Applicants completing certain U.S. immigration processes may need a medical examination performed by a USCIS-designated Civil Surgeon.
Symphony Health provides USCIS immigration medical examinations and Form I-693 services through Dr. Waheed Ibrahimi, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician serving patients in the Bay Area.
This guide explains what the immigration medical exam is, what to bring, how vaccination records are reviewed, and what applicants should know before scheduling.
Because USCIS requirements can change, always review the current USCIS instructions and follow the specific guidance provided by your immigration attorney or accredited representative.
What Is a USCIS Immigration Medical Exam?
A USCIS immigration medical examination is a health examination required for certain applicants seeking immigration benefits in the United States.
The results are recorded on Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.
The examination may be required for applicants applying for:
- Adjustment of status
- Lawful permanent residence
- A green card
- Certain immigration benefits requiring a medical examination
USCIS requires the examination to be completed by a designated Civil Surgeon in the United States.
The medical exam is different from a routine primary-care visit. It follows USCIS and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requirements and includes a review of medical history, physical examination, vaccination records, and other required components.
What Is a Civil Surgeon?
A Civil Surgeon is a physician designated by USCIS to conduct immigration medical examinations in the United States.
Only a USCIS-designated Civil Surgeon can complete and sign Form I-693 for an applicant completing the examination inside the United States.
Dr. Waheed Ibrahimi, MD, provides USCIS immigration medical exam services through Symphony Health.
Who Needs Form I-693?
Not every immigration applicant needs the same medical documentation. Whether Form I-693 is required depends on the immigration benefit, the applicant’s circumstances, and current USCIS rules.
Applicants may need Form I-693 when submitting an adjustment-of-status application or when USCIS requests updated medical documentation.
Some applicants who completed an examination overseas may have different requirements. Certain applicants may need only vaccination documentation or may qualify for a limited exception.
Speak with an immigration attorney or accredited representative if you are unsure whether Form I-693 applies to your case.
What Happens During the Immigration Medical Exam?
The process usually includes:
- Scheduling an appointment with a USCIS-designated Civil Surgeon
- Completing the applicant section of Form I-693
- Reviewing medical history
- Reviewing vaccination documentation
- Performing the required physical examination
- Completing required testing
- Determining whether additional information or vaccinations are needed
- Completing the Civil Surgeon sections of Form I-693
- Providing the completed documentation according to USCIS instructions
Do not sign the form until the Civil Surgeon instructs you to do so. USCIS instructions state that the applicant signs in the presence of the Civil Surgeon.
What Should I Bring to the Appointment?
Bring as much complete documentation as possible, including:
- Government-issued photo identification
- Passport, if available
- Immigration paperwork
- USCIS receipt or appointment information
- Vaccination records
- Childhood immunization records
- Medical records
- Medication list
- Information about prior diagnoses
- Documentation of chronic conditions
- Prior immigration medical exam records, if applicable
- Contact information for your attorney or representative
If vaccination records are unavailable, tell the office before the appointment. Additional evaluation or vaccinations may be needed.
Why Are Vaccination Records Important?
The Civil Surgeon must review an applicant’s vaccination history and document the required information on Form I-693.
Bring written records whenever possible. Records may come from:
- Previous physicians
- Schools
- Employers
- Public-health departments
- Military records
- Immigration records
- Foreign medical providers
The Civil Surgeon determines which vaccinations are medically appropriate based on the applicant’s age, medical history, and applicable requirements.
Do not rely only on memory. Missing documentation may result in additional vaccinations, testing, or delays.
What If I Am Missing Vaccination Records?
If you do not have complete records, the Civil Surgeon may evaluate what documentation is available and determine what additional steps are appropriate.
Depending on the circumstances, this may involve:
- Receiving a required vaccine
- Completing part of a vaccine series
- Providing acceptable laboratory evidence
- Documenting that a vaccine is not medically appropriate
- Obtaining additional records
- Returning for a follow-up visit
The exact requirements depend on current USCIS and CDC instructions and the applicant’s individual situation.
Do I Need Every Dose of a Vaccine Series Before Filing?
Not necessarily. Some vaccine series require multiple doses over time.
USCIS and CDC instructions determine how incomplete vaccine series are documented. Applicants should not delay or change their immigration filing strategy based on general online information.
Ask the Civil Surgeon and your immigration attorney how an incomplete series should be handled in your specific case.
What Medical Information Is Reviewed?
The immigration medical examination may include questions and evaluation related to:
- Medical history
- Physical health
- Certain communicable diseases
- Vaccination status
- Mental-health history
- Substance-use history
- Prior treatment
- Current medications
- Other health-related immigration requirements
Answer questions accurately and provide relevant documentation. If you are concerned about a prior diagnosis or medical record, discuss it with the Civil Surgeon.
Is the Immigration Medical Exam Confidential?
Medical information is handled as medical information, subject to applicable privacy rules and USCIS procedures.
The completed Form I-693 is prepared for immigration purposes. USCIS instructions explain how the form is submitted and used.
Ask the medical office how your records will be handled and how the completed form will be provided to you.
How Is Form I-693 Submitted?
The completed form must be prepared according to current USCIS instructions.
Depending on the filing process, the Civil Surgeon may provide the completed form in a sealed envelope. Do not open a sealed envelope intended for USCIS.
Follow the current USCIS filing instructions and any instructions provided by your immigration attorney or accredited representative.
The applicant is responsible for submitting the correct documentation with the appropriate immigration filing.
How Long Does the Medical Exam Take?
Appointment time varies depending on:
- Whether vaccination records are complete
- Whether testing is required
- Whether vaccines are needed
- Whether additional records must be reviewed
- Whether a follow-up visit is necessary
- The number of applicants in a family
- The complexity of the applicant’s medical history
Ask Symphony Health about expected appointment length, required documents, pricing, and follow-up visits when scheduling.
What If USCIS Requests a New Medical Exam?
USCIS may request additional or updated medical documentation in certain situations.
If you receive a Request for Evidence or another notice involving Form I-693:
- Read the notice carefully.
- Check the response deadline.
- Contact your immigration attorney or accredited representative.
- Contact the Civil Surgeon’s office.
- Gather the requested records.
- Do not submit incomplete or altered documents.
A medical office can explain medical documentation, but an immigration attorney should advise you about the legal response to a USCIS notice.
How Can I Avoid Delays?
To help your appointment go smoothly:
- Schedule with a designated Civil Surgeon
- Bring complete vaccination records
- Bring photo identification
- Provide accurate medical history
- Bring immigration paperwork
- Ask whether laboratory testing is required
- Confirm current fees
- Ask whether follow-up visits may be needed
- Arrive early
- Do not sign Form I-693 before instructed
- Follow USCIS filing instructions
- Keep copies of documents when permitted
Many delays occur because applicants arrive without vaccination records or do not understand that additional visits may be necessary.
USCIS Medical Exam Locations
Symphony Health serves patients through Bay Area locations, including:
San Ramon
Symphony Health
1081 Market Place, Suite 500
San Ramon, CA 94583
San Jose
175 North Jackson Avenue, Suite 202
San Jose, CA 95116
Newark
39899 Balentine Drive, Suite 350
Newark, CA
Contact the office to confirm the appropriate location, appointment availability, and services offered at each office.
Why Choose Symphony Health for Form I-693?
Symphony Health provides immigration medical examinations through Dr. Waheed Ibrahimi, MD.
The practice offers:
- USCIS Civil Surgeon services
- Form I-693 examinations
- Vaccination-record review
- Internal medicine experience
- Primary-care services
- Personalized patient communication
- Appointments in the Bay Area
- Service for patients in San Ramon, Fremont, Newark, and surrounding communities
Dr. Ibrahimi is a board-certified internal medicine physician with more than 13 years of experience practicing internal medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get a USCIS medical exam in San Ramon?
Symphony Health provides USCIS immigration medical examinations in San Ramon through Dr. Waheed Ibrahimi, MD. The San Ramon office is located at 1081 Market Place, Suite 500.
Does Symphony Health complete Form I-693?
Symphony Health provides USCIS immigration medical examination services and Form I-693 completion through a designated Civil Surgeon. Contact the office for current appointment and documentation requirements.
What should I bring to my Form I-693 appointment?
Bring photo identification, immigration paperwork, vaccination records, medical records, and a list of medications. Complete vaccination records can help prevent delays.
What if I do not have my vaccine records?
Tell the office when scheduling. The Civil Surgeon can explain what documentation or additional steps may be required based on your circumstances.
Can I sign Form I-693 at home?
Do not sign Form I-693 until the Civil Surgeon instructs you to sign it. USCIS requires the applicant’s signature to be completed according to the form instructions.
How much does the USCIS medical exam cost?
Fees vary based on the medical examination, testing, vaccines, records, and follow-up services required. Contact Symphony Health for current pricing.
Does USCIS regulate Civil Surgeon fees?
USCIS does not set a single nationwide fee for every Civil Surgeon. Fees may vary by physician and by the services required.
Does a USCIS medical exam replace my regular doctor?
No. An immigration medical exam is different from ongoing primary care. Continue seeing your regular physician for routine health needs.
Can an immigration attorney attend my medical exam?
Ask the medical office about its visitor and appointment policies. Your attorney can advise you about immigration filing requirements but generally does not replace the Civil Surgeon’s medical process.
Schedule a USCIS Immigration Medical Exam
If you need a USCIS immigration medical examination or Form I-693 in San Ramon, San Jose, Newark, Fremont, or a nearby Bay Area community, contact Symphony Health.
Symphony Health
Phone: (925) 365-7337
Email: support@symphonyhealth.care
Schedule an appointment and ask what documents, vaccination records, and identification you should bring.
This article is for general educational purposes only. USCIS requirements may change, and this information is not legal advice or medical advice. Consult current USCIS instructions and a qualified immigration attorney or accredited representative about your case.
Official Resources
- USCIS Form I-693 Instructions
- USCIS Form I-693
- USCIS Civil Surgeon Information
- CDC Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons
- USCIS Civil Surgeon San Ramon
- Form I-693 San Ramon
- immigration medical exam Fremont
- green card medical exam Bay Area
- USCIS medical exam San Jose
- immigration doctor Newark CA
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- Form I-693 vaccination records
- Civil Surgeon Form I-693
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