Immigration Medical Exam in Memphis: What to Bring for Your I-693 Appointment

If you are adjusting your status through a green card application, an immigration medical exam in Memphis is one of the required steps before your case can move forward. This exam, formally known as Form I-693, confirms that you meet the health-related requirements set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and that your vaccination history is up to date. Knowing what to bring and what to expect can help your appointment move quickly, without repeat visits or added costs.

What Is the I-693 Immigration Medical Exam?

Form I-693, the Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, must be completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. It is not a general checkup. The exam focuses specifically on public health screening: communicable diseases, required vaccinations, and any physical or mental health conditions that could affect admissibility.

Most applicants filing Form I-485 to adjust status need this exam as part of their green card process, and the completed form is submitted with the application or brought to a USCIS interview. Only physicians the agency has designated as civil surgeons are authorized to sign off on the form, so confirming your provider's designation before booking is an important first step.

What to Bring to Your Immigration Medical Exam in Memphis

Arriving prepared is the single biggest factor in avoiding delays or a second appointment. Most Memphis civil surgeons ask applicants to bring the following before the exam begins.

Identification and Immigration Paperwork

Bring a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver's license, since your civil surgeon must verify your identity before the exam starts. If you already have Form I-693 or instructions from USCIS or your attorney, bring those as well, along with any prior notices related to your case.

Vaccination and Medical Records

Vaccination history is one of the most common causes of delay, so bring every immunization record you have, even if it is incomplete. USCIS follows a specific vaccination requirements schedule for immigration purposes, and your civil surgeon will compare your existing records against it.

If any records are not in English, a certified translation will speed up the review. It also helps to bring a list of current medications and a summary of any past or ongoing medical conditions, including prior tuberculosis treatment, so the surgeon has full context during the physical exam.

Payment and Personal Items

Immigration medical exams are typically paid out of pocket, and fees vary by clinic and by the vaccines or lab work required, so confirm accepted payment methods when you schedule. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring them, since vision is part of the standard exam. Applicants under 14 who do not yet have a photo ID should instead bring documents showing their name, date of birth, and parents' full names.

What Happens During the Immigration Medical Exam

Once your identity and records are confirmed, the civil surgeon reviews your vaccination history against USCIS requirements, administers any vaccines you still need, and performs a physical exam. Depending on your age, a blood test and urine test are typically required, and additional screening may be ordered based on your medical history.

This is a screening exam rather than a treatment visit, so the surgeon is checking specifically for grounds of inadmissibility rather than addressing unrelated health concerns. Once the exam is complete, the civil surgeon seals the finished Form I-693 in an envelope. This seal should never be broken, since USCIS will not accept an opened form, and you will need to submit it as part of your green card application.

How to Prepare Before Exam Day in Memphis

A short amount of preparation goes a long way. Gather your vaccination and medical records ahead of time, confirm your appointment is with a properly USCIS-designated civil surgeon, and ask the clinic directly what forms of payment they accept. If you are pregnant or have a condition that may affect testing, mention it when you schedule so the exam can be adjusted appropriately.

At GoodLife Medical Center, our team works with immigration applicants across Memphis to make this process as straightforward as possible, from reviewing your vaccination records ahead of your visit to completing your immigration medical exam in a single appointment whenever your records allow. If you still need immunizations updated before your civil surgeon visit, our vaccination services page covers what is typically required for I-693 compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get an immigration medical exam done in Memphis?

Immigration medical exams must be completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. GoodLife Medical Center in Memphis is staffed to handle I-693 exams, vaccination review, and required lab work in one visit, which helps applicants avoid multiple trips across different providers.

How much does an immigration medical exam cost in Memphis?

Costs vary by clinic and depend on which vaccines or lab tests you still need. It's best to confirm current pricing directly with your civil surgeon's office before your appointment.

How long is the I-693 form valid after the exam?

A completed and signed Form I-693 is generally valid for two years from the date the civil surgeon signs it, so timing your exam close to your filing date helps avoid it expiring before your case is decided.

Can I open the sealed envelope from my civil surgeon?

No. The envelope must remain sealed when submitted to USCIS. If it is opened, you will need a new, properly sealed form from your civil surgeon.

Do children need the same immigration medical exam as adults?

The exam is adjusted by age. Applicants under 14, for example, typically do not need tuberculosis testing unless there is a specific medical reason for it.