A Guide To Medical Exam for K1 Visa

Before attending the K-1 visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, your fiancée must complete an immigration medical exam with an authorized physician. This is a critical step in your K-1 visa journey and helps ensure you meet the health requirements under U.S. immigration law.

This immigration medical exam ensures that the applicant does not have any health conditions that would make them inadmissible under U.S. immigration law.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the medical exam for a K-1 visa — from scheduling to required documents, what to expect, how long the results last, and more.

Why Is the Medical Exam Required for a K-1 Visa?

All applicants for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa must undergo a medical examination by a U.S. embassy-approved panel physician. This is a legal requirement under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), Sections 212(a) and 221(d).

The medical examination assesses whether applicants have any health conditions that would make them inadmissible to the United States on health-related grounds.

The purpose is to:

Screen for communicable diseases
Verify vaccination status
Detect mental health or substance-related concerns
Evaluate any other health issues that could affect admissibility

Important: Medical exams conducted by unauthorized doctors — even in your home country — will not be accepted.

K-1 Visa Process Overview: Where the Medical Exam Fits

U.S. citizen files Form I-129F with USCIS
USCIS approves the petition
Petition goes to the National Visa Center (NVC)
NVC forwards the case to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the foreign fiancé(e)’s country
The fiancé(e) completes the DS-160 visa application, schedules the visa interview, and undergoes the medical exam

Medical Exam Requirements for K-1 Visa Applicants

Who Must Take the Medical Exam?

All K-1 visa applicants, regardless of age
K-2 children must also take the exam but may be exempt from some tests (like chest X-rays) if under age 15

What’s Included in the Medical Exam?

The medical exam includes:

Review of medical history
Physical examination (heart, lungs, abdomen, etc.)
Mental health screening
Blood tests for syphilis and other communicable diseases
Tuberculosis (TB) testing (skin test or chest X-ray). Tuberculosis testing is conducted in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure proper disease control.
Vaccination assessment and administration, if necessary

Note: Vaccination records are reviewed during the medical exam, but full compliance is typically required later during Adjustment of Status (after marriage in the U.S.).

If you want you can ensure that all of your vaccinations are up to date and verified at the K-1 visa medical exam, so that you do not have to have another medical exam in the U.S. to apply for the green card.

Scheduling the K-1 Medical Exam

You can only schedule the medical exam after you receive instructions from the U.S. embassy or consulate handling your visa interview.

It is crucial to have the medical examination performed by an Embassy-approved physician to ensure it meets the required standards.

Tips for Scheduling:

Book the earliest available appointment, at least 5–7 days before your K-1 visa interview
Follow instructions from the specific U.S. embassy or consulate in your country

What to Bring to Your Medical Exam

Make sure you bring the following documents to your appointment:

Valid passport or government-issued photo ID
Four recent passport-size photos (check photo requirements)
Visa interview appointment letter
Vaccination records (from your doctor or childhood immunization card)
Medical history or reports if you have any chronic or past illnesses
Payment receipt or fee in local currency (varies by country)
Completed medical questionnaire, if required

Always confirm country-specific requirements with the embassy or panel physician in advance.

Common Medical Conditions and What to Expect

If you have a history of serious illness or a current condition, bring supporting documents from your doctor. This helps the panel physician assess your case fairly.

Examples:

Tuberculosis: Prior positive tests or treatment? Bring medical reports, chest X-ray results, and medication history. If you have had a previous positive skin test for tuberculosis, bring a written medical report from your doctor detailing your treatment.
Syphilis: Must show proof of completed treatment signed by a doctor.
Mental health or behavioral issues: Must disclose any condition that involved harm to yourself, others, or property. Supporting documents will help determine admissibility.

Tip: Bring X-ray films or scans if you had TB or abnormal chest results in the past.

After the Medical Exam: What Happens Next?

In some countries, the panel physician sends results directly to the embassy
In others, they give you a sealed envelope to bring to the interview
Do not open the sealed envelope

If your medical exam is too close to your interview date, you may need to reschedule the visa interview to ensure the embassy receives your results in time. However, if you attend the visa interview and the medical exam results are not ready, the consular officer should provide you additional time to supplement the record.

