What to Expect During Your Immigration Medical Exam in Los Angeles

If you are applying for a green card, the immigration medical exam on Form I 693 is not optional. It is a required step that confirms you meet the health standards set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Knowing what will happen at the exam, what to bring, and how the results are used will help you avoid delays and last minute stress.

At Baron Medical Group in Los Angeles, Dr. Daesoon Leem is a USCIS designated civil surgeon. Our team works with immigration cases every day, so the visit is structured, predictable, and focused on getting your Form I 693 completed correctly the first time.

‍

What Is An Immigration Medical Exam?

The immigration medical exam is a standardized health screening required for most applicants who are adjusting status to permanent residence in the United States. USCIS uses the exam to check for:

• Certain infectious diseases that can affect public health
• Proof of required vaccinations for your age group
• Physical or mental health conditions linked to harmful behavior
• Substance abuse or addiction issues that may affect admissibility

The results are documented on Form I 693, signed by a civil surgeon, and placed into a sealed envelope. That sealed packet is what goes to USCIS with your green card application.

‍

Why You Need An Exam In Los Angeles With A Civil Surgeon

USCIS will only accept an exam that is completed by a USCIS designated civil surgeon. Regular primary care doctors who are not on the civil surgeon list cannot complete Form I 693.

In Los Angeles, demand is high and pricing varies from clinic to clinic. Choosing an experienced immigration clinic like Baron Medical Group helps you:

• Follow current USCIS and CDC technical instructions correctly
• Get a realistic timeline for when your sealed I 693 will be ready
• Reduce the risk of errors that lead to Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
• Coordinate the exam timing with your attorney and I 485 filing date

‍

How To Prepare For Your Immigration Medical Exam

Good preparation shortens the visit and reduces extra costs. Before your exam at Baron Medical Group, plan to:

‍

Gather the right documents

• Valid government photo ID, usually your passport or U.S. driver license
• Any USCIS notices or your A number if available
• Printed vaccination records from previous doctors or clinics
• Certified English translations of foreign medical or vaccine records
• List of current medications and dosages
• Summary of major surgeries, hospitalizations, or chronic conditions

‍

Fill out your part of Form I 693

You can download Form I 693 from the USCIS website. Complete only Part 1 (Information About You) and stop there. The rest must be completed and signed in the presence of the civil surgeon. Signing in the wrong place or in advance can invalidate the form.

‍

Plan for timing and payment

• Confirm the current exam fee and what it includes (labs, vaccines, visit).
• Ask about standard vs express processing times for the sealed packet.
• Plan at least 1 to 2 hours at the clinic and avoid scheduling tight back to back commitments.

‍

What Happens During The Exam At Baron Medical Group

When you arrive at our Wilshire Boulevard office, the visit follows a clear sequence so you know exactly where you are in the process.

‍

1. Check in and documentation

Our front desk team will:

• Confirm your identity and immigration documents
• Review your Form I 693 Part 1 for accuracy
• Scan your vaccination records and any previous medical reports
• Have you sign consent and clinic forms

‍

2. Medical history review

You will meet with Dr. Leem or another provider who will ask about:

• Past medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma
• Previous hospitalizations or surgeries
• Mental health history, including depression or anxiety
• Any past or current substance use issues

Honest and complete answers are important. Hiding information can cause more problems than a treatable condition that is properly documented.

‍

3. Physical examination

The physical exam is similar to a thorough check up. It usually includes:

• Vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and oxygen level
• Examination of eyes, ears, nose, and throat
• Heart and lung exam
• Abdomen and lymph node check
• Basic neurological and mental status evaluation
• Skin and extremity check for signs of infection or other concerns

‍

4. Required lab tests

For most adult applicants, USCIS requires:

• Blood test for tuberculosis using an IGRA test such as QuantiFERON or T Spot
• Blood test for syphilis
• Urine test for gonorrhea

These samples are usually drawn during your visit and processed at a partner laboratory. If a test is positive, additional steps such as a chest X ray or treatment will be explained to you.

‍

5. Vaccine review and any needed shots

USCIS requires age appropriate vaccines such as MMR, Tdap, Varicella, Hepatitis B, and seasonal influenza. During your exam we will:

• Compare your records with USCIS vaccine requirements
• Document any vaccines you already received
• Offer missing vaccines on site when available, or document medical reasons they cannot be given

If you prefer to use health insurance at a pharmacy for vaccines, we can explain which ones you need before your visit so you can bring proof.

‍

Common Tests And Vaccines You May Need

Not every applicant needs every vaccine, but most adults should expect at least some of the following to be reviewed or updated:

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• Tdap or Td for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis
• Varicella if you never had chickenpox or the vaccine
• Hepatitis B series for younger adults
• Influenza during flu season

Children and some adult age groups have additional requirements such as polio, Hib, pneumococcal, and meningococcal vaccines. We follow the current USCIS and CDC charts to decide which boxes to check on your I 693.

‍

How Long The Exam Takes And When You Get Results

Most appointments at Baron Medical Group last about 1 to 2 hours inside the clinic. The total timeline to receive your sealed I 693 depends on lab processing and the service level you choose.

• Standard processing: most patients receive a sealed I 693 in about 4 to 7 business days after the exam, once all lab results are back and reviewed.
• Express processing: for time sensitive filings, many cases are completed in about 3 business days after lab results return.

You will be notified when your packet is ready. You must come in person to sign and pick up the sealed envelope. You will also receive a copy for your own records.

‍

What Happens After Your Immigration Medical Exam

Once the civil surgeon completes the form and seals the envelope, the next steps involve your immigration case:

• Confirm that the envelope is sealed and marked for USCIS only.
• Keep your copy of the form and lab results in a safe place.
• Coordinate with your attorney about including the sealed I 693 with your I 485 filing.
• If you are responding to an RFE, mail the sealed envelope together with the RFE notice using a trackable service.

If USCIS later asks for clarification or sends an RFE related to the medical exam, contact both your attorney and our office so we can review the case and advise on the correct follow up.

‍

Why Choose Baron Medical Group For Your Exam In Los Angeles

Any civil surgeon can fill out Form I 693, but not every clinic is set up for a smooth immigration process. Patients choose Baron Medical Group because:

• Immigration focus: we handle I 693 exams every day, so our workflow and checklists are built for USCIS requirements.
• Predictable timelines: clear standard and express processing options, not vague promises.
• Transparent pricing: you know what is included in your fee before you come in, and you receive itemized receipts.
• Central Los Angeles location: easy access from Koreatown, Downtown, Mid Wilshire, and surrounding areas.

‍

Conclusion

An immigration medical exam does not have to be confusing. When you know what to bring, what will happen during the visit, which tests and vaccines are involved, and how long the process takes, you can plan your green card filing with confidence.

If you are preparing for your I 693 in Los Angeles and want a structured, clinic focused experience, contact Baron Medical Group. Our team will walk you through the steps, schedule an appointment that fits your timeline, and make sure your medical exam supports your immigration case instead of slowing it down.