Dr. Kalitenko’s Office offers an immigration medical exam (also known as the Green Card Physical) required for permanent resident applications and I-693 forms. If you need an immigration physical in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, our certified immigration doctor is ready to assist you. Continue reading to learn more about this important medical exam and how to prepare for it.

What is the I-693 Immigration Physical?

The immigration physical examination is an important step in the U.S. immigration process. You will need an immigration medical exam if your immigration paperwork calls for the I-693 form or if USCIS has informed you that you need to have one. This form is a required part of immigration applications like the adjustment of status to become a permanent resident.

The exam must be performed by an immigration civil surgeon who has been authorized by USCIS to conduct these examinations. The process is more than just a paperwork necessity. It helps protect the health of both the U.S. immigrant population and the broader U.S. population by preventing the spread of important infectious diseases like tuberculosis (TB), polio, syphilis, hepatitis, and measles.

The physical includes several different components designed to assess your overall health and detect any health conditions that might require further attention.

What Happens During the Immigration Medical Exam?

At Dr. Kalitenko’s Office, we will provide the standard immigration medical evaluation specified by USCIS and the CDC to complete your I-693 form. This includes the following:

Physical exam and medical history review: The exam begins with a thorough review of your medical history, followed by a physical examination. The physical examination covers a wide range of checks, including assessment of your eyes, ears, nose, throat, extremities, heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes, and skin. The goal is to identify any physical or mental conditions that may affect your eligibility for immigration.

Tests for communicable (infectious) diseases: You will also undergo screening for several communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis (TB), syphilis, and gonorrhea, depending on your age. These tests are important for protecting your health, and for preventing outbreaks that could pose a risk to the general population.

Vaccinations: During the exam, our civil surgeon will review your vaccination records. The U.S. requires all immigrants to have certain vaccinations, including but not limited to measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus, and hepatitis B. It is important to bring your previous vaccination records to the exam. If you do not have proof that you received all vaccinations, you will need to receive the vaccinations you’re missing before you can pass your medical exam.

Preparing for Your Exam: What to Bring and How to Schedule

It’s important to prepare ahead of time for your immigration physical. This will help you be more relaxed on the day of your appointment and will ensure the civil surgeon Sergey Kalitenko MD has all the information they need to fulfill the requirements of the I-693.

Here’s a list of things you can do to prepare for your exam at Dr. Kalitenko’s Office, including how to schedule, what to bring with you, and additional steps to make your appointment smooth, efficient, and as stress-free as possible.

Scheduling your appointment:

Schedule your immigration medical exam at Dr. Kalitenko’s Office by calling (561) 464 2500.

Items to bring with you on the day of your appointment:

• Valid passport or ID: Bring a government-issued form of photo identification, such as a valid passport or driver’s license.
• Vaccination records: Bring any documentation that lists your vaccination history, even if it’s not in English. Vaccinations include DT, DTP, DTaP, Td, Tdap, OPV, IPV, MMR, Hib, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, varicella, pneumococcal influenza, rotavirus and meningococcal disease, and COVID-19. We need this information to verify that you’ve received all the required immunizations. For more information about which vaccines you need, see USCIS vaccine requirements and the CDC’s vaccine immigration FAQ.
• List of medications: Write down a detailed list of all the medications you’re currently taking, including names and dosages.

Additional preparation:

1. Review USCIS health requirements: Familiarize yourself with the health requirements set by USCIS to understand what the exam involves.
2. Complete I-693 form: Fill out your portion of the Form I-693 before your appointment, but do not sign it until instructed by the civil surgeon during your appointment.
3. Write down a comprehensive health and vaccination history: Include details about any major illnesses, surgeries, medical treatments, and medical conditions you have had, along with your vaccination record.
4. Eat healthy and stay hydrated: If you’re dehydrated, blood or urine tests may be harder to collect. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and salty foods on the day of your exam. Avoid intense exercise right before your appointment.
5. Rest well: Get a good night’s sleep before your exam. This can help improve several measures of health.
6. Prepare questions: Write down any questions you may have, so you can ask the civil surgeon during the appointment.
7. Wear comfortable clothing: Choose clothing that is comfortable and allows easy access for examinations and vaccinations.
8. Fasting: If instructed to fast before the exam for blood tests, make sure to follow these instructions.
9. Be mentally prepared: Approach the exam with a calm mindset. Getting a physical exam probably isn’t one of your favorite things to do, but it’s a standard part of the immigration process. All parts of the exam are routine, and none of them are difficult or dangerous. These include blood tests, vaccinations, the physical exam, and discussing your medical history.

By gathering the necessary documents, understanding the requirements, and taking care of your physical and mental health, you’re giving yourself the best chance of having a successful immigration application.

Could I Fail the Physical?

Yes, it’s possible to fail the physical if you don’t follow up to correct certain issues that are detected during the exam. These include vaccinations and other health conditions, like testing positive for tuberculosis, syphilis, or gonorrhea.

Handling positive test results: If you test positive for any of the communicable diseases included in the exam, our clinic will guide you through the next steps. Dr. Kalitenko’s Office may be able to help you begin treatment right away, or we may refer you for further testing and treatment, so you can proceed with your immigration application as quickly as possible.

Cost, Insurance, and Payment Information

The cost of an immigration medical exam at Dr. Kaliternko’s Office is 280$. It is cash-pay only, and does NOT include the basic vaccines and labs required for the physical. It does not include the cost of follow-up testing, treatment, or imaging. Your insurance may cover the cost of vaccinations or additional follow-up treatment, imaging, or vaccines that aren’t included in the cost of the exam.

Make Your Appointment Today!

At Dr. Kalitenko’s Office, we’re here to make the immigration physical as simple and easy for you as we can. Our immigration doctor, Civil Surgeon Sergey Kalitenko MD, is an experienced civil surgeon who can answer all your questions about your I-693 medical exam.

Call (516) 464 2500 today to set up your appointment.

Dr. Kalitenko’s Office

8295 N Military Trail, Suite G

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410