K-1 Visa Medical Exam Requirements in Garden Grove: I-693 Civil Surgeon Guide

Quick Answer

Garden Grove in Orange County has a large Arab-American and immigrant community with many couples navigating the K-1 fiancé visa process. The medical examination is one of the most important — and often most confusing — steps in the K-1 visa journey. SoCal Immigration Services provides Arabic-speaking guidance to Garden Grove residents on every step of the K-1 process, including the medical examination requirements. Call (714) 421-8872 to schedule a consultation.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

Understanding the K-1 Visa Medical Exam: When and Where It Happens

The K-1 fiancé visa medical examination does NOT happen in the United States. For K-1 visa applicants, the medical exam is conducted abroad at a U.S.-designated panel physician — typically in the same country as the U.S. consulate or embassy where the K-1 interview takes place. The medical exam in the United States (Form I-693 with a civil surgeon) is required only for the subsequent green card application (Form I-485) that occurs after the fiancé arrives in the U.S. and the couple marries. This distinction confuses many couples — SoCal Immigration Services clarifies which medical exam applies at each stage.

•K-1 visa stage (abroad): Medical exam by a U.S.-designated panel physician at the U.S. Embassy or consulate country
•K-1 visa stage (abroad): Panel physician completes medical exam on DS-2053 and DS-3025 forms (not I-693)
•After K-1 entry to U.S. and marriage: I-485 adjustment of status requires Form I-693 by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon
•Common panel physician locations for Arab K-1 applicants: Cairo, Beirut, Amman, Abu Dhabi, Baghdad
•Civil surgeon locations for I-693 (after marriage): Orange County, Los Angeles County, San Diego County
•Both exams test the same medical conditions but use different forms and different designated physicians

The K-1 Panel Physician Exam Abroad: What to Expect

If your fiancé is applying for a K-1 visa from an Arab country, they will undergo a medical examination by a U.S.-designated panel physician at or near the embassy. Here is what the exam includes:

1
Scheduling the Panel Physician Appointment
After receiving the National Visa Center (NVC) notice or the U.S. Embassy interview appointment, schedule the medical exam with the designated panel physician. In Egypt, the designated physician is typically IOM Cairo. In Jordan, the designated clinic is in Amman. The embassy's website lists the only approved physicians — no other doctor's exam is accepted.
2
Physical Examination
The panel physician examines for Class A conditions (that automatically make an applicant inadmissible) and Class B conditions (significant health conditions that don't necessarily bar entry). Class A conditions include active tuberculosis, syphilis, and certain mental disorders with associated harmful behavior.
3
Tuberculosis (TB) Testing
All K-1 applicants must be tested for tuberculosis. The standard test is the Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) blood test (QuantiFERON) or TST skin test depending on country and age. Applicants with positive TB tests require a chest X-ray and possibly sputum culture. Latent TB does not bar entry but is documented.
4
Vaccination Review and Completion
The panel physician reviews your vaccination history and administers any required vaccines that are missing. Required vaccinations for K-1 applicants include COVID-19, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Meningococcal, Tdap, and influenza (seasonal). Bring all prior vaccination records to the appointment.
5
Blood and Urine Tests
Tests for syphilis (RPR or VDRL) are required for all applicants age 15 and older. Some panel physicians also test for gonorrhea and other STDs depending on country requirements. Urine analysis may also be performed.
6
Medical Exam Results
Results are typically sealed and given to the applicant to bring to the visa interview, or sent directly to the embassy. Results are valid for 1 year. If your medical results expire before your visa is issued, you must repeat the exam.