Vaccination Requirements That Will Eventually Be Required for the Green Card

As mentioned above, vaccination verification is not required for the K-1 medical exam. However, it is recommended to have your vaccination records updated and verified by the civil surgeon so that you do not need to go through this step later in the U.S. after you marry and file for a green card.

Meeting the vaccination requirement is essential for the Adjustment of Status process after marriage.

The following vaccines are typically required under CDC guidelines:

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
Tetanus-diphtheria
Hepatitis A and B
Varicella (Chickenpox)
Influenza (during flu season)
COVID-19 (current series or proof of waiver)

If you are missing any, the panel physician will administer them or give you instructions on how to get them before your visa is approved.

If you are just starting out in the K-1 visa process, we would like to dive a bit into the basis K-1 requirements (and also prepare you for the K-1 visa interview)

What is a K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa?

The K-1 nonimmigrant visa allows a foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to travel to the United States for the purpose of getting married. Once in the U.S., the couple must marry within 90 days of the foreign fiancé(e)’s arrival. After marriage, the foreign spouse can apply for a green card (Adjustment of Status) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Children of K-1 applicants may be eligible for K-2 visas and must apply separately.

Who Qualifies as a Fiancé(e)?

To qualify:

You must be the beneficiary of an approved Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé[e])
Both parties must be legally free to marry at the time of filing
The marriage must be legal in the state where it will occur
The couple must have met in person within the past two years (exceptions apply in rare cultural or hardship cases)

Learn more about Form I-129F

Important Location Notices

Syrian Applicants: All interviews for Syrian K-1 visa applicants are conducted at the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan.
India: As of December 1, 2017, all K visas for India are processed at the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai.
Same-Sex Couples: U.S. law recognizes same-sex marriages for immigration purposes.

Understanding IMBRA (International Marriage Broker Regulation Act)

IMBRA provides protections for K-1 applicants, including background information about the U.S. petitioner. These details are disclosed during your visa interview.

Step 1: Petition Filing by U.S. Citizen Sponsor

The U.S. citizen files Form I-129F with the appropriate USCIS address.
After approval, the petition is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC).
NVC assigns a case number and forwards the petition to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where the foreign fiancé(e) resides.

Direct Filing Addresses for I-129F

File Form I-129F at the USCIS Dallas lockbox.

U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
Attn: I-129F
P.O. Box 660151
Dallas, TX 75266-0151

FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: I-129F (Box 660151)
2501 South State Highway 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067-8003

We cannot adjudicate this form at USCIS international offices.

Step 2: Visa Application by the Foreign Fiancé(e)

After receiving instructions from the NVC, the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) must:

Submit Form DS-160 online
Pay visa application fees
Schedule and complete a medical exam
Gather necessary documentation for the visa interview

K-2 Visa Applications Children must:

Be unmarried
Be listed on Form I-129F
Submit separate applications and fees

Complete Form DS-160

Required Documents for K-1 and K-2 Visa Applicants

Bring the following to your interview:

DS-160 confirmation page
Passport (valid 6+ months beyond your stay)
Birth certificate
Divorce/death certificates (if applicable)
Police certificates (current and past residence)
Medical exam results
Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support), if requested
Two passport-style photos
Proof of relationship with U.S. citizen fiancé(e)
Visa application fee payment

Document Finder by Country

Translation Requirements All non-English documents must include a certified translation with a signed statement confirming:

Accuracy of the translation
Translator’s competency

Medical Exam and Vaccinations

All K-1/K-2 applicants must:

Undergo a medical exam by a panel physician approved by the U.S. Embassy. These medical examinations are conducted to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
Schedule the exam at least 5 working days before the visa interview

While vaccinations are not required to receive the K visa, they are required later during Adjustment of Status.

Find a Panel Physician

Financial Support Requirements

Applicants must show they won’t become a public charge in the U.S. Evidence includes:

Proof of personal finances
Form I-134 from the U.S. citizen sponsor

Note: Income requirements for Form I-134 are lower than for Form I-864 (used after marriage).

Form I-134 Info

Fees Overview

Service	Cost
Form I-129F filing fee	See USCIS Fee Page
DS-160 visa application fee	$265 (each applicant)
Medical exam	Varies by country
Adjustment of Status (Form I-485)	See USCIS AOS Fees

Your Rights and Protections

Read the “Rights and Protections” pamphletbefore your interview. It includes:

Your rights in the U.S.
How to get help if facing abuse or exploitation

You will also be told of any criminal background information USCIS received about your U.S. citizen fiancé(e).

