Immigration Medical Exam I-693 in San Diego: Complete Guide for Green Card Applicants
Everything you need to know about the required medical examination for adjustment of status
Quick Answer
The immigration medical examination is a required step for most green card applicants. SoCal Immigration Services helps San Diego families understand the I-693 requirements, find authorized civil surgeons, and prepare for a successful medical exam.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
The immigration medical examination is a required step for most green card applicants. SoCal Immigration Services helps San Diego families understand the I-693 requirements, find authorized civil surgeons, and prepare for a successful medical exam.
What is Form I-693?
• Completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon
• Submitted with your adjustment of status application (I-485)
• Signed by both you and the civil surgeon
• Valid for 2 years from the date the civil surgeon signs it
• In a sealed envelope (if submitting separately from I-485)
Who Needs an Immigration Medical Exam?
- •Adjustment of status applicants (filing I-485)
- •Diversity visa lottery winners adjusting status
- •Refugees applying for permanent residence after 1 year
- •K-1 fiancé visa holders adjusting after marriage
- •Anyone previously denied for medical reasons seeking waiver
- •Applicants with previous inadmissible medical conditions
Finding a Civil Surgeon in San Diego
• Search the USCIS Civil Surgeon Locator online
• Civil surgeons must hold valid USCIS designation
• Many are located throughout San Diego County
• Fees vary significantly ($150-$500+)
• Some offer Arabic-speaking staff
• Call ahead to confirm they're accepting new patients
We can provide referrals to trusted civil surgeons who have experience with Arab immigrant families.
What to Bring to Your Medical Exam
- •Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or green card)
- •Vaccination records (if available)
- •Previous I-693 forms (if any)
- •List of current medications
- •Medical records for any chronic conditions
- •Glasses or contacts if you wear them
- •Payment (most civil surgeons require payment at time of service)
What Happens During the Medical Exam
- 1Medical History Review
Questions about current health, past illnesses, surgeries, and conditions
- 2Physical Examination
Height, weight, blood pressure, vision, hearing, and general physical exam
- 3Vaccination Review
Check vaccination records against USCIS requirements; administer needed vaccines
- 4Blood Tests
Tests for syphilis; other tests if medically indicated
- 5TB Screening
Tuberculosis test (skin test, blood test, or chest X-ray depending on history)
- 6Mental Health Assessment
Brief screening for mental health conditions
Required Vaccinations
| Vaccine | Who Needs It | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) | Most applicants | 2 doses typically required |
| Polio | Most applicants | Series completion |
| Tetanus/Diphtheria | Most applicants | Within 10 years |
| Hepatitis B | Most applicants | 3-dose series |
| Varicella (Chickenpox) | Without history of disease | 2 doses |
| Influenza (Flu) | During flu season | Annual requirement Oct-Mar |
| COVID-19 | Most applicants | Per current guidelines |
| Others | Age-dependent | Consult civil surgeon |
Conditions That May Affect Your Application
- •Active tuberculosis (requires treatment completion)
- •Untreated syphilis or other STDs
- •Mental disorders with harmful behavior history
- •Drug abuse or addiction
- •Physical disorders affecting ability to work
- •Certain communicable diseases of public health significance
- •Lack of required vaccinations (must receive or request waiver)
Vaccination Waivers
• Religious or moral objections (requires documentation)
• Medical contraindications (doctor must certify)
• Age-inappropriate vaccines
• Vaccines not medically recommended
Waivers are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Strong documentation is essential.
I-693 Validity and Timing
- •I-693 valid for 2 years from civil surgeon signature
- •Must be valid when USCIS makes final decision on I-485
- •Can submit I-693 with I-485 or at interview
- •If expired, you'll need a new exam
- •Keep copies of everything before submitting
- •Civil surgeon seals form in envelope - do not open
Costs and What to Expect
| Service | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Surgeon Exam | $150-$300 | Base exam fee varies |
| Vaccinations | $50-$500+ | Depends on which vaccines needed |
| Blood Tests | $50-$150 | Included by some, extra by others |
| TB Chest X-ray | $50-$150 | If required based on screening |
| Total Range | $200-$800+ | Varies significantly by provider |
Special Considerations for Arab Families
- •Language barriers during medical appointments
- •Cultural sensitivity regarding physical examinations
- •Finding female civil surgeons for women preferring female doctors
- •Religious considerations for vaccination ingredients
- •Translating foreign medical records
- •Coordinating family appointments
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:How much does the immigration medical exam cost in San Diego?
A: Costs vary widely from $200 to $800+ depending on the civil surgeon and which vaccinations you need. Shop around and ask for complete pricing including all vaccines.
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, you don't need the vaccine. Otherwise, you'll need to get vaccinated.
Q:How long does the medical exam take?
A: The appointment typically takes 1-2 hours. You may need to return for a second visit to get TB test results (if using skin test) or receive additional vaccines.
Q:Can I open the sealed I-693 envelope?
A: No! If you open the envelope, you'll likely need to redo the exam. The sealed envelope is a security measure for USCIS.
Q:What if I have a medical condition like diabetes or HIV?
A: Most medical conditions do not disqualify you from getting a green card. HIV is no longer a bar to immigration. Bring your medical records and be honest with the civil surgeon.
Q:Is there a way to avoid certain vaccinations?
A: You can request a waiver for religious/moral objections or if you have medical contraindications. The waiver must be documented and is approved at USCIS discretion.
Q:My I-693 expired - what do I do?
A: You'll need to get a new medical exam with a new I-693. Unfortunately, you cannot extend the validity of an expired form.
Q:Can I see any doctor for the immigration medical exam?
A: No, only USCIS-designated civil surgeons can perform immigration medical exams. Regular doctors cannot complete Form I-693.
Prepare for Your Immigration Medical Exam
Don't let the medical exam cause delays in your green card. Our San Diego team helps you prepare and find the right civil surgeon.
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