Does a Humanitarian Parolee Need an Immigration Medical Exam?
Quick Answer
Yes — humanitarian parolees who adjust status to a green card through Form I-485 must complete an immigration medical exam with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and submit Form I-693. Parole status does not exempt you from this requirement.
What Is Humanitarian Parole?
Humanitarian parole is a discretionary form of relief that allows individuals who are outside the United States to enter the country temporarily for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. USCIS may grant humanitarian parole on a case-by-case basis to individuals who do not have a visa or other basis for admission. Parole is not a visa — it is a temporary authorization to be present in the United States.
Humanitarian parole is distinct from the large-scale parole programs that have been established for specific populations, such as the Uniting for Ukraine program (U4U), the Afghan Placement and Assistance program, and the CHNV (Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela) parole program. While all of these involve parole, they have different eligibility criteria and, in some cases, different pathways to permanent residence.
Humanitarian Parole and the Path to a Green Card
Humanitarian parole does not directly lead to a green card. Parolees who wish to become permanent residents must qualify for an immigrant visa category and file Form I-485 to adjust status. Common pathways include family-based immigration (if the parolee has a qualifying family relationship with a U.S. citizen or permanent resident), asylum (if the parolee fears persecution in their home country), or other special immigrant categories.
Some humanitarian parolees may be eligible to adjust status under specific statutory provisions. For example, Cuban nationals paroled into the United States may be eligible to adjust status under the Cuban Adjustment Act after one year of physical presence. Other parolees may need to pursue a different pathway. Consult an immigration attorney to determine the best pathway for your specific situation.
Medical Exam Requirement for Humanitarian Parolees
Humanitarian parolees who file Form I-485 to adjust status 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. Parole status does not exempt you from this requirement.
The medical exam requirement is the same for humanitarian parolees as for any other adjustment of status applicant. The exam must be completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon — not a community health clinic, refugee health program, or other healthcare provider unless they are specifically designated by USCIS as a civil surgeon.
Difference from Afghan and Ukrainian Parolee Programs
The Afghan Placement and Assistance (APA) program and the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program are large-scale parole programs that have specific medical screening requirements at the time of entry. Afghan parolees who arrived through Operation Allies Welcome received overseas medical screening, but this does not substitute for the civil surgeon exam required for Form I-485. Ukrainian parolees under U4U similarly received some health screening, but must complete the full civil surgeon exam when filing I-485.
In some cases, USCIS has issued policy guidance about how overseas medical screening interacts with the civil surgeon exam requirement for specific parolee populations. Check the USCIS website or consult an immigration attorney for the most current guidance applicable to your specific parole program.
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.
Humanitarian parolees should be aware that parole is temporary and can expire. If your parole expires before your I-485 is adjudicated, the pending I-485 generally protects you from removal. Consult your immigration attorney about maintaining authorized stay during the process.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
To complete your immigration medical exam, bring your valid passport or travel document, your parole authorization document (Form I-94), your I-485 receipt notice (if available), all vaccination records you have, and any relevant medical records including records of any health screening you received upon arrival.
Humanitarian parolees who received health screening upon arrival should bring those records to the appointment — they may provide useful background information for the civil surgeon. Call ImmigrationMedicalExams.com at 714-760-4538 to schedule your exam.
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.