USCIS Medical Exam Requirements For Adjustment Of Status

Highlights:

• The USCIS medical exam is required for Green Card applicants applying for adjustment of status to ensure they don’t pose a public health risk.
• It must be completed by a USCIS-certified civil surgeon and includes screenings for TB, STDs, and vaccination compliance.
• Timing is critical; schedule your exam within 60 days before or after filing Form I-485 to avoid delays or redoing the exam.
• Bring your ID, medical history, vaccination records, and Form I-693; if health issues arise, many can be treated or waived with proper follow-up.

If you’re applying for a Green Card from inside the U.S., part of your journey includes a medical exam. For many, this step feels confusing or intimidating, especially when the stakes are high and you’re already juggling paperwork, deadlines, and uncertainty.

But here’s the truth: the USCIS medical exam isn’t a test of your worth or your health history. It’s simply a requirement to confirm that you don’t pose a public health risk. With the right preparation, you can get through this part smoothly, and we’re here to help you do just that.

Why The USCIS Medical Exam Is Required For Adjustment Of Status

When you apply for lawful permanent residency through Adjustment of Status, the U.S. government needs to confirm you’re not inadmissible for health-related reasons. This isn’t about being in perfect health; it’s about public safety.

Think of the exam as a required checkpoint in your immigration journey. Just like submitting identity documents or paying your fees, this medical step is part of what keeps your application moving forward.

Here’s what the USCIS medical exam is meant to check:

• Communicable diseases such as tuberculosis (TB), syphilis, and gonorrhea.
• Vaccination records to ensure compliance with CDC guidelines.
• Physical or mental disorders with harmful behavior.
• Drug or alcohol abuse, especially if it has been diagnosed or documented.
• General public health risks based on current laws under INA §212(a)(1).

This requirement applies to nearly all applicants submitting Form I-485 to adjust status inside the U.S.

When To Schedule Your USCIS Medical Exam For Adjustment Of Status

One of the most common questions we hear is: When should I do the medical exam? It’s a good question because doing it too early or too late can slow down your Green Card process.

If you’re adjusting status inside the U.S., timing is everything.

USCIS requires that Form I-693, the official medical report, be signed by your doctor no more than 60 days before you submit your Form I-485. If it’s older than that at the time you file, the exam could be rejected, and you may need to do it again.

The good news? Once it’s properly filed, your medical exam remains valid for two full years, as long as USCIS doesn’t issue a decision before then.

Doing the exam too early can expire it. Doing it too late can stall your Green Card. Plan wisely and build it into your adjustment strategy.

What To Bring To Your USCIS Medical Exam In Houston

Preparing for the exam can feel nerve-wracking, especially when you’re worried about missing something important. A little organization can calm your nerves and keep your adjustment case moving without surprises.

Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you walk into the clinic:

• Government-issued photo ID: Your passport, state ID, or driver’s license helps the civil surgeon confirm your identity.
• Vaccination records: Bring everything you can find, even older records. If you don’t have complete documentation, the doctor will guide you on the next steps.
• Form I-693 (unsigned): Print the latest version from USCIS, but don’t sign it until the doctor tells you to.
• Medical history paperwork: This includes past chest X-rays, prescriptions, treatment summaries, or specialist letters, especially if you’ve had TB exposure or chronic conditions.
• List of current medications: It helps the doctor understand your health picture and prevents misunderstandings.

Gathering these items ahead of time spares you repeat trips and keeps your I-693 accurate and complete.

Getting A Doctor In Houston For Your USCIS Medical Exam

Finding the right doctor for your immigration medical exam can feel overwhelming at first, especially in a city as large as Houston. You might be tempted to visit your regular family doctor, but here’s the catch: only a USCIS-designated civil surgeon can complete the exam and fill out Form I-693.

The good news? Houston has many certified civil surgeons, and you don’t need a referral to book an appointment with one. You can search directly using the USCIS Find a Doctor tool, which lets you enter your ZIP code and view nearby providers. This tool lists clinics that are officially authorized to perform these exams, and it’s updated regularly by USCIS.

Once you’ve narrowed it down, call the clinic directly. Ask how much the exam will cost, whether vaccines and lab tests are included, and how soon you can get in. Some clinics offer same-week appointments and may even speak your language, which can make the process easier.

While we don’t endorse any specific provider, we often help our clients identify nearby clinics based on convenience, budget, and turnaround time for completed forms. If you’re not sure where to start, we’re happy to point you in the right direction during your consultation.

The clinic you choose matters, not for the outcome of the exam, but for how smoothly and clearly it’s handled. The right provider can save you time, stress, and paperwork mistakes.

What If There’s A Health-Related Inadmissibility Concern?

Sometimes, the medical exam reveals something unexpected, like a positive TB test or a missing vaccine, and applicants understandably worry: Will this stop your Green Card? The short answer is: not necessarily. But you’ll need to follow certain steps to fix the issue.

A few medical findings may trigger a delay or require further action. These don’t automatically lead to denial, but USCIS must see documentation that you’ve addressed or treated the condition.

If the civil surgeon reports a health-related concern that could make you inadmissible, USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) or, in more serious cases, a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID).

In many situations, you’ll be given the chance to:

• Complete treatment and submit updated records.
• Provide proof of recovery or a current medical waiver.
• File Form I-601, a waiver of inadmissibility, depending on the issue.

This form is especially relevant if the inadmissibility finding relates to communicable disease or drug use history and requires showing that granting your adjustment is in the public or family’s best interest.

What matters most is responding quickly and clearly to any notice USCIS sends and consulting an immigration lawyer if a waiver is needed.

The bottom line is, a medical issue doesn’t have to derail your case. With the right legal guidance and medical follow-through, most health-related concerns can be resolved.

Essential Tips For Your USCIS Medical Exam In Houston

When the medical exam is done right, it becomes one of the least stressful parts of your immigration journey. A little preparation goes a long way, especially when you understand what’s expected and what to bring. These small steps can prevent big delays and help you feel more in control.

Schedule Smart

Timing matters more than most people realize. If you schedule too early, your exam could expire before USCIS makes a decision. Aim to schedule your exam within 30–60 days of filing your Form I-485 or before your green card interview.

Call The Clinic Before You Go

Not all civil surgeons offer the same services or prices. A quick phone call can clarify what’s included, how much it costs, and whether same-day labs or vaccines are available. Asking upfront prevents billing surprises and helps you plan your visit better.

Bring Every Record You Can Find

Even partial vaccination or medical records can help avoid unnecessary repeat shots or tests. If your documents are in another language, try to bring a translated copy. The more you provide, the faster and smoother your exam will be.

Keep A Personal Copy Of Everything

Even though you can’t open the official envelope, ask the clinic for a photocopy of your I-693 for your own records. If questions arise later or you receive an RFE, having your copy makes it easier to respond quickly. Staying organized is a simple but powerful way to stay in control of your case.