Medical Exam Requirements
Applicants applying for a visa, adjustment of status to permanent residence, or who are required by the USCIS to have a medical examination must provide verification of the required exam and immunizations (Form I-693, Report of Medical Exam and Vaccination Record). Visa medical examinations may not be conducted in the United States. Visa applicants must have a medical examination conducted by a panel physician approved by the visa issuing U.S. Embassy/Consulate. The applicant is responsible for the cost of the exam, required immunizations and any follow up or referral appointments. It is recommended that you complete the medical exam prior to your visa interview; doing so will prevent a delay in processing your visa application.
Selecting a physician
Only physicians designated by USCIS as a civil surgeon may perform the medical exam and complete Form I-693. Designated civil surgeons can be found through the USCIS National Customer Service Center phone line or through the USCIS Web site http://www.uscis.gov.
Visa applicant medical examinations conducted abroad you must be performed by a panel physician. Panel physicians designated by the U.S. Department of State can be located via http://travel.state.gov/visa. U.S. Embassies and Consulates which issue immigrant visas have identified physicians qualified to conduct the required medical examinations for immigrant visa applicants.
What to expect during your exam
Prior to your medical exam you must complete Form I-693, Report of Medical Exam and Vaccination Record. Do not sign Form I-693 until directed to do so by the examining physician. You must take Form I-693 and government issued identification (driver license, passport, official travel document) when reporting for your medical examination. If available, you should bring a copy of your medical records and prior chest x-rays to your medical exam. Providing verification of immunizations during your medical exam will prevent duplication of vaccinations.
Your physician will review the information provided by you on Form I-693 during your exam. The physical exam includes a review of your medical history, chest x-ray, blood tests, physical exam of eyes, ears, nose, throat, exterminates, heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes, skin and external genitalia.
Upon completion of your exam, the physician will sign your Form I-693 and place it in a sealed envelope – you must return the sealed envelope to USCIS.
Medical grounds of inadmissibility
Communicable diseases of public health significance (tuberculosis, syphilis, Hansen’s disease and sexually transmitted diseases); Lack of required vaccinations (may apply for waiver if based on religious or moral beliefs); Physical or mental disorders with harmful behavior; Drug addiction/abuse (not waiver able).
Vaccinations
The following vaccinations are required: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Influenza, Influenza type b, Measles, Meningococcal, Mumps, Penumocorral, Pertussis, Polio, Rotavirus, Rubella, Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids, Varicella and other preventive vaccinations as recommended by the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP). An application for waiver of vaccinations may be requested based on religious or moral reasons.
K nonimmigrant visa holders
K nonimmigrant visa holders who completed a medical exam overseas are not required to complete a second exam as long as your Form I-485 is filed within one of your overseas medical examination and the medical examination did not reveal a Class A medical condition unless you received a waiver of inadmissibility and have compiled with the terms and conditions of the waiver. K nonimmigrant visa holders must provide proof of vaccinations.
Additional information on vaccinations, immunizations and the physical exam can be located on the following web sites:
Immunizations: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines .
Health exam: http://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/exams.
Instructions for completing Form I-693: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-693instr.pdf
