USCIS Medical Exam: Everything You Need to Know

When you apply for citizenship in the U.S. or an adjustment of status, part of the application process involves a medical exam that is required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

If you’re applying for citizenship, you may already be familiar with the educational Naturalization Test, which tests applicants on their English-speaking ability, reading, writing and civics knowledge. But another requirement is the successful completion of the USCIS medical exam. This is mandatory for those seeking permanent residence in the U.S., whether as a citizen or green-card holder. 

Only authorized doctors can perform this exam, and you may need to bring several materials to the appointment for the exam to proceed.

Here’s what you need to know.

What is the USCIS Medical Exam?

The USCIS medical exam is a comprehensive medical examination that is required for anyone who is applying for U.S. citizenship or a change in status to become a permanent lawful resident of the United States.

The medical examination includes a physical examination and review of your medical history to identify any health concerns or risks of transmittable disease.

What is the purpose of USCIS Medical Exam? 

The purpose of the USCIS medical exam is to determine if applicants have any inadmissible health-related conditions. 

The USCIS and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that the health-related grounds for inadmissibility include persons who: 

• Have a communicable disease of public health significance
• Fail to present documentation of having received vaccination against vaccine-preventable diseases
• Have or have had a physical or mental disorder with associated harmful behavior, or who are a drug abuser or an addict

What does the exam consist of?

In addition to a review of your medical history, the appointment includes: 

• A physical examination
• Tuberculosis (TB) Blood test. 
• Serologic (blood) test for Syphilis (RPR).
• Urine test for Gonorrhea. 
• Required vaccinations that are age dependent . The vaccinations must be up to date and completed for your age group.

What health issues might make an applicant have to go through further testing and treatment ?

The CDC lists the following communicable diseases and categories that can cause an applicant to fail the test:

• Tuberculosis
• Syphilis
• Gonorrhea
• Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy)
• Quarantinable diseases designated by any Presidential Executive Order, which currently include: cholera, diphtheria, plague, smallpox, yellow fever, viral hemorrhagic fevers and severe acute respiratory syndromes

Where can you get the exam?

USCIS medical exams can only be performed by a civil surgeon who has been authorized by the USCIS.

Dr. Sherif Hassan is certified by the Department of Immigration and Naturalization as a Civil Surgeon. He specializes in medical examinations for persons applying for US Citizenship or change of status. USCIS medical exams can be performed at Maryland Urgent Care & Primary Care in Lanham, MD.

What do you need to bring?

Be sure to confirm with your physician which materials to bring. Items that may be required include:

• Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record)
• Government-issued photo identification
• Immunization records
• Medical records and information 

Why Choose Maryland Primary Care for your USCIS exam?

At Maryland Primary Care, we guarantee expedited and accurate completion of your USCIS medical exam application with no delays. 

We have multilingual staff who will aid you with completion of your application, providing you with a complete and accurate examination as required by law and at an affordable price.

Make an appointment today

At Maryland Primary Care in Lanham, MD, we provide a wide range of care to assist patients with every need, including both primary care and urgent care services. In addition, we offer onsite pharmacist counseling to give patients personalized guidance for their medications.

Book an appointment with us

Maryland Primary Care offers the best of both worlds in providing primary care to you and your family, encompassing both internal medicine and family medicine. Call 301-277-3555 to make an appointment today.