If you’re applying for a U.S. Green Card, you’ll need to complete a USCIS immigration medical exam. This exam makes sure you’re healthy and meet all the requirements set by the U.S. The results are recorded on a form called Form I-693, which must be filled out and signed by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon.
Many people wonder how much this exam costs and what’s included in the price. The truth is, the cost can vary depending on where you go, what tests you need, and which vaccines you’re missing.
Average Cost of the Immigration Medical Exam
Most people pay between $250 and $650 for the immigration medical exam. This range usually covers the doctor’s exam plus the common lab tests.
Why the range? A few simple reasons:
- The physical exam itself is often $200–$350.
- Lab tests (TB, STDs, titers) commonly add $150–$300.
- Vaccines are extra. Which vaccines you need depends on your age and your records. Some shots cost $20–$350 each.
USCIS does not set the price. Each civil surgeon decides their own fee, so prices vary by clinic and location. That is why some places charge less and others charge more.
You may see prices lower than $250 if you only need a simple exam and bring complete records. You may also see totals over $650 if you need many vaccines, extra imaging like a chest X-ray, or follow-up tests. Some clinics offer bundled packages that include the exam, basic labs, and the sealed I-693 form for one set price
Now, let’s break those numbers down so you can see what each part of the visit usually costs.
Detailed Cost Breakdown
1. Physical Exam
Every applicant needs a physical exam done by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon. This is where the doctor checks your overall health, including eyes, ears, heart, lungs, skin, and more. They’ll also ask about your medical history and review any current medications.
This physical exam costs about: $200 to $350
Tip: Some clinics include the mental health review and paperwork in this price.
2. Laboratory Tests
The lab tests make sure you don’t have any communicable diseases that could spread to others. Common tests include:
- TB test (skin or blood test): $50 to $350
- Chest X-ray (if needed): $100 to $500
- STD tests (syphilis, gonorrhea): $30 to $185 per test
- Immunity tests (for MMR, Hepatitis, or Varicella): $20 to $140 per test
- Average total cost: $150 to $300
If you test positive for something, you may need follow-up testing or treatment, which can raise the total cost.
3. Vaccinations
Vaccines are often the biggest cost difference between patients. The price depends on which ones you still need. Common vaccines and their average prices include:
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): $180 to $250
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): $50 to $100
- Hepatitis B: $90 to $150 per dose
- Varicella (Chickenpox): $150 to $350
- Flu shot: $20 to $65
- Polio: $60 to $100
- Pneumonia: $150 to $300
If you already have vaccine records, bring them with you. This can lower your costs since you won’t need to repeat shots.
4. Form I-693 Completion and Administrative Fees
Once all testing and vaccines are done, the civil surgeon fills out Form I-693 and seals it in an envelope for USCIS. Some clinics include this in the main price, while others charge a small paperwork fee, which may cost $0 to $50
5. Possible Extra Fees
Some clinics charge for things like:
- Vaccine administration fee: $20 to $45 per shot
- Follow-up visits or test reading: $30 to $100
- Translation or record review fees if your vaccine documents are not in English
Altogether, the cost depends on your age, medical history, and which vaccines or tests are required. For most adults, you can expect to pay between $250 and $650 in total.
But some factors can raise or lower the cost of your immigration medical exam, so you can plan smarter.
Factors That Affect the Total Cost
Even though the average range is between $250 and $650, several things can raise or lower what you’ll actually pay. Here’s what makes the biggest difference:
1. Your Age
The vaccines and tests you need depend on your age group. For example, babies and young children need vaccines like DTaP, Polio, Hib, and Rotavirus, while adults may need Tdap, MMR, and Varicella boosters. Older adults (65+) often require the pneumonia and flu shots.
The more vaccines required for your age, the higher the total cost.
2. Missing Vaccine Records
If you can’t show proof of your past vaccinations, your civil surgeon may need to give you new vaccines or run titer tests (blood tests that check your immunity).
Getting all these again can quickly raise your cost, sometimes by a few hundred dollars.
3. Your Location
Where you live plays a big part in pricing. Clinics in large cities or high-cost areas like New Jersey, New York, or California often charge more for exams than smaller towns or rural clinics.
Even local lab fees and vaccine prices also vary from state to state.
4. The Clinic or Provider You Choose
Each civil surgeon sets their own fee. Some offices offer package deals that include the exam, labs, and vaccines at one price. Others charge separately for each service.
So always ask what’s included before booking your appointment.
