Immigration Medical Examination (Form I-693): What It Is, Who Performs It, and What to Expect
If you are in the process of applying for a green card in the United States, you will at some point be required to complete a medical examination and submit the results to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services using Form I-693. This is not a routine physical. It is a specific federal exam that must be conducted by a physician officially designated by USCIS as a civil surgeon — and if it is done incorrectly, your application can be delayed or rejected.
Arena Care offers I-693 immigration medical exams at our Boston, Woburn, locations. Dr. Omkar Vaidya is a USCIS-designated civil surgeon with a background in internal medicine and nephrology, authorized to complete Form I-693 for green card applicants across eastern Massachusetts.
Who Is a Civil Surgeon?
A civil surgeon is a licensed physician in the United States who has been officially designated by USCIS to perform immigration medical examinations. The designation is granted by USCIS and is entirely separate from a physician's medical license or any other professional credential.
This distinction matters more than most applicants realize. A highly qualified primary care doctor, specialist, or hospital physician cannot perform your I-693 exam unless they hold the specific USCIS civil surgeon designation. If the exam is performed by a non-designated physician, the form will be rejected regardless of the quality of the examination, and you will need to repeat the entire process.
USCIS maintains a searchable database of civil surgeons by zip code. When choosing one, look for a physician who is experienced with the I-693 process, understands current USCIS documentation requirements, and can complete the form accurately the first time.
Who Needs an I-693 Immigration Medical Exam?
The I-693 Immigration medical examination is required for most people applying to become a lawful permanent resident from within the United States through the adjustment of status process. This includes applicants pursuing green cards through family-based petitions, employment-based petitions, the diversity visa lottery, and various humanitarian programs.
It is generally not required for individuals going through consular processing abroad, as those applicants complete their exams through USCIS-approved panel physicians at U.S. embassies or consulates. If you are unsure whether you need an I-693, your immigration attorney can confirm based on your specific case.
What theI-693 Immigration Medical Exam Includes
The immigration medical examination covers several required components that go beyond a standard primary care visit.
Medical history review covers your personal health background, current conditions, medications, hospitalizations, and any history relevant to the health grounds USCIS evaluates.
A complete physical examination covers all major body systems, including cardiovascular, respiratory, abdominal, musculoskeletal, neurological, and skin. The exam is designed to identify any conditions relevant to the public health grounds of inadmissibility under U.S. immigration law.
Tuberculosis screening is one of the most significant public health components. All applicants two years and older are required to undergo TB testing. Applicants with a positive result or a history of TB require additional evaluation before the form can be completed.
Vaccination review and documentation are required and often the most complex part of the exam. USCIS requires applicants to meet the vaccine requirements recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for their age group. The civil surgeon will review your vaccination history and document what you have received. If you are missing any required vaccinations, we may recommend blood titer testing to determine whether you have immunity. Depending on the titer results, additional vaccinations may be required before the Form I-693 can be completed and signed by the Civil Surgeon.
Common vaccines that come up include MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Influenza, Meningococcal, Pneumococcal, and Tdap, among others. Bringing complete vaccination records to your appointment is one of the most important things you can do to keep the process moving efficiently.
Evaluation for designated health conditions, including communicable diseases of public health significance and substance use disorders, is also required as part of the federal protocol.
Once all components are complete, the civil surgeon fills out Form I-693, signs it, and places it in a sealed envelope. You submit this sealed envelope directly to USCIS. If the seal is broken, the form is invalid, and the exam must be repeated.
Why Accuracy Matters
Errors in the I-693 are one of the most common reasons USCIS issues a Request for Evidence, which delays your case and may require you to gather additional documentation or repeat the examination. The most frequent issues involve incomplete vaccination documentation, missing TB test results, or unsigned forms. Choosing a civil surgeon who is thorough and experienced with the documentation requirements significantly reduces this risk.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
Valid Government-issued photo ID
Vaccination/immunization records. If records are not in English, the applicant is responsible for providing reliable English translations.
Any relevant previous medical records if available
If you do not have your vaccination records, we may recommend blood titer testing to determine whether you have immunity.
Schedule Your I-693 Immigration Medical Exam at Arena Care
Arena Care offers immigration medical examinations with Dr. Omkar Vaidya at our Boston, Woburn,. Dr. Vaidya's background in internal medicine ensures the clinical components of your exam are conducted with depth and that your documentation is complete and accurate.
Beyond immigration exams, Arena Care offers primary care, specialty care, same-day express visits, and telemedicine across all three locations — making it easy to establish ongoing care with the same practice that completed your I-693 form.
Visit us at 50 Congress St, STE 620, Boston | 400 W Cummings Park #4800, Woburn |. Schedule your I-693 immigration medical exam today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Immigration Medical Examination (Form I-693)
The I-693 medical exam is a federally required examination for individuals applying for a green card through the adjustment of status process. It must be performed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and documented on Form I-693, which is submitted to USCIS as part of the application.
What is a civil surgeon?
A civil surgeon is a USCIS-designated physician authorized to perform immigration medical examinations and complete Form I-693. The designation is separate from a medical license and must be specifically granted by USCIS. Only a designated civil surgeon can legally complete this form.
Can any doctor perform the I-693 exam?
No. The exam must be performed by a physician holding the USCIS civil surgeon designation. A non-designated physician's examination will be rejected by USCIS regardless of their qualifications.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
Bring your government-issued photo ID, vaccination records if available, and any documentation related to prior TB testing or relevant medical history. Complete vaccination records help streamline the process significantly.
How long is Form I-693 valid?
Form I-693 is generally valid for two years from the date the civil surgeon signs it. USCIS must receive the form within that window. If your application is delayed and the form expires, you may need to repeat the examination.
Does Arena Care offer Immigration Medical Examination (Form I-693) at all locations?
NO. Arena Care offers I-693 immigration medical exams at our Boston, Woburn, locations with the USCIS-designated civil surgeon Dr. Omkar Vaidya. Schedule online here.
This post was not written by a certified doctor. If you or someone you know is in danger or needs help, call 9-1-1.
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