Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Form I-693 is a mandatory medical examination required for immigration purposes in the United States. Civil surgeons are authorized by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to conduct these examinations.

Here is the technical instructions summary for civil surgeons to conduct the I-693 immigration medical exam:

1. Obtain Form I-693 filled by the applicants with their demographic information, pages 1 & 2. An interpreter’s information is required if the applicant cannot understand English.
2. Verify the applicant’s identity: Check the applicant’s identification documents to ensure they match the information on Form I-693.
3. Conduct a medical examination: Conduct a thorough medical examination of the applicant per USCIS guidelines, which includes:
   
   1. A complete medical history
   2. A physical examination
   3. A tuberculin blood test (or chest x-ray for those who have a positive test)
   4. Blood test for syphilis and urine test for gonorrhea (if over 18 years old)
   5. Vaccination assessment and update, if necessary
   6. Assessment of any applicant’s inadmissibility per USCIS guidelines
   7. Referral to the public health department or specialists if an infectious disease is detected
4. Complete Form I-693: Fill out the form completely and accurately, completing all required fields. Include your professional medical opinion on the applicant’s health status and any recommended treatment.
5. Seal Form I-693 in an envelope: Once the examination is complete and the form is filled out, place the form in a sealed envelope with your signature across the seal. The applicant or anyone else should not open the envelope. (Only USCIS should open the envelope)
6. Give the sealed envelope to the applicant to submit along with their immigration application to their attorney or the USCIS.
7. Medical record: Keep a copy of the completed Form I-693 for the Civil Surgeon’s records and give a copy of the same to the applicant.

For your 1st appointment, there is only one document you must have ready to begin your:

1. Government-issued ID card

Other documents and information that would be useful but not necessary include:

• Any vaccination records.
• Your USCIS Request for Evidence Letter.
• Your insurance card information.
• The approximate age you were when you had chickenpox (Varicella).

Fill out the I-693 Form, pages 1 & 2 (Do not sign nor date. Click for fillable form.)

Prepare:

The applicant must fill out the first 4 sections about demographics on pages 1 and 2. Do not sign nor date. We will fill out the remaining pages of the 14-page document. The PDF fillable I-693 form can be downloaded from the above. Please bring it to your Medical Exam appointment. You will be asked to show your Identification to the Civil Surgeon and sign and date the document in their presence.

Bring:

• I-693 Form, pages 1& 2
• Government-issued ID card

Optional, if available, bring:

• Any vaccination records.
• Your USCIS Request for Evidence Letter.
• Your insurance card information.
• Approximate age you were when you had chickenpox (Varicella).
• Payment method: Cash, Credit Card, HAS, or FSA cards.

If you do not have vaccination records, it will be fine. Most applicants do not have vaccination records. While the USCIS requires a demonstration of immunity or evidence of having taken various vaccinations depending on age, we will help you provide the information needed by USCIS. Also, if you or a family member recalls the approximate age when you had the chickenpox (Varicella), then that information will be sufficient to meet the immunity requirement, and no Varicella testing or vaccination will be required.

We will order a lab test for immunity showing that you have acquired immunity via vaccination or previous exposure to the disease. If you do not have immunity, we will provide the required vaccinations at a lower price than the local pharmacies.

If more than one vaccination is required to complete the series, you may receive the first dose and schedule the remaining doses. We will report the date of the administration of your first dose and describe you as in compliance with USCIS regulations in your sealed paperwork. You may submit your completed I-693 Form to the USCIS or your attorney. Rest assured, you will be deemed in compliance.

• QuantiFERON (Tuberculosis blood test): for all ages.
• Syphilis (blood test): ages 15 to 45.
• Gonorrhea (urine test) for ages 18-24 years.
• When vaccination records are not available:
  • Hepatitis B titer (blood test)
  • Measles Mumps Rubella titer (blood test)

Unfortunately, most accredited lab testing facilities in the area charge applicants between $450 and $1200. However, we have arranged special pricing for non-insured applicants. You will pay, at most, $395 for the blood tests, including titers you may need. We will direct you to a nearby lab facility with convenient hours. No appointment is necessary. Applicants with medical insurance may depend on their insurance to cover the costs of lab testing.

When the blood tests for titers for hepatitis B or Measles, Mumps, or Rubella indicate no immunity, we will arrange for low-cost vaccination here at your Immigration Medical Exam Clinic and complete your documents soon after that, usually the same day.

