The I-693 immigration medical exam is one of the last hurdles between you and your green card — and one of the easiest places to lose weeks to a preventable mistake.
What the I-693 Actually Is
USCIS requires every adjustment-of-status applicant to complete Form I-693, a medical examination performed by a designated civil surgeon. The exam screens only for the specific conditions immigration law cares about: certain communicable diseases, required vaccinations, mental health conditions associated with harmful behavior, and substance abuse. It is not a physical. Your general health is not being graded.
The Three Areas Where Applicants Get Delayed
Vaccinations. The CDC’s immunization requirements for immigration are stricter and more specific than routine adult schedules. Missing documentation — not missing immunity — is the usual problem. Bring every vaccine record you have, in any language.
Tuberculosis testing. All applicants age 2 and older require TB screening, typically an IGRA blood test. A positive result triggers a chest X-ray and additional documentation. If you have a history of BCG vaccination or a prior positive test, bring those records.
Incomplete personal documents. You’ll need government photo identification, your vaccination records, and any relevant medical history for chronic conditions. Organized records can turn a multi-visit process into a single appointment.
How to Prepare
Gather your records first, book second. Applicants who arrive with a complete file routinely finish faster and avoid the follow-up loop entirely. If you’re unsure whether your records are sufficient, text our office before your visit — a two-minute question can save two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment for the I-693 exam?
Yes. Scheduling ahead lets us verify your documentation needs in advance and complete most exams in a single visit.
What should I bring to my immigration medical exam?
Government photo ID, all vaccination records in any language, any prior TB test results, and documentation for any chronic medical conditions including current medication lists.
How long does the I-693 process take?
With complete records, the exam itself takes under an hour. Lab results typically return within days, after which the sealed I-693 is prepared for your application.
Watch the full video above, and explore the rest of the series on our YouTube channel.
Schedule Your Exam in St. Louis
Schedule Your Exam Text (314) 886-5902
Dr. Gurpreet Padda, MD — USCIS-Designated Civil Surgeon (CSID 111051)
4477 Woodson Rd, Suite 102, Woodson Terrace, MO 63134 — minutes from St. Louis Lambert International Airport
📱 Text or call: 314-886-5902 · 🌐 ImmigrationExam.us
🕗 Mon–Wed 8:00am–5:00pm · Thu 8:00am–12:00pm · Closed Friday & federal holidays
💵 I-693 exam $390 · Follow-up visit $190 · N-648 case review $400 (credited toward evaluation) · N-648 evaluation from $1,400
This article is educational information about the immigration medical examination process. It is not legal advice and does not create a physician–patient relationship. For legal questions about your case, consult a licensed immigration attorney.