I-693 Medical Exam Westminster | Immigration Physical Orange County 2026

Quick Answer

The I-693 immigration medical exam must be performed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. It includes physical exam, vaccination review (MMR, Hepatitis A/B, COVID-19, etc.), TB screening, and blood tests. The form is valid for 2 years. Costs typically range $200-600. Bring ID, vaccination records, and payment.

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Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

Westminster residents applying for green cards must complete the immigration medical examination (Form I-693) as part of the adjustment of status process. This guide explains what to expect, how to prepare, and where to find USCIS-designated civil surgeons in the Westminster and Orange County area.

What is the I-693 Medical Examination?

The I-693 is a medical examination required for all green card applicants adjusting status in the United States. The purpose is to ensure:

• You don't have any communicable diseases of public health significance
• You have received required vaccinations
• You don't have physical or mental disorders that could pose a danger
• You are not a drug abuser or addict

The exam must be performed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon - regular doctors cannot complete this exam.

Who Needs the I-693 Medical Exam?

You need an I-693 if you are:

•Applying for adjustment of status (Form I-485)
•Applying for certain other green card benefits
•A K-1 fiancé whose prior medical exam has expired
•A refugee applying for adjustment after 1 year
•Certain other applicants requiring medical clearance

Finding a Civil Surgeon

Civil surgeons are physicians authorized by USCIS to perform immigration medical exams. To find one:

1. Visit the USCIS website civil surgeon locator tool
2. Enter your zip code (92683 for Westminster)
3. Choose from the list of nearby civil surgeons
4. Call to schedule an appointment and ask about fees

Many civil surgeons in Westminster and Orange County serve the large immigrant community and have multilingual staff.

What to Bring to Your Medical Exam

•Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license)
•Vaccination records (all available records from any country)
•Medical history documentation if applicable
•Glasses or contacts if you wear them
•List of current medications
•Payment (cash, credit card - check with civil surgeon)
•Insurance card (though most don't accept insurance for I-693)

Required Vaccinations for I-693

USCIS requires proof of vaccination against the following diseases (unless medically contraindicated or waived for religious reasons):

Vaccine	Who Needs It	Notes
Mumps, Measles, Rubella (MMR)	All applicants	Usually 2 doses required
Polio	Under age 18	Series completion
Tetanus/Diphtheria (Td/Tdap)	All applicants	Within 10 years
Pertussis	Under age 65	Usually with Tdap
Hepatitis A	All applicants	2-dose series
Hepatitis B	All applicants	3-dose series
Varicella (Chickenpox)	All applicants	If no immunity
Influenza (Flu)	Seasonal	During flu season
COVID-19	All applicants	Per current guidelines

What Happens During the Exam

1
Document Review
Civil surgeon reviews your ID and vaccination records
2
Medical History
Questions about past illnesses, surgeries, mental health
3
Physical Examination
Basic physical exam including eyes, ears, heart, lungs
4
Blood Tests
Testing for syphilis and gonorrhea (required)
5
TB Screening
TB test or chest X-ray depending on risk factors
6
Vaccinations
Receive any required vaccinations you're missing
7
Form Completion
Civil surgeon completes and seals Form I-693

Tuberculosis (TB) Testing

TB screening is a critical part of the exam. The approach depends on your situation:

If you have no TB risk factors:
• Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) blood test, OR
• Tuberculin Skin Test (TST)

If positive or from high-TB country:
• Chest X-ray required
• If abnormal X-ray, sputum tests may be needed

If you have active TB:
• Must complete treatment before green card approval
• Treatment monitoring required

I-693 Validity Period

Your I-693 medical exam is valid for 2 years from the date the civil surgeon signs it. Important timing rules:

• The signature date cannot be more than 60 days BEFORE you file I-485
• The form must still be valid when USCIS makes a decision
• If your form expires during processing, you may need a new exam
• Keep a copy of your completed I-693 for your records

Common Medical Grounds of Inadmissibility

Certain health conditions can make you inadmissible:

•Communicable diseases of public health significance (active TB, untreated syphilis/gonorrhea, leprosy)
•Failure to show proof of required vaccinations
•Physical or mental disorder with harmful behavior
•Drug abuse or addiction
•Some conditions may qualify for waivers

Costs for Immigration Medical Exam

The I-693 medical exam is NOT covered by health insurance. Typical costs in the Orange County area:

Component	Typical Cost	Notes
Basic exam fee	$150-300	Varies by civil surgeon
TB blood test (IGRA)	$50-150	If required
Chest X-ray	$50-100	If TB test positive
Vaccinations	$50-200 each	Depends on which needed
Blood tests	$25-75	Syphilis/gonorrhea
Total typical range	$200-600+	Plan for $400 average

Tips for a Smooth Medical Exam

•Schedule early - civil surgeons can be busy, especially before filing deadlines
•Bring all vaccination records - even from other countries, in original form
•Get missing vaccinations beforehand if possible - may be cheaper at pharmacy
•Eat normally before the exam - fasting not usually required
•Don't open the sealed envelope - only USCIS should open it
•Keep a copy - ask for copies of all forms and test results
•If you have health conditions, bring documentation from your regular doctor

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:Do I have to use a specific civil surgeon?

A: You can use any USCIS-designated civil surgeon anywhere in the United States. You don't have to use one near your home, but it's usually more convenient.

Q:My I-693 is about to expire. What should I do?

A: If your I-693 will expire before USCIS decides your case, you may need a new exam. Contact USCIS or submit a new I-693 proactively to avoid delays.

Q:I'm afraid of needles. Can I skip the blood tests?

A: Blood tests for syphilis and possibly TB are required and cannot be waived. The civil surgeon's office can help if you have needle anxiety.

Q:What if I can't get all vaccinations due to medical reasons?

A: The civil surgeon can document medical contraindications on the I-693. You may need a letter from your treating physician explaining why you cannot receive certain vaccines.

Q:Can I refuse the COVID-19 vaccine for religious reasons?

A: You may request a religious exemption, but USCIS will evaluate whether the exemption applies. Consult with an immigration professional about current policies.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Westminster and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.

Published: January 8, 2026Last Updated: January 8, 2026

Need Help Preparing for Your Medical Exam?

Our Westminster team can help you locate a civil surgeon, understand vaccination requirements, and ensure your I-693 is properly completed.

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Schedule Consultation (714) 421-8872

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I-693 Medical Exam Guide in Westminster: Immigration Physical Requirements 2026