Immigration to the United StatesThe final stage of the process is often characterized by a "make-or-break" moment.immigrantsPhysical Examination. Many people think this is just a routine checkup, but in reality, theUnited States ImmigrationMedical examinations have strict programs, specific designated hospitals, and clear health standards. One failed medical examination may delay or even reject the whole immigration application. In order to let you take less detours, here is a compilation of the latest 2025 immigration medical examination process, cost reference and common reasons for failure.

I. Why is an immigration medical examination necessary?

United States ImmigrationAn Immigration Medical Examination (IME) is a medical examination required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a U.S. consulate abroad to confirm that an applicant is free of communicable diseases that pose a threat to public health and to ensure that he or she will be able to live and work in the United States in the future.

II. Updated medical examination process for 2025

1. Confirmation of place of medical examination

   • The medical examination must be conducted at a USCIS-authorized **Designated Medical Examiner (Civil Surgeon)** or at a hospital designated by the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.

   • To apply for a green card within the U.S., you need to check the USCIS website for a local certified doctor; to apply outside the U.S., the consulate designates the hospital.

2. Make an appointment for a medical checkup

   • Reservations usually need to be made 1-2 weeks in advance, especially in popular cities where lines are longer.

   • You will need to confirm the cost of the physical exam, required documents and vaccine requirements at the time of your appointment.

3. Prepared Materials

   • Passport or valid ID

   • Documents related to the immigration application (e.g., Form I-693 or letter of notification of medical examination)

   • Vaccination records (preferably with official English translation)

   • Recent medical history or health certificate (in case of chronic illness)

4. On the day of the medical examination

   • Routine questioning and history taking

   • Physical examination (height, weight, blood pressure, vision, etc.)

   • Necessary laboratory tests (blood, urine, chest x-ray)

   • Vaccination (if missing)

5. Access to medical examination results

   • Within the U.S.: The doctor will give you the sealed I-693 Medical Examination form, which you will submit to USCIS.

   • Outside the country: The hospital will send the results directly to the consulate and the applicant will only be given a copy.

III. 2025 medical examination cost reference

• Within the U.S.: $200-$500 range, depending on region, testing program, and number of vaccinations.

• Outside of China (China region): approximately 1,500-3,500 RMB, depending on hospital and vaccine requirements.

• The cost of vaccines may account for the bulk of the cost, and those missing multiple vaccines will have to pay extra.

IV. Common causes of non-conformity

1. Failure to receive required vaccinations

   

   • Vaccines required for U.S. immigration include measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, chicken pox, hepatitis B, and influenza. Missing records need to be made up on the spot.

2. communicable disease

   • Active tuberculosis (TB) is one of the high risk factors for visa refusal. Suspected cases require further examination or treatment until cured before approval is granted.

   • Other sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhea that test positive must be treated first.

3. Health claims are untrue

   

   • Concealing a significant medical history or falsifying vaccine records, if discovered, not only invalidates the medical examination, but may also affect the integrity record of the immigration application.

4. Serious mental health problems

   • Any risk of violence or self-harm may be considered a public safety hazard and result in the application being placed on hold or denied.

V. Practical advice before medical examinations

• make up for any deficiencies in advance: Vaccination status can be checked six months before the medical check-up, and catch-up vaccination can be done in advance to reduce the pressure and cost of on-site catch-up vaccination.

• Watch what you eat and drink.: Avoid heavy drinking and a diet high in salt and sugar for a few days prior to the physical exam, and make sure your blood pressure and blood sugar are normal.

• Bring all the information: In particular, vaccine records, some applicants are forced to take multiple retroactive vaccinations due to incomplete information, adding unnecessary expense and pain.

• Honest communication: Doctors need to know the true medical history in order to make an accurate assessment; hiding it is much more risky.

VI. Conclusion

The U.S. Immigration Medical Examination may seem like a mere procedure, but it is an important hurdle in the immigration process. 2025's latest requirements continue to have strict standards for vaccines, infectious disease screenings and health declarations. Preparing ahead of time and following the requirements can greatly reduce unnecessary hassles and delays and get you on the road to the United States sooner.