SoCal Immigration Services | Immigration Document Preparation in Southern California

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Riverside, the largest city in the Inland Empire, is home to a significant Arab American community preparing for various stages of the green card process. One of the most important steps in applying for adjustment of status (Form I-485) is completing the immigration medical examination on Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. This exam must be performed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and cannot be done by your regular doctor. SoCal Immigration Services guides Arab families in Riverside through every step of the medical exam process, from finding a civil surgeon to resolving common issues that cause delays.

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Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

Understanding the I-693 Medical Exam

The I-693 immigration medical examination is a mandatory requirement for nearly all applicants filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. USCIS requires this exam to ensure that applicants do not have any communicable diseases of public health significance, do not lack required vaccinations, and do not have physical or mental disorders that could pose a threat to themselves or others.

The exam is governed by guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and must be conducted by a civil surgeon designated by USCIS. A civil surgeon is a licensed physician (M.D. or D.O.) who has been specifically authorized by USCIS to perform immigration medical exams. Regular physicians, urgent care clinics, and hospital emergency departments cannot conduct this exam.

The completed I-693 form is valid for 2 years from the date the civil surgeon signs it. USCIS must receive the I-693 no more than 60 days before you file your I-485, and USCIS must make a decision on your I-485 within 2 years of the civil surgeon's signature. The exam typically costs between $150 and $400 depending on the provider, and vaccinations are charged separately.

As of 2026, USCIS requires applicants to submit the I-693 in a sealed envelope provided by the civil surgeon. Do not open this envelope. If the seal is broken, USCIS will reject the form and you will need a new exam.

Finding Civil Surgeons in Riverside

USCIS maintains an online directory of designated civil surgeons at uscis.gov. Below are examples of civil surgeon providers serving the Riverside area. Always verify current availability and pricing directly with the provider before booking your appointment:

Provider Name	Location	Estimated Cost	Languages/Notes
Riverside Medical Clinic	Riverside, CA 92501	$200-$350	Multiple locations, call for civil surgeon availability
Kaiser Permanente Riverside	Riverside, CA 92505	$250-$400	Members and non-members, appointment required
Concentra Urgent Care	Riverside, CA 92507	$175-$300	Walk-ins accepted for immigration exams
CVS MinuteClinic	Multiple Riverside locations	$200-$350	Select locations offer immigration exams
Inland Empire Community Health Center	Riverside, CA 92501	$150-$275	Sliding scale fees available for qualifying families
Private Civil Surgeons (search USCIS directory)	Various Riverside addresses	$150-$400	Search uscis.gov/findadoctor for current list

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Preparing properly for your civil surgeon appointment prevents delays and return visits. Gather the following documents and items before your appointment:

•Government-issued photo identification: passport, driver's license, or state ID. The civil surgeon must verify your identity
•Form I-693 partially completed: Fill out Part 1 (your personal information) before the appointment. The civil surgeon completes the rest. Download the latest version from uscis.gov
•Complete vaccination records from your home country (if available). Records from Arab countries should be translated into English by a certified translator. Original records in Arabic are accepted with translations
•Any prior I-693 forms from previous immigration applications
•A list of all medications you currently take, including dosage and prescribing doctor
•Medical records for any chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, etc.)
•Documentation of any mental health treatment or history
•Payment method: cash, check, or credit card. Most civil surgeons do not accept health insurance for immigration exams as this is not a covered service
•Your I-485 receipt notice (Form I-797C) if you have already filed your adjustment application
•Any USCIS Request for Evidence (RFE) letter related to the medical exam if applicable

Vaccination Requirements for Immigration

USCIS requires proof of vaccination against the following diseases as mandated by the CDC. If you lack documentation or have not received required vaccines, the civil surgeon can administer them during your appointment (for an additional fee):

Vaccine	Required Doses	Age Group	Estimated Cost per Dose
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)	2 doses	All applicants born in 1957 or later	$75-$125
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)	1 dose	All applicants 2+ years old	$50-$85
Polio (IPV)	Series completion	All applicants under 18	$40-$70
Varicella (Chickenpox)	2 doses or proof of disease	All applicants born in 1980 or later	$100-$150
Hepatitis B	3-dose series	All applicants under 18; recommended for adults	$50-$80 per dose
Hepatitis A	2-dose series	All applicants 2-18 years old	$50-$75 per dose
Influenza (Flu)	1 dose during flu season	All applicants 6 months+ during Oct-Mar	$25-$50
COVID-19	Per current CDC recommendations	All applicants per current guidelines	$0-$75
HPV (Human Papillomavirus)	2-3 dose series	Applicants 9-26 years old	$200-$250 per dose
Pneumococcal	Per CDC schedule	Children under 5, adults 65+	$75-$150
Rotavirus	Per CDC schedule	Infants 2-8 months	$75-$100 per dose

