A green card, or lawful permanent residence, allows you to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. It is a key step toward that goal. While the process may seem complex, each step brings you closer to achieving your dream. A key part of this journey is the USCIS immigration medical exam. It ensures applicants meet USCIS health requirements.
The medical exam involves completing Form I-693. USCIS uses it to check if a person is admissible based on public health. A certified civil surgeon must complete this form. So, accuracy and professionalism are essential to avoid delays.
At Manhattan Medical Arts, located in NYC, we specialize in green card medical exams. Our experienced civil surgeon, Dr. Syra Hanif, leads our team. We provide comprehensive exams that meet all USCIS requirements. From thorough evaluations to timely delivery of sealed results, we ensure the process is smooth and worry-free.
Choose Manhattan Medical Arts for expert care during this critical phase of your green card journey. To us, you’re more than an application. You’re our priority.
What Is the Green Card Medical Exam?
The green card medical exam is a required step in the USCIS process. It ensures applicants meet specific health criteria. This exam checks for communicable diseases, vaccination records, and mental and physical health. It aims to protect public health. It includes a brief physical examination to assess overall health.
Common questions:
Does the USCIS medical exam test for drugs?
No, it primarily focuses on medical and vaccination history rather than drug testing. However, drug or alcohol abuse might be evaluated if relevant to the applicant’s medical history.
At Manhattan Medical Arts, we specialize in the USCIS immigration medical exam. We ensure every requirement is met with precision. With our trusted civil surgeon, Dr. Syra Hanif, we provide thorough evaluations. This makes your path to a green card medical exam in NYC smooth and stress-free.
Qualified Doctors for the Exam
Only doctors who have been designated by USCIS as civil surgeons are authorized to perform the immigration medical exam. To find a currently designated civil surgeon, you can visit the USCIS website, which offers a search tool by location. It’s important to plan ahead, as it may take some time to secure an appointment. Typically, it takes about two weeks to get the results of your medical exam. When choosing a doctor, make sure to inquire about their fees, availability, and whether they accept your health insurance. This will help you avoid any unexpected costs or delays in your immigration process.
Vaccination Requirements
The Department of Health and Human Services lists some contagious diseases. They are public health risks and can make you ineligible for a green card. These conditions include active, contagious tuberculosis (TB) and failure to prove certain vaccines. They also include other health-related grounds for inadmissibility. If you have active, contagious TB, the civil surgeon will require a chest X-ray. Then, he will refer you to your local health department for sputum testing. The civil surgeon must ensure you’ve had all necessary vaccines. They are: MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), Td (tetanus, diphtheria), Polio, Influenza, Varicella (chickenpox), Meningococcal, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and HPV. Meeting these vaccination requirements is essential to avoid any health-related grounds of inadmissibility in your green card application.
Key Steps After Completing the Medical Exam with a Civil Surgeon
Receiving the completed form I-693 in a sealed envelope from the civil surgeon is crucial for your application process.
To guide applicants on what to do after completing their USCIS medical exam and how to handle Form I-693 properly to avoid delays.
Steps to Follow:
Keep Form I-693 Sealed:
- Once the exam is complete, you will receive Form I-693 in a sealed envelope.
- It is essential to keep it sealed as USCIS only accepts unopened forms.
- Ensure that the civil surgeon signs the form, as it must be signed by a designated civil surgeon to be valid for green card applications.
Submit the Form to USCIS:
- Include the sealed Form I-693 with your Form I-485 (Application for Adjustment of Status), or
- Submit it separately if USCIS requests it later during the process.
Timely Processing with Manhattan Medical Arts:
- At Manhattan Medical Arts, we make sure you receive your sealed Form I-693 on time.
- Our team also provides detailed instructions to help you meet submission timelines.
Adhere to Deadlines:
- Submitting your medical exam form on time is critical to avoid delays in processing your green card application.
Our staff at Manhattan Medical Arts is here to help you at every stage so you may proceed with your green card application with assurance.
How Long Does It Take?
Timelines vary depending on your case and location. Here’s a general overview:
The immigration medical examination is a crucial step that can affect the overall timeline.
Typical Timelines
Medical Exam Results
- Turnaround Time: 1–2 weeks (at Manhattan Medical Arts) for the medical examination results.
