I-693 Medical Exam Requirements in Walnut: Complete Green Card Health Guide for Arab Families
Everything you need to know about the immigration medical examination process
Quick Answer
For Arab families in Walnut applying for green cards, the I-693 medical examination is a mandatory step. SoCal Immigration Services guides families through the medical exam process, from finding a civil surgeon to submitting the completed form with your application.
Estimate Your Immigration Timeline
Get a realistic planning window for common immigration case types.
Get StartedReviewed for document-preparation scope
SoCal Immigration Services
General information only. Not legal advice.
For Arab families in Walnut applying for green cards, the I-693 medical examination is a mandatory step. SoCal Immigration Services guides families through the medical exam process, from finding a civil surgeon to submitting the completed form with your application.
What is Form I-693?
Every adjustment of status applicant (I-485) must submit a completed I-693 signed by a civil surgeon. The exam covers health conditions, vaccinations, and any medical grounds of inadmissibility.
Who Needs the I-693 Medical Exam?
- •Filing Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) to get a green card
- •A K-1 fiancé who already had an overseas medical more than 1 year ago
- •A refugee or asylee applying for adjustment after 1 year
- •Any immigrant who didn't have a valid medical exam at the embassy
- •Renewing an expired medical exam for a pending case
Finding a Civil Surgeon Near Walnut
When choosing a civil surgeon:
• Verify their designation is current on the USCIS website
• Call ahead about costs, availability, and vaccine stock
• Ask if they offer Arabic interpretation services
• Confirm they complete the I-693 the same day if possible
We maintain a list of civil surgeons experienced with Arab immigrant families who offer competitive pricing.
Required Vaccinations for Immigration
- •Mumps, Measles, Rubella (MMR)
- •Polio
- •Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td or Tdap)
- •Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
- •Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)
- •Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B
- •Rotavirus (for young children)
- •Meningococcal disease
- •Varicella (Chickenpox)
- •Pneumococcal disease
- •Influenza (seasonal flu)
- •COVID-19 (if applicable)
What Happens During the Exam?
| Component | What to Expect | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medical History | Review of past illnesses, surgeries, medications | 15-20 min |
| Physical Exam | Height, weight, blood pressure, vision, hearing | 15-20 min |
| Mental Health Screening | Basic psychological evaluation | 5-10 min |
| Blood Tests | Syphilis and tuberculosis (TB) blood test | Same day or return visit |
| Vaccination Review | Check records, administer missing vaccines | Varies |
| TB Chest X-ray | Only if TB blood test is positive | If needed |
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- •Government-issued photo ID (passport, state ID)
- •Vaccination records (from home country if available)
- •Medical records for any chronic conditions
- •List of current medications
- •Glasses or contact lenses if you wear them
- •Payment (costs typically $150-$400 depending on vaccines needed)
I-693 Validity Period
The civil surgeon's signature date starts the validity clock. The I-693 is valid if:
• The civil surgeon signed it no more than 60 days before you file I-485
• USCIS makes a decision within 2 years of the signature date
For Walnut families with long-pending cases, you may need to redo the medical exam if your original expires before USCIS makes a decision.
Tuberculosis (TB) Testing
• Most adults get an IGRA blood test (QuantiFERON or T-SPOT)
• Children under 2 may not need TB testing
• If blood test is positive, a chest X-ray is required
• If chest X-ray shows active TB, treatment is required before approval
Many immigrants from areas with high TB rates test positive on blood tests but have latent (inactive) TB. A clear chest X-ray usually resolves the issue.
Medical Grounds of Inadmissibility
- •Communicable diseases of public health significance (active TB, untreated syphilis)
- •Lack of required vaccinations (waiver available for religious/medical reasons)
- •Physical or mental disorders with harmful behavior
- •Drug abuse or addiction
Vaccination Waivers
Religious/Moral Objection: You oppose vaccinations based on religious beliefs or moral convictions. Submit a signed statement explaining your beliefs.
Medical Contraindication: A vaccine is not medically appropriate for you due to allergy, pregnancy, or other health reasons. The civil surgeon documents this on the I-693.
Age Exemption: Certain vaccines only apply to specific age groups.
Costs for the I-693 Exam in Walnut
| Service | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Surgeon Exam | $150-$250 | Basic exam fee |
| TB Blood Test | $50-$150 | Required for most adults |
| Chest X-ray (if needed) | $50-$150 | Only if TB test positive |
| Individual Vaccines | $50-$150 each | Depends on what you need |
| Complete Package | $300-$600 | If many vaccines required |
Walnut Area Immigration Medical Support
- •Referrals to experienced civil surgeons in the San Gabriel Valley
- •Help gathering vaccination records from home countries
- •Preparation for what to expect during the exam
- •Review of completed I-693 before submission
- •Assistance with vaccination waiver requests
- •Arabic-speaking support for all questions
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:How long is the I-693 valid?
A: The I-693 must be signed by the civil surgeon no more than 60 days before filing I-485, and USCIS must make a decision within 2 years of the signature date.
Q:Can I use my overseas medical exam?
A: Overseas medical exams from embassies are only valid for the visa application. For adjustment of status inside the U.S., you need a new I-693 from a USCIS-designated civil surgeon.
Q:What if I don't have my vaccination records?
A: The civil surgeon can perform blood tests (titers) to check immunity. If you're immune, no additional vaccination is needed. Otherwise, you'll receive the required vaccines.
Q:How much does the medical exam cost?
A: Basic exam fees range from $150-$250. Total costs including vaccines and blood tests typically run $300-$600 depending on your vaccination status.
Q:What if I test positive for TB?
A: A positive TB blood test is common and doesn't mean you're sick. You'll need a chest X-ray. If the X-ray is clear, you have latent TB which doesn't affect immigration. Active TB requires treatment.
Q:Can I refuse vaccinations for religious reasons?
A: Yes, you can request a waiver based on religious or moral objections. Submit a signed statement explaining your beliefs. The waiver request is submitted with your I-485.
Need Help with Your Immigration Medical Exam?
Our team helps Walnut families prepare for the I-693 medical exam. We connect you with experienced civil surgeons and ensure your paperwork is complete.
Related Articles
2026 I-864 Poverty Guidelines: Affidavit of Support Income Requirements
National income thresholds, household size rules, and backup sponsor options for family-based green card cases.
I-129F Processing Times 2026: K-1 Visa Timeline
Current K-1 fiance visa stages from USCIS review through embassy scheduling and entry planning.
Advance Parole While a Case Is Pending
Travel document guidance for applicants with pending immigration cases and adjustment applications.
Citizenship Test Waiver 55/15 Guide
Naturalization test exceptions and accommodations for eligible older permanent residents.