The I-693 Immigration Medical Exam in North Houston, Step by Step: From Paperwork to Sealed Envelope

The immigration medical exam is recorded on Form I-693, and only a USCIS-designated Civil Surgeon can sign it. Clínica Hispana Cruz 2 has that designation. We review your history and vaccine records, run the required tests, and hand you the completed form in a sealed envelope for your application.

This guide from the clinic's medical team follows the process in the order it actually happens, so you show up prepared and don't have to come back for a missing document.

Where does the I-693 fit in your case?

The I-693 is part of most adjustment of status applications, the process of getting a green card from inside the United States. Under current USCIS instructions, in many cases the form has to be filed together with Form I-485 rather than sent later. Those rules do change, so before booking the exam, check the official Form I-693 page on uscis.gov or ask your attorney or accredited representative.

Not sure a clinic is actually designated? USCIS keeps an official Civil Surgeon locator. An exam signed by someone without the designation won't work for your case.

Step 1: What should you gather before you come in?

Put everything in one folder the night before:

• Government photo ID, such as a passport or an ID from your home country.
• Vaccine records from the U.S. or abroad, even if they're incomplete or in another language.
• A list of your medications and any conditions you've been diagnosed with.
• Past medical reports if you've had tuberculosis, a positive TB test, or a chronic condition.
• Your case details as your attorney or representative instructed.

No vaccine card? You can still have the exam. It just means your immunity or vaccine history will have to be confirmed another way.

Step 2: What gets checked at the visit?

The content of the exam is set by USCIS and the CDC's technical instructions, not by the clinic. In broad terms:

Samples are collected here at the clinic through our blood work service. If a result comes back outside the expected range, for example a positive TB test, more testing may be needed before the form can be completed. If that happens, we'll explain why and what comes next. MedlinePlus has a clear overview of TB if you'd like to read more.

Step 3: How are vaccines handled?

This is where most of the questions come up. USCIS requires applicants to be current on certain vaccines for their age. The medical team reviews your records, compares them with the requirements, and tells you which ones you still need. See our vaccines page for which ones we offer and what they cost.

Two practical tips:

• Bringing proof saves time and money. Doses you can document don't have to be repeated.
• Some vaccines come in a series. You may need another visit to finish one, and we'll tell you up front.

Step 4: What about the sealed envelope?

Once the exam is complete, the Civil Surgeon signs the I-693 and we give it to you in a sealed envelope. The envelope is part of the requirement:

• Don't open it, and don't let anyone else open it. USCIS may not accept an envelope that's been opened or tampered with.
• Keep it flat and dry until you mail it with your application.
• Write down the exam date and share it with your attorney or representative in case USCIS asks.

What should you be fully honest about?

Plenty of people worry that a health condition will close the door, so they leave things out. That backfires: hiding something that later shows up in lab results only makes the case harder. Tell the team everything relevant, including past TB treatment. Legal questions about your specific case belong with your attorney.

How much does the exam cost?

The price depends on which tests and vaccines each person needs, so please ask for the price. We tell you the cost before your visit, and you don't need insurance. Promotional prices on other services can change; you can see them on our promotions page. Full service details are on our immigration exams page.

Booking your exam with us

Clínica Hispana Cruz 2 is at 13331 Kuykendahl Rd Ste 128, Houston, TX 77090, in north Houston near Greenspoint, Cypress Station, and Champions. We're open every day from 9 AM to 9 PM. Walk in, or call first to reserve a time. Our staff speaks Spanish and English, and we accept cash, debit, and credit.

This article is for general information and is not a substitute for legal advice from an immigration attorney.