Green Card Categories That Require the Medical Exam

The immigration medical exam is required for all of the following green card categories:

• Family-based green cards (spouse, parent, child, sibling of U.S. citizen or permanent resident)
• Employment-based green cards (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, EB-5)
• Diversity Visa (DV) lottery green cards
• Refugee and asylee adjustment of status
• Special immigrant categories (religious workers, certain broadcasters, etc.)
• Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners
• Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)

Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing

The type of medical exam required depends on whether you are applying through adjustment of status or consular processing:

Adjustment of status (Form I-485): You must see a USCIS-designated civil surgeon in the United States. The civil surgeon completes Form I-693.

Consular processing (immigrant visa): You must see a panel physician approved by the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. The panel physician completes a different medical form (DS-2053 or equivalent). You cannot use a U.S. civil surgeon for consular processing.

Are There Any Exceptions?

There are very limited exceptions to the medical exam requirement. Certain applicants who are already in the United States in specific immigration statuses may have reduced requirements. However, these exceptions are narrow and do not apply to most applicants.

If you believe you may qualify for an exception, consult an immigration attorney to confirm before proceeding without a medical exam.

Renewing or Replacing a Green Card

The immigration medical exam is required for the initial green card application. It is generally not required for renewing or replacing a green card (Form I-90). However, if you are applying for a new green card after your previous one expired or was lost, you may need to complete a new medical exam if your prior Form I-693 has expired.