USCIS Medical Exam in Maryland: What to Expect From Form I-693
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Reviewed by: Sherif Hassan, MD
Location: Maryland Primary & Urgent Care, Lanham, Maryland, near Washington, DC
Quick Answer
If you are applying for a Green Card or adjustment of status in the United States, you may need a USCIS immigration medical exam, documented on Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.
A USCIS-designated civil surgeon must complete this exam. It typically includes a medical history review, physical examination, required lab testing, tuberculosis screening, and a review of your vaccination records.
At Maryland Primary & Urgent Care in Lanham, Maryland, Dr. Sherif Hassan provides USCIS medical exams for applicants in Prince George’s County, the Washington DC metro area, and surrounding Maryland communities.
Ready to schedule your USCIS medical exam?
Call Maryland Primary & Urgent Care or book an appointment to begin your Form I-693 process.
What Is the USCIS Medical Exam?
The USCIS medical exam is a required medical evaluation for many people applying for lawful permanent residence in the United States.
The purpose is not to provide a full annual physical or replace your regular medical care. The purpose is to help USCIS determine whether an applicant has a health-related condition that may affect admissibility under U.S. immigration law.
The exam is documented on Form I-693 and must be performed by a physician designated by USCIS as a civil surgeon. USCIS explains that after the immigration medical examination, the civil surgeon completes Form I-693 and seals it in an envelope for the applicant to submit to USCIS.
Who Usually Needs a USCIS Medical Exam?
Most commonly, the USCIS medical exam is needed by people applying for:
| Situation | USCIS medical exam usually needed? |
|---|---|
| Adjustment of status / Green Card application from inside the U.S. | Yes |
| Form I-485 application | Usually yes |
| Refugee adjustment vaccination assessment | Ordinary naturalization/citizenship application alone |
| Ordinary naturalization / citizenship application alone | Usually not. |
| Immigration attorney specifically requests I-693 | Follow legal guidance |
This is an important distinction.
A person applying for naturalization does not usually need a USCIS medical exam simply because they are applying for citizenship. The I-693 exam is primarily associated with adjustment of status and other immigration situations in which USCIS requires medical admissibility documentation.
If you are unsure whether you need Form I-693, check your USCIS notice or speak with your immigration attorney.
Important 2026 USCIS Update: Submit Form I-693 With Form I-485
USCIS has required applicants who need Form I-693, or a partial Form I-693 such as the vaccination record, to submit it with Form I-485 since December 2, 2024.
This matters because waiting too long to schedule your medical exam may delay your immigration filing.
USCIS also updated its Form I-693 validity policy. As of USCIS guidance published in June 2025, a Form I-693 signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023, is only valid while the application it was submitted with remains pending. If that application is withdrawn or denied, the I-693 may no longer be valid for a future application.
What Does the USCIS Medical Exam Include?
Your USCIS medical exam generally includes several parts.
| Part of exam | What it means |
|---|---|
| Medical history review | The civil surgeon reviews your health history, medications, prior illnesses, and relevant records |
| Physical examination | A focused physical exam is performed for immigration medical purposes |
| Tuberculosis screening | Usually an IGRA blood test, with chest X-ray if required |
| Syphilis testing | Blood testing when required by CDC technical instructions |
| Gonorrhea testing | Required for certain age groups and when clinically indicated |
| Vaccination review | Written vaccine records are reviewed against USCIS/CDC requirements |
| Form I-693 completion | The civil surgeon documents the exam and vaccination record |
| Sealed envelope | The completed Form I-693 is sealed for USCIS submission |
CDC states that civil surgeons must follow specific technical instructions for applicants applying for adjustment of status and others required to complete a medical examination.
What Vaccines Are Required for the USCIS Medical Exam?
Vaccination requirements depend on your age, medical history, vaccine records, and current CDC/ACIP guidance.
CDC lists required vaccine categories for immigration purposes, including vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, varicella, pneumococcal disease, influenza, and others depending on age and eligibility.
You may not need every vaccine on the list. The civil surgeon determines which vaccines are age-appropriate and medically appropriate for you.
