What Are the Medical Exam Requirements Under the Cuban Adjustment Act?
Quick Answer
Cuban nationals adjusting status under the Cuban Adjustment Act must complete the full immigration medical exam with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and submit Form I-693, just like other adjustment of status applicants. The CAA does not waive or modify the medical exam requirement.
The Cuban Adjustment Act and Who It Covers
The Cuban Adjustment Act (CAA) of 1966 provides a special pathway to permanent residence for Cuban nationals and their accompanying spouses and children. Under the CAA, Cuban nationals who have been admitted or paroled into the United States and have been physically present in the United States for at least one year are eligible to apply for adjustment of status to permanent residence.
The CAA is unique in that it does not require Cuban nationals to have an immigrant visa or to be the beneficiary of an approved immigrant petition. It is a special statutory provision that applies specifically to Cuban nationals. However, the CAA does not eliminate all requirements for adjustment of status — applicants must still meet certain eligibility criteria and complete the required immigration medical exam.
Medical Exam Requirement Under the CAA
Cuban nationals adjusting status under the Cuban Adjustment Act must complete the full immigration medical examination with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and submit Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. The CAA does not waive or modify this requirement.
The medical exam requirement is the same for CAA applicants as for any other adjustment of status applicant. The exam must be completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon — not a personal physician, community health clinic, or Cuban-American health organization unless that organization employs a USCIS-designated civil surgeon.
What the Immigration Medical Exam Covers
The immigration medical exam covers a complete physical examination, tuberculosis (TB) screening, required laboratory tests, and a vaccination review. The physical exam assesses your general health and screens for conditions that could make you inadmissible on health-related grounds under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
TB screening typically involves a tuberculin skin test (TST) or an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) blood test. If the initial test is positive, a chest X-ray is required. Required laboratory tests include syphilis serology for applicants age 15 and older and gonorrhea testing for applicants age 15 and older. The civil surgeon will also review your vaccination records and administer any vaccines required by USCIS that you have not already received.
Vaccination Records for Cuban Nationals
Cuban nationals may have vaccination records from Cuba that document vaccines received under the Cuban national health system. Cuba has a comprehensive vaccination program, and many Cuban nationals have received vaccines that are also required for U.S. immigration. Bring all vaccination records you have to the medical exam appointment.
If your Cuban vaccination records are in Spanish, the civil surgeon can review them. Having documentation of prior vaccinations can reduce the number of vaccines you need at the appointment. Common vaccines that may need to be administered or documented include MMR, varicella, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and meningococcal vaccines.
Timing the Exam Relative to I-485 Filing
Form I-693 is valid for two years from the date the civil surgeon signs it, provided it is submitted to USCIS within that period. Schedule your medical exam 2 to 4 weeks after you receive your I-485 receipt notice. This ensures the I-693 is ready before your USCIS interview and remains valid throughout the processing period.
CAA applicants must have been physically present in the United States for at least one year before filing I-485. During this waiting period, you do not need to complete the medical exam — wait until you are ready to file I-485 to schedule the exam.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
To complete your immigration medical exam, bring your valid passport or Cuban identity document, your I-485 receipt notice (if available), all vaccination records you have (including Cuban vaccination records), and any relevant medical records.
If you have been seen by a doctor in the United States since arriving, bring those records as well. Any documentation of prior TB testing or treatment is particularly important. Call ImmigrationMedicalExams.com at 714-760-4538 to schedule your exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
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