What If My Petition Expires?

Form I-129F is valid for four months from USCIS approval. A consular officer can extend the petition if needed.

Visa Ineligibilities and Waivers

Certain conditions may make an applicant ineligible, such as:

Drug use or trafficking
Visa overstays
Fraudulent documents

Waivers may be available. See the list of ineligibilities.

After You Receive a K-1 Visa

You’ll get a sealed envelope of documents; do not open it
Must enter the U.S. within 6 months of visa issuance
Must marry within 90 days of entry
Children with K-2 visas must enter with or after you

Do Children Need Separate Petitions?

No, but they must:

Be listed on the I-129F
Submit separate visa applications
Pay separate fees
File their own Adjustment of Status applications after your marriage

Children Traveling Later (Follow-to-Join)

Children must:

Use their K-2 visa within one year of your K-1 visa issuance
Otherwise, a separate immigrant visa petition is needed

Entering the U.S. (Port of Entry)

A visa allows you to request entry, but U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) makes the final decision. Bring:

· Passport with visa

· Sealed immigration packet

Review entry info at CBP

After Arrival: Adjustment of Status & Working

You must:

File Form I-485 to adjust status after marriage
May apply for work authorization (Form I-765)

Learn About AOS & Work Authorization

Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN)

You can apply after entering the U.S. at Social Security Administration

When You Become a Permanent Resident

Read the Guide for New Immigrants to understand your responsibilities and rights as a green card holder.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for K-1 Medical Exam

How long is the K-1 visa medical exam valid?

Six months from the exam date (or less, depending on health conditions)

Can I use my own doctor for the exam?

No. Only panel physicians approved by the embassy are authorized to conduct the medical exam for a visa applicant.

Do K-2 children need a medical exam?

Yes, but kids under 15 usually don’t need X-rays or blood tests.

What is the cost of a K-1 visa medical exam?

Varies by country and provider. Generally ranges from $300–$500. Check embassy-specific instructions here: U.S. Embassy Medical Exam Fees

Can I get vaccinated in the U.S. instead?

Yes — you can wait to meet full vaccination requirements until you file for Adjustment of Status after marriage.

What if I can’t get a medical appointment before my interview?

Reschedule your K-1 visa interview to a date that is at least 5 days after your medical appointment.

My visa interview is scheduled, but no medical appointments are available before it. What should I do?

Try to book the soonest possible exam. If your medical isn’t complete by the interview, the embassy will pause visa processing until your results are received. Notify the embassy of your situation.

Can I have the medical exam after my interview?

Yes, but your visa can’t be issued until your medical results are submitted. It’s best to complete the medical before your interview to avoid delays.

I don’t know my U.S. address yet. What should I enter?

If unsure, use the address of a friend, sponsor, or temporary contact in the U.S. You can update it later during the adjustment of status process if it changes.

I started my case at another embassy. Can you use that medical report?

No. Medical exams are not transferable between embassies. You must be examined again by the

What vaccinations do I need?

Required vaccinations depend on your age and include:

MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
Tetanus
Influenza (if in season)
Hepatitis B (in some cases)

Check the CDC list of required vaccines and bring all existing records with you.

Can I get a copy of my medical report?

Yes, you can request a personal copy of your medical report. The official sealed copy is sent directly to the U.S. Embassy.

I am pregnant. Can the medical exam be waived?

The exam is still required, but some procedures (like X-rays) may be delayed or waived with medical documentation. Always inform the doctor in advance.

My medical is about to expire. Can it be extended?

Medical results are valid for six months. If your visa isn’t issued within that time, you may need a new medical.

General Questions

Do Children Need Chest X-Rays or Blood Tests?

Typically, children under 15 are not required to undergo chest x-rays or blood tests. However, if there is a known health concern or a history of tuberculosis exposure, the panel physician may request additional testing.

Learn more from the CDC’s immigrant health guidelines:CDC Technical Instructions for Panel Physicians

What If the Applicant Has a Learning or Intellectual Disability?

Applicants with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities must provide a report from their physician, psychologist, or educational professional. This report should detail:

The nature and diagnosis of the disability
Any treatment or therapies
Educational accommodations or supervision needs

Why Is Medical Information Required for Visa Applicants?

