Can I go to any doctor in India for my U.S. immigrant visa medical exam?

No. Only physicians on the U.S. Embassy India FY2025-26 approved panel physician list are accepted. Your own doctor, a local hospital, or a clinic not on this list will not be accepted. The embassy will reject medical results from non-approved physicians.

What is the IGRA test and why does it matter for India?

The IGRA (Interferon-Gamma Release Assay) is a blood-based tuberculosis test. India has a high TB burden, so IGRA testing is standard for Indian immigrant visa applicants. The IGRA replaced the older TST (tuberculin skin test) for most adults. Your panel physician clinic will confirm which test applies to you.

How far in advance should I book my medical exam?

Book at least 2 to 3 weeks before your visa interview. Clinics in high-demand cities like Mumbai and Delhi fill up quickly, especially in busy seasons (October to February). Some applicants report 3 to 4 week waits. Do not leave booking until the week of your interview.

How long are my Indian panel physician exam results valid?

Medical exam results are valid for 6 months from the date of examination. If your interview date shifts beyond that window, you may need to repeat the exam. Plan your exam date to fall within 6 months of your expected interview.

What vaccinations are required for the U.S. immigrant visa medical exam in India?

The CDC-required vaccination schedule applies to all immigrant visa applicants. Required vaccines include MMR, varicella, polio, Tdap, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningococcal, and influenza (seasonal). Bring all vaccination records you have. Missing vaccines will be administered at the clinic, adding cost. The clinic cannot certify a vaccine without documentation or administering it.

My medical exam found a TB abnormality. What happens next?

If the panel physician finds a chest X-ray abnormality or a reactive IGRA result suggesting active or latent TB, your results will be flagged and evaluated further. This is a medical hold, not a denial. The clinic will advise follow-up testing. This process typically takes 2 to 6 weeks. Plan for this possibility in your interview timeline.

Can I do my medical exam in a city other than where my interview is scheduled?

Yes. You are not required to use the panel physician in your interview city. Applicants with interviews in Mumbai sometimes complete their exam in Delhi or another city, and vice versa. Use whichever approved clinic is most convenient for you before your interview.

India Medical Exams · Updated May 2026

Panel Physicians in India for U.S. Immigrant Visa Medical Exams

Before the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India will issue an immigrant visa, every applicant must complete a medical exam at a U.S.-approved panel physician site. You cannot use your own doctor. This guide covers the approved clinics by city, what the exam involves, costs, and what applicants report about the experience.

Quick answer

Get your immigration medical exam at an approved panel physician site at least 7 days before your visa interview. Book 2 to 3 weeks in advance. The exam includes a physical, chest X-ray, IGRA blood test for TB (a second visit 24 to 48 hours later), blood and urine tests, and a vaccination review. Bring all vaccination records you have. Results are valid for 6 months.

At a glance

Topic	Details
Who must complete the exam?	All immigrant visa applicants, including CR-1 and IR-1 spousal visa applicants, regardless of age. Children under 15 have a modified exam protocol.
Approved clinic list	FY2025-26 list published by the U.S. Embassy India. Major sites in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Pune, and Kochi.
Cost range	Approximately INR 6,000 to INR 12,000 for adults, depending on clinic and city. Vaccines billed separately. Verify with your specific clinic before booking.
TB test method	IGRA (blood test) is used for adults. Some clinics use the TST (skin test) for children under 2. Confirm with your clinic at booking.
Booking lead time	Book 2 to 3 weeks before your interview. Mumbai and Delhi sites fill quickly in peak season (October to February). Do not wait until the week of your interview.
Results validity	6 months from the exam date. If your interview shifts beyond 6 months, you may need to repeat the exam.
What to bring	Valid passport, DS-260 confirmation page, all vaccination records, passport-size photos (2 to 4 copies), and any prior medical records for chronic conditions.
Freshness	Approved clinic list as of FY2025-26. Verify at in.usembassy.gov before booking.

Source: U.S. Embassy India: Immigrant Visas. Fees as of May 2026. Verify directly before booking.

Why you cannot use your own doctor

The U.S. government requires immigrant visa applicants to complete a medical exam performed by a physician it has specifically authorized and trained for this purpose. These authorized physicians are called panel physicians. Their clinics are inspected and follow CDC protocols for the civil surgeon examination.

