Civil Surgeon I-693 Medical Exam in Menifee: Complete Immigration Physical Guide
Finding a civil surgeon and completing your immigration medical examination
Quick Answer
For green card applicants in Menifee, the immigration medical examination is a required step. Finding a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and completing Form I-693 properly is essential. SoCal Immigration Services provides Arabic-speaking guidance on this process.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For green card applicants in Menifee, the immigration medical examination is a required step. Finding a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and completing Form I-693 properly is essential. SoCal Immigration Services provides Arabic-speaking guidance on this process.
What is the I-693 Immigration Medical Exam?
Who Needs I-693:
• Adjustment of status (I-485) applicants
• Certain waiver applicants
• Applicants for immigrant visa abroad have separate medical process
What is a Civil Surgeon?
- •Must be a licensed physician (MD or DO)
- •Must be designated by USCIS
- •Has special training on immigration requirements
- •Can sign and certify Form I-693
- •Not all doctors can perform this exam
- •Find civil surgeons at USCIS website
Finding a Civil Surgeon Near Menifee
1. Visit the USCIS civil surgeon locator at uscis.gov
2. Enter your ZIP code (92584 for Menifee)
3. Search for designated civil surgeons within 10-25 miles
4. Call to schedule appointment and ask about costs
Tips:
• Compare prices - costs vary significantly
• Ask if they accept your insurance
• Confirm they're still USCIS-designated
• Ask about wait times for appointments
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- •Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license)
- •Vaccination records from your home country
- •Previous TB test results if available
- •List of current medications
- •Doctor's records for any chronic conditions
- •Immigration documents (I-485 receipt, I-797)
- •Payment (cash, credit card - varies by office)
What the Exam Includes
- 1Physical Examination
Review of medical history, physical examination checking eyes, ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs, abdomen, and extremities.
- 2Tuberculosis Testing
Chest X-ray or IGRA blood test to check for TB. If positive, additional testing may be required.
- 3Vaccination Review
Review of vaccination records against CDC requirements. Missing vaccines must be administered or waiver obtained.
- 4Blood Tests
Syphilis test for applicants 15 and older. May include other tests based on circumstances.
- 5Form Completion
Civil surgeon completes I-693 and seals in envelope. You submit sealed envelope with I-485.
Required Vaccinations
| Vaccine | Required Ages | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) | All ages | 2 doses if born 1957 or later |
| Polio | Under 18 | Complete series |
| Tetanus/Diphtheria | 7+ years | Td or Tdap booster |
| Hepatitis B | Under 18 | Complete series |
| Varicella (Chickenpox) | Under 18 | Or evidence of disease |
| COVID-19 | All ages | Per current CDC guidelines |
| Flu (Seasonal) | All ages | During flu season |
| Hepatitis A | 1-18 years | Complete series |
Common Issues and Waivers
- •Positive TB test: Requires chest X-ray, possibly sputum tests
- •Missing vaccinations: Get vaccinated or obtain waiver
- •Religious objection: Written waiver request for vaccines
- •Medical contraindication: Doctor's statement why vaccine is unsafe
- •Mental health conditions: May require additional evaluation
- •Substance abuse: May require treatment documentation
I-693 Validity Period
Current Rules (as of 2026):
• I-693 must be signed by civil surgeon no more than 60 days before I-485 filing
• I-693 is valid for 2 years from civil surgeon's signature
• If expired before adjudication, new exam required
Planning Tips:
• Complete exam shortly before filing I-485
• Don't wait too long after exam to file
• If long processing expected, consider timing carefully
Costs for Immigration Medical Exam
| Service | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Basic I-693 exam | $150-$400 |
| TB test (chest X-ray) | $50-$150 |
| Blood tests | $50-$100 |
| Vaccinations (each) | $25-$100 |
| Total package | $300-$600 |
After the Examination
• Civil surgeon gives you sealed envelope with I-693
• DO NOT open the envelope
• Submit sealed envelope with I-485 application
• If filing has already occurred, bring to interview
• Keep copy of vaccination records for your own files
Menifee I-693 Assistance Services
- •Civil surgeon referrals in your area
- •Vaccination record organization
- •I-693 process explanation
- •Arabic and English language support
- •I-485 package preparation with medical
- •Waiver guidance if needed
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:How long does the immigration medical exam take?
A: The exam itself takes 30-60 minutes. However, if you need vaccinations or TB testing, you may need to return for follow-up visits. Allow 1-2 weeks for complete process.
Q:Can I use my regular doctor for the immigration exam?
A: Only if your doctor is a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. Most regular doctors are not designated. You must use a civil surgeon from the USCIS list.
Q:What if I don't have my vaccination records?
A: The civil surgeon can do blood tests (titers) to check immunity for some vaccines. Otherwise, you may need to receive the vaccines again or obtain a waiver.
Q:Can I refuse vaccinations for religious reasons?
A: Yes, you can request a religious waiver for vaccinations. You must submit a written statement explaining your religious objection. USCIS reviews these case-by-case.
Q:Does insurance cover the immigration medical exam?
A: Most health insurance does not cover immigration exams since they're considered administrative, not medical necessity. Some civil surgeons offer payment plans.
Q:What happens if I have a positive TB test?
A: A positive skin test or blood test requires a chest X-ray. If the X-ray is normal, you can proceed. If abnormal, you may need sputum tests or treatment before your I-693 can be completed.
Need Help with Your Immigration Medical Exam in Menifee?
Our Arabic-speaking team can help you find a civil surgeon, organize your vaccination records, and prepare for a smooth immigration medical exam.
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