USCIS.loveImmigrant visa medical exam: panel physician, vaccines
Consular medical exam after petition approval: who a panel physician is (IOM in some countries), how the exam works, which vaccine categories CDC requirements check, and why the exact list depends on age and current guidance.
Author: Alina Kanametova- updated
Key answer
For the consular process, the medical exam is conducted by a physician authorized by the US embassy or consulate, known as a panel physician. In some countries and regions, these exams are organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This differs from the adjustment of status process within the US, where the exam is done by a civil surgeon who completes Form I-693 (see separate material).
How to Find Your Doctor
The list of authorized physicians is specific to each embassy or consulate. Find the medical exam page on the website of the embassy where you'll attend your interview. That page will list designated panel physicians (or IOM clinic) and explain the appointment process. An exam by a doctor not on this list will not be accepted.
How the Exam Works
The content of the exam is determined by technical instructions from the CDC for panel physicians. It typically includes:
- reviewing your medical and vaccination history
- a physical examination
- tuberculosis screening (based on age: a skin test or IGRA blood test, and a chest X-ray if indicated)
- additional tests if needed (for example, specific infections)
- evaluation of mental health and substance use questions
The physician usually sends the results directly to the consulate (often sealed or electronically), but procedures may vary by country. Allow time for possible additional testing.
Validity Period of Results
Medical exam results are valid for a limited time, so the exam is usually done close to your interview date. Confirm the exact validity period and result submission procedure with your panel physician and on the embassy website.
According to community reports, the validity period is calculated from the exam date, not the interview date, and is roughly six months before entering the US. If a sputum test was required, the validity could be shorter-about three months after a clear result. Completing the exam and any missing vaccinations usually takes one to two weeks. These are community observations, not official regulations-the panel physician will tell you the precise timeframe.
As far as I know, you can do the IOM exam any time before the interview, but keep in mind that the six-month window for US entry starts from the IOM exam date. We did ours in Warsaw. There are also locations in Krakow, Moscow, Minsk, and so on.
Vaccinations: Categories Checked
The CDC requires immigration applicants to have age-appropriate vaccinations. The panel physician will review your records and, if necessary, administer missing vaccines on-site. The CDC's requirements change from time to time and, depending on age and circumstances, usually include:
- measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
- tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Td/Tdap)
- polio
- varicella (chickenpox)
- hepatitis A and B
- influenza (seasonal) and pneumococcal infections
- childhood vaccines: Hib, rotavirus, and others per the schedule.
Exact List - Only by Current CDC Guidelines
These are categories, not your personal vaccination list. Which vaccines are required depends on your age, vaccination history, and current CDC technical instructions, which change over time. Some items (for example, COVID-19) have been added or removed at different periods. Do not treat the above list as final - always check the official CDC page and with your panel physician.
Official source for immigration vaccinations: CDC Vaccination Technical Instructions for Panel Physicians and the general section Technical Instructions for Panel Physicians.
How This Works in Practice
From real experience, in many countries the exam is organized by the IOM, and information about missing vaccines is sent promptly:
Medical exam in Belgrade. Made an appointment by phone in English at the second address, IOM, where the staff and doctor are friendly. I couldn't get through right away. Info about required vaccines arrived by email the next day. The medical check itself is done in one day, while X-rays are done elsewhere as directed and results are sent immediately.
It's easier to take care of your vaccinations early, even before your petition is approved: panel physicians can give any missing doses on the spot, but that means an extra day and extra expense.
If I could go back, I would start on the vaccinations before the I-140 was approved. That would've saved time, too!
If you are in Russia, it's better to finish them there. At IOM, they will definitely charge for the vaccines, and they may not have them in stock or give them right away.
You don't need to get all possible vaccines: the required set depends on age, and for some, antibody testing can confirm immunity instead of re-vaccination.
Get antibody tests; for some vaccines, revaccination is recommended every 10 years, but few people do it and you may already have antibodies.
Just be careful not to get any unnecessary vaccines by mistake. Different age groups require different sets.
The medical exam is usually scheduled into your overall timeline before the interview - you complete it in advance so the results arrive on time:
04/15/2026 - IOM in Moscow 05/13/2026 - Interview in Warsaw (approved)
What to Bring
- All vaccination documents you can find, especially childhood records - the physician uses these to fill out your immunization form.
- Passport and case information (case number, interview details).
- Glasses/contact lenses and a list of current medications, if any.
Conclusions
- For consular processing, the exam is done by a panel physician from the list provided by the specific consulate (in some countries, through IOM).
- This is different from the civil surgeon exam and Form I-693 required for adjustment of status inside the US.
- The exam includes a medical history, physical examination, tuberculosis screening, and vaccination check.
- Vaccines are required based on CDC age categories; the exact list depends on age and current guidelines.
- Do not rely on forum lists. Always check the CDC website and consult your physician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Articles
NVC and Consulate Roadmap
Medical Exam and Form I-693 (Adjustment of Status)
Interview
Actual Processing Times by Stage
This is not medical or legal advice
This material is for general information only and does not replace consulting a physician or attorney. US medical and immigration requirements change. Before your exam, always review the latest CDC guidelines, your consulate's website, and confirm with your panel physician.
Related materials - Get the visa and enter
- NVC and Consular Path After EB-1/EB-2 Approval
- Real Timelines by Stage: From Petition to Visa
- Schengen for Warsaw Interview: Practical Logistics
- How the consular interview works
- The medical exam inside the US (I-693)
- Visa suspension for 75 countries: who is affected
- Green card photo: requirements, online check, mistakes
- Child turns 21 without a green card: CSPA explained
- O-1 visa for Russian and Belarusian citizens: validity
From community discussions
«If you're the founder yourself and there's basically nobody else in the company, you need to at least set up a board of directors that has the authority to hire or fire you, that is, so your employer is distinct from you.»
Eugene · from public community chats
«That's what I did. My cofounder is my nephew and of course he couldn't care less what I do. You can be/live anywhere and register a company here. And yes, that's the whole catch, your cofounder has to have the ability to fire you, otherwise your position is sort of not genuinely an employee one.»
community member · from public community chats
«You need a petitioner. That's not you) Either it's a cofounder with more than a 50% stake in the company, or any other person from your field with US citizenship, if you have letters from employers.»
Ekaterina · from public community chats
Personal opinions of community members from public discussions, not legal advice.
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