Is There a Rule Requiring the Exam During Pregnancy?

USCIS does not require you to complete the immigration medical exam at any specific point during your pregnancy. The exam can be completed at any time — before, during, or after pregnancy — as long as it is submitted within the validity window required by USCIS.

If your immigration timeline allows for it, waiting until after delivery is a perfectly valid option. Many applicants choose to wait because it simplifies the exam: all components, including live vaccines and the chest X-ray, can be completed in a single visit without any pregnancy-related deferrals.

Advantages of Waiting Until After Delivery

Completing the exam after delivery has several practical advantages:

• All required vaccines can be administered in one visit — no deferred live vaccines requiring a follow-up
• The chest X-ray can be performed without pregnancy-related concerns
• Form I-693 can be fully completed and sealed in a single appointment
• No need to schedule a follow-up appointment to complete deferred components
• Reduces the total number of clinic visits required

When Waiting May Not Be Possible

Delaying the exam is not always an option. If your green card interview is scheduled before your delivery date, you may need to complete the exam during pregnancy. USCIS requires Form I-693 to be submitted at or before your interview in most cases.

If your application has a filing deadline that falls during your pregnancy, waiting until after delivery could cause you to miss that deadline. In these situations, completing the exam during pregnancy — with appropriate deferrals documented — is the right approach.

Always consult with your immigration attorney before deciding to delay. Your attorney can review your specific case timeline and advise whether waiting is feasible without jeopardizing your application.

How Soon After Delivery Can I Have the Exam?

There is no mandatory waiting period after delivery before you can have the immigration medical exam. However, there are practical timing considerations:

Live vaccines such as MMR and varicella can generally be administered immediately postpartum. If you are breastfeeding, discuss this with the civil surgeon — most vaccines are safe during breastfeeding, but the civil surgeon will review your specific situation.

Most applicants schedule the exam within four to eight weeks after delivery, once they feel physically ready and have had their postpartum checkup. The civil surgeon can advise on the appropriate timing based on your health status.

Form I-693 Validity After Delivery

Keep in mind that Form I-693 has a validity period. Once the civil surgeon completes and seals the form, it must be submitted to USCIS within the required timeframe. If you delay the exam until after delivery, make sure the timing still allows you to submit the completed form before it expires. Your immigration attorney can help you plan around these deadlines.