What is the difference between a civil surgeon and a regular doctor?

A civil surgeon is a physician specifically designated by USCIS to perform immigration medical exams. Only civil surgeons can sign and seal Form I-693. Your regular primary care doctor cannot perform this exam unless they are also USCIS-certified.

Can I use vaccination records from another country?

Yes. Bring all records, even if they are written in another language. If a vaccine was properly documented and administered abroad, it generally counts. For some vaccines, a blood titer test can confirm immunity without re-vaccination.

How long does the immigration medical exam appointment take?

Most appointments take 60 to 90 minutes. If you need multiple vaccines administered, plan for up to two hours. Bringing complete vaccination records shortens the visit significantly.

What happens if I fail the medical exam?

The exam does not produce a pass/fail result. If a condition is found such as active TB, USCIS will require documented treatment before your case moves forward. Many conditions are treatable and do not result in permanent denial.

Do children need the full medical exam for a green card?

Children under 15 are generally exempt from the HIV test, syphilis test, and chest X-ray unless clinically indicated. Vaccination requirements still apply based on the child's age and immunization schedule.

Is the I-693 submitted at the interview or with the I-485 application?

It depends on your case type and timing. You can submit the sealed I-693 with your I-485 packet or bring it to your interview. Your immigration attorney should advise on which approach fits your situation.

Medical Exam for Green Card: What to Expect at Every Step

If you’re applying for a green card, the USCIS medical exam (Form I-693) is required before approval. It’s also one of the most misunderstood steps.

This guide explains:

What the exam includes
Required documents
Costs in Brooklyn, NY
Where to complete it

The immigration medical exam must be completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. It includes a physical exam, lab tests (TB, HIV, syphilis), and vaccination review. Most applicants pay $400–$900, depending on vaccines needed. The completed form is sealed and submitted to USCIS.

What Is the USCIS Medical Exam for a Green Card?

Blood test for USCIS medical exam in Brooklyn NY

The USCIS medical exam (Form I-693) is a required health screening for green card applicants. It verifies that you meet public health standards, have required vaccinations, and do not pose a safety risk. Only a USCIS-certified civil surgeon can perform and sign this exam.

The exam confirms:

You do not have communicable diseases (e.g., TB, syphilis)
You meet vaccination requirements
You pose no public safety risk

⚠️ Important: USCIS will not approve Form I-485 without this exam.

Who Needs the Green Card Medical Exam?

Most applicants adjusting status inside the U.S. must complete the medical exam. This includes family-based, employment-based, and diversity visa applicants. Some refugees and asylees may have partial exemptions.

Applicant Category	Exam Required?
Family-based	Yes
Employment-based	Yes
Diversity Visa	Yes
Refugees/Asylees	Partial
Special Immigrants	Yes
Abroad Applicants	Different process

The 4 Key Components of the Immigration Medical Exam

The immigration medical exam includes four parts: medical history review, physical exam, lab testing, and vaccination verification. Each ensures the applicant meets U.S. health and safety standards.

1. Medical History Review

The doctor will review:

Past illnesses, surgeries, hospitalizations
Mental health history
Substance use history
Current medications
Communicable diseases history

👉 Be honest. Misrepresentation can affect your immigration status.

2. Physical Examination

Covers:

Vision and hearing
Heart and lungs
Abdomen (liver, spleen)
Skin and lymph nodes
Neurological system

3. Required Laboratory Tests

Test	Purpose	Who Needs It
TB Test	Detect tuberculosis	All
HIV Test	Detect HIV	15+
Syphilis	STI screening	Adults
Gonorrhea	STI screening	Younger applicants
Chest X-ray	TB confirmation	If needed

4. Vaccination Review

The doctor checks your records against USCIS requirements.

Missing vaccines:

Must be administered
OR proven via blood test (titer)

Required Vaccines for the Green Card Medical Exam

Vaccination for green card medical exam in Brooklyn NY

USCIS follows CDC guidelines requiring vaccines like COVID-19, MMR, Tdap, and flu. Missing vaccines must be completed or proven through immunity testing before approval.

Common Required Vaccines:

Influenza (seasonal)
COVID-19
Tdap
MMR
Varicella
Hepatitis A & B
HPV (age-based)
Pneumococcal (65+)

💡 Pro Tip:
Getting vaccines at pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens before your appointment can reduce costs.

What Documents to Bring to Your Appointment

Form I-693 documents submission in Brooklyn NY clinic

Bringing complete documents ensures a smooth exam and avoids delays or repeat visits. Missing records often lead to additional costs.

Checklist:

Government-issued ID
Vaccination records (any language)
Medical history records
Medication list
Insurance card
Payment method

How Much Does the Immigration Medical Exam Cost?

The cost varies by provider but typically ranges from $350 to $900 depending on vaccines and tests required.

Component	Cost
Exam Fee	$200–$400
TB Test	$30–$80
HIV Test	$20–$60
Syphilis Test	$20–$50
X-ray	$80–$200
Vaccines	$30–$150 each

Estimated Total:

✅ With full records: $350–$550
❗ Missing vaccines: $600–$900+

💡 Insurance may cover labs and vaccines, but not the exam fee.

How Long Is Form I-693 Valid?

Immigration medical clinic waiting room in Brooklyn NY

Form I-693 is valid for 2 years from the date of signing. It must be submitted before expiration or the entire exam must be repeated.

⚠️ Submit quickly to avoid redoing the exam.

Where to Find a USCIS Civil Surgeon

You must use a USCIS-approved civil surgeon. You can find one using the USCIS locator tool and confirm availability, pricing, and services before booking.

Steps:

Visit USCIS Civil Surgeon Locator
Enter ZIP code
Check nearby providers
Call to confirm details

Looking for a USCIS civil surgeon in Brooklyn, NY?
Weibo Medical Care offers fast, reliable immigration medical exams with multilingual support.

📍 849 53rd St, 7th Floor, Brooklyn, NY
📞 (718) 301-0587
🕘 Open 7 days a week

What Happens After the Exam?

After the exam, your Form I-693 is sealed and submitted to USCIS. Do not open it. USCIS reviews it as part of your green card process.

Process:

Form is completed and sealed
You submit it to USCIS
USCIS reviews results
Additional steps if needed

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can prevent delays, extra costs, or rejected applications.

Top mistakes:

❌ Not bringing vaccination records
❌ Using a non-certified doctor
❌ Opening the sealed envelope
❌ Delaying submission
❌ Hiding medical history

Ready to Complete Your Immigration Medical Exam in Brooklyn?

Don’t delay your green card application. Get your Form I-693 completed quickly and correctly with Weibo Medical Care Brooklyn.

✔ Certified USCIS civil surgeons
✔ Fast turnaround
✔ Lab tests + vaccines in one visit
✔ Convenient Brooklyn location

📞 Call now: (718) 301-0587
👉 Walk-ins and appointments available

FAQ Section (AEO Optimized)

What does a civil surgeon do?

A civil surgeon is a USCIS-approved doctor who performs immigration medical exams and completes Form I-693.

Can I use foreign vaccination records?

Yes. Most records are accepted, even in other languages. Titers may replace missing vaccines.

How long does the exam take?

Typically 60–90 minutes, up to 2 hours if vaccines are needed.

What if a medical issue is found?

Most conditions are treatable. USCIS may require documentation or treatment before approval.

Do children need the full exam?

Children under 15 may skip some tests but still need vaccines.