Immigration Medical Exam Process in San Ramon, CA
Key Takeaways
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This step, the immigration medical exam, is an important part of the process for most visa and green card applicants in San Ramon. It helps you meet USCIS public charge health requirements.
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Only a qualified civil surgeon San Ramon can perform the exam, so make sure to check the doctor’s USCIS authorization and credentials before scheduling an appointment.
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There are additional health checks required by the exam, such as a tuberculosis screening and certain vaccinations, which is all different from a regular doctor’s appointment.
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Collect your documentation in advance! Gather your identification, vaccinations, medical and family history to prevent unnecessary holds on your immigration process.
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See how much an immigration exam will cost in San Ramon. Insurance doesn’t pay for everything, so verify costs and be prepared to pay out of pocket for additional tests or vaccines!
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With the growing availability of telemedicine options in San Ramon, applicants have even more convenience and flexibility to fit this process into their busy lives. Certain sections of the exam are still required to be taken in person.
An immigration doctor in San Ramon, CA, is a USCIS approved civil surgeon. They are authorized to conduct the medical examinations needed for U.S. Immigration applications such as the I-693. San Ramon area clinics are available for these immigration exams by appointment only.
You will find a comfortable, private environment and minimal waiting time. The procedure consists of a full physical exam, vaccination history, and lab tests according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations. Results are provided in a sealed envelope which is used for immigration purposes.
While the majority of clinics in San Ramon take major insurance plans, out-of-pocket rates are provided up front. To ensure a seamless process, clinics frequently provide patients with detailed instructions and address any questions they may have.
The following sections detail what to expect to bring, what it costs now, and how to choose a reliable provider.
What Is This Immigration Exam?
The immigration medical exam is a must for anyone seeking a green card or certain visas in the U.S. It’s not just paperwork—this exam checks your health to see if you meet the standards set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The goal is to spot health risks that could affect your eligibility. Civil surgeons, who are doctors approved by USCIS, run these exams in San Ramon and nearby areas. They fill out Form I-693, which you’ll need for your application. Most exams take a few hours, and the results stay valid for two years.
Why USCIS Needs This Exam
USCIS needs this immigration exam to prevent the importation of diseases that would threaten public health—such as tuberculosis or syphilis. It’s a way to check if you meet basic health requirements for immigration benefits.
If you are missing any vaccines, such as measles or mumps, you will need to receive them during your exam. Navigating USCIS health regulations is an important part of your application process.
Who Must Get This Exam?
Immigration Medical Exam Process in San Ramon, CA
Who Should Get This Immigration Exam Requirement includes family-based, employment-based, and diversity visa applicants. Refugees and asylum seekers similarly undergo a specialized version of this exam.
Children, adolescents, and adults can be required, but some requirements vary by age—for example, required vaccinations.
Not Your Average Doctor Visit
The exam looks at prior infections, vaccines, and your medical history—not on addressing current health issues. The civil surgeon will ask about your history of sickness and look at your vaccination history.
Key Health Checks Involved
A physical exam and blood tests for communicable diseases are the basic requirements. They include tuberculosis screening and making sure your vaccinations are up to date.
If you have serious health conditions such as diabetes, they will document it. However, only select conditions make you ineligible.
Finding Your San Ramon Civil Surgeon
Finding your San Ramon civil surgeon starts your immigration journey off on the right foot. The city boasts a high number of accessible clinics, including varied family-friendly clinics and larger metro medical centers. Private clinics such as San Ramon Urgent Care & Clinic and Valley Medical Group provide immigration medical examinations.
It’s a good idea to make sure they have experience with USCIS immigration paperwork. A few key things help narrow your search:
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Must be licensed with at least four years’ experience
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Listed as a USCIS-designated civil surgeon
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Clear about exam costs (usually $200–$500)
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Offers extra tests and vaccines (expect $50–$200 more)
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Convenient location and flexible hours
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Fluent in languages you speak
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Transparent with appointment steps and required documents
What’s different about a civil surgeon versus a regular doctor? U.S. Immigration law mandates that only a USCIS-designated civil surgeon can conduct these exams. These physicians understand the specialized paperwork and screening processes, such as tuberculosis testing and vaccination history examinations.
They are responsible for processing Form I-693, the official immigration record of such exams. If you are in California, you can verify a civil surgeon’s credentials through the Medical Board of California’s official website. Your civil surgeon should be able to provide proof of their license, board certifications, and their designation from USCIS.
To ensure you found the right name, you can do a quick search against the official USCIS civil surgeon locator online. If you’re looking for someone nearby, use the USCIS civil surgeon finder, and check out reviews on Google or Yelp. Read patient reviews—these can provide insights on how well a clinic manages paperwork and processing times.
Be sure to double-check your appointment time, necessary paperwork, and fees ahead of time. This prevents confusion and unnecessary postponements.