If your vaccine record is incomplete, you may need vaccines during the visit. CDC explains that applicants are generally required to receive at least one dose of each age-appropriate vaccine for which they are not currently up to date.
Bring Written Vaccine Records
This is one of the most common reasons for delays.
Bring all vaccine records you have, including records from outside the United States if available.
CDC states that acceptable vaccination documentation must come from a written vaccination record or medical chart entry with dates. Self-reported vaccine doses without written documentation are not acceptable for Form I-693 purposes.
If your records are in another language, bring a reliable English translation.
What Should You Bring to Your USCIS Medical Exam?
Bring as much documentation as possible. This helps the civil surgeon complete the process accurately.
USCIS medical exam checklist
| Bring this | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Government-issued photo ID | Confirms your identity |
| Form I-693, if instructed | Required USCIS form |
| Vaccination records | Helps avoid unnecessary repeat vaccination |
| Prior TB records | Important if you had positive TB testing or treatment |
| Chest X-ray reports, if applicable | Needed for TB-related history |
| Syphilis or gonorrhea treatment records, if applicable | Helps document prior treatment |
| Medication list | Helps the physician understand your medical history |
| Specialist letters, if relevant | Useful for serious medical or mental health history |
| Interpreter or translated records, if needed | Helps prevent documentation errors |
Do not open the sealed Form I-693 envelope after the civil surgeon completes it. USCIS generally expects the sealed envelope to remain sealed when submitted.
What Happens If Your TB Blood Test Is Positive?
A positive tuberculosis blood test does not automatically mean you have active tuberculosis.
It may mean latent TB infection or prior exposure. In many cases, the next step is a chest X-ray and additional evaluation.
CDC’s tuberculosis technical instructions state that certain applicants with suspected infectious tuberculosis disease must be referred for further evaluation and that the civil surgeon should not issue medical clearance until the required evaluation is complete.
CDC also explains that latent TB infection is not infectious and does not require completion of treatment for adjustment-of-status clearance, although reporting and counseling may be required.
What Happens If Gonorrhea Testing Is Required?
CDC requires gonorrhea testing for applicants aged 18 to 24 and for applicants outside that age range if there is a reason to suspect infection. The test must be ordered by the civil surgeon at the time of the immigration medical exam.
If treatment is required, the civil surgeon documents the diagnosis and treatment on Form I-693 according to CDC instructions.
Can Mental Health or Substance Use Affect the USCIS Medical Exam?
The USCIS medical exam may include questions about physical or mental disorders associated with harmful behavior, as well as drug abuse or addiction.
This does not mean that every mental health diagnosis creates an immigration problem. A diagnosis by itself is not the same as inadmissibility. The concern is whether there is a relevant disorder associated with harmful behavior, current risk, or required documentation under immigration medical rules.
Be honest with the civil surgeon. Bring medical records or treatment letters when relevant. If you have a complex history, you may also want guidance from your immigration attorney.
Does the USCIS Medical Exam Replace a Regular Physical?
No.
The USCIS medical exam is a focused immigration medical examination. It is designed to satisfy USCIS and CDC requirements. It is not a substitute for ongoing primary care, chronic disease management, cancer screening, cardiovascular prevention, or a full wellness evaluation.
If the physician finds a medical issue that needs care, you may be advised to follow up separately.
How Long Does the USCIS Medical Exam Take?
The appointment itself is usually straightforward, but completion time depends on several factors:
| Factor | May affect timing? |
|---|---|
| Missing vaccine records | Yes |
| Lab processing time | Yes |
| Need for vaccines | Yes |
| Positive TB screening | Yes |
| Need for chest X-ray | Yes |
| Need for health department evaluation | Yes |
| Incomplete medical history | Yes |
CDC notes that all components of the medical examination completed by the civil surgeon must be less than one year old at the time the civil surgeon signs Form I-693.
For many applicants, the best approach is to schedule the exam early enough to allow time for labs, vaccine review, and any follow-up testing if needed.
