EB-5 Visa Overview and Medical Exam Requirement

The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program allows foreign nationals to obtain a green card by making a qualifying investment in a U.S. commercial enterprise that creates jobs for U.S. workers. EB-5 investors who are in the United States and eligible to adjust status file Form I-485 to obtain their green card.

Like all I-485 applicants, EB-5 investors must complete an immigration medical examination with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and submit Form I-693. The medical exam requirement applies regardless of the visa category — EB-5 investors are not exempt.

Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing for EB-5

EB-5 investors who are in the United States and eligible to adjust status file Form I-485 and must see a USCIS-designated civil surgeon for their medical exam. EB-5 investors who are outside the United States go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate and must see a USCIS-designated panel physician for their overseas medical exam.

The civil surgeon and panel physician exams cover the same medical requirements, but they are conducted by different types of providers. If you are adjusting status in the United States, you must see a civil surgeon — not a panel physician.

What the Exam Covers for EB-5 Applicants

The immigration medical exam for EB-5 investors covers the same components as for any other I-485 applicant: a complete physical examination, tuberculosis testing, required laboratory tests (syphilis and gonorrhea for applicants age 15 and older), and a vaccination review.

The civil surgeon will administer any missing required vaccines and complete Form I-693. There are no special medical requirements for EB-5 investors beyond the standard immigration medical exam.

Timing the Exam With EB-5 Processing Timelines

EB-5 processing timelines can be lengthy — often several years from the initial I-526E petition to I-485 adjudication. Because Form I-693 is valid for only two years from the civil surgeon's signature date, EB-5 investors should time their medical exam carefully.

The best approach is to schedule the exam after your I-485 is filed and accepted by USCIS, not years in advance. If your I-693 expires before USCIS adjudicates your case, you will need a new exam.

Family Members of EB-5 Investors

The spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an EB-5 investor are eligible for derivative green cards. Each family member who files Form I-485 must complete their own immigration medical exam. Family members cannot share a Form I-693.

Schedule family appointments together to streamline the process. At ImmigrationMedicalExams.com, we accommodate family groups and can see multiple family members on the same day.

Common EB-5 Medical Exam Questions

EB-5 investors often ask whether their investment status affects the medical exam. It does not. The exam is the same regardless of your visa category or investment amount. The civil surgeon evaluates your medical fitness for immigration purposes, not your financial qualifications.