For individuals applying for lawful permanent residency in the United States, the immigration medical exam is a critical step in the green card application process. This comprehensive health check ensures that the applicant does not have any medical conditions that could make them inadmissible under U.S. immigration laws. One of the most common questions applicants ask is: How long does it take to get immigration medical exam results?
At Immigration Medical Exam Center, we understand how important this question is for applicants who are on a timeline or dealing with processing deadlines. This blog will break down the timeline for receiving your results, what factors influence the timing, and what you can do to ensure a smooth process.
What Is the Immigration Medical Exam?
Before diving into the timelines, let’s briefly understand what the immigration medical exam entails.
The exam is a required part of the green card process for most applicants and is conducted by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. The purpose of the exam is to identify any health-related issues that may affect admissibility. The exam typically includes:
- A physical examination
- Review of medical history
- Required vaccinations
- Blood and urine tests (based on age and medical history)
- Testing for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis (TB)
- Drug and alcohol screening (in specific situations)
- Mental health evaluation (if needed)
After completing the exam, the civil surgeon fills out Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, and either provides it to the applicant in a sealed envelope or sends it directly to USCIS, depending on the situation.
Typical Timeframe to Get Results
Generally, the results of your immigration medical exam are available within 5 to 14 days. However, this timeframe can vary depending on several key factors:
1. Clinic Efficiency and In-House Lab Facilities
At Immigration Medical Exam Center, we pride ourselves on offering quick turnaround times because we have streamlined processes and work closely with reliable labs. Clinics with in-house laboratories or direct partnerships often provide results faster—usually within 5 to 7 business days.
Clinics that send samples to external labs may experience slight delays, which can extend the process to 10 to 14 days.
2. Type of Tests Conducted
Certain required tests, such as the tuberculosis (TB) screening, can influence the timeline. For example:
- Tuberculin Skin Test (TST): Requires two visits—one to administer the test and one after 48–72 hours to read the result.
- IGRA Blood Test for TB: Results typically come back within 3–5 days.
If any test returns positive or requires follow-up testing or evaluation (e.g., a chest X-ray for TB), this will delay your overall result timeline.
3. Age and Health History
Children under 15 typically require fewer tests than adults, leading to quicker processing. In contrast, individuals with known medical histories or those requiring additional evaluations or vaccinations may experience slight delays.
What Happens After the Exam?
Once all lab results and evaluations are completed, the civil surgeon will review everything and complete Form I-693. The form is then:
- Sealed in an official envelope to be submitted to USCIS (if you are including it with your adjustment of status application), or
- Electronically submitted or sent by mail directly to USCIS (in some instances)
Applicants must not open the sealed envelope if instructed to submit it themselves. An opened envelope may render the form invalid, requiring a new medical exam.
Expedited Results: Is It Possible?
Yes. In urgent cases, Immigration Medical Exam Center offers expedited processing, depending on the nature of your situation and availability of lab services.
We recommend calling our office directly if:
- You have an immigration interview scheduled soon
- You received a Request for Evidence (RFE) asking for Form I-693
- You’re approaching the end of your 60-day deadline for submitting the medical exam results
We may be able to fast-track certain tests or prioritize your paperwork without compromising quality or compliance.
How to Avoid Delays
To receive your immigration medical exam results as quickly as possible, follow these tips:
✅ 1. Bring All Required Documents
Before your appointment, make sure to bring:
- A valid government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.)
- A complete vaccination record (translated into English, if necessary)
- Any medical history or previous test results that may be relevant
- Your USCIS A-number (if available)
✅ 2. Disclose Your Health History Honestly
Let the doctor know about any past illnesses, surgeries, medications, or chronic conditions. This ensures a more accurate assessment and avoids potential back-and-forth for clarifications.
✅ 3. Don’t Miss Follow-Up Appointments
If your TB test or any other screening requires a second visit (e.g., skin test reading or chest X-ray), keep that appointment on time. Missing it can lead to delays of several days or even weeks.
✅ 4. Choose an Experienced Civil Surgeon
Working with a USCIS-approved clinic like Immigration Medical Exam Center ensures that your paperwork is properly completed and accepted. Inaccurate forms or missing vaccinations can result in a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS, causing unnecessary delays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I get a copy of my results?
Yes. While the official Form I-693 must remain sealed for USCIS, you can request an unofficial copy of your results for your personal records. Most clinics, including ours, provide this upon request.
Q2: Will I be notified if there’s a problem?
Absolutely. If any test result is abnormal or if further testing is needed, the civil surgeon or clinic will contact you. It’s essential to keep your phone and email accessible after your exam.
Q3: What if I need additional vaccines?
If your vaccination record is incomplete, the civil surgeon may recommend or administer additional vaccines during your visit. This could extend the process by a few days depending on vaccine availability and follow-up requirements.
Q4: What if my Form I-693 is not ready before my interview?
USCIS allows applicants to bring the sealed I-693 form to the interview if it’s not already submitted. However, if you delay too long, you might receive an RFE. That’s why timely scheduling and processing are crucial.
Final Thoughts
Receiving the results of your immigration medical exam typically takes between 5 to 14 days, depending on lab processing times, clinic efficiency, and whether follow-up procedures are required. At Immigration Medical Exam Center, we prioritize accuracy, confidentiality, and quick turnaround times so you can move forward with your immigration process confidently.
To minimize delays, schedule your appointment early, bring the right documentation, and work with experienced civil surgeons. Remember, a smooth and timely medical exam can significantly impact how quickly your green card application progresses.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you’re preparing for your immigration medical exam, don’t wait until the last minute. Contact Immigration Medical Exam Center today to schedule your appointment with one of our USCIS-certified civil surgeons.
