Examination Details
When you go to your medical examination appointment, you need to carry your passport, ID or other form of government issued photo identification, and any written documentation of your vaccination history (proof of vaccines). For applicants under 14 years, you can take other proof of identity that shows name, date and place of birth, parents’ full names, and any other identifying information about the applicant. Acceptable documents include birth certificates (with translations, if necessary) or affidavits.
Following components are required in the medical examination:
- Physical Examination: Required for all applicants, regardless of age. The physical examination consists of general health assessment such as blood pressure, eyes, ears, lungs and heart.
- Quantiferon – TB: USCIS to stop acceptiong the TB skin test Beginning October 1, 2018, the tuberculin skin test (TST) will no longer be accepted for US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) immigration exams (1). All US civil surgeons must use a TB blood test (interferon-gamma release assay or IGRA) as the initial screening method when a test for cell-mediated immunity to TB is required. The new requirement aligns with current CDC recommendations stating that IGRA testing is strongly preferred for those who are BCG-vaccinated.
- Serologic (Blood) Test: Applicants 15 years of age and older are required to have serologic (blood) tests for syphilis and gonorrhea. Civil surgeon can require applicants under age 15 to be tested for syphilis and gonorrhea if there is reason to suspect the possibility of infection.
- Vaccinations: Please refer to detailed vaccination requirements.
After the medical examination is complete, sign form I-693. The civil surgeon will certify the results on the appropriate forms (I-693 for medical exam and vaccination supplement form) DO NOT OPEN THE SEALED ENVELOPE. Submit the envelope with your immigration application. USCIS may share the results of your examination with health departments and other public health or cooperating medical authorities.
Expect laboratory tests results in 1 week.
If you need more tests because of a condition found during your medical examination, the doctor may send you to your own doctor or to the local public health department. For some conditions, before you can become a temporary or permanent resident, you will have to show that you have followed the doctor’s advice to get more tests or take treatment.
When a chest x-ray is required, a full and formal radiologist’s chest x-ray report, whether a copy or an original, signed by the radiologist and on official hospital or medical office letterhead must be submitted in the sealed envelope.
