A Smoother Exam Starts With Preparation
A little preparation can make an immigration medical exam easier to manage. Gather a government-issued photo ID, any vaccination records you can find, and relevant health information, such as a current medication list or records of past treatment. These details help the civil surgeon review your circumstances and complete the required paperwork.
Your checklist may differ from someone else’s. The documents or follow-up needed depend on your medical history and the records available, and requirements can change. Before the appointment, contact the clinic to confirm what to bring and whether it has forms or instructions for you to complete in advance. This can help avoid last-minute questions without assuming every applicant needs the same documents or tests.
Understand the Exam and Its Purpose
An immigration medical exam is a health assessment required for many people applying for a Green Card through adjustment of status. Some applicants may need only the vaccination portion. For a broader overview of the exam’s purpose, see this guide to the immigration medical exam.
The exam typically includes a review of your medical history, an in-person physical examination, an assessment of vaccination records, and testing for certain communicable diseases when required. The clinician may request additional tests or follow-up based on your age, health history, symptoms, or screening results. A chronic condition does not automatically mean you cannot proceed, but share relevant details so the medical record is accurate.
In the United States, the full exam generally must be performed by a physician authorized by USCIS as a civil surgeon. A regular physician or telehealth provider is not automatically qualified. Check the USCIS civil surgeon directory to confirm a provider’s authorization. Applicants examined abroad see an authorized panel physician. Jana HealthCare is a multidisciplinary Brooklyn practice, so contact the clinic directly to confirm whether it offers the required examination and ask about fees, insurance, and preparation.
The civil surgeon records examination and vaccination findings on Form I-693, the Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. It documents the exam; it does not replace it or decide your immigration application. Review the USCIS Form I-693 instructions for current filing guidance. Bring the form as directed by the clinic, and do not sign it until instructed.
Gather Identification and Health Records
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, along with your appointment confirmation. The civil surgeon’s office may also send registration forms to complete before the visit, so check your email and ask the clinic in advance which documents it needs.
Gather any vaccination records you have, relevant medical records, and a current medication list. If you have received treatment for a significant health condition, bring records that explain the diagnosis and treatment. Applicants who previously completed an immigration medical exam should bring related paperwork. For more on organizing appointment documents, see this immigration medical exam checklist.
Bring Form I-693 only if the civil surgeon asks you to. Follow the office’s instructions about completing or signing it, and do not sign it until instructed during the appointment. USCIS provides Form I-693 instructions.
Prepare for Vaccination Review
Which vaccinations are required depends on your age, medical history, and current guidance. Examples that may apply include vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), polio, tetanus and diphtheria (Tdap), influenza, hepatitis A and B, varicella, meningococcal disease, pneumococcal disease, rotavirus, and COVID-19. This is a list of possible vaccines, not a checklist every applicant must complete. The USCIS vaccination requirements page provides guidance for designated civil surgeons.
Bring all written vaccination records you can find, including records from providers outside your current clinic. The civil surgeon reviews the documentation and determines which vaccines are recorded, which may be needed, and whether a medical reason affects what is appropriate. Jana HealthCare is a multidisciplinary practice in Brooklyn, so applicants can ask its clinical team what records to bring when arranging an exam.
What if I do not have my vaccination records?
Tell the civil surgeon which records are missing. You can also check with a previous doctor, school, or health department for copies. Missing records do not automatically prevent you from completing the exam; the surgeon can review your history and explain what documentation or next steps may be appropriate.
Depending on your circumstances, the civil surgeon may recommend an immunity blood test or vaccination. Do not arrange repeat vaccines or tests on your own unless the surgeon advises you to. Because requirements can change, confirm current guidance with your designated civil surgeon before the appointment. You can also review USCIS information on finding a medical doctor and prepare vaccination records for your exam.
Plan Form Submission and Clinic Costs
When should I submit Form I-693 with Form I-485?
If your application requires a medical exam, USCIS filing instructions determine when to submit Form I-693. In general, the required form, or a required partial form such as the vaccination record, should accompany Form I-485. Online applicants should follow the current instructions for uploading the completed form and keep the original and sealed envelope in case USCIS requests them. Check the current Form I-693 instructions and the filing guidance for your eligibility category before submitting, since procedures can change. If you are unsure whether the form is required, ask a qualified immigration attorney.
Before booking, confirm that the clinician is a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and ask the clinic which identification, vaccination records, and other documents to bring. At janahealthcare.com, the exam is part of a multidisciplinary medical practice in Brooklyn, so confirm appointment details and the document checklist directly with the clinic.
How much does an immigration medical exam cost, and what should I ask the clinic?
Fees vary by clinic and by the services needed. Request an itemized estimate that separates the examination, laboratory tests, Form I-693 preparation, and any chest X-ray if one is needed. Ask whether vaccines, additional tests, follow-up visits, mailing, or form processing carry separate charges.
Also check whether insurance may cover any services, what payment methods the clinic accepts, whether processing fees apply, and how long results and paperwork are expected to take. Confirm whether you are responsible for costs insurance does not cover. A clear estimate and timeline can help you plan both the appointment and your filing without assuming that every service is included in one fee.
Confirm Your Checklist Before the Visit
Before you leave, gather your photo identification, vaccination and relevant health records, and an up-to-date medication list. Check with the clinic about any forms, testing, or other instructions specific to your appointment.
Requirements can change, so review current USCIS guidance on Form I-693 and vaccination requirements. Jana HealthCare is a multidisciplinary Brooklyn practice; confirm its appointment instructions directly rather than treating a clinic checklist as a substitute for official requirements. For questions about how medical-exam rules affect your individual case, consult a qualified immigration attorney.