Required Vaccinations for K-1 Visa Applicants in 2026

The vaccination requirements for immigrant and fiancé visa applicants are set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and updated annually. As of 2026, the following vaccinations are required:

Vaccine	Who Needs It	Doses Required	Notes
COVID-19	All ages	Primary series + boosters per CDC schedule	Updated annually; check current CDC requirements
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)	Ages 12 months+	2 doses	Or documented immunity through lab testing
Varicella (Chickenpox)	Ages 12 months+	2 doses	Or documented disease history or immunity
Hepatitis A	Ages 12 months+	2 doses	Or documented immunity
Hepatitis B	All ages	3-dose series	Or documented immunity; anti-HBs titer test accepted
Meningococcal	Ages 11-12 (and others per CDC)	1-2 doses	Required if in age-appropriate schedule
Tdap/Td	All ages 7+	1 Tdap, then Td every 10 years	Tdap required at least once
Influenza	Ages 6 months+	1 dose annually	Required during flu season; annual

The I-693 Medical Exam for Green Card After K-1 Marriage: Civil Surgeon in Orange County

After your K-1 fiancé arrives in the U.S. and you marry within 90 days, you file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) to get your spouse their green card. The I-485 requires Form I-693 — the Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record — completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. Garden Grove and Orange County have several civil surgeons available.

•Find USCIS-designated civil surgeons near Garden Grove using the USCIS Civil Surgeon Locator at uscis.gov/civil-surgeon-locator
•The civil surgeon must be USCIS-designated — you cannot use your regular doctor or any other physician
•Schedule the I-693 appointment for after you have gathered all your vaccination records from abroad
•Orange County civil surgeon offices are typically in Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, and Garden Grove itself
•The I-693 exam typically takes 1-2 hours including X-rays, blood draws, and vaccination review
•Cost of I-693 exam: typically $300-$600 in Orange County depending on the civil surgeon and tests required
•The civil surgeon seals the I-693 in an envelope — do NOT open the sealed envelope
•Submit the sealed I-693 envelope with your I-485 application or bring it to your adjustment interview

What to Bring to the Civil Surgeon Appointment

Preparation before your I-693 appointment saves time and money. Many civil surgeon visits require a return visit if vaccination records are incomplete. Bring the following to your Orange County civil surgeon appointment:

•Valid passport or government-issued photo ID
•Green card or other proof of current immigration status (K-1 visa, I-94 arrival record)
•All prior vaccination records — including the DS-3025 vaccination supplement from your K-1 visa medical exam abroad
•Medical history including any prior diagnoses of tuberculosis, mental health conditions, or substance use
•Records of prior TB testing (TST or IGRA results with dates)
•Chest X-ray results if you had active or latent TB
•Payment — most civil surgeons require payment at the time of service (cash, credit card, or check)
•Any prior medical records from treating physicians for ongoing health conditions
•Birth certificate (some civil surgeons request for age verification)

I-693 Cost Breakdown and What Is Included

The total cost of the I-693 medical examination in Orange County varies by civil surgeon and what tests are needed. Here is a typical cost breakdown for 2026:

Service	Typical Cost	Notes
Basic physical examination fee	$150-$250	Required for all applicants
TB test (IGRA/QuantiFERON)	$50-$100	Required; blood test preferred by most civil surgeons
Chest X-ray (if TB positive)	$100-$200	Only if TB test is positive
Syphilis blood test (RPR)	$30-$60	Required for ages 15+
MMR vaccine (if needed)	$60-$120 per dose	Only if not already vaccinated
Varicella vaccine (if needed)	$100-$200 per dose	Only if not vaccinated or immune
Hepatitis B series (if needed)	$60-$150 per dose	3-dose series if not vaccinated
COVID-19 vaccine/booster	$0-$50	Often free at pharmacies; some civil surgeons charge
Form I-693 completion fee	$50-$100	Civil surgeon's administrative fee
Total typical range	$300-$700	Varies based on vaccines needed

I-693 Validity Period: When to Get the Exam

The timing of your I-693 medical exam is important. USCIS will not accept an I-693 that is too old. As of 2026, the I-693 is valid for 2 years from the date the civil surgeon signs it. However, USCIS must receive the I-693 while it is still valid. Key timing considerations:

•Get the I-693 exam close to when you file Form I-485 — not months before
•If you file I-485 and the I-693 expires before USCIS adjudicates your case, you may need a new exam
•Do not get the I-693 exam before your K-1 beneficiary has entered the United States
•The I-693 sealed envelope is valid for 2 years from the civil surgeon's signature date
•If your I-485 is pending for more than 2 years: Contact USCIS proactively to determine if a new I-693 is needed
•If USCIS sends an RFE (Request for Evidence) for medical exam: You have time to get a new I-693 and respond
•Processing times for I-485 after K-1 entry: Currently 15-24 months at the Los Angeles District