Common Issues and How to Resolve Them

Many Arab families in Riverside encounter problems during the I-693 process that can cause significant delays in their green card applications. Here are the most common issues and solutions:

•Missing vaccination records from home country: If you cannot obtain records from your country of origin, the civil surgeon can draw blood (titer test) to check immunity levels. If titers show immunity, you do not need the vaccine again. Titer tests cost $50-$150 per test
•I-693 form expired before USCIS decision: The I-693 is valid for 2 years from the civil surgeon's signature. If your I-485 processing takes longer, you will need a new medical exam. File the I-693 as close to your I-485 submission as practical
•Broken seal on I-693 envelope: If you or anyone opens the sealed envelope before USCIS processes it, the form is rejected. You will need to return to the civil surgeon for a new sealed copy (usually $50-$100 re-sealing fee) or get a completely new exam
•Positive TB (tuberculosis) test: A positive TB skin test (PPD) or blood test (IGRA) does not automatically disqualify you. The civil surgeon will order a chest X-ray. If the X-ray is normal, you receive a Class B1 classification and can proceed. If the X-ray shows abnormalities, you may need sputum tests or treatment before proceeding
•Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS about the medical exam: RFEs often request clarification about vaccination records, TB classification, or mental health history. Respond within the 87-day deadline. Contact our team immediately if you receive an RFE
•Name discrepancies between your I-693 and other immigration documents: Ensure your name appears exactly the same on the I-693 as on your I-485, passport, and birth certificate. Arab names sometimes have different transliterations in English, causing mismatches
•Civil surgeon not available or long wait times: Riverside has limited civil surgeons. Book appointments 2-4 weeks in advance. Consider civil surgeons in nearby Corona, Moreno Valley, or San Bernardino if Riverside providers are full

How SoCal Immigration Services Helps Riverside Families

Our Arabic-speaking team provides end-to-end support for the immigration medical exam process, ensuring your I-693 is completed correctly and submitted properly with your green card application.

•Help finding USCIS-designated civil surgeons in Riverside and the Inland Empire who are accepting new immigration exam patients
•Pre-appointment preparation: reviewing your vaccination records, identifying missing vaccines, and helping you fill out Part 1 of Form I-693
•Arabic-to-English certified translation of vaccination records, medical documents, and civil records from Arab countries
•Reviewing the completed I-693 for accuracy before submission to USCIS (we check for common errors that cause RFEs)
•Coordinating the I-693 submission with your I-485 adjustment of status application to ensure timing requirements are met
•Responding to USCIS Requests for Evidence (RFEs) related to the medical exam
•Guidance on TB testing results, Class B1 classifications, and follow-up requirements
•Assistance with vaccination exemption requests for medical or religious reasons when applicable
•Free consultations in Arabic and English at (714) 421-8872

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:Can I use my regular doctor for the immigration medical exam?

A: No. The I-693 exam must be performed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. Your regular doctor, even if they are a licensed physician, cannot complete this form unless they are specifically designated as a civil surgeon by USCIS. You can search for designated civil surgeons at uscis.gov/findadoctor.

Q:How much does the immigration medical exam cost in Riverside?

A: The exam itself typically costs $150 to $400, depending on the civil surgeon. Vaccinations are charged separately and can add $200 to $800 or more to the total cost, depending on which vaccines you need. TB testing, titer tests, and chest X-rays are also additional costs. Health insurance generally does not cover immigration medical exams.

Q:What if I am pregnant? Can I still get the I-693 exam?

A: Yes, you can complete the I-693 while pregnant. However, certain vaccines (such as MMR and Varicella) cannot be given during pregnancy. The civil surgeon will note a medical exemption for these vaccines. You can receive the vaccines after delivery and submit updated documentation. USCIS accepts medical waivers for pregnancy-related vaccine delays.

Q:Will a positive TB test prevent me from getting a green card?

A: A positive TB test alone does not disqualify you. The civil surgeon will order a chest X-ray to determine if you have active tuberculosis. If the X-ray is normal, you will be classified as Class B1 (latent TB infection) and can proceed with your application. If active TB is found, you will need to complete treatment before your green card can be approved.

Q:How long is the I-693 form valid?

A: The I-693 is valid for 2 years from the date the civil surgeon signs the form. USCIS must receive the I-693 no more than 60 days before you file your I-485. If your case takes longer than 2 years to process, you will need a new medical exam. Plan your exam timing carefully to maximize the validity window.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Riverside 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: February 13, 2026Last Updated: February 13, 2026

Need Help With Your Immigration Medical Exam?

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Immigration Physical Exam in Riverside: Complete I-693 Medical Guide for Green Card Applicants