A USCIS Immigration Medical Exam is a mandatory health screening for anyone applying for a Green Card (Adjustment of Status) or certain visas to enter the United States. Its purpose is to ensure that applicants do not have health conditions that would make them “inadmissible” to the U.S. on public health grounds.

1. Who performs the immigration medical exam?

The exam must be conducted by a government-authorized physician. The type of doctor depends on your location:

• Inside the U.S.: You must see a Civil Surgeon designated by USCIS.
• Outside the U.S.: You must see a Panel Physician authorized by the U.S. Department of State.

2. What does the immigration medical exam include?

The exam is not a routine physical for your general health; it is specifically designed to screen for conditions relevant to U.S. immigration law:

1. Physical & Mental Evaluation: A general check of your eyes, ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs, and skin, as well as an assessment of your mental health and history of harmful behavior.
2. Communicable Disease Screening: This includes:
   1. Tuberculosis (TB): Usually an IGRA blood test (for those aged 2+). A chest X-ray is required if the blood test is positive.

1. Syphilis: A blood test (required for those aged 18–44).
2. Gonorrhea: A urine test (required for those aged 18–24).
3. Vaccination Review: The doctor will confirm you have all required shots, including MMR, Tetanus (Tdap), Polio, Hepatitis B, Varicella, and the seasonal Flu vaccine.
4. Drug & Alcohol Screening: A review of past or present substance abuse or addiction.

3. What to bring to your appointment

• Valid Photo ID: An unexpired passport, driver’s license, or government ID.
• Vaccination Records: Official records (with certified English translations if they are in another language).
• Form I-693: You should bring the latest version of the Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. You fill out Part 1, but do not sign it until the doctor instructs you to.
• Medical History: Documentation of any chronic conditions, past major illnesses, or psychiatric hospitalizations.

4. What happens after the exam?

Once all tests and vaccinations are cleared, the doctor will complete Form I-693.

• The Sealed Envelope: The doctor will place the original form in a sealed envelope.
• Do Not Open It: If you break the seal, USCIS will reject the form. You must submit the envelope as-is with your application.
• Your Copy: The doctor should provide you with a separate, unsealed copy for your own records.

Validity Note: As of late 2023, a properly completed Form I-693 signed by a civil surgeon does not expire while the underlying immigration application is pending.

In the context of U.S. immigration, a “good candidate” is essentially anyone who is legally required to prove they are in good health to obtain a specific immigration benefit.

Because Health + Glow in South Tampa is home to Dr. Swapna Kallikadan, a USCIS-designated Civil Surgeon, the practice specifically caters to the following candidates:

1. Green Card Applicants (Adjustment of Status)

If you are currently inside the United States and applying for lawful permanent residency (Form I-485), you are the primary candidate. USCIS requires the Form I-693 medical exam to ensure you do not have communicable diseases of public health significance.

2. Applicants with Missing Vaccinations

A “good candidate” for Health + Glow is someone who needs a streamlined process for both the exam and vaccinations. The clinic reviews your history and can provide any missing required shots (such as MMR, Varicella, or Hepatitis B) on-site to ensure your Form I-693 is complete and compliant.

3. Individuals Seeking Disability Waivers (N-648)

Health + Glow is a specialized choice for candidates who may have physical or mental impairments that prevent them from completing the English and civics requirements for naturalization. Dr. Kallikadan is authorized to complete Form N-648 (Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions) for these applicants.

4. Families and Children

Since the medical requirements change based on age, Health + Glow is a good fit for families who want to ensure every member meets their age-specific USCIS criteria in one location.

5. Non-English Speakers

The practice is an excellent fit for candidates who feel more comfortable speaking other languages, as Dr. Kallikadan and her staff are multilingual, ensuring clear communication throughout the medical screening

During your USCIS medical exam, Dr. Swapna Kallikadan will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to assess your overall health and determine if any medical conditions might impact your admissibility. The examination typically involves the following components:

1. Medical History Review: Dr. Swapna Kallikadan will discuss your medical history, including previous illnesses, surgeries, and chronic conditions.

2. Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination will be performed to evaluate your general health, including measurements such as height, weight, blood pressure, and overall physical fitness.

3. Laboratory Tests: Depending on your age and medical history, Dr. Swapna Kallikadan may order specific laboratory tests, such as blood tests, to screen for communicable diseases and ensure your health.

4. Vaccination Review: The civil surgeon will review your vaccination history and ensure that you have received all the required vaccinations according to the U.S. vaccination guidelines. If any vaccinations are missing, Dr. Swapna Kallikadan will administer them during the examination.

Consider the following important points as you prepare for your USCIS medical exam:

1. Form I-693: Your medical examination must be completed using Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. Dr. Swapna Kallikadan will provide you with the completed form in a sealed envelope, which you should submit with your immigration application.
   
   
2. Validity Period: Typically, the medical examination is valid for two years from the examination date. However, the vaccination portion of the exam is typically valid for a lifetime unless USCIS updates its vaccination requirements.
   
   
3. Costs: Fees for the medical examination, vaccinations, and additional tests may vary. We recommend contacting the clinic to inquire about the specific costs associated with your USCIS medical exam.

Choosing Health + Glow in Tampa, FL, for your USCIS immigration medical exam ensures a seamless, professional experience led by Dr. Swapna Kallikadan, a government-authorized Civil Surgeon. The clinic offers:

• A comprehensive “one-stop” approach, providing the required physical evaluations, laboratory screenings, and any missing vaccinations on-site to ensure full compliance with U.S. guidelines. 
• Multilingual support by offering services in languages such as German, Spanish, Greek, Turkish, Czech, Hindi, and Malayalam. 
• Expertise in completing specialized forms like the Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions (Form N-648) for those over 50+, seeking to be exempt from the English Language and Civics test component. More info can be found

By delivering your results in the mandatory sealed I-693 envelope with efficiency and care, Health + Glow helps simplify the path toward your immigration goals.

Dr. Swapna Kallikadan at Health and Glow in Tampa is committed to providing thorough and professional USCIS medical exams for immigrants. Rely on her expertise to ensure a smooth and successful immigration process. Contact Health + and Glow today to schedule your appointment and take the next step toward your immigration goals.