Same Exam Requirement Across All Employment-Based Categories

The immigration medical examination requirement is uniform across all employment-based preference categories. Whether you are an EB-1 extraordinary ability self-petitioner, an EB-2 advanced degree professional sponsored by an employer, or an EB-3 skilled worker, the medical exam process is identical.

All three categories require a complete physical examination, TB testing, required laboratory tests, vaccination review, and completion of Form I-693 by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. The form is then sealed and submitted to USCIS as part of your I-485 application package.

EB-1: Priority Workers

EB-1 applicants — including extraordinary ability individuals (EB-1A), outstanding researchers and professors (EB-1B), and multinational managers and executives (EB-1C) — generally have current priority dates for most countries, meaning they can often file I-485 without a long wait.

Because EB-1 applicants can often file I-485 relatively quickly after their petition is approved, they can schedule their medical exam close to their I-485 filing date. The I-693 must be signed no more than 60 days before submission to USCIS.

EB-2 and EB-3: Priority Date Considerations

EB-2 and EB-3 applicants from high-demand countries (particularly India and China) often face multi-year waits for visa number availability. It is critical not to complete the medical exam too far in advance of your I-485 filing date, as Form I-693 is only valid for two years from the civil surgeon's signature date.

Monitor the USCIS Visa Bulletin monthly to track your priority date. Schedule your medical exam when your priority date is current or within a few months of becoming current. If you complete the exam and then experience unexpected delays, you may need to repeat the exam if I-693 expires.

• EB-2 and EB-3 from India and China often face multi-year waits
• Do not complete the exam until your priority date is current or nearly current
• I-693 is valid for two years from the civil surgeon's signature date
• Monitor the USCIS Visa Bulletin monthly

Concurrent Filing and the Medical Exam

Some EB-1 applicants and EB-2 NIW self-petitioners are eligible to file their I-140 petition and I-485 concurrently when a visa number is immediately available. In these cases, the medical exam should be completed at the time of concurrent filing so that I-693 can be submitted with the I-485. At ImmigrationMedicalExams.com, we offer expedited processing to accommodate tight filing deadlines.