When a lab test for a contagious disease is abnormal, we will arrange for you to meet with a physician who will follow USCIS-approved protocols to arrange appropriate testing, treatment, or referral. The process may extend until the Civil Surgeon can determine your satisfactory health status and complete your I-693 form.

• In the case of a positive QuantiFERON, the process could be completed in as little as 1 to 2 days.
• An abnormal gonorrhea or syphilis test may require an additional 1-2 weeks to complete the process.

When you cooperate with these well-established public health protocols meant to protect your health and that of the community, the Civil Surgeon will be able to determine a satisfactory status for your health and complete your I-693. You will then be able to submit it for USCIS approval.

Even if you do not have any vaccination records, you will be presented with all available options to meet your requirements for your health needs and expediency in filing the I-693 Form. We will make sure the filing or acceptance is completed on time.

Bring your Immunization Records to determine what will be needed per USCIS.

• Adult Requirements: COVID-19, Tdap, MMR, chickenpox (Varicella), Hepatitis B, and Influenza.      
• Children Requirements: Must be up to date with a vaccination schedule for their age per CDC guidelines for COVID-19, Hepatitis A and B, Influenza, and Influenza B (Hib), Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), Meningococcal, Pneumococcal, Pertussis (whooping cough), Polio, Rotavirus, Tetanus & Diphtheria, chickenpox (Varicella).

If you are not up to date on your vaccination status, fortunately, you are only required to receive one dose of vaccine that requires more than one dose to convey immunity. Measles Mumps Rubella, for example, requires two doses of vaccine administered one month apart. We will arrange to administer the first dose and schedule the next dose for one month. This protocol will allow the Civil Surgeon to prepare your I-693 immediately. We urge you to complete your vaccination protocol for your health and the community.

Yes. Vaccines are safe.

Yes, it is safe to take multiple vaccines in the same visit. Receiving two live vaccines, such as MMR or Varicella, along with other vaccines, is safe. Live vaccines given on different days must be given 28 days apart.

• You can take an additional shot or booster of a vaccine even if you have taken it before.
• Consult your physician if you are pregnant, sick, or allergic to ingredients. You will need a waiver from your physician or Civil Surgeon for USCIS for these conditions. Speak to the civil surgeon during your Medical Exam for guidance. 

Generally, you can take any vaccine 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after your Covid-19 vaccine injection. New Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines show that you can take any vaccine alone within a few days of taking the COVID-19 vaccine unless there are some contraindications based on your health history determined by your healthcare provider. If you have any concerns, ask our providers during your medical exam.

Per recent USCIS guidelines, a COVID-19 vaccine is required as of 10/1/2021. Green Card Applicants must show proof of vaccination to the Civil Surgeon during their I-693 Medical Exam. Proof of vaccination will be necessary for the processing of the I-693 form, or you may apply for a waiver.

The USCIS requires that applicants show evidence of a satisfactory Medical Exam, Laboratory Tests, and up-to-date Vaccination status.

• We provide all three elements for applicants with NO INSURANCE at a combined and discounted cost of no more than $695. The Medical Exam and preparation of the paperwork is discounted to $300.
• For applicants with insurance, lab tests will be covered by insurance. The price of the medical exam and preparation of the I-693 form is $420.

The vaccines that will be necessary will be provided at a cost lower than surrounding pharmacies.

• Tdap $80
• Influenza $50
• Hepatitis B $120
• Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) $120
• Other vaccines are available at a low cost

Applicants are eligible for this exception if they cannot learn and demonstrate knowledge of English, U.S. history, and civics because of a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment (or a combination of impairments). The definition of disability used for this exception may differ from those used for other purposes (for example, for Social Security Administration programs, Department of Veterans Affairs programs, and state worker’s compensation programs).

The charge to perform the medical exam and prepare the Form N–648 Waiver for Medical Disability Exemptions is $995 per applicant. There is an initial consultation for $455 to determine if the applicant could be eligible for such a waiver. This fee will be applied toward your N-648 form processing.

• Contact Noemi, our Clinical Coordinator, by texting or calling 408.246-9926.
• Please email her at Info@YourIMEC.com.
• Make an appointment online here.
• Visit our offices at 2365 Quimby Rd, Suite 260, San Jose, CA 95113 (Map).