Why What You Bring Matters
The immigration medical exam is a structured, document-driven appointment. The Civil Surgeon needs specific information to complete Form I-693 accurately — and much of that information comes directly from the documents you bring.
Missing documents do not cancel your appointment, but they can:
- Require additional vaccines you may already be immune to — adding cost and discomfort
- Extend your appointment time significantly
- Require a follow-up visit to complete the exam
- Delay the completion and sealing of your Form I-693
The bottom line: Spending 15 minutes gathering your documents before your appointment can save you hours — and potentially hundreds of dollars — on exam day.
Required Identity Documents
These documents are required for every patient. The Civil Surgeon must verify your identity before completing Form I-693. Without valid identification, your appointment cannot proceed.
Valid Passport
RequiredYour current, unexpired passport is the primary identity document. It must be valid — expired passports are not accepted. This is the single most important document to bring.
Government-Issued Photo ID
RequiredA driver's license, state ID card, or consular ID card (Matrícula Consular). Required in addition to your passport for identity verification.
USCIS Receipt Notice (Form I-797)
RecommendedIf you have already filed Form I-485, bring your USCIS receipt notice. It confirms your case status and helps ensure your Form I-693 is prepared correctly.
Prior USCIS Correspondence
RecommendedAny letters, notices, or requests from USCIS related to your current case. Particularly important if you have received a Request for Evidence (RFE).
Name Change Documentation
RecommendedIf your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Name discrepancies on Form I-693 can trigger an RFE.
Vaccination Records
Vaccination records are the most impactful documents you can bring. The Civil Surgeon must review your complete immunization history against the USCIS-required vaccine schedule. Any vaccine not documented must be administered during your appointment — even if you have already received it.
Missing Vaccine Records = Extra Vaccines & Extra Cost
Without documentation, the Civil Surgeon must assume you have not received a vaccine and administer it. Vaccines are billed separately from the exam fee. Bringing complete records is the single best way to minimize your out-of-pocket cost.
All childhood immunization records
The yellow immunization card, school vaccination records, or any record from your pediatrician.
Records from your home country
International vaccination records are accepted. Bring them even if they are in another language — our staff can often review them without a formal translation.
Records from U.S. healthcare providers
Any vaccination records from U.S. doctors, urgent care clinics, pharmacies, or health departments.
School vaccination records
Especially useful for children and young adults. Schools maintain detailed immunization records that are often more complete than personal records.
Military vaccination records
If you served in the U.S. military or a foreign military, bring your service vaccination records. Military vaccine histories are often very complete.
Pharmacy vaccination records
Many pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) maintain digital vaccination records. You can often print or download these before your appointment.
Tip: Before your appointment, contact your previous healthcare providers and ask for a printed copy of your immunization history. Most providers can generate this in minutes.
Medical History Documents
Medical history documents are not required, but they can significantly help the Civil Surgeon complete your Form I-693 accurately — especially if you have a history of tuberculosis, a chronic medical condition, or prior mental health treatment.
TB Testing History
Results of any prior TB skin tests (PPD/Mantoux) or blood tests (QuantiFERON-TB Gold, T-SPOT). Especially important if you have had a positive TB test in the past.
TB Treatment Records
If you have ever been treated for tuberculosis or latent TB infection, bring documentation of your treatment — including the medications used and the duration of treatment.
Chronic Condition Records
Records for diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, epilepsy, or any other chronic condition. Helps the Civil Surgeon document your health history accurately.
Current Medications List
A written list of all current medications with dosages. You can print this from your pharmacy or write it out before your appointment.
Prior Surgery / Hospitalization Records
Records of any significant surgeries or hospitalizations, particularly those related to conditions that may be relevant to USCIS inadmissibility grounds.
Mental Health Treatment Records
If you have received treatment for a mental health condition, bringing records helps the Civil Surgeon document your history accurately and completely.
You are not required to bring medical history documents. The Civil Surgeon will ask about your health history during the physical exam. Having records available simply makes the process faster and more accurate.
Insurance & Payment
Immigration medical exams are typically not covered by health insurance — most insurers classify them as administrative rather than medical services. Our clinic charges an all-inclusive flat fee that covers the physical exam, required lab work, and standard vaccines.
Health Insurance Card
OptionalBring your insurance card if you have one. While most immigration medical exams are not covered, some supplemental vaccines may be billable to insurance depending on your plan.
Payment Method
RequiredWe accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Payment is due at the time of service. Contact our office for current pricing before your appointment.
What You Do NOT Need to Bring
Patients sometimes worry they are missing something important. Here is what you do not need to bring to your immigration medical exam:
Your completed Form I-485
The Civil Surgeon does not need your I-485 application. They only need to verify your identity and complete the medical exam.
X-rays or imaging studies
Imaging studies are not part of our standard all-inclusive exam. If any follow-up imaging is required, we will advise you separately.
A referral from your doctor
No referral is needed. You can schedule directly with our Civil Surgeon clinic.
Proof of immigration status
You do not need to bring a visa, green card, or work permit. Your passport and photo ID are sufficient for identity verification.
Your attorney
Your immigration attorney does not need to be present at your medical exam. The exam is a medical appointment, not a legal proceeding.
Quick-Reference Summary
Save or print this summary to review before your appointment.
What to Bring — At a Glance
1Identity Documents
- Valid passport (required)
- Government-issued photo ID (required)
- USCIS receipt notice I-797 (if filed)
- Name change documentation (if applicable)
2Vaccination Records
- Childhood immunization records
- Home country vaccination records
- U.S. provider vaccination records
- School or military vaccine records
3Medical History (Optional)
- Prior TB test results
- TB treatment records
- Chronic condition records
- Current medications list
4Payment
- Cash, credit, or debit card
- Health insurance card (optional)
- No referral needed
- No fasting required
Frequently Asked Questions
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Medical & Legal Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Immigration medical exam requirements, USCIS policies, and document requirements may change without notice. Always consult a USCIS-designated Civil Surgeon and a qualified immigration attorney for guidance specific to your individual case.