If you’re like me and are in the middle of your green card journey, you probably know its various moving parts. Paperwork, forms, appointments it can get overwhelming. One of the key requirements that caught my attention recently was the Green Card medical exam, also known as the Form I-693 medical examination.
It’s one of those non-negotiable steps that can actually delay your application if not done correctly, so I decided to take my time to understand it and find the right I-693 doctors in NYC.
In this post, I want to share my experience, explain what I learned about this exam, why it’s necessary, the process, how to choose the right USCIS civil surgeon, and some tips if you’re currently searching in NYC. Hopefully, this makes your journey a bit smoother.
Why Do You Need Green Cards?
You probably already know this part, but for clarity, a Green Card (also called a Permanent Resident Card) is an official document allowing non-U.S. citizens to live and work permanently in the United States. It also opens the path to U.S. citizenship if you decide to naturalize later.
There are many ways to apply for this card through family, employment, refugee/asylee status, or other special categories. I personally applied through a family-based sponsorship, which means a close family member who is a U.S. citizen petitioned for me.
As part of the process, one important step is the immigration medical examination, which is required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to ensure that applicants are not inadmissible on public health grounds.
Understanding Green Card Medical Exam (Form I-693)
It is a comprehensive health screening to get your health status. It checks for health conditions that could negatively affect your permanent residence approval in the U.S. The green card medical exam in NYC basically involves these-
- Physical exam
- Blood tests, such as screening for syphilis
- Evaluation of mental health
- Diagnosis of Tuberculosis (TB)
- Review of immunization and vaccination history, if needed
- Medical history review
- Taking information about your current medications
Why Is This Exam Required?
It is performed to check for individuals who-
- Is suffering from mental disorders related to harmful behavior
- Have any communicable diseases
- Don’t meet the required vaccination standards
- Are addicted to drugs
If any of the above-listed conditions apply to you, you may be denied this card.
Conditions That Could Reject Your Application
USCIS considers someone inadmissible if the person comes under these categories-
- Tuberculosis (TB): If a person tests positive for TB, they may need further evaluation.
- Incomplete vaccination history: Missing vaccines will be suggested to complete the vaccination history record.
- Syphilis and Gonorrhea: In case the results are positive for this test, you may require documentation of the treatment.
- Substance abuse or addiction
- Mental illness with associated harmful behavior
List of Common Vaccines That May Be Required
- Tetanus and Diphtheria (Tdap)
- Pneumococcal
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
- Hepatitis A and B
- Chickenpox
- Influenza (seasonal)
- Rotavirus (for children)
- Meningococcal
Searching for I-693 Doctors
If you reside in New York City, you can enjoy many options. However, you could easily get confused if you have too many options. It’s good to prioritize these things if you want to find a good provider of a green card medical exam in NYC.
- USCIS-designated civil surgeon (Remember, it’s mandatory!)
- Consult providers of these examination services about transparent pricing.
- You can find a location that is close to public transport
- Ask if the team at the clinic can administer missing vaccines on-site.
- Check if the clinic has multilingual staff, as it could benefit non-native speakers.
Choosing the Best Green Card Exam Service Provider- Key Tips
These tips can help you find the right provider!
- Ask for total pricing. Some providers disclose base fees first; later, you must pay more for other blood testing. Be careful! Get detailed quotes before undergoing examination.
- Enquire how quickly they can deliver examination results.
- Make sure they seal the envelope, as it could not be accepted by USCIS if it is opened.
- Ask about the retesting policy in case you need any follow-up examinations
- Look for online appointment booking.
Benefits of the Medical Exam (Yes, There Are Some)
While it’s easy to see this requirement as just another bureaucratic hurdle, I came to realize it also has its benefits:
- Peace of mind: It’s a comprehensive health check, meaning you better understand your health status.
- Updated vaccination records: This exam helps align your vaccinations with U.S. public health standards.
- Quick resolution of issues: If there’s a medical concern, it’s better to know and address it sooner rather than later, especially if it impacts your application.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Delay This Step
If you’re in the middle of your green card journey, take it from me: don’t leave the medical exam to the last minute. It seems simple, but delays can cost you time, especially if you’re up against a USCIS deadline.
If you’re in NYC and looking for I-693 Doctors in New York City, check out reviews, call around, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The process isn’t as scary as it sounds once you find the right place.
