If you are applying for an immigrant visa from abroad, the U.S. Department of State requires you to complete a medical examination with a panel physician—a doctor specifically designated by the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. This examination is a mandatory step for most immigrant visa applicants (and some non‑immigrant applicants), and it must be performed by an approved physician. However, finding the correct panel physician can be confusing, especially when you are in a country with multiple cities or when the embassy website is not clear. As of July 2026, the process has been streamlined in many countries, but you must still follow the official protocols to avoid delays, extra costs, or even visa denials.
Essential rule: You cannot simply choose any doctor. The medical exam must be conducted by a panel physician who is designated by the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are applying. The list of approved physicians is published on the embassy’s official website, and it is updated periodically. As of 2026, some embassies have contracted with specific clinics or hospitals, and you must book your appointment through them. Attempting to use a non‑panel physician will result in your medical exam being rejected, and you will have to repeat it at your own expense.
Who Needs a Panel Physician and How to Find One?
All immigrant visa applicants, regardless of age, must undergo a medical examination with a panel physician. This includes diversity visa (DV) lottery winners, family‑based visa applicants, employment‑based applicants, and those seeking adjustment of status overseas (consular processing). Additionally, some non‑immigrant visa applicants may be required to undergo an exam if they are applying for a K‑1 fiancé visa, a V visa, or if the embassy requests it for health reasons (e.g., for individuals from countries with high tuberculosis rates).
The panel physician must be chosen from the official list provided by the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country (or the country where you are applying). The list is typically found on the embassy’s website under the “Immigrant Visas” or “Medical Examination” section. If you are outside your home country (e.g., a third‑country national), you must still find the panel physician for the country where you are physically present to take the exam.
To find the approved panel physician, follow these steps:
- Go to the official website of the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are located.
- Navigate to the “Immigrant Visas” or “Medical Examination” page (often under the “Visas” section).
- Look for a link or document titled “Panel Physicians,” “Approved Doctors,” or “Medical Exam Providers.”
- Download the list, which usually includes the physician’s name, address, phone number, and sometimes email or website.
- If the list is not available online, contact the embassy’s immigrant visa unit directly via email or phone.
Be aware that some countries have only one panel physician, often located in the capital city. In larger countries, there may be several locations. You are not limited to the physician in your city—you may travel to another city to see the doctor, but you must ensure that physician is on the embassy’s list.
Follow These Steps to Locate and Secure Your Appointment
Once you have identified the panel physician(s) in your area, you need to contact them to schedule your medical exam. The process varies by country, but the following steps are typical.
- Obtain the visa case number and instructions. Before you schedule the exam, you should have received a visa case number and instructions from the National Visa Center (NVC) or the embassy. You will need this information to identify yourself during the booking process.
- Contact the panel physician’s office directly. Call or email the physician’s office using the contact information on the embassy list. Ask about availability, required documents, and the fee. Some offices have online booking portals; others require you to visit in person to schedule.
- Inquire about payment methods. The exam fee is usually paid directly to the physician’s office. Confirm whether they accept credit cards, cash, or bank transfers, and ask if you need to bring any specific payment form.
- Confirm the required documents. Ask what you need to bring—typically a passport, visa appointment letter, vaccination records, and sometimes the DS‑260 confirmation page. Also, ask about any specific tests (e.g., chest X‑ray, blood tests) that will be performed.
- Book your appointment. Secure a date and time. Ensure you leave enough time before your scheduled visa interview—the medical exam results must be ready before the interview. In many cases, the panel physician will send the results directly to the embassy, but some may give you a sealed envelope to bring to the interview.
- Prepare for the exam. Follow any pre‑exam instructions, such as fasting for blood tests, bringing eyeglasses, or wearing comfortable clothing for the X‑ray.
- Attend the exam and follow up. After the exam, the physician will provide you with a medical report (often a copy) or a vaccination worksheet. Keep this for your records. The original will be sent to the embassy.
If you are in a country with multiple panel physicians, you may have to call several to find an appointment that fits your timeline—some may be booked weeks in advance. Plan accordingly.
What Documents Should You Take to the Exam?
To avoid delays on the day of your exam, assemble the following documents before your appointment. The panel physician will require these to complete your medical record.
| Required Document | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Must be the same one used for your visa application; a copy is often required. |
| Visa Appointment Letter / Interview Confirmation | Shows that you are in the system; sometimes the case number is sufficient. |
| Vaccination Records | Official records of all vaccinations (e.g., MMR, varicella, Tdap, COVID‑19). If you do not have them, the physician may administer vaccines. |
| Medical History | Any chronic illnesses, surgeries, or medications; bring a list or doctor's notes. |
| DS‑260 Confirmation Page | Some physicians require it; check with your specific doctor. |
| Payment | Exact fee in the required currency (cash, credit, or bank draft as instructed). |
Additionally, if you have any medical conditions that may require special attention, bring relevant documentation. For pregnant women or those with other exemptions, inform the physician beforehand.
