How to Prepare for Your US Visa Medical Examination (Global Guide)

For many U.S. visa categories — especially immigrant visas, K-1 fiancé visas, and certain long-term nonimmigrant visas — a medical examination is a mandatory step before your application can be approved. While the process may seem intimidating, proper preparation ensures everything goes smoothly. At Outbound Visa, we’ve guided applicants from around the world through this stage. This global guide will help you understand who needs the exam, what to bring, and how to avoid common mistakes that cause delays. 1. Who Needs a US Visa Medical Examination? A medical exam is generally required if you are applying for: • Immigrant visas (family-sponsored or employment-based) • K-1 fiancé visas • Certain work visas that involve long-term residence in the U.S. • Diversity visas Tourist (B1/B2) visa applicants usually don’t need a medical exam unless specifically requested by the embassy. If you’re not sure which documents you’ll need beyond the exam, you can check our full U.S. visa document checklist to prepare completely. 2. Approved Clinics Only You cannot use just any doctor for this process. The U.S. Department of State designates specific panel physicians in each country. These are the only clinics authorized to conduct the examination. 💡 Tip from Outbound Visa: Always confirm the latest list of approved panel clinics on your U.S. embassy’s website before booking your appointment. 3. Documents to Bring to Your Medical Examination While exact requirements vary by country, most clinics will ask for: • Your valid passport • Appointment letter from the National Visa Center or U.S. embassy • Passport-size photos (check the clinic’s requirements) • Completed medical history form (if provided in advance) • Vaccination records, prescriptions, or prior medical reports • Glasses or contact lenses (if applicable) • Payment in local currency (fees vary by country) Just as with your U.S. visa photo requirements, every detail matters — even a small mismatch can delay your case. 4. What the Examination Involves The exam is not designed to be invasive but to confirm you do not have conditions that may affect your eligibility. It usually includes: • Physical examination by a panel physician • Chest X-ray • Blood tests • Vaccination review and updates (if needed) • Review of your medical history 5. How to Prepare for the Day • Arrive early – Some clinics run on a first-come basis. • Eat normally unless told otherwise – Most tests don’t require fasting. • Bring all medical records – Especially proof of vaccinations to avoid repeat shots. • Dress comfortably – You may be asked to wear a gown. • Avoid last-minute bookings – The embassy won’t issue your visa until medical results are received. 6. Common Issues That Cause Delays • Incomplete vaccination records → means extra shots and waiting. • Unreported medical conditions → may trigger additional testing. • Missing documents → arriving without your passport or appointment letter will result in rescheduling. 💡 Outbound Insight: If you have a history of tuberculosis, mental health conditions, or prior drug use, expect extended evaluation and possibly specialist referrals. 7. After the Examination Depending on your country, the clinic will either: • Send your sealed results directly to the embassy, or • Give you a sealed envelope to hand in at your interview. ⚠️ Do not open the sealed envelope — doing so can invalidate your results. Final Thoughts The U.S. visa medical exam is a standard requirement for many categories, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. By booking early, bringing the right documents, and using only approved clinics, you’ll avoid unnecessary delays. If you’re worried about a medical condition or unsure about your paperwork, the Outbound Visa team can guide you on what documentation to bring and how to prepare for the exam. For additional interview preparation, see our U.S. visa interview tips to be fully ready for the next stage.