- Prompt results ensure no unnecessary delays in your green card process.
USCIS Review of Form I-693
- Timeline: 2–12 months.
- Review times vary based on factors like location, case type (family or employment-based), and completeness of forms.
Green Card Approval & Mailing
- Timeline: 1–2 months after application approval.
- This step includes processing and delivering your green card.
Key Factors Influencing Processing Time
- Location: Processing centers in different regions handle cases at varying speeds.
- Case Type: Family-based applications may take less time compared to employment-based cases.
- Form Completeness: Inaccuracies or missing information in Form I-693 can lead to delays.
- Medical Exam: Finding disorders in the exam may delay processing.
Common Questions Addressed
- How long does it take USCIS to review a medical exam? Typically, it takes between 2 and 12 months, depending on your case’s specifics.
- How long does it take to get a green card after submitting Form I-693? After submission, you can expect a wait of 2–12 months for USCIS to finalize the process.
Quick Reference Table
| Step | Timeline |
| Medical Exam Results | 1–2 weeks (Manhattan Medical Arts) |
| USCIS Review of I-693 | 2–12 months |
| Green Card Approval & Mailing | 1–2 months after approval |
At Manhattan Medical Arts, we deliver results promptly. We also guide you through the submission requirements. This keeps your green card journey on track.
Medical Exam Results and Timeline for Approval
After your USCIS medical exam, the results are usually ready in 1–2 weeks at Manhattan Medical Arts. These results are vital to your green card application. They will be submitted to USCIS. USCIS reviews your medical exam as part of their overall assessment of your eligibility for a green card.
However, delays can occur if USCIS issues a Request for Evidence (RFE) or if your forms are incomplete. These RFEs may need more info or clarification. This could delay your green card approval. At Manhattan Medical Arts, we ensure the medical exam is quick and smooth to avoid delays.
Special Scenarios
Some applicants may face special scenarios in their green card process.
- RFEs: If USCIS needs more medical info, we can help. We can quickly get the right documents.
- Family-based applications: Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens often get faster processing.
- Employment-based applications: The medical exam is a key part of the employment-based green card process. It has similar timelines.
- Mental illness: A history of mental illness, especially with violence, can affect approval. It may require extra documentation.
Costs and Practical Details of Form I-693
The cost of the USCIS medical exam in NYC for 2025 varies but is typically around $400–$600. At Manhattan Medical Arts, we offer transparent pricing and support for uninsured patients.
Checklist for your appointment:
| Item | Details |
| Passport | Must be valid and government-issued |
| Vaccination Records | Proof of required vaccinations (translated if needed) |
| Form I-693 | Partially completed before appointment |
The physical examination includes assessments of physical and mental conditions.
Final Steps in the Green Card Journey
After you submit Form I-693, USCIS will process your application. This includes reviewing the medical exam results. Upon approval, expect to receive your green card within 1–2 months. Manhattan Medical Arts will support you. They will ensure your documents are submitted on time. Immigration medical exams are a critical part of the final approval process.
FAQs About the Green Card Medical Exam
What happens after the medical exam for a green card?
After your exam, submit the sealed Form I-693 to USCIS with your green card application or as requested. USCIS will review it as part of your overall case before making a decision.
How long for immigration medical exam results?
They are usually ready in 1–2 weeks at Manhattan Medical Arts. Once ready, they will be sealed and provided to you for submission to USCIS.
Can the medical exam process be expedited?
No, the medical exam itself cannot be expedited. Manhattan Medical Arts processes applications quickly, usually within 1–2 weeks. This keeps your application moving without delays.
What are the requirements and procedures for immigration medical exams?
They are required for U.S. permanent residency applicants. The process includes submitting Form I-693 and updating all vaccinations. A USCIS-designated civil surgeon must complete the exam. The results are valid for a period set by USCIS policies.
Conclusion
The USCIS medical exam is a pivotal step in your green card journey. With Dr. Syra Hanif and her team at Manhattan Medical Arts, you’ll get expert advice and great service.
Schedule your USCIS medical exam with Manhattan Medical Arts today. It will bring you closer to your green card!
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About The Author
Dr. Syra Hanif M.D.Board Certified Primary Care Physician
Dr. Syra Hanif is a board-certified Primary Care Physician (PCP) dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered healthcare.
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