Questions & Scheduling? Call or text at 503.461.0591. For Spanish – 503.461.6478.
Welcome to America! As an immigrant myself, its wonderful meeting people from all over the world and hearing their stories. Some folks are coming to join their children and grandchildren, some for new economic opportunities, some for love, and, sadly, some to escape war and conflict.
In that process, the USCIS requires the I693 immigration exam to become a permanent resident. Many people call my office confused about the the process and all the requirements. For me, it’s an honor to be able to help in this matter.
At our service:
- Most immigration exams are scheduled same week – sometimes weekends or after-hours.
- If no insurance, we have access to discounted labs & vaccines.
- Stay updated throughout process by phone and secure chat.
- Fees are affordable, but may vary by case – please call to get details.
- For Spanish-speakers, Keyla N, CMA. is our dedicated Spanish interpreter and case manager.
Questions & Scheduling? Call or text at 503.461.0591. For Spanish – 503.461.6478.
Frequently Asked Questions
NOTE: USCIS & CDC policies change over time – this information below is updated 4/28/22
#. What is expected during the immigration medical exam?
The immigration medical exam (for form I-693) is a medical exam completed by a civil surgeon, over 1 or 2 visits, that follows specific guidelines set out by the CDC. The exam looks at medical conditions and history, vaccination history, mental health, and drug / substance use history. It also involves a thorough physical exam. For most cases, lab tests required as well. Once all the information gathering & testing has come back, the civil surgeon will complete the I-693 form, put it in a sealed envelope and given to the patient.
#. Where do I find a civil surgeon? Can my primary care doctor do the immigration exam?
Very easy – go to (https://my.uscis.gov/findadoctor).
Unless the primary care doctor is also a civil surgeon (see the list above), they cannot complete the medical exam. Also do not ask them to order the labs for you – the labs will not be valid and will repeated by the civil surgeon.
#. What to do I don’t have proof of vaccines?
Vaccines requirements vary by age. The civil surgeon has to show proof that each applicant has met the requirements – the vaccine records can help with that. If there are no vaccine records available, then the civil surgeon will help each applicant catch up on the vaccines OR draw labs to prove immunity.
#. How much does the immigration medical exam cost? Does insurance cover it?
It varies widely – I’ve heard between $300-$700. Sometimes they include labs and vaccines, sometimes they don’t.
I’ve never seen insurance pay for the civil surgeon exam.
Insurance MAY cover the labs but cannot guarantee. They almost always cover the vaccines if required.
#. What to bring to the immigration medical exam?
The only MUST-HAVE is a non-expired government issued ID (usually passport or driver’s license).
Vaccine records are very useful if available. Other things also would be helpful but not required on first visit – recent chart notes from the primary care doctor, a list of medications, any recent imaging results (like a chest X-ray), any mental health records.
#. How long does the immigration medical exam take?
I do the exam in 2 visits and usually spaced out about 1 week apart – the time is need for lab results to come back, review & complete all the paperwork etc. If the medical history is complicated or if the lab results show some abnormalities – the process will take longer.
#. What testing is required?
It depends on the age – less for children, more for adults. Adults typically need screening tests for syphilis, gonorrhea, and tuberculosis. If the civil surgeon is concerned about other issues, they may require additional testing.
In most cases, the tests come back normal – however, occasionally the TB (tuberculosis) test will come back positive and it would require a chest X-ray at that point —> *See below comments regarding latent TB.
#. I already had labs done by my primary care doctor or another civil surgeon – does that count?
Unfortunately, no – those labs do not meet CDC requirements. The labs need to be ordered by the civil surgeon that is completing the I-693 form.
#. What can I do to save money if I don’t have insurance?
Outside the fee for the civil surgeon, the other costs are for labs and vaccines. Sometimes the laboratory (Quest, LabCorp, etc.) that the civil surgeon uses will have programs for uninsured patients.
For children and vaccines, most states have free or sliding scale vaccines just for kids. Before seeing the civil surgeon, bring your kids to one of these state vaccine clinics and get them caught up. Call your county health department, they’ll usually have resources.
For adults, you can see straight from the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/pdf/Vaccine-Requirements-According-to-Applicant-Age-p.pdf) what vaccines are required. Ask your primary care doc to help you get caught up on the vaccines before seeing the civil surgeon (yes, these vaccines count).
If you end up going to the pharmacy to get vaccines – use this free website (https://www.goodrx.com/) to get coupons for vaccines – not all pharmacies will accept the coupons, but most will.
#. What if I already had an immigration exam – do I need to repeat everything?
It depends. Per the CDC, if you return to the same civil surgeon, their labs & medical exam is valid for ONE YEAR but only for that civil surgeon. If you go to another civil surgeon, they’ll have to repeat everything.
If you need to repeat the I-693 form, I recommend patients call the initial civil surgeon and ask how much they would charge to repeat the exam / paperwork.
If you are caught up on vaccines, that does not have to be repeated of course.
*If you are not sure when your interview date is, you may want to ask the civil surgeon how much it would cost to repeat a I-693 form (in case it falls out of the 60 day window – temporarily waived due to COVID, but this is … temporary). Some offices may require a completely new exam and fee, but some may offer a discounted price and/or shortened exam.
#. Do I need to have the flu vaccine?
You’ll need the flu vaccine only if your medical examination is between October 1 and March 31.
#. Is a drug test part of the medical exam?
Drug testing (as in urine drug test for illegal drugs) is NOT a standard requirement by immigration exam. However, evaluation for drug use is part of the exam – if the Civil Surgeon needs to get urine drug testing, they can order one. If the Civil Surgeon has no concerns, they may not order any urine drug tests.
#. Is marijuana use a class A (non-admissable) condition?
Yes – despite it being legal in Oregon and many other states, it is still illegal at the federal level and considered in the same class as cocaine, heroine, methamphetamines, etc. It will be categorized as Class A non-admissable.
Interstitium 