Do I Need Medical Exams to Renew My Green Card?
What Is Green Card Renewal or Update?
Most permanent resident cards must be renewed every 10 years. This renewal is completed by filing Form I-90 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Other processes, such as adjustment of status or removal of conditions, may involve different requirements.
It is important not to confuse Green Card renewal with an initial application for permanent residence, as medical requirements vary depending on the process.
Are Medical Exams Required to Renew a Green Card?
Standard Green Card Renewal (Form I-90)
In most cases, NO medical exams are required if:
- You are already a permanent resident
- You are renewing an expired or soon-to-expire Green Card
- You are not applying for adjustment of status
USCIS does not require a new medical exam for this type of renewal because applicants were already medically evaluated when they originally obtained permanent residency.
Situations Where Medical Exams ARE Required
Although standard renewal does not require medical exams, there are specific situations where an immigration medical exam is required.
Adjustment of Status
If you are applying for a Green Card for the first time from within the United States, you must submit Form I-693, which includes a full medical exam performed by a USCIS-authorized civil surgeon.
Removal of Conditions (Conditional Green Card)
If you have a conditional Green Card (valid for two years), such as through a recent marriage, a new medical exam is generally not required when filing Form I-751, as long as the original medical exam is still valid. However, USCIS may request one in certain cases.
Long-Expired Green Card or Complex Immigration History
In rare situations, such as a Green Card that has been expired for many years or cases involving complicated immigration history, USCIS may request additional documentation, including medical evaluations.
What Does the Immigration Medical Exam Include?
When required, the immigration medical exam typically includes:
- General physical examination
- Review of medical history
- Screening for communicable diseases
- Tuberculosis testing
- Review and update of required vaccinations
- Basic mental health evaluation
The authorized doctor completes and seals Form I-693, which must be submitted unopened to USCIS.
Who Can Perform the Immigration Medical Exam?
Only a USCIS-designated civil surgeon is authorized to perform immigration medical exams. Not all doctors are certified for this process, so it is essential to visit an approved medical provider.
How Long Is the Medical Exam Valid?
Immigration medical exams have a limited validity period, making proper timing essential. Completing the exam too early can result in expiration before USCIS reviews your case, which may require repeating the exam.
Required Vaccinations for Immigration
Required vaccinations vary based on age and public health guidelines but generally include:
- Measles, mumps, and rubella
- Tetanus and diphtheria
- Influenza (during flu season)
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella
- COVID-19 (subject to current regulations)
If you have valid vaccination records, the civil surgeon may verify them and prevent unnecessary re-vaccination.
What If I Do Not Meet the Medical Requirements?
If a medical condition is identified during the exam, the doctor will explain the next steps. In most cases, this does not result in automatic denial, but rather a requirement for treatment or follow-up before continuing the immigration process.
Tips to Avoid Issues in Your Immigration Process
- Confirm which immigration process you are completing
- Consult an immigration attorney if you have questions
- Do not complete medical exams unless required
- Visit only USCIS-authorized civil surgeons
- Keep copies of all documents