Is the immigration medical exam painful?

The immigration medical exam is generally not painful. The physical examination is non-invasive. The laboratory testing involves a blood draw, which may cause brief discomfort. If vaccines are administered, you may experience mild soreness at the injection site. Our staff takes every precaution to ensure your comfort throughout the exam.

Will the civil surgeon share my medical information with USCIS?

The civil surgeon completes Form I-693 and seals it in an envelope. USCIS receives only the information documented on Form I-693 — not your complete medical records. The civil surgeon is required to report findings that may constitute grounds of inadmissibility, but routine medical information that does not affect your immigration case is not shared.

What if I have a medical condition that might affect my case?

If you have a medical condition that may be relevant to your immigration case, discuss it openly with the civil surgeon. Many conditions that appear concerning are treatable or do not constitute grounds of inadmissibility. Our civil surgeons will explain any findings and guide you through next steps. Consulting your immigration attorney before your exam is also recommended.

Do I need to bring my own vaccines or medical records?

You do not need to bring vaccines — we administer all required vaccines at our clinic. You should bring any existing vaccination records (such as a childhood immunization card, school records, or records from your home country) to help document your vaccination history and potentially reduce the number of vaccines you need at the exam.

What happens after the exam is complete?

After your exam, the civil surgeon will await your laboratory results (typically 1 to 2 business days). Once all results are received and reviewed, the civil surgeon will complete and sign Form I-693, place it in a sealed envelope, and notify you that your form is ready. You will pick up or receive your sealed form and submit it to USCIS as directed.

Getting Started6 min readUpdated July 2026

What Happens at an Immigration Medical Exam?

Quick Answer

At your immigration medical exam, a USCIS-designated civil surgeon will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, review your vaccination records, order required laboratory tests, administer any missing vaccines, and complete USCIS Form I-693. The entire process is completed at our clinic — no outside lab or pharmacy visits are required.

Schedule Your Exam Call Us

Step 1: Check-In and Paperwork

When you arrive at our clinic, you will check in at the front desk and complete any remaining intake paperwork. Our staff will verify your identity using your government-issued photo ID and confirm your appointment details.

If you have not already provided your vaccination records, medical history, or other required documents, you will do so at this time. Arriving 10 to 15 minutes early ensures your appointment starts on time.

Step 2: Medical History Review

The civil surgeon will conduct a thorough review of your medical history. This includes questions about past and current medical conditions, hospitalizations, surgeries, mental health history, substance use history, and any medications you are currently taking. Be honest and thorough — the civil surgeon is bound by medical confidentiality, and accurate information ensures the most accurate and complete Form I-693.

Past and current medical conditions
Hospitalizations and surgeries
Mental health history
Substance use history
Current medications and allergies

Step 3: Physical Examination

The civil surgeon will perform a comprehensive head-to-toe physical examination. This includes examination of your eyes, ears, nose, throat, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, abdomen, skin, lymph nodes, and neurological function.

The physical examination is designed to identify any conditions that may constitute grounds of inadmissibility under the Immigration and Nationality Act, including communicable diseases of public health significance.

Step 4: Laboratory Testing

Required laboratory tests are ordered and collected at our clinic — you do not need to visit an outside laboratory. For most applicants, this includes tuberculosis (TB) screening (either a chest X-ray or an IGRA blood test) and syphilis serology for applicants age 15 and older. Additional tests may be required based on your age, medical history, or USCIS requirements at the time of your exam.

Tuberculosis screening (chest X-ray or IGRA blood test)
Syphilis serology (applicants age 15 and older)
Additional tests as required by USCIS Technical Instructions
All testing performed on-site — no outside lab visits required

Step 5: Vaccination Review and Administration

The civil surgeon will review your vaccination records against the USCIS-required vaccination schedule. If you are missing any required vaccines, they will be administered at our clinic during your appointment. You do not need to visit a pharmacy or outside provider for vaccines.

Required vaccines for immigration include MMR, varicella, hepatitis B, hepatitis A, Tdap, meningococcal, influenza (seasonal), COVID-19, and others depending on your age and medical history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Services

Immigration Medical Exam

Complete USCIS-required medical examination with a designated civil surgeon.

Vaccinations & Laboratory Testing

All required vaccines and lab tests performed on-site at our clinic.

Ready to Schedule Your Immigration Medical Exam?

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

Schedule Online Call Us