An immigration medical exam is a required health screening for individuals applying for lawful permanent residency in the United States. Tied to Form I-693, this process ensures applicants meet public health standards set by the CDC and USCIS. It includes a physical exam, a review of vaccination records, and testing for communicable diseases.
At Integra Wellness & Aesthetics, immigration exams are performed by Dr. Paul A. Busse, a USCIS-designated civil surgeon in Jacksonville. As a bilingual, board-certified family physician with over 21 years of experience, Dr. Busse delivers compliant, efficient, and compassionate care tailored to each patient’s needs. We provide everything in one visit, from on-site vaccinations to sealed documentation, ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish.
Who Needs One and Why?
Most applicants filing for a Green Card or adjusting their immigration status within the U.S. are required to complete this medical exam. This includes those applying through family sponsorship, employment, or humanitarian categories like asylum or refugee status.
The purpose of the exam is to confirm that each applicant is medically admissible and free from certain infectious diseases. Only a physician designated as a civil surgeon by USCIS is authorized to perform the exam. Choosing a provider without this designation can cause significant delays or rejections in your immigration process.
As a fully bilingual, physician-led practice, Integra simplifies the process for both English and Spanish-speaking applicants. Our team is experienced in working with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, including those navigating complex immigration timelines.
For applicants who need follow-up medical care or help managing chronic conditions before submitting their paperwork, our concierge primary care services are available to support your overall health beyond the exam.
What to Bring: Your Immigration Exam Checklist
To keep your appointment efficient and compliant, we recommend bringing the following:
- A valid, government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or driver’s license)
- Any available vaccination records (in English or with a certified translation)
- Any medical records related to chronic illnesses or current prescriptions
- Insurance card (if applicable)
- Accepted form of payment (we support HSA/FSA)
Integra’s team will guide you through each step and ensure the I-693 is completed, reviewed, and sealed according to USCIS standards. You’ll also receive a personal copy for your records. For those missing required vaccines, we offer in-house labs to streamline your visit; no need to travel to multiple locations or risk delays.
What Happens During the Exam?
Your immigration medical exam includes several USCIS-required components. Each step is handled with care by Dr. Busse, who provides the same attentive service he delivers across all concierge care visits:
- Medical History Review
We review your past and present medical conditions, surgeries, and medications. This helps us determine if any accommodations or documentation are needed for USCIS. - Physical Examination
This includes a full-body evaluation, heart, lungs, skin, eyes, ears, and other vital systems, to ensure there are no conditions that would affect admissibility. - Laboratory Testing
There are multiple required testing that need to be completed, some are based on age and come others depend on the vaccination history. We can test for immunity depending on age and history. Additional screenings may be needed based on current CDC protocols. - Vaccination Verification
Your immunization status will be compared to USCIS guidelines. If vaccines are missing, we can direct you to multiple low cost pharmacies, including MMR, Tdap, varicella, influenza, and others.
The entire visit typically takes about an hour. Once complete, your documents will be sealed and ready for submission within 3–4 business days. Our team is always available for follow-up questions, including those related to family-based exams or timelines for multiple applicants.
Pediatric Exams: What Parents Need to Know
Children applying for permanent residency are also required to complete an immigration medical exam. While the core process mirrors the adult version, there are several important differences, especially around vaccine schedules and lab testing.
For children under age 15, certain tests like syphilis and gonorrhea screening are typically not required. However, vaccination status is heavily emphasized. If your child has missed key vaccines or is following a different schedule due to age or medical history, Dr. Busse will provide a tailored catch-up plan aligned with CDC and USCIS guidelines.
Our team understands the anxiety that can come with navigating these requirements for younger family members. Integra’s family-focused model ensures that parents are informed, children feel safe, and all documentation is prepared with accuracy and care. Bilingual communication is always available, especially helpful for Spanish-speaking families with pediatric applicants.
If your child has chronic health issues, developmental delays, or needs additional support, Dr. Busse draws on more than two decades of family medicine experience to guide the process with sensitivity and clinical expertise. Our concierge care model ensures continuity and ease for the entire family.
How to Prepare for Your Immigration Medical Exam
Preparation plays a key role in ensuring your immigration medical exam goes smoothly. While the visit itself is straightforward, a few steps can help minimize stress and prevent delays.
Here’s how to prepare:
- Avoid fasting: There’s no need to skip meals before your visit. A light, nutritious meal can help you feel more comfortable, especially before lab work.