5. Lab and Test Results
If any of your lab results come back positive, for example, TB, syphilis, or gonorrhea, you may need additional testing or treatment before your form can be completed.
These extra steps can add both time and cost.
6. Insurance and Payment Method
Most insurance plans do not cover immigration medical exams, since they are not considered medically necessary. However, you might be able to use HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) funds to pay for it.
Some clinics offer cash discounts or charge small fees for credit card payments, so it’s smart to ask before you go.
7. Extra Fees and Services
A few other factors can affect cost, such as:
- Translation of foreign vaccine records
- Follow-up visits for additional vaccines or test readings
- Extra copies of your forms or getting your results faster
Now you know what can add cost and how to fix it, here’s what the actual visit looks like, so you’ll know what to expect and can plan accordingly.
What to Expect During the Exam
When you arrive for your immigration medical exam, the civil surgeon’s office will guide you through several important steps.
1. Check-in and Paperwork
You’ll start by checking in at the front desk. Bring your photo ID, vaccination records, and Form I-693 (if you already have it printed). Some clinics will provide the form for you.
You’ll also fill out basic paperwork that includes your medical history, current medications, and any past illnesses. If your vaccination records are in another language, the clinic may require an English translation before they can accept them.
2. Medical History Review
The civil surgeon or nurse will go over your health background. They’ll ask questions about:
- Past surgeries, hospital visits, or major illnesses
- Any ongoing conditions like diabetes or asthma
- Use of medications, vitamins, or supplements
- Mental health history, including past treatment or counseling
- Any history of drug or alcohol use
These questions are important because they help identify if there are any health issues that could affect your immigration application.
3. Physical Examination
Next, the civil surgeon performs a head-to-toe physical exam. This includes checking your eyes, ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, and limbs.
They’ll also take your blood pressure, weight, height, and temperature. The goal is to make sure there are no signs of contagious disease or serious medical conditions that could pose a public health risk.
4. Mental Health Screening
The doctor will ask a few questions to evaluate your emotional and mental well-being. They’ll look for signs of mental disorders linked with harmful behavior or substance abuse. This part is quick and simple; it’s not a full psychiatric test, just a screening.
5. Laboratory Testing
Depending on your age and history, you’ll need to complete several lab tests. These often include:
- Tuberculosis (TB) screening: a skin or blood test; if positive, you’ll need a chest X-ray.
- Syphilis test: a blood test required for adults 18 years and older.
- Gonorrhea test: a urine or swab test required for ages 18 to 24, or if infection is suspected.
Other tests may be added if you show symptoms or if your doctor feels they are necessary.
6. Vaccine Review and Administration
The civil surgeon will check your vaccination record to see which vaccines you already have and which ones are still needed for USCIS.
If you’re missing any, you can usually receive the shots on the same day. The clinic will update your record so you won’t need to redo it later.
7. Form I-693 Completion
Once all exams, tests, and vaccines are done, the civil surgeon completes Form I-693. This form records your results, vaccinations, and any medical treatment given. After signing it, the doctor seals it in an envelope; you must not open it. You’ll then submit the sealed envelope to USCIS with your immigration paperwork.
8. Second Visit (if required)
Sometimes, you’ll return for a second appointment, especially if lab results take a few days or if you need more vaccines. The clinic will let you know when everything is ready for pickup.
The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how many tests or vaccines are needed.
Once you finish the exam, the next step is to prepare for the cost and payment process, so you know exactly what to expect when it’s time to settle your bill.
FAQs
1. Does insurance cover the immigration medical exam?
Most health insurance plans do not cover immigration exams because they are considered administrative, not medical treatment. However, some plans may cover specific vaccines or lab tests.
2. How long does the exam take?
The full exam usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours. If you need lab results or vaccines, you might have to return for a second visit before the doctor can complete your Form I-693.
3. What happens if I fail the medical exam?
You might not “fail” outright, but you could be temporarily inadmissible if you have a condition that poses a public health risk, like untreated tuberculosis or syphilis. Once treated and cleared, you can retake the exam and continue your immigration process
4. Can I go to any doctor for this exam?
No. You must visit a USCIS-approved civil surgeon if you’re inside the U.S. If you’re applying from outside the country, the U.S. Embassy will direct you to an authorized panel physician.
5. How can I find a USCIS-approved civil surgeon near me?
You can use the Find a Doctor tool on the official USCIS website. Just enter your ZIP code to see a list of approved doctors in your area.