Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) Applicants

If you are applying for a green card through adjustment of status (Form I-485), you can schedule your immigration medical exam at any time after filing Form I-485. Many applicants schedule the exam shortly after filing, while others wait until they receive their USCIS interview notice.

The key consideration is the two-year validity period of Form I-693. If you complete the exam too early and your case is delayed, Form I-693 may expire before your interview. If you wait too long, you may not have the form ready when USCIS requests it.

A practical approach: schedule the exam approximately 3–6 months before your anticipated interview date. If you do not yet have an interview date, scheduling the exam 12–18 months after filing is generally safe for most cases.

Consular Processing Applicants

If you are applying for a green card through consular processing (immigrant visa), the timing of your medical exam is determined by the National Visa Center (NVC) and the U.S. embassy or consulate handling your case.

The NVC will instruct you to schedule a medical exam with an approved panel physician (not a U.S. civil surgeon) when your case is ready for the medical exam step. Follow the NVC's instructions carefully — scheduling the exam too early may result in an expired medical exam at the time of your visa interview.

How Long Is Form I-693 Valid?

Form I-693 is generally valid for two years from the date the civil surgeon signs the form. USCIS will not accept a Form I-693 that has expired at the time of adjudication.

If your Form I-693 expires before your case is adjudicated, you will need to undergo a new immigration medical exam. This adds cost and time to your case.

Special Timing Considerations

Consider the following when planning your exam timing:

• TB testing requires a 48–72 hour return visit for the skin test reading — plan for at least two appointments
• If you need vaccines that require a series (hepatitis B, hepatitis A), the series takes several months to complete
• If you are pregnant, some components will be deferred — plan for a postpartum follow-up
• If your case is complex (Class A finding, waiver needed), additional time may be required