There are so many things to prepare to get a green card in the United States. The paperwork is complicated, and nothing is easy to get through.

However, among all these, there is one thing that feels particularly tedious. It is the Green Card Medical Exam.

This exam is not just a simple visit to the doctor where they take a quick look and stamp your form saying, "You're fine~".

The U.S. government requires this exam to filter out individuals who may pose a public health threat when accepting immigrants.

Although it is called an exam, it is actually a thorough review of your health status.

First of all, not just any hospital can perform the exam. You can only get it from a Civil Surgeon registered with USCIS.

You can search for "USCIS Civil Surgeon near me" on Google, or enter your ZIP code on the immigration website to find designated hospitals nearby. Many people waste time going to local hospitals without knowing this.

The next steps are more complicated than you might think. Depending on the hospital, there may be a backlog of appointments, and you must prepare the necessary documents.

The most important document is the I-693 Form, which you need to print out and bring to the hospital. You fill in your information, but you must not touch the part where the doctor signs. Many people have to redo the exam because of mistakes here.

So, what do you do at the hospital?

Basically, four main items are checked.

First, the tuberculosis test (TB Test).
This can be a bit tricky. In the past, the PPD method, which tests with a needle on the skin, was common, but now most places use a blood test (IGRA). If the test result is positive, you will need to get a chest X-ray. If issues arise here, your green card review may be delayed.

Second, vaccination record verification (Vaccination).
There are specific vaccines required in the U.S. such as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Tdap (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis), varicella, hepatitis B, and influenza. If you have records of vaccinations you have already received, you should bring proof; otherwise, you will need to get vaccinated again at the hospital. Especially if you were vaccinated in Korea, bringing a vaccination record in Korean may lead to confusion, so an English translation may be necessary.

Third, STD testing (STD Test).
A blood test for syphilis is mandatory. HIV is not a required test, but some hospitals may include it. If you test positive for syphilis, the treatment status will also be included in the report, so you should not hide any history of infection.

Fourth, drug use and mental health issues.
While they won't directly ask, "Have you used drugs?", if the doctor notices any signs during questioning, additional mental health reports may be required. Especially if there is a history of depression, schizophrenia, or suicide attempts, you may receive requests for additional documentation.

If you pass all these checks, the doctor will fill out the I-693 form and seal it in an official envelope. Absolutely! You must not open this envelope. USCIS will invalidate it if the seal is broken. You can submit it as is during your interview, or if online submission is possible, you can upload a scanned copy and submit the original later.

The cost varies by hospital but usually ranges from $150 to $400. If you need additional vaccinations, it may cost more.

Even if you have insurance, most of it won't be covered, so be prepared to pay in cash.

One last tip! In areas with many immigrants, hospital appointments may be backed up, so it is recommended to schedule at least a month in advance. If you miss the timing and mess up the entire green card schedule, it can be incredibly stressful.

This medical exam is unavoidable, so if you have to do it anyway, it is best for your mental health to prepare well and get it done smoothly. Think of it as the final hurdle of U.S. immigration, and make sure to pass it successfully!