How much does an immigration medical exam cost?
How much does an immigration medical exam cost?
$250 – $650 average cost (exam & required lab tests)
Average immigration medical exam cost
An immigration medical exam costs $250 to $650 on average for the physical and mental evaluation, laboratory testing, and completion of the required documentation. Additional vaccination costs depend on your age, location, current vaccine records, health insurance coverage, and if you're a student.
| Factor | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Physical exam | $200 – $350 |
| Lab tests | $150 – $300 |
| Vaccinations | Varies |
| Average total cost | $250 – $650 + required vaccines |
*Positive lab results may lead to extra fees for additional screening.
The immigration medical exam is required by law to confirm a person immigrating to the United States does not pose a health risk to the public. It is not a substitute for an exam from a primary care physician for a complete medical evaluation or diagnosis.
Physical exam
The physical examination is a core component of the immigration medical exam. The cost for the physical exam alone ranges from $200 to $350, and insurance typically does not cover it. Some providers bundle the physical exam, lab testing, and vaccine record review with counseling for $300 to $500.
| Service | Average cost without insurance |
|---|---|
| Medical exam only | $200 – $350 |
| Medical exam + labs package | $300 – $500 |
The immigration medical exam typically includes:
A thorough physical examination of the eyes, ears, nose, throat, extremities, heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes, skin, and external genitalia
A mental evaluation assessing intelligence, thought, comprehension, judgment, mood, and behavior
Completion of the required USCIS Form I-693
Immigration medical exams must be given by a government-approved civil surgeon. If you're outside the United States, ask the U.S. Embassy to refer you to an authorized panel physician.
Lab tests
Laboratory tests are an essential part of the immigration medical exam to prevent communicable diseases from spreading in the United States. The total cost for these tests averages $150 to $300. However, prices vary depending on the specific tests required and the facility performing them.
The table below provides a breakdown of common lab tests and their approximate costs:
| Test | Average cost without insurance |
|---|---|
| TB test cost | $50 – $350 |
| Chest X-ray cost (if required) | $100 – $500 |
| STD testing cost | $30 – $185 per test |
| COVID test cost | $10 – $200+ |
| Drug test cost | $30 – $110 |
| Varicella / chickenpox immunity test | $20 – $70 |
| MMR immunity test | $100 – $140 |
| Hepatitis B immunity test | $100 – $140 |
| Influenza (flu) test | $50 – $150 |
Immigration screening requirements include testing for tuberculosis (TB), gonorrhea, and syphilis. Depending on your age and vaccination records, you may receive additional tests to determine which vaccines you still need.
A chest X-ray is typically required if you test positive for tuberculosis (TB).
Drug testing is not a standard requirement for an immigration medical exam, but a civil surgeon may decide to include drug screening on an individual basis, depending on a patient's history, behavior, or appearance.
Vaccines
Vaccinations are a critical component of the immigration medical exam. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidelines for required vaccinations, which may change periodically. As of May 1, 2024, the following vaccines are required for immigration purposes:
| Vaccine | Average cost without insurance | Required for ages: * |
|---|---|---|
| DTP/DTaP/DT (pediatric formulations of tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) |
$50 – $80 | 2 months – 6 years old |
| TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) |
$50 – $100 | 7 – 10 years old (depending on vaccine history) AND ≥ 11 years old |
| Polio | $60 – $100 | ≥ 2 months old |
| MMR vaccine cost | $180 – $250 | 12 months – 64 years old |
| Rotavirus | $150 – $200 | 6 weeks – 8 months old |
| Hib (Haemophilus influenzae) |
$20 – $60 per dose | 2 – 59 months |
| Hepatitis A | $130 – $280 | 1 – 18 years old |
| Hepatitis B | $90 – $150 per dose | Birth – 59 years old |
| Meningococcal (MenACWY) |
$150 –$300 | 11 – 18 years old |
| Varicella / chickenpox | $150 – $350 | ≥ 12 months old |
| Pneumococcal | $150 – $300 | 2 – 59 months old (PCV) AND ≥ 65 years old |
| Flu vaccine cost | $20 – $65 (standard flu shot) $50 – $110 (high-dose for age 65+) |
≥ 6 months old |
| COVID-19 | $100 – $200 | ≥ 6 months |
*According to CDC guidelines
Some facilities charge an additional $20 to $45 vaccine administration fee.
If you have health insurance coverage, getting vaccines through a local pharmacy is typically the most cost-effective route.
Some local health departments offer free or low-cost vaccinations.
If you've already received vaccines, bring your records to the exam. Acceptable forms of proof include the official vaccination record or a copy of your medical chart showing the vaccine name, lot number, and date of administration. Records must be in English or include a certified translation.
