How Early Should I Arrive for My Immigration Medical Exam?

Appointment Preparation3 min readUpdated July 2026

How Early Should I Arrive for My Immigration Medical Exam?

Quick Answer

We recommend arriving 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to complete any necessary paperwork and allow our staff to verify your documents. Arriving on time helps ensure your appointment runs smoothly and that your Form I-693 is completed within the expected timeframe.

Arrival Time Recommendations

We recommend arriving 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This allows our staff to check you in, verify your identification and documents, and complete any necessary intake paperwork before your examination begins.

Arriving on time — or slightly early — helps ensure that your appointment runs smoothly and that your Form I-693 can be completed within the expected timeframe.

What Happens When You Arrive

When you arrive at our Costa Mesa clinic, our front desk staff will greet you and begin the check-in process.

  • Staff will verify your government-issued photo ID
  • Staff will collect your vaccination records and other documents
  • You will complete any necessary intake paperwork
  • Staff will confirm your payment method
  • You will be directed to the waiting area until your examination begins

What If You Are Running Late?

If you are running late for your appointment, please call our office as soon as possible. We will do our best to accommodate you, but late arrivals may result in a shortened appointment or the need to reschedule. Calling ahead allows our staff to plan accordingly.

For Family Appointments

For family appointments with multiple members, we recommend arriving 15 to 20 minutes early to allow adequate time for check-in for all family members. Having all documents organized and ready before you arrive will help speed up the check-in process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Schedule Your Immigration Medical Exam?

Our USCIS-designated civil surgeons are ready to help. Book your appointment online or call us today.