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Sections 212(a) and 221(d), certain medical conditions can make an applicant inadmissible. If you do not comply with the medical exam process, your visa application could be delayed or denied.

Even if your visa is not granted, your medical records remain confidential under INA Section 222(f).

What Happens During the Medical Exam?

Here’s what to expect:

Identification Check: Bring your passport or photo ID and your visa interview appointment letter.
Medical History Review
Physical Exam: The doctor will examine your:
Eyes, ears, nose, throat
Heart and lungs
Abdomen and lymph nodes
Skin and extremities
Chest X-ray (age 15+)
Blood Test for Syphilis (age 15+)

Some panel physicians send the results directly to the U.S. embassy or consulate. In other cases, you’ll receive sealed exam results and an x-ray to bring to your interview.

Important: This is not a comprehensive physical. It only checks for conditions relevant to immigration eligibility. For full health care, see your primary doctor.

Medical History and Conditions

What If I Previously Tested Positive for Tuberculosis (TB)?

Bring documentation including:

A certificate from your physician about the positive TB test
Dates and duration of treatment
Names of medications used
Prior chest X-rays (actual films if available)

Your exam will include a new chest X-ray and possibly further testing.

What If I Had Syphilis?

Bring a certificate signed by a licensed physician or public health official that confirms:

Treatment dates
Type and dosage of medication
Confirmation that the infection has been treated

If you were never treated, a doctor’s explanation is required.

Do Pregnant Women Need a Chest X-Ray?

Yes, pregnant applicants must have a chest X-ray if they are in a country that follows the CDC’s 2007 TB Technical Instructions.

Precautions include:

Signed consent from the applicant
Use of double-layer, wrap-around lead shielding for fetal protection

What If I Have a History of Violent or Harmful Behavior?

Provide documentation if you’ve ever engaged in:

Self-harm or suicide attempts
Violence toward others
Destruction of property

The panel physician will evaluate whether this behavior was related to mental health, substance use, or a medical issue.

What If I Was Treated for Mental Illness, Substance Abuse, or Hospitalized?

You must bring documentation showing:

Diagnosis
Dates and duration of treatment
Type of care received
Prognosis (outlook or recovery status)

This helps the panel physician assess public health risk and admissibility.

What If I’m Being Treated for a Chronic Condition or Take Medications?

Be prepared to provide:

Names and purposes of medications
Diagnosis and prognosis
Treatment history

Bring a medical summary or letter from your treating physician if possible.

Can I Have My Exam During My Period?

Yes. Menstruation does not affect your ability to complete the medical exam.

Panel Physicians

Can I Use My Regular Doctor for the Medical Exam?

No. Only U.S. government-approved panel physicians may perform these exams.

Find approved doctors here:Find a Panel Physician

Can I Do the Medical Exam in the U.S. if I’m Applying from Abroad?

No. If you’re applying for a visa abroad, your exam must be conducted by an overseas panel physician associated with the embassy or consulate.

Vaccination Requirements

Which Vaccines Are Required for Immigration?

You may need proof of the following vaccinations:

Hepatitis A and B
Influenza and Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
Meningococcal
Pneumococcal
Polio
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Rotavirus
Tetanus and Diphtheria
Varicella (Chickenpox)

Don’t Have a Vaccination Record?

That’s okay. The panel physician will:

Review your history
Recommend necessary vaccinations
Administer missing vaccines (often at an additional cost)

Can I Skip a Vaccine for Medical Reasons?

Yes. Waivers may be granted if a panel physician confirms that:

A vaccine is medically inappropriate (e.g., allergies, pregnancy, immune disorders)
Age or condition makes the vaccine unnecessary

Learn more about vaccination exemptions.

How We Can Help You

Navigating the K-1 visa process — especially medical and interview steps — can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in.

Herman Legal Group has over 30 years of immigration law experience helping couples reunite in the U.S. We offer personalized support through:

K-1 visa filing and preparation
Interview and medical exam guidance
Adjustment of Status (green card) after marriage

Schedule a consultation:
Call 1-216-696-6170 or book online
Consultations available by phone, Zoom, WhatsApp, or in-person.

Related Resources

Locate a U.S. Embassy or Consulate

Download Medical Exam Checklist (PDF)

CDC Medical Exam Guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/