Your San Ramon Immigration Physical: Step-by-Step
Your immigration physical exam in San Ramon will have a clear direction, from appointment scheduling to forms filling and medical testing. Each step folds into stringent public health regulations and USCIS requirements, so slipping up on one can delay your progress on the path.
Take a look at what to expect and why it’s important, in no uncertain terms.
What are the main steps?
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Find a USCIS-certified civil surgeon in San Ramon
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Make your appointment, verify the details, and be aware of potential delays
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Gather required ID, medical records, and vaccination history
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Come back to the clinic for your physical examination, tests and vaccinations
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Complete Form I-693 with the doctor’s help
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Submit Form I-693 as directed
1. Booking Your San Ramon Appointment
Booking Your San Ramon Appointment Book with an USCIS-designated civil surgeon. Health Clinics in San Ramon. Appointments can be booked quickly, so call ahead.
Double check your appointment time and what to bring to prevent any confusion. At peak times, some wait times may be more than an hour.
2. Gathering Your Essential Paperwork
You will need to bring a government-issued form of identification, proof of vaccinations, and information about your medical history.
Children ages 2 and older must show proof of TB testing. If you forget any required paperwork, your immigration physical will be postponed or require a second visit.
3. What Happens at the Clinic?
After you discuss your health history, a designated civil surgeon will conduct a physical exam to check for any communicable diseases, such as TB or syphilis.
The clinic staff should be sure to walk you through each step and help you feel comfortable. Being honest and forthright with your health history will allow the doctor to complete the required forms accurately.
4. Required Tests and Vaccinations
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Test/Vaccine |
Who Needs It |
Why Needed |
|---|---|---|
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TB Test |
Age 2+ |
Public health |
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Syphilis Blood |
Adults |
Disease screening |
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Hepatitis A/B |
Most applicants |
Immunization |
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MMR, Varicella |
Most applicants |
Immunization |
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Tdap, Polio |
Most applicants |
Immunization |
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Flu |
Seasonally |
Immunization |
Those results will determine what happens with your I-693. If the TB is positive you will need to get an X-ray which can take several days.
5. Understanding Form I-693 Locally
Understanding Form I-693 Locally Form I-693 is a report of your health status. Complete it with your examining doc, ensure all information lines up, and follow local San Ramon submission instructions.
The form is valid for two years and extremely important to your immigration case.
San Ramon Exam Costs & Insurance
Immigration medical exam fees in San Ramon are highly variable from clinic to clinic. Understanding the costs associated with your exam will allow you to better prepare for your appointment and eliminate any unwelcome surprises. The procedure involves a complete physical and a TB test for all over the age of two.
You will likely have to undergo some lab tests and/or get vaccines, as needed. There are dozens of clinics throughout the region that will be providing the exam. Costs and what’s covered can vary depending on the provider, which tests you need, and your medical history.
Most applicants need to submit Form I-693 with their adjustment of status application, so keeping track of all costs and paperwork is important.
Typical Exam Fees in Our Area
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Clinic Type |
Exam Fee Range |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
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General Practice |
$253–$400 |
Base visit, excludes tests/vaccines |
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Specialty Provider |
$400–$691 |
Often includes some basic tests |
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High-End/Private |
Up to $890 |
May offer shorter wait times |
Some practitioners even bill as little as $200 for the actual exam. Labs and vaccines are additional. As an example, a simple blood test can contribute an additional $105, and a TDAP vaccine can be $76.
Pricing might be influenced by the clinic’s name recognition, their patient volume, and possibly what’s included in the price. Providing clear pricing and upfront quotes reduces miscommunication, misunderstandings, and misinformation for applicants.
Extra Costs: Tests, Vaccines
Additional expenses may involve mandatory blood tests, chest X-ray exams and vaccines for diseases such as hepatitis, typhoid fever, mumps, rubella, and varicella. These can add up quickly, often increasing the total by a few hundred dollars.
Not every clinic will have these extras posted, so make sure to always inquire about a complete price list prior to scheduling an appointment.
Does My Insurance Cover This?
Insurance does not cover the cost of immigration medical exams. While some insurance policies may cover certain vaccines or lab work, the majority of patients pay out of pocket.
Always confirm with your service provider that they accept your insurance before scheduling an exam.
Planning Your Budget Wisely
Plan your expenses carefully. Include your expected regular charges, as well as additional items. Set aside some additional money for any follow-up appointments or unexpected procedures.
Be sure to inquire upfront about all potential costs.
Telemedicine: A Modern San Ramon Option
Telemedicine is revolutionizing access to care for people in San Ramon, including for immigration medical examinations. As more clinics expand their services through remote visits, patients can easily speak with an immigration doctor from the comfort of home. This change means more convenient and timely access to care for patients who need it most.
It’s tremendously helpful when time commitments are tight or distance makes it difficult to access care in person.
How Telehealth Fits Immigration Exams
Providing effective technology to improve the patient experience, Telehealth allows physicians to conduct a significant portion of initial screening for immigration exams virtually. You can ask them health questions through a video chat. This gives the doc time to go through your medical history and get a sense of what you may need before you even step foot in person.
