
Immigration Physical Prep: Steps to Get Ready

Before immigrating to the United States, you must have a medical exam to ensure that you don’t have a health condition that makes you inadmissible. It may sound scary, but it’s a simple exam.
A civil surgeon is a physician authorized to administer immigration medical exams. Apex Medical Center has authorized providers on staff, and we are happy to help you complete this step in your immigration efforts.
You submit a sealed exam report along with your green card application, but before you come in, you need to get some paperwork together.
What to bring to your exam
Here’s what you should bring to your exam:
- When you’re prepared and have your records, your exam is more likely to go smoothly. You should bring:
- Your immunization or vaccination records
- Your medical history
- Copies of chest X-rays if you’ve had them previously
- A government-issued ID, like a passport, state ID, driver’s license, or travel or work permit
- Your health insurance card, if you have one
You should also print a copy of Form I-693, which is the form used to document your exam results. This form is periodically updated, so ensure you have the most recent version. You can complete your portion of the form before your appointment, but it’s important to wait to sign it until the doctor who administers your exam instructs you to.
What to expect
An immigration medical exam usually takes about two hours, similar to an annual physical exam. Your doctor will review your medical history and ask questions about your health. Specifically, civil surgeons look for:
- Communicable diseases like tuberculosis, syphilis, or gonorrhea
- Drug addiction
- Physical or mental disorders associated with harmful behavior
- Conditions that make it impossible for you to work
You can expect to be tested for tuberculosis. Depending on the results of that test, you may need to return to our office for a chest X-ray and further testing.
We will also draw blood and ask for a urine sample to test for certain sexually transmitted diseases.
If you need to get any vaccinations, you must do so. You are no longer required to have had a COVID-19 vaccination.
Following your exam
Once your exam is complete, your doctor will ask you to sign Form I-693. Your results will be placed in a sealed envelope. You can ask for a copy, but do not break the seal or open the envelope.
You submit the sealed envelope along with the rest of your application.
Schedule today
We are happy to help you get your immigration medical exam done. If you have specific questions, we’re happy to answer them. Call to schedule your appointment today!
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