The immigration medical exam is a required step for most green card applicants in the United States. This comprehensive medical evaluation looks at your physical health, mental health, and immunization records. Costs for the green card medical exam can range from $100 on the low end to over $500 depending on your particular situation.
While the exam represents an important investment, being prepared for the potential costs involved can help you determine you budget and avoid financial surprises. This article will break down all the possible expenses that go into immigration medical exam so you can be fully informed and ready to move forward with your green card application.
Finding an Authorized Civil Surgeon in the U.S.
The first step is locating a doctor authorized to perform immigration medical exams. If you are currently in the United States, you must visit a civil surgeon designated by the Department of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can search for nearby civil surgeons using the USCIS online tool. Be sure to call to ask about pricing before booking your appointment.
Booking Appointments for Exams Abroad
If you are applying from abroad, you will need to visit a panel physician. Instructions for finding a designated panel physician will be provided by your U.S. embassy or consulate when they give you your visa interview appointment date. Exam results will be valid for 6 months.
It’s important to schedule the medical exam with panel physicians as soon as you have your interview date to avoid delays in the immigration process.
Bringing Required Forms to Your Appointment
Applicants will expect to need to bring Form I-693 to their immigration medical exam. It’s best to download the latest version of this form directly from the USCIS website and fill out your sections in advance. However, do not sign or date the form until the civil surgeon instructs you to do so. At the end of the exam, the sealed envelope containing your completed I-693 must be submitted to USCIS.
Do not unseal your medical exam envelope.
Does Insurance Cover the Immigration Medical Exam?
Unfortunately, health insurance typically does not cover the cost of an immigration medical exam. While your insurance may cover the cost of certain required vaccinations, it’s best to assume you will pay all immigration physical exam expenses out-of-pocket. Verify with your insurance provider beforehand the extent of exam coverage offered.
The Doctor's Fee - The Biggest Expense
The basic fee a civil surgeon charges for the exam will likely be the largest single expense, ranging from $200-$300 on average. This covers the cost of your office visit, physical exam, review of your medical history and immunization records, and completion of all paperwork.
The exact amount varies based on factors like location, so it helps to call around for quotes. Note that most civil surgeons do not accept health insurance or medical coupons for the exam fee or physical examination itself.
Paying for Necessary Vaccinations
The medical exam will assess whether you have received all vaccinations required for U.S. immigration. If any are missing from your records, the civil surgeon can administer them during your visit, which leads to additional costs. Required vaccinations include:
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) – $50-100
- TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) – $50-75
- Varicella (chicken pox) – $100-150
- COVID-19 – $0-40 per dose
- Seasonal flu – $30-50
The costs for these standard vaccinations can quickly add up, easily tacking on $300 or more to your total exam expenses. Having complete vaccination records eliminates these extra charges.
If your children are immigrating with you it’s highly recommended to make sure their vaccinations match with the requirements of the school system they will attend. Ask the physician to also provide you with immunization records in English that you can submit to their school.
When Additional Tests May Be Needed
Depending on medical examination, your age and background, additional tests may be needed beyond the standard exam components. For tuberculosis screening, a positive initial skin or blood test could make a chest X-ray necessary, which is around $100-200. Testing for syphilis and gonorrhea may also be required but is often covered by the designated civil surgeon’s exam fee. Extra tests can impact your final costs.
Other Expenses to Factor In
There are a few additional costs to factor into your budget such as:
- Translation fees for foreign medical records
- Copies of your medical history, specialist referrals, prescriptions
- Parking or transportation fees for your appointment
- Lost wages for time off work
Separate Exams for Each Family Member
Keep in mind that each family member immigrating must complete their own medical exam, meaning costs apply individually. Expenses for a spouse and any children will be incurred separately. The fees mentioned above should be estimated for each person applying for a green card.
The Total Cost Range and What Impacts It
In summary, costs for the immigration medical examination commonly range from $100 on the low end to over $500 for complex cases with extra required vaccines and testing. Typical costs often land in the $200 to $400 range. The doctor’s visit fee, needed vaccinations, and any additional tests for your situation will all contribute to the final total cost. Being aware of how much is an immigration medical exam and the potential expenses involved allows you to budget wisely so there are no financial surprises on your journey to getting a green card.
Preparation Summary
The immigration medical exam is a crucial step in the green card application and immigration process itself. While costs vary, being prepared for the expenses involved will help you budget properly. Shop around for an affordable civil surgeon, bring your documentation, and be ready to pay any required fees out-of-pocket.
Understanding what goes into the exam costs allows you to plan financially for this important investment in your immigration journey.