This simple initial step translates to a much shorter time spent in the clinic for immigrants down the line. If someone is in for a cold, or has to discuss vaccine history, for instance, a video visit is the best option.
San Ramon area clinics take advantage of secure links and app-free platforms that allow patients to click on a link and join their appointment. This technology ensures individuals with limited English proficiency can receive the proper, necessary care. It further helps individuals who may not feel at ease in a physical clinic environment.
Benefits for Busy San Ramon Folks
Increased interest from the pandemic has made telemedicine a major attraction. With workdays busy and commutes long, the convenience of telemedicine is a significant benefit. You benefit by saving time, because there is no travel!
It’s much more convenient to meet with your physician on your lunch hour or after work now. In fact, many clinics even have appointments available up until 8 p.m. What you’ll pay for a telemedicine visit in San Ramon typically ranges from $100 to $120, making it a cost-effective alternative to in-person care.
This is especially convenient for those living in more rural areas or those that may have difficulty finding a ride.
Is Telemedicine Right For You?
Telemedicine is ideal if you just need consultation, have limited mobility, or wish to skip waiting room time. Immigration exam components that require a blood test or vaccination would still require an in-person visit to a clinic, even with telehealth.
Consider your medical needs, your comfort level with technology, and what aspects of the exam are most important to you. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before you choose.
After Your San Ramon Exam
Your next steps are crucial in continuing the process with your application. The process is pretty cut-and-dry, but being aware of what to expect can save you time and frustration. Most clinics in the area deliver your sealed exam results in a few days or weeks, depending on how busy they are.
These sealed results, often accompanying Form I-693, are what the civil surgeon will give to you directly. Leave them in the envelope they’re mailed in! Opening them renders them invalid for filing with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Receiving Your Sealed Medical Results
Once your exam is over, the clinic will process your records and seal them in an envelope. These are not for your own records—they’re not even for your files!—rather you submit the sealed packet directly to USCIS along with your application.
The purpose of the sealed envelope is to ensure your health information remains confidential, as well as to maintain the chain of custody. We recommend that all applicants retain a copy of their records for their own files. Only the sealed version is valid for immigration purposes.
How Long Your Results Are Valid
Typically, medical exam results are good for two years. If you apply through a certain program or wait to apply until a later date, that time can vary. Once your results are expired you need to retake the exam.
Be sure to budget for re-testing fee, which in San Ramon can be $200-$500!
Next Steps if Issues Arise
If your exam does identify a health concern, you will likely be required to come back for additional testing or treatment. This is not unusual for requirements such as missing vaccines or positive tuberculosis screens.
Moving quickly to address these is important, so your application isn’t sitting in limbo longer than necessary.
Staying Updated on Policy Changes
USCIS regulations may change, which may change expected timeline or vaccination/health requirements. It’s always a good idea to check the USCIS website or your local civic clinic for the latest changes.
Your local legal aid organizations and community health centers in San Ramon can further assist you in keeping informed.
Conclusion
Choosing the best immigration doctor in San Ramon boils down to determining what matters most to you. Confirm the doctor’s license, inquire about the cost upfront, and ensure the location is convenient for you. San Ramon immigration exam clinics leverage the latest technology, which means you can schedule your appointment online and even complete some steps via telemedicine. Prices remain transparent and the majority of locations list their costs online. After you finish your in-person exam, you are given a sealed packet to take home as your green card. Our local clinics keep you informed and engaged in the process and are there to save you from heartache and confusion. If you’ve recently arrived in the San Ramon area, get to know your local civil surgeons. It has the potential to dramatically change things for the better! Looking to begin the application process? Contact an ICC clinic in your area and schedule your first appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a civil surgeon in San Ramon?
What is a civil surgeon in San Ramon? In San Ramon, there are several local civil surgeons who can provide the immigration physical you need.
What documents should I bring to my San Ramon immigration exam?
We recommend bringing a valid photo identification, vaccination record, and your completed USCIS Form I-693. If you have any medical records from the past, be sure to bring those along as well.
How much does an immigration physical cost in San Ramon?
Immigration clinics in San Ramon are like any other type of clinic, they may increase their fee based on the demand for their services. As a rule of thumb, always inquire about the doctor’s fees upfront.
Does insurance cover the immigration medical exam in San Ramon?
Immigration medical exams are often not covered by health insurance plans. Consult with your provider, but plan to pay out-of-pocket.
Can I use telemedicine for part of my San Ramon immigration exam?
Additionally, many immigration doctors clinics in San Ramon may provide telemedicine for immigration medical exam consultations. The physical examination and laboratory tests are required to be performed in person.
How long does it take to get results from the San Ramon immigration medical exam?
Results usually take 1–2 weeks. Your designated immigration doctor will inform you when your completed and sealed I-693 form is ready to be picked up.
What happens after my San Ramon immigration exam?
What happens after my San Ramon immigration exam. Submit this, as is, with your immigration application to USCIS.