Immigration Physicals & I-693 Medical Exams
I-693 USCIS medical exams by an authorized civil surgeon — vaccinations, lab work, and sealed paperwork for green card applicants.
I-693 USCIS medical exams by an authorized civil surgeon — vaccinations, lab work, and sealed paperwork for green card applicants.
Dr. Efraim Kessous is a USCIS-designated civil surgeon authorized to perform immigration medical examinations and complete Form I-693 for green card applicants.
If you are applying for a green card (lawful permanent resident status), USCIS requires a medical examination documented on Form I-693 — the Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. This form must be completed and signed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon.
Dr. Efraim Kessous is listed in the official USCIS civil surgeon directory and is fully authorized to conduct I-693 medical examinations in Maryland. All exams follow the latest CDC and USCIS protocols.
Come prepared with the following to ensure a smooth appointment and timely I-693 processing.
Passport, driver's license, or state ID
Translated to English if needed
Names, dosages, and reasons
Any previous test results
The immigration physical typically requires two visits. We complete all lab work on your first visit so results are ready when you return.
Bring Form I-693 to your second visit with Part 1 completed. Do not sign it until Dr. Kessous instructs you to do so. Blank copies are available at our office if you don't have one.
USCIS requires applicants to be vaccinated against certain diseases per CDC technical instructions. If your vaccination records show you've already received them, you will not need to repeat them. If records are unavailable or incomplete, we can administer the required vaccines during your visit.
| Vaccine | Required For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) | All applicants born after 1957 | 2 doses required; or lab-confirmed immunity |
| Hepatitis B | All applicants | 3-dose series; or lab-confirmed immunity |
| Varicella (Chickenpox) | All applicants | 2 doses; or lab-confirmed immunity; or documented history of disease |
| Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) | All applicants age 2+ | 1 dose Tdap; plus Td booster every 10 years |
| Influenza (Flu) | All applicants age 6 months+ | Required during flu season (October–March) |
| COVID-19 | All applicants age 6 months+ | Per current CDC recommendations |
| Pneumococcal | Ages 2–4 and 65+ | Age-appropriate series |
| Polio (IPV) | Ages 2 months – 17 years | 4-dose series |
| Rotavirus | Infants 6 weeks – 8 months | 2 or 3 dose series depending on brand |
| Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) | Ages 2 months – 4 years | Age-appropriate series |
| Hepatitis A | Ages 12 months – 23 months | 2-dose series |
Requirements are age-dependent and may change. See the CDC Vaccination Technical Instructions for full details.
Having your vaccination records can help avoid unnecessary repeat vaccinations and reduce costs. If your records are in a language other than English, they must be translated by a professional translator. We can help arrange translation if needed.
Once your exam is complete, here's what to expect for receiving and submitting your I-693 paperwork.
If all test results come back normal, expect a call within 1–2 weeks to let you know the paperwork is ready to collect.
Your Form I-693 will be completed, signed, and sealed in a tamper-proof envelope. You'll receive a personal copy for your records.
USCIS will not accept Form I-693 if the sealed envelope is opened, altered, or the seal is broken in any way.
Submit the sealed I-693 envelope to USCIS along with your Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). Form I-693 is valid for 2 years from the date the civil surgeon signs it. If your results require further evaluation or treatment, we will contact you with next steps before completing the form.
Official links to help you prepare for your immigration medical exam and understand the requirements.
Find USCIS-designated civil surgeons near you using the official myUSCIS search tool.
Search civil surgeons →Technical instructions for vaccination requirements during the immigration medical examination.
View CDC guide →Official USCIS page for Form I-693 — Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.
View form →Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status — where your sealed I-693 is submitted.
View form →Official USCIS guidance on finding a designated civil surgeon and completing your medical forms.
Read USCIS guide →CDC technical instructions for civil surgeons performing immigration medical exams.
View CDC resources →Common questions about immigration physicals and Form I-693.
Form I-693 is the Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record required by USCIS for green card (adjustment of status) applicants.
It must be completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. Dr. Efraim Kessous at Montgomery Medical Clinic is an authorized civil surgeon listed in the USCIS directory and fully qualified to perform these exams.
The exam includes:
We complete all lab work during your first visit so results are ready for the physical exam on your second visit.
The process typically requires two visits:
If all test results come back normal, you can typically expect a call within 1–2 weeks to let you know the paperwork is ready to collect.
Results that require additional follow-up or treatment may take longer. We will contact you promptly with next steps if this is the case.
Please bring the following:
Having complete vaccination records can help avoid unnecessary repeat vaccinations and reduce costs.
No. USCIS will not accept Form I-693 if the envelope is opened, altered, or the seal is broken in any way. You will receive a personal copy of your results for your records, but the official sealed envelope must be submitted intact with your I-485 application.
Immigration physicals are generally not covered by insurance, as they are classified as regulatory screening exams. Rates vary by civil surgeon. USCIS does not regulate fees.
Montgomery Medical Clinic offers competitive self-pay pricing. Call (301) 208-2273 for current pricing information.
Form I-693 is valid for 2 years from the date the civil surgeon signs it. USCIS must receive the form within this window. If the form expires before your case is adjudicated, you may need to undergo a new medical examination.
If your exam reveals a medical condition that could affect your admissibility — such as a communicable disease — you may be asked to provide additional documentation or undergo further evaluation. Some conditions may require treatment before the I-693 can be completed.
In certain cases, you may be eligible to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility. Dr. Kessous will explain your options and help guide you through the process.
Contact us to book your USCIS immigration medical examination with Dr. Kessous.