H-1B Adjustment of Status and the Medical Exam

H-1B visa holders who are sponsored for a green card through an employer (typically through the EB-2 or EB-3 preference categories) or who self-petition (such as through the EB-1A or EB-2 NIW categories) must complete the immigration medical examination when filing Form I-485.

The medical exam is a universal requirement for all adjustment of status applicants. Your H-1B status, your employer sponsorship, or the length of time you have been in the United States does not exempt you from completing the examination with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon.

Maintaining H-1B Status During the Adjustment Process

One of the key advantages of adjusting status from H-1B is that you can continue working for your sponsoring employer while your I-485 is pending. Once your I-485 has been pending for 180 days, you may also be eligible to port to a new employer in the same or similar occupational classification under AC21 portability.

The medical exam is a routine part of the I-485 process and does not affect your H-1B status or your ability to continue working. Schedule your exam at a time that is convenient for you and consistent with your I-485 filing timeline.

Timing the Medical Exam for H-1B Holders

H-1B holders adjusting through employer-sponsored EB-2 or EB-3 petitions often face long priority date waits, particularly if they are from India or China. Do not complete the medical exam until your priority date is current or close to current, as Form I-693 is only valid for two years from the civil surgeon's signature date.

H-1B holders adjusting through EB-1 or EB-2 NIW self-petitions may be able to file I-485 more quickly. In these cases, schedule the medical exam close to your planned I-485 filing date, ensuring the I-693 is signed no more than 60 days before submission.

• EB-2 and EB-3 from India/China: wait until priority date is current
• EB-1 and NIW: schedule close to I-485 filing date
• I-693 must be signed no more than 60 days before submission
• I-693 is valid for two years from civil surgeon's signature

What to Bring to Your Civil Surgeon Appointment

Bring your passport or government-issued photo ID, your vaccination records (if available), and any relevant medical records. You do not need to bring your H-1B approval notice or your I-140 approval notice to the medical exam. The civil surgeon only needs your identification and health-related documents to complete the examination.