Green card medical exam cost factors
While the average cost of a green card medical exam is $250 to $650, prices can be as low as $0 or as high as $1,000. This wide range is due to the many factors that influence the cost, including:
Age: Your age may affect the types of tests and vaccinations required, potentially influencing the total cost.
Gender: Certain gender-specific tests may be necessary, which can affect the overall expense.
Location: The city and state where you undergo the exam can significantly impact the price. Urban areas and regions with higher living costs tend to have more expensive medical services.
Facility & provider: Rates and services vary depending on the medical facility and civil surgeon you visit. Vaccines are typically cheaper at drug store pharmacies or the local health department than at private medical facilities.
Medical history: Your personal medical history may necessitate additional tests or follow-up appointments, increasing the cost.
Insurance: While most insurance plans do not cover immigration medical exams, some may partially cover certain aspects of the examination or required vaccinations.
Student status: Some educational institutions may offer discounted or free services to international students.
Payment method: Some providers offer discounts for cash payments or charge additional fees for credit card transactions.
What to expect at a green card medical exam
Understanding the immigration medical exam process can help you prepare with confidence. Be sure to bring all the required information and documentation with you to your first appointment to avoid delays and extra fees.
Here's what you can expect:
Medical history review: The civil surgeon will review your medical history and ask questions about your health.
Physical & mental examination: You'll receive a thorough physical and mental health evaluation to look for certain medical conditions and mental disorders associated with addiction, drug abuse, or harmful behavior.
Laboratory tests: Depending on your age and medical history, you may need to undergo various blood and urine tests for communicable diseases.
Vaccination review: Your vaccination records will be reviewed, and you may need to receive additional vaccines if required.
Form I-693 completion: The civil surgeon will complete Form I-693, which you'll need to submit with your immigration application.
The process typically requires at least two visits—one for the exam, testing, and records review, and a second visit once your test results are in and the facility can complete the required paperwork.
Immigration medical exam FAQs
Can I use HSA funds for an immigration medical exam?
Yes, you can typically use your Health Savings Account (HSA) funds to pay for an immigration medical exam. The IRS considers these exams as qualified medical expenses.
Does insurance cover an immigration medical exam?
Most health insurance plans do not cover immigration medical exams as they are considered administrative rather than medically necessary. However, some plans may cover certain aspects of the exam or required vaccinations. Check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.
What do they check for in an immigration medical exam?
An immigration medical exam checks for:
Communicable diseases
Harmful mental or physical disorders
Signs of potential drug abuse or addiction
Required vaccinations
How can you fail an immigration medical exam?
You may fail an immigration medical exam if you:
Have a communicable disease of public health significance
Don't provide proof of required vaccinations (or a waiver for them if you have an approved exception)
Have a physical or mental disorder associated with harmful behavior
Have a drug addiction or abuse drugs
How long is a medical exam valid for immigration to the USA?
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently issued the following policy alerts: "Effective April 4, 2024, any Form I-693 that was properly completed and signed by a civil surgeon on or after Nov. 1, 2023, does not expire. You can use it indefinitely as evidence that you are not inadmissible on health-related grounds.
Additionally, as of November 13, 2024, immigration medical exams are valid indefinitely for certain Afghan nationals who arrived in the United States during “Operation Allies Welcome."
What should I bring to my immigration medical exam?
You should bring the following items to your immigration medical exam:
Valid government-issued photo ID
Vaccination records
Medical and mental health records
List of current medications
Payment for the exam
Form I-693 (Some facilities provide this form.)
Call before your appointment to confirm the facility's specific requirements. In most cases, all documents must be in English, and you may need to bring a translator with you if you do not speak English.
When should I submit my immigration medical exam?
It's generally recommended to submit your medical exam results along with your green card application. However, you can also submit it after filing your application if necessary.
How long does a medical exam for immigration take?
The medical exam for immigration typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours. However, you may need to return for follow-up visits or to receive vaccinations, which could extend the process over several days or weeks.
Finding a doctor for your green card medical exam
To ensure your immigration medical exam is valid, you must visit a civil surgeon authorized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Consult with an immigration attorney near you for the most up-to-date information regarding immigration medical exam requirements and procedures.
Here are some steps to find an approved doctor:
Visit the USCIS website and use their Find a Doctor tool.
Contact your local health department for recommendations.
Ask for referrals from immigration attorneys or community organizations.
If you're a student, inquire with the student health services department or office for international students.
Questions to ask before an immigration medical exam
Asking some key questions can help you make an informed decision when choosing a medical facility and be well-prepared for your immigration medical exam:
What is the total cost of the exam, including any potential follow-up visits?
Do you offer any package deals that include lab tests and vaccinations?
What forms of payment do you accept? Do you offer a discount if I pay with cash?
How long does it typically take to complete the exam and receive the results?
What do I need to bring with me to the medical exam?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.