeon.
You will review the completed I-693 Federal Form and complete your physical examination with the Civil Surgeon.
You’ll be provided with one sealed envelope to be submitted to USCIS & one unsealed envelope for your personal records.
What vaccinations are mandatory per the USCIS/CDC?
Required vaccines are determined by your age and medical history in accordance with CDC and USCIS guidelines. Vaccinations will be reviewed and discussed during your first visit and you are advised to not receive any vaccines beforehand.
TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Varicella
Polio
Hepatitis B (2 to 3 doses depending on manufacturer)
Influenza (October 1 - March 31)
Your Immigration Specialist will inform you of which vaccines are necessary for you and can administer those that are available at our clinic at your 1st or 2nd appointment and are available for an additional self-pay fee.
What should I bring to my USCIS immigration medical exam?
At your 1st immigration exam visit, you should bring the following:
Government-issued photo identification
All vaccination records, if applicable
Any medical records, if available
Payment for all exams
Translator, if needed
Where & When are USCIS Immigration Medical Exams performed?
To have your Immigration Medical Exam process started and completed, you must visit our Immigration Specialist at the Physicians Immediate Care | Clybourn location in Chicago, IL. Call 224-220-5940 or email immigration@wellnow.com to make an appointment today!
WellNow Urgent Care is a series of urgent care clinics and virtual care serving the Midwest and Northeastern United States in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania.
Information contained in this blog is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals. The content is not meant to be complete or exhaustive or to apply to any specific individual's medical condition. Always refer to the personalized information given to you by your doctor or contact us directly.