USCIS Medical Exam in Lanham, Maryland, Near Washington, DC
Maryland Primary & Urgent Care provides USCIS medical exams in Lanham, Maryland, serving patients from:
- Prince George’s County
- Washington,n DC
- Greenbelt
- College Park
- Bowie
- Hyattsville
- New Carrollton
- Silver Spring
- Laurel
- Northern Virginia communities
If you are searching for a USCIS civil surgeon near Washington, DC, an immigration medical exam in Maryland, or Form I-693 doctor near me, our clinic can help you complete the medical portion of your immigration process.
Why Choose Maryland Primary & Urgent Care for Your USCIS Medical Exam?
Choosing the right civil surgeon matters.
At Maryland Primary & Urgent Care, the goal is to make the process clear, accurate, and organized.
Patients choose our clinic because:
| Benefit | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| USCIS civil surgeon exam experience | Helps reduce avoidable paperwork problems |
| Lanham location near Washington, DC | Convenient for Maryland and DC metro applicants |
| Adult medicine background | Helpful for patients with more complex medical histories |
| Vaccine and lab coordination | Helps streamline the I-693 process |
| Multilingual support | Helps many immigrant families feel more comfortable |
| Clear instructions before the visit | Helps patients arrive prepared |
We cannot guarantee USCIS processing times or immigration outcomes. We can help complete the medical exam portion carefully and in accordance with current USCIS and CDC requirements.
When Should You Schedule Your USCIS Medical Exam?
Schedule your exam as soon as you know you need Form I-693.
This is especially important if:
- Your attorney asked you to complete Form I-693
- You are preparing Form I-485
- You are missing vaccine records
- You have a history of positive TB testing
- You need vaccine titers or additional vaccines
- You are concerned about timing before filing
A short delay in scheduling may turn into a longer delay if additional testing or documentation is needed.
Book Your USCIS Medical Exam in Maryland
If you need a USCIS medical exam in Maryland, Maryland Primary & Urgent Care can help you prepare, complete the required testing, review your vaccine records, and finalize Form I-693 for USCIS submission.
Call Maryland Primary & Urgent Care today to schedule your USCIS medical exam in Lanham, Maryland.
You may also request an appointment online through our contact or appointment page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a USCIS medical exam for citizenship?
Usually, no. Ordinary naturalization does not usually require Form I-693. The USCIS medical exam is most commonly required for adjustment of status or Green Card applications. Check your USCIS notice or speak with your immigration attorney if you are unsure.
Who can perform a USCIS medical exam?
Only a USCIS-designated civil surgeon can complete Form I-693 for applicants applying from inside the United States. USCIS provides a civil surgeon locator to help applicants find designated physicians.
What is Form I-693?
Form I-693 is the USCIS Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. It documents the results of the immigration medical exam and vaccination review.
Can I open the sealed USCIS envelope?
No. Once the civil surgeon completes and seals Form I-693, do not open the envelope. USCIS generally expects the form to remain sealed.
What if I do not have vaccine records?
You may need vaccines or blood tests to document immunity, depending on the vaccine and your age. Written documentation is important because self-reported vaccine history is not enough for immigration medical documentation.
Will I need a chest X-ray?
You may need a chest X-ray if your TB blood test is positive or if CDC instructions require further evaluation based on your medical history or symptoms.
Can a positive TB test stop my immigration application?
A positive TB blood test alone does not necessarily stop your process. Active infectious tuberculosis requires additional evaluation and treatment before clearance. Latent TB infection is handled differently and is not considered infectious.
How much does the USCIS medical exam cost?
Cost can vary depending on the exam, required labs, vaccines, and additional testing. Call Maryland Primary & Urgent Care for current pricing before your appointment.
Is this legal advice?
No. This article provides general medical information about the USCIS medical exam. It does not provide immigration legal advice. For legal questions about your application, speak with a qualified immigration attorney.
Physician Reviewer
Sherif Hassan, MD is an internal medicine physician and USCIS-designated civil surgeon at Maryland Primary & Urgent Care in Lanham, Maryland. Dr. Hassan helps applicants complete immigration medical examinations and Form I-693 documentation in accordance with USCIS and CDC requirements.
Sources
This article is based on current USCIS and CDC guidance for Form I-693, civil surgeon medical examinations, vaccination technical instructions, tuberculosis screening, and gonorrhea screening.