The medical examination for a US green card must be performed by a USCIS-designated physician (civil surgeon), and the results are recorded on Form I-693. According to CDC instructions, it includes an interview and physical exam, tuberculosis testing, age-dependent testing for syphilis and gonorrhea, and catch-up vaccinations.
In the green card procedure, the medical examination serves one purpose: confirming that the applicant’s health status does not prevent them from obtaining permanent residence. It is part of the immigration process rather than preventive care – which is why complete documents and a strictly defined scope of tests matter.
Who performs the examination and how it reaches USCIS
USCIS explicitly states that immigration examinations conducted within the United States must be performed by a physician designated by the agency, known as a civil surgeon (USCIS on designated doctors). The agency provides a public list of such physicians through the “Find a Doctor” search tool on the myUSCIS website. The results are recorded on Form I-693. According to USCIS information on Form I-693, the applicant receives the form in a sealed envelope and submits it to USCIS themselves, and the agency will return the document if the envelope has been opened or tampered with.
The detailed scope of the examination is determined by the CDC Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons. These instructions dictate which tests and vaccinations are required at a given age, which is why “certainties” circulating on social media may be outdated or incomplete.
What the examination includes
According to the CDC, applicants aged 2 and older undergo a blood test for tuberculosis (IGRA); a positive result requires a chest X-ray (CDC: Tuberculosis). Individuals aged 18 to 44 are tested for syphilis – this is a blood test, including RPR or VDRL tests (CDC: Syphilis). Individuals aged 18 to 24 are tested for gonorrhea using a NAAT test, usually from a urine sample (CDC: Gonorrhea). Younger and older applicants are tested for these conditions if the physician has a reason to suspect an infection.
The second part consists of vaccinations. The full list of vaccinations required for a given age is determined by the CDC – it includes vaccinations against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), tetanus and diphtheria, varicella (chickenpox), as well as hepatitis B, among others. According to CDC instructions, an applicant without up-to-date vaccinations receives at least one dose of each missing vaccine required for their age during the examination (CDC: Vaccinations).
Polish vaccination records and their translation
For applicants from Poland, documentation brought from the home country is often crucial: health booklets, vaccination cards, certificates. The CDC accepts written documentation only – verbal declarations are not enough – and every dose must include a full date: day, month, and year. When documents are missing, for certain diseases including measles, mumps, rubella, or chickenpox, a blood test confirming immunity is acceptable.
Documents in Polish must be provided with a reliable English translation, for which the applicant is responsible. Finding the booklet, checking dates, and preparing the translation takes time, so it is better to handle this before scheduling the appointment rather than at the last minute.
Immigration medical exam at the Maspeth Clinic
The interview during the examination includes questions about past illnesses and treatment, which are best answered precisely. Talking to the doctor in Polish helps avoid misunderstandings and allows you to ask questions about every step of the procedure.
The Maspeth Clinic of Dr. Adam S. Budzikowski performs immigration medical examinations for the green card (Form I-693). The clinic’s website lists tuberculosis testing, gonorrhea and syphilis tests (RPR test), and routine vaccinations: chickenpox, MMR, and tetanus-diphtheria. Details can be found on the Immigration Examinations at Maspeth Clinic page, information about the clinic on its PolishPages directory listing, and an appointment can be scheduled by calling 929-252-9330.
This article is for informational purposes only – it is general information, not medical or legal advice. Examination requirements may change; current USCIS and CDC information is binding. For individual cases, you should consult a doctor or an immigration attorney.