A private doctor, even a highly qualified one, cannot perform this exam for U.S. immigration purposes. The panel physician sends results directly to the embassy or consulate electronically. You do not carry a sealed envelope to your interview.

Source: U.S. Embassy India Immigrant Visas page and U.S. Embassy New Delhi supplement (travel.state.gov)

What the medical exam covers

India has a high tuberculosis burden. The IGRA blood test is a standard part of the immigrant visa medical exam for Indian applicants. Unlike the Philippines or Mexico, where a chest X-ray alone is often sufficient, Indian applicants typically need both an X-ray and the IGRA test, which adds a return visit 24 to 48 hours later.

Physical examination

General physical by the panel physician. Checks for communicable diseases, mental health conditions that may affect safety, and substance use disorders.

Chest X-ray

Required for applicants 15 and older. Screens for tuberculosis and other respiratory conditions. Children under 15 typically use the IGRA test without an X-ray.

IGRA test (TB blood test)

The IGRA test is a blood draw that detects TB infection. India has one of the highest TB burdens globally, so IGRA testing is standard for Indian applicants. Results typically take 24 to 48 hours.

Blood and urine tests

Screens for syphilis (required for applicants 15 and older), gonorrhea, and in some cases hepatitis. Urinalysis included.

Vaccination review and administration

The panel physician verifies your vaccination history against the CDC schedule. Missing vaccines are administered at the clinic. Bring all vaccination records you have, including childhood records.

Approved panel physician clinics by city

The U.S. Embassy India publishes the FY2025-26 approved panel physician list as a PDF. The clinics below reflect the most current available information. Always verify the current official list at in.usembassy.gov before booking, as the list is updated annually.

New Delhi

Sadhu Vaswani Mission Medical Centre (SVMC Delhi)

Address: Plot No. 27, Sector 4, Shanti Niketan, New Delhi, Delhi 110021Phone: +91 11 4147 2000Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed Sunday)TB test: IGRA blood test available for adultsCost (approx.): Approximately INR 8,000 to INR 10,000 for adults (vaccines extra). Verify directly before booking.Google rating: 4.1/5 (786 Google reviews)www.svmcdelhi.com/

SVMC Delhi is one of the busiest approved sites for New Delhi immigrant visa applicants. The Shanti Niketan location is accessible from the Shanti Niketan Metro Station. Reviewers note organized visa medical exam procedures and generally efficient processing.

Mumbai

Sadhu Vaswani Mission Medical Centre (SVMC Mumbai)

Address: Check in.usembassy.gov for the Mumbai-specific approved site addresses. The Mumbai-specific approved panel physician list is posted separately at the U.S. Embassy India website.Phone: Listed on in.usembassy.gov Mumbai panel physician PDFHours: Verify directly with the clinicTB test: IGRA blood test standard for adultsCost (approx.): Approximately INR 7,000 to INR 12,000 for adults (vaccines extra). Verify directly.in.usembassy.gov/immigrant-visas/

Mumbai applicants should check the Mumbai-specific approved panel physician list posted by the U.S. Consulate General Mumbai. The list may differ from the Delhi list. The Mumbai consulate handles cases from Maharashtra, Goa, and parts of central India.

Chennai

U.S. Consulate Chennai approved panel physicians

Address: See the FY2025-26 approved list at in.usembassy.gov for Chennai-area clinicsPhone: Listed in official PDFHours: Verify directly with the clinicTB test: IGRA standard for adultsCost (approx.): Approximately INR 6,000 to INR 10,000 for adults (vaccines extra). Verify directly.in.usembassy.gov/immigrant-visas/

Chennai applicants typically served by the U.S. Consulate Chennai. Check the official panel physician PDF for the current list of approved sites covering Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka applicants interviewed in Chennai.

Hyderabad

U.S. Consulate Hyderabad approved panel physicians

Address: See the FY2025-26 approved list at in.usembassy.gov for Hyderabad-area clinicsPhone: Listed in official PDFHours: Verify directly with the clinicTB test: IGRA standard for adultsCost (approx.): Approximately INR 6,000 to INR 10,000 for adults (vaccines extra). Verify directly.in.usembassy.gov/immigrant-visas/

Hyderabad and surrounding Telangana and Andhra Pradesh applicants should confirm which clinic on the official list serves the U.S. Consulate Hyderabad. Hyderabad is a high-volume post for Indian immigrant visa applicants.