Common Medical Issues That Can Affect the K-1 Visa Application

Most K-1 applicants pass the medical examination without issues. However, certain health conditions require additional documentation or create potential complications:

•Latent Tuberculosis (LTBI): Does not bar entry; must complete treatment plan after arrival in the U.S. SoCal Immigration Services advises on finding TB treatment providers in Orange County
•Mental health conditions: Active psychotic disorders with associated harmful behavior are Class A inadmissible; most mental health conditions are Class B and do not bar entry
•Prior drug use: Active drug abuse is Class A; treatment completion with documentation may overcome this bar
•HIV status: HIV is no longer a ground of inadmissibility in the U.S. — no impact on K-1 visa or green card
•Vaccination refusal: Cannot receive a K-1 visa or green card without required vaccinations unless a medical contraindication or religious exemption is documented
•Positive syphilis test: Treated syphilis with documentation of cure does not bar entry; active syphilis is Class A inadmissible
•Pregnancy: Pregnancy is not a medical condition that affects immigration eligibility; pregnant applicants are accommodated

Contact SoCal Immigration Services for K-1 Visa Help in Garden Grove

SoCal Immigration Services guides Garden Grove and Orange County couples through every step of the K-1 fiancé visa process — from filing Form I-129F, coordinating the overseas medical exam, preparing for the consular interview, and completing the I-485 and I-693 after arrival. Our Arabic-speaking team provides complete bilingual support throughout the process. Call (714) 421-8872 to schedule a consultation. We serve Garden Grove, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Westminster, Huntington Beach, and all Orange County communities.

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:Does my fiancé need to get the medical exam before or after the K-1 visa interview?

A: The medical exam must be completed before the K-1 visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or consulate. The panel physician examination results (on DS-2053/DS-3025) are presented at the interview or sent directly to the embassy. Schedule the panel physician appointment 2-4 weeks before the interview date.

Q:Can my fiancé use any doctor for the K-1 medical exam?

A: No. Only USCIS-designated panel physicians can conduct the K-1 overseas medical exam. The U.S. Embassy website for your fiancé's country lists the only approved panel physicians. In Egypt, this is typically IOM Cairo. In Jordan, there is a designated clinic in Amman. Results from any other doctor are not accepted.

Q:What happens if my fiancé fails the medical exam?

A: Most medical conditions are Class B and do not prevent visa issuance. Only Class A conditions (active TB, active syphilis, certain mental health conditions with harmful behavior) can prevent a K-1 visa from being issued. If a Class A condition is found, the applicant can seek treatment and re-apply once treated.

Q:How long are the K-1 overseas medical exam results valid?

A: The overseas medical exam results are valid for 1 year from the date of the examination. If your K-1 visa has not been issued within that time, you must repeat the medical examination. Given current K-1 processing times of 12-24 months, some applicants need to repeat exams.

Q:Is the I-693 the same as the K-1 medical exam?

A: No. The K-1 medical exam is done abroad by a panel physician and uses forms DS-2053 and DS-3025. The I-693 is a separate medical examination done in the U.S. by a civil surgeon as part of the green card (I-485) application after your fiancé has entered the U.S. and you have married.

Q:How do I find a civil surgeon near Garden Grove for the I-693?

A: Use the USCIS Civil Surgeon Locator tool at uscis.gov/civil-surgeon-locator. Search by ZIP code for Garden Grove (92840-92845) to find designated civil surgeons in Orange County. SoCal Immigration Services can also refer you to reputable civil surgeons in your area.

Q:Do we need vaccination records from the home country?

A: Yes. The civil surgeon needs to review all prior vaccination records to determine which vaccines are already complete and which need to be administered. Bring the DS-3025 (vaccination supplement) from the overseas K-1 medical exam, plus any childhood vaccination records available.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Garden Grove 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 18, 2026Last Updated: February 18, 2026

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