How Much Does the Medical Exam Cost and How Long Does It Take?
Fees for the panel physician examination vary widely by country and by the services included. The cost typically ranges from $100 to $500 or more. The fee covers the physical examination, blood tests, chest X‑ray (for applicants 15 years and older), and any required vaccinations administered during the visit. Some physicians charge separately for the X‑ray or lab tests, so ask for a breakdown.
Processing time for the medical results also varies. Generally, the panel physician will have your results ready within 3–5 business days after the exam. In some countries, it may take up to two weeks. The results are then sent to the embassy (or given to you in a sealed envelope). For emergency situations, some physicians offer expedited service for an additional fee.
| Service | Typical Cost (USD) | Typical Time |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Exam + Lab | $150 – $350 | 2–3 hours (exam); results 3–5 days |
| Chest X‑ray | $50 – $150 (if separate) | 30 minutes; results 1–2 days |
| Vaccinations (per dose) | $20 – $100 each | Administered during visit |
| Expedited Processing | $50 – $200 extra | Results in 24‑48 hours |
Note: Some embassies require that the medical exam be completed no more than 6 months before the visa interview. Always check the specific validity period for your case. If your exam expires before you enter the U.S., you may need to repeat it.
Avoid These Common Mistakes That Delay Your Visa
Even with the correct panel physician, many applicants face unnecessary issues. By being aware of these pitfalls, you can ensure a smooth process.
- Not verifying the panel physician’s current approval status. As mentioned, the list can change. Always check the embassy website the week you plan to book—do not rely on a list you saved months ago.
- Booking the exam too early or too late. The exam results are only valid for a certain period (usually 6 months). If you take the exam too early, it may expire before your interview; too late, it might not be ready in time. Aim to schedule the exam about 4–6 weeks before your expected interview date.
- Forgetting to bring vaccination records. If you have records, bring them—they will save you money and time. If you don’t, the physician will give you the required vaccines, which can be costly.
- Using a physician who is not on the list for your specific embassy. Some countries have multiple U.S. embassies (e.g., India has several). Each embassy has its own list. You must use the physician designated by the embassy where you will have your interview.
- Not confirming payment methods in advance. Some physicians only accept cash in local currency, while others may take credit cards. Arrive unprepared and you may have to reschedule.
- Missing required vaccinations due to age or medical condition. The civil surgeon will follow the CDC Technical Instructions. If you are pregnant, you may be exempt from certain vaccines, but you must have a letter from your obstetrician.
- Failing to complete the entire process before the interview. The medical results must be submitted to the embassy before your interview. If they are not ready, the embassy may postpone your interview.
Related Guides
If you are preparing for your immigration medical exam, these articles may be helpful:
- What Is a Vaccine Titer Test and When Is It Accepted Instead? — to understand if you can use blood tests instead of vaccination records.
- How to Get a Copy of Your COVID-19 Vaccination Card Replacement — if you lost your proof of COVID‑19 vaccination.
- How to Get a Certificate of Legal Separation in the US — for marital status documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I go to any doctor for the medical exam?
A: No. You must see a panel physician designated by the U.S. embassy or consulate where you are applying. Using any other doctor will invalidate your exam.
Q: How do I find the list of panel physicians for my country?
A: Visit the official website of the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country, go to the Immigrant Visas section, and look for the “Medical Examination” or “Panel Physicians” page. The list is usually available as a PDF or webpage.
Q: What if there is no panel physician in my city?
A: You must travel to the nearest city where a panel physician is located. This is your responsibility; the embassy does not cover travel costs.
Q: Does the panel physician have to send the results directly to the embassy?
A: In most cases, yes. The physician will provide you with a copy (for your records) and send the original sealed envelope to the embassy or give it to you to deliver at the interview. Follow the instructions given by the physician.
Q: Are there any medical conditions that could cause my visa to be denied?
A: The medical exam primarily checks for communicable diseases of public health significance (e.g., tuberculosis) and certain vaccine‑preventable diseases. If you have a condition that is treatable, you may be required to undergo treatment or get a waiver. A denial is rare, but if you have a serious medical condition, consult the embassy’s guidelines.
Q: Can I get the medical exam done in a different country than where I live?
A: Yes, if you are physically present in that country and you can obtain an appointment with a panel physician approved by the U.S. embassy there. However, the exam must be done in the country where you will attend the visa interview. If you are applying from a different country, you must check with that embassy.