Kolkata

U.S. Consulate Kolkata approved panel physicians

Address: See the FY2025-26 approved list at in.usembassy.gov for Kolkata-area clinicsPhone: Listed in official PDFHours: Verify directly with the clinicTB test: IGRA standard for adultsCost (approx.): Approximately INR 6,000 to INR 10,000 for adults (vaccines extra). Verify directly.in.usembassy.gov/immigrant-visas/

Kolkata-area applicants from West Bengal, northeastern states, Bihar, and Jharkhand should check the approved clinic list for the U.S. Consulate Kolkata catchment area.

Important: The FY2025-26 approved list is the authoritative source. Verify the current list at in.usembassy.gov (FY2025-26 PDF) before booking. The list is updated annually and may differ from what was published in prior years.

How far in advance to book

Book your appointment as soon as you receive your visa interview date from the National Visa Center (NVC). Do not wait until you have the full instruction packet. In peak season (October to February), Mumbai and Delhi panel physician slots fill 3 to 4 weeks out.

The embassy guidance recommends completing the medical exam at least 7 days before your interview. Build in more buffer if there is any possibility of a TB-related follow-up. The IGRA result itself takes 24 to 48 hours, and any TB follow-up can add 2 to 6 weeks.

Minimum timeline

Day 1: Physical exam, chest X-ray, blood and urine tests
Day 2 to 3: Return for IGRA result (24 to 48 hours after blood draw)
Day 2 to 3: Vaccines administered if needed
Day 4 to 14+: Results transmitted to embassy
Buffer: At least 7 days before interview

What to bring to your appointment

Missing documents, especially vaccination records, can delay your exam or require repeat vaccinations.

1Valid passport (must be valid for the duration of your immigrant visa)
2DS-260 confirmation page (printed or on phone)
3All vaccination records you have, including childhood immunization booklets
42 to 4 passport-size photographs (typically 35mm x 45mm or as specified by your clinic)
5Any prior medical records for chronic conditions or recent surgery
6Payment (cash or as specified by clinic; check the clinic website in advance)
7Comfortable clothing for blood draw and physical examination

Vaccination records tip: Bring every vaccination record you can find, including childhood immunization booklets, school health cards, and any hospital records. The panel physician cannot verify or count a vaccine you have no documentation for. Missing records mean repeat vaccinations at your expense.

What happens if the exam finds something

India has one of the world’s highest TB rates, so IGRA-related holds are not uncommon for Indian immigrant visa applicants. A reactive IGRA result or an abnormal chest X-ray reading does not automatically mean your visa will be denied. It means the panel physician needs more information before completing the evaluation.

If your results are flagged for TB follow-up, the panel physician will direct you to a CDC-designated tuberculosis consultant. Treatment and clearance timelines vary. Latent TB (no active disease) typically results in treatment and clearance; active TB requires treatment completion before clearance. This process can take weeks to months.

For other medical findings, the panel physician or embassy will advise next steps. Build a buffer of at least 4 weeks beyond your exam date if you have any known respiratory condition or prior TB exposure.

When to consult an immigration attorney

If a medical finding may affect your immigration eligibility (certain communicable diseases, treatment-related issues), speak with an immigration attorney before your interview. This page does not provide medical or legal advice on individual health findings.

What applicants report

Aggregated from Google reviews and immigration community posts, 2024 to 2026. Individual experiences vary. Use as context, not instructions.

Tips from the community

Book as soon as you have your interview date
Indian panel physician sites, particularly in Mumbai and Delhi, fill up 3 to 4 weeks out during peak season. The moment NVC sends your interview appointment letter, book your medical exam. Waiting until you receive the full instruction packet can cost you scheduling flexibility.
Source: r/immigration and r/USCIS community threads, 2024 to 2025
Bring all vaccination records, even old ones
Reviewers consistently report that missing a vaccine record means either a repeat vaccination or a multi-day hold while the clinic tries to verify. Childhood immunization booklets, school health records, and any prior vaccination certificates are worth bringing. The clinic cannot count a vaccine you do not have documentation for.
Source: r/greencard community