The I-693 Immigration Physical
Do you need an immigration physical or “Green Card Physical” to complete your permanent resident application or I-693 form? Dr. Kalitenko’s Office, conveniently located in the Brooklyn, New York area, provides immigration medical exams with our experienced, certified immigration doctor Kalitenko. This page explains what goes on during this thorough physical exam and how to get ready for your appointment.
More About the Immigration Medical Exam
The immigration medical exam is a key part of your U.S. immigration application. It’s required to apply for adjustment of status to permanent resident (green card) or other applications that require filing an I-693 form.
A USCIS-authorized civil surgeon (immigration doctor) must conduct the immigration physical. While it may seem like a lot of unnecessary paperwork, the exam is vital for safeguarding public health and your own well-being. The exam serves to prevent the spread of serious but treatable infectious diseases, including polio, syphilis, measles, and tuberculosis (TB).
The exam looks at several different aspects of your health to gauge your overall health and identify any potential health conditions needing treatment.
What to Expect at Your Immigration Physical
At Dr. Kalitenko’s Office, our immigration medical exam aligns with CDC and USCIS guidelines and meets all the requirements for your I-693 physical. The exam covers:
Medical history and physical exam: We start with taking a detailed medical history and physical exam designed to identify mental or physical symptoms or conditions that might impact your immigration eligibility. We check that your vital systems are functioning well, including heart, lungs, eyes, ears, nose, throat, abdominal organs, and skin.
Infectious diseases screening: We will also perform a few tests for specific communicable diseases. This is important for maintaining good public health and preventing outbreaks. These diseases include tuberculosis (TB), syphilis, gonorrhea, or others indicated by the CDC.
Vaccinations: The civil surgeon will also check your vaccination history. U.S. immigration rules require you to have had specific vaccinations, including polio, measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, among others. Bring documentation of these vaccines to the physical. Missing vaccinations must be administered in order to complete your I-693 medical exam.
What Can I Do to Prepare for My Physical?
Preparing in advance for your exam will help you avoid unnecessary stress and complications on the day of your I-693 physical. You’ll feel a lot more relaxed if you bring everything you need to your appointment, and it will help the civil surgeon Sergey Kalitenko MD gather the documentation needed to meet your immigration requirements.
Follow these tips to get ready for your exam at Dr. Kalitenko’s Office. We’ll cover the basics of how to schedule, what you should bring, and some additional ways to give yourself the best chance of passing your physical.
Scheduling your appointment:
Make an appointment for your I-693 physical at Dr. Kalitenko’s Office by calling us at (718) 382 9200.
What to bring to your exam:
• Vaccination history: We need to confirm whether you’ve had all your immunizations, so bring documentation of any vaccines you’ve had, even if it’s not in English. These may have names like DT, DTP, DTaP, Td, Tdap, OPV, IPV, MMR, Hib, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, varicella, pneumococcal influenza, rotavirus and meningococcal disease, and COVID-19. For further details on the required vaccines, see USCIS vaccine requirements and CDC vaccine immigration FAQ.
• Medications: The medications you’re taking are a big part of your health, so bring a list of the medications you take, and be sure to write down the dosage and drug name for each.
• Valid passport or ID: We will need to check that your identity matches the name on your I-693 form, so don’t forget your government-issued photo ID. This may be a non-expired passport, driver’s license, or state ID card.
Give yourself the best chance of passing your physical!
• List your vaccinations and medical history: Include details about any major illnesses, surgeries, medical treatments, or medical conditions you have had, along with your vaccination record.
• Fill out your I-693 form: Complete the I-693 form according to the instructions, but do not sign it yet. The immigration doctor will tell you when to sign it.
• Understand the immigration health requirements: Know the USCIS guidelines for any health conditions you may have, so you know what to expect during the exam.
• Think about what you want to ask the doctor: Make a list of your concerns ahead of time. This will ensure your important questions get answered during your exam.
• Relax: Some people find physical exams intimidating, but they don’t need to be! Our immigration doctor will help make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Every immigrant to the U.S. has to take this physical. It’s a thorough exam, but it’s routine and safe. You will have blood drawn, undergo a physical exam, and receive any necessary vaccinations. Having your medical history written down will also help reduce the stress of having to remember the details on the day of the appointment.
• Eat healthy and avoid dehydration: You’ll need to give a urine test and blood tests, so stay hydrated. Smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating salty foods can also interfere with tests, so avoid or limit your intake of these before your physical. If you’re planning a strenuous workout, save it for after the appointment.
• Dress for the occasion: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that won’t interfere with immunizations or the physical exam.
• Fasting: You may be told to fast before the physical. Follow the instructions you’re given to avoid potential problems with blood tests.
• Get lots of sleep: Getting a good night’s sleep can lower your blood pressure, help you be more relaxed, and improve your health in many other ways.
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.
What if I Don’t Pass the Physical?
If you fail a part of the I-693 physical, you will need to follow up to correct the problem. This might include receiving a vaccine or treatment for an infectious disease that you tested positive for.
Our clinic will explain your next steps for taking care of the issue. Depending on the problem, you might be able to receive treatment at Dr. Kalitenko’s Office or you may need additional testing or treatment. Either way, we’ll do our best to make sure you get the care you need so you can complete your immigration application.
Exam costs
Our immigration physical exam cost is 280$ ( subject to change ), and it is a cash-pay service. This cost does NOT include basic vaccines, blood tests, and the physical exam. If you require additional follow-up treatments, testing, or imaging, those will incur a separate cost. Check with your insurance, as they may cover additional vaccines or medical follow-up treatments that aren’t included in the cost of our exam.
Book Your Physical Today at Sergey Kalitenko’s Clinic!
Call us today at Sergey Kalitenko’s Clinic or click the link below to schedule an appointment with our certified civil surgeon, Sergey Kalitenko MD. We’re conveniently located in Brookly, New York. At Sergey Kalitenko’s Clinic, we care about your wellness, and we’ll do our best to make your I-693 physical as easy and efficient as possible.
Sergey Kalitenko’s Clinic
1701 Quentin Road, Brooklyn, NY 11229