How to Prepare for Your Green Card Medical Exam

Over 800,000 people in the U.S. apply annually for Lawful Permanent Resident status, aiming to secure a green card. With an 88% success rate, you have a strong chance, too. A crucial part of the process is completing your Immigration Medical Exam and Vaccination Record (Form I-693).

To help ensure a smooth application journey, we’ve gathered important information on how to prepare for your green card medical exam! These simple steps will guide you through the process, getting you to realize your American Dream with confidence.

Knowing about the green card medical test:

The U.S. demands a comprehensive medical checkup on immigrants seeking citizenship or residency in the country. The green card medical check ensures that applicants do not have any diseases that would make them ineligible to stay in the U.S.

Bring the required documents for an immigration physical exam.

Immigration physicals are evidence of your immunization against infectious diseases, so they are an important part of the whole process. Getting ready for an immigration physical is made much easier when you have all the necessary paperwork.

The following papers should be brought along to make the process easier:

  • Photocopy of Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record that remains unsigned
  • Certificates of All Vaccinations
  • The official government-issued photograph I. D., and
  • Proof of medical coverage, if required.

Also, bring all the medical documents including any treatment you are currently taking.

Make sure to fill in all Parts 1 through 4 of Form I-693 but leave the sections regarding your physical exam blank. Make sure not to sign that form until your doctor has done so at the end of the examination.

Collect certificates of essential vaccinations.

To meet USCIS requirements, it is important to confirm you’ve received vaccinations for common communicable diseases to protect your health and the community. The vaccines required include those for –

  • Hepatitis B
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
  • Meningococcal
  • Polio
  • Seasonal Flu Shot
  • Pneumococcal
  • Shingrix
  • And more.

If proof is missing, some blood tests may be required. It is also possible that some of the vaccinations are incomplete, but they can be administered, with the risk of paying extra for them. Getting these vaccinations on time before immigrating to the US is an integral part of your green card application procedure

Choose the right healthcare provider.

Choosing a doctor for an immigration medical exam depends on the country you are immigrating from. If you are in the US, you will need to consult a civil surgeon, who has been approved by the USCIS. If you are immigrating from abroad, meet a U.S. Department of State-authorized panel physician.

Before you book your exams, ask the doctor about their fees, if they are available, and if they accept your health insurance. Cost for the medical exam will depend on the location and healthcare doctor. Remember that you will not have any kind of government coverage for the exam and will have to pay for it out-of-pocket.

Get your medical checkup

Preparing for the immigration physical exam is part of getting your green card. For everything to go according to plan, it is very important to wear comfortable clothes and drink a lot of water. These tips will make the procedure of taking urine and blood samples easier.

Your doctor will conduct various assessments during the exam, which include a

  • tuberculosis skin test,
  • measurement of your height and weight,
  • blood pressure,
  • lung function,
  • vision, and
  • hearing.

Your doctor will also refer to your medical history and vaccination records.

  • any current symptoms,
  • past medical conditions, and
  • medications.

It’s important to openly share any history of drug or alcohol abuse or violent behavior. Although such conditions won’t automatically disqualify you, they may need further review by CDC doctors, so full disclosure is key to avoiding delays or complications with your application. Your doctor will ensure you’re well-informed every step of the way.

Need assistance with green card medical exams? Schedule an appointment today!

The Green Card Medical NY team is here to help you through the whole process of a green card medical exam. Conveniently located in New York City, we strive to make your USCIS-required medical exam as painless and efficient as possible.

Our certified civil surgeon will ensure that you undergo a full physical examination, vaccination review, and lab testing that meets USCIS standards. We are dedicated to delivering patient-centered care and meeting all immigration health requirements.

We are happy to make the entire process much easier and smoother for every applicant in terms of their vaccination records and physical examination preparation.