- Bring your complete medication list: Include the names, dosages, and reasons for any medications you’re currently taking. This is especially important if you manage conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or autoimmune disorders.
- Gather all vaccine documentation: If you’ve been vaccinated abroad or don’t have a full record, bring what you can. Our team will assess your records and discuss next steps, including re-vaccination or titers.
- Wear comfortable clothing: Your exam includes a physical assessment, so dress in a way that allows for easy movement.
- Inform us if you’re pregnant, immunocompromised, or recently sick: In these cases, we may adjust testing or vaccination timing based on your health and safety.
If you’re unsure about whether your medical condition or history will affect your exam, Dr. Busse can help you prepare in advance. Our concierge primary care patients often take advantage of this personalized guidance, especially when managing chronic illness alongside immigration requirements.
How Much Does the Immigration Exam Cost? What’s Included?
At Integra Wellness, we believe transparency builds trust, and that includes our pricing.
Immigration medical exams are typically not covered by insurance, including Medicare or Medicaid. That’s why we provide clear, upfront costs and work to minimize repeat visits or outside referrals.
A standard immigration exam package includes:
- Comprehensive USCIS-compliant physical examination
- Vaccination record review
- Access to statewide vaccination information
- On-site testing for USCIS requirements
- Completion and sealing of Form I-693
Most patients complete the entire process in a single visit, and sealed documents are typically ready within 3–4 business days. We offer flexible payment options and accept FSA/HSA cards. If you’re scheduling exams for multiple family members or children, our team can coordinate appointments to reduce disruption and time off work.
For families who want continuity of care beyond the exam, or patients dealing with complex health histories, we invite you to explore our concierge primary care memberships, which include 24/7 access to Dr. Busse and a deeply personalized wellness plan.
Why Choose Dr. Busse for Your Immigration Medical Exam?
There are dozens of clinics offering immigration medical exams, but few offer the level of care, expertise, and efficiency you’ll find with Dr. Paul A. Busse at Integra Wellness & Aesthetics.
As a USCIS-designated civil surgeon, Dr. Busse personally performs every immigration exam. You won’t be passed off to a rotating provider or rushed through a checklist. With over 21 years of clinical experience and a deep commitment to relationship-based care, he brings both precision and humanity to every appointment.
What makes Integra different:
- Same/next-day availability for most immigration exams
- 3–4 day turnaround for sealed Form I-693 packets
- On-site labs, eliminating extra appointments
- Bilingual care in English and Spanish, all forms, conversations, and follow-up can be handled in the language you’re most comfortable with
- Concierge-level attention, whether you’re coming in once or choosing Integra as your family’s long-term medical home
We understand that immigration is more than paperwork. It’s about building a life. At Integra, you’re not a case number; you’re a person with a story, and we’re honored to be part of that journey.
Ready to Schedule Your Immigration Medical Exam?
Your immigration journey deserves a medical partner who understands the stakes and sees you as more than a form.
At Integra Wellness & Aesthetics, Dr. Paul Busse delivers immigration exams that are accurate, efficient, and deeply personal. Whether you’re applying alone or with your entire family, you’ll find support, clarity, and compassion from your first call to final paperwork.
Book your exam today
Or call us at (insert phone number) for bilingual scheduling support
Let’s make this step of your journey one less thing to stress about. You’ve got a doctor who’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the immigration medical exam cost?
Costs vary based on age and vaccine status, Dr Busse’s professional fees are $400 (currently reduced from $500). This includes everything but labs and vaccines. Contact us for a current quote based on your specific situation.
What happens if I don’t have my vaccination records?
No problem, Dr. Busse will assess your needs during the visit. Some vaccines may need to be administered, and in certain cases, lab testing (titers) may confirm immunity without revaccination.
Is the immigration exam different for children?
Yes. Pediatric immigration exams follow an age-specific protocol. Some lab tests are not required for children under 15. Our team is trained to make the process comfortable for young patients and their families.
How long will it take to get my sealed I-693 packet?
Integra typically provides sealed forms within 3–4 business days. You’ll also receive a personal copy for your records.
Can I do everything in one visit?
Yes. Exams, labs, and vaccines are usually completed in a single appointment. We prioritize efficiency without sacrificing quality or care.
Is everything handled in Spanish if needed?
Absolutely. Dr. Busse and our bilingual team offer care, paperwork support, and full explanations in both English and Spanish, no outside interpreter needed.