What Is an Immigration Medical Exam?
An immigration medical exam is a health screening required as part of many visa and residency applications. It is not a diagnostic visit for a specific complaint and it does not replace your regular checkup. Its purpose is to document that an applicant has been screened for certain communicable diseases and has the vaccinations the application calls for. The examining physician reviews your medical history, performs a physical examination, orders the required testing, and completes the medical portion of the paperwork.
What the Exam Typically Includes
- Review of your medical history, current medications, allergies, and past surgeries
- Physical examination, including vital signs, height and weight, vision, and a head-to-toe assessment
- Tuberculosis screening, usually a TB skin test or blood test, with a chest X-ray when indicated
- Blood and urine testing for the conditions the application requires
- Vaccination review, with any missing vaccinations given during the visit where appropriate
- Completion of the medical forms and documentation you need for your file
Vaccination Review & Immunizations
Most immigration applications expect a documented vaccination record. During your exam we go through what you already have, identify gaps, and administer what is missing and medically appropriate the same day, including influenza, MMR, Td or Tdap, varicella, hepatitis A and B, and others as required. Bring any immunization records you hold, from any country, even if they are incomplete or in another language, because a documented prior dose can save you a repeat vaccination. We can also perform titer blood testing when proof of immunity is easier to establish that way. See our vaccinations and immunizations page for the full list.
Tuberculosis Screening & Chest X-Ray
TB screening is a standard part of the exam. We perform TB testing on site, and because our clinic has digital X-ray in the same suite, a chest X-ray follow-up can usually be done during the same visit rather than at an outside imaging center. If a result needs further evaluation, our Doctors explain what it means, what the next step is, and coordinate care rather than leaving you to chase it down.
What to Bring to Your Immigration Medical Exam
- Government-issued photo ID or passport
- Your application paperwork, including any forms the agency asked you to bring
- All vaccination and immunization records you have, from any country
- A list of current medications, including doses
- Records of any chronic condition, past TB treatment, or prior positive TB test
- Eyeglasses or contact lenses, if you wear them
- Payment, since immigration exams are generally not covered by health insurance
How Long It Takes and When Your Paperwork Is Ready
Plan on about 45 to 60 minutes for the visit itself. Rapid testing and X-ray are read during the visit, while blood work sent for confirmatory analysis typically returns within one to two business days. TB skin tests require a second short visit 48 to 72 hours later to be read. Your completed documentation is ready once every required result is back, so the honest answer for most applicants is a few days from the first visit rather than same day. If you have a filing deadline, tell us at check-in and we will tell you plainly whether the timeline works.
Cost & Payment for Immigration Exams
Immigration medical exams are usually considered a non-covered service by health plans, so most patients pay out of pocket. Vaccinations and lab work may be billed separately depending on what your application requires. Call (909) 360-4722 for current pricing before your visit, and see payment options for the ways you can pay, including card, PayPal, and Zelle. We will tell you the expected total up front, so there are no surprises at checkout.
Serving Immigrant Families Across the Inland Empire
We care for patients and families from across Rancho Cucamonga, Alta Loma, Etiwanda, Cucamonga, Upland, Ontario, Fontana, Rialto, Claremont, Montclair, Chino, and Chino Hills, and many stay with us afterward for primary care, chronic care management, school and sports physicals, and walk-in urgent care when someone gets sick. Getting the exam done is often the first step in having a regular doctor close to home.
Why Choose Ezzeddine Primary Care for Your Immigration Exam?
An immigration exam is paperwork with real consequences, so it should be handled carefully and explained clearly. Our clinic keeps the physical exam, vaccinations, TB screening, laboratory, and digital X-ray under one roof, which removes the usual back-and-forth between a doctor's office, a lab, and an imaging center. Led by Dr. Tarek Ezzeddine, MD, our team walks you through each requirement, tells you what is still outstanding, and follows up until your file is complete. We are at 8250 White Oak Ave, Suite 106, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730, open Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Call (909) 360-4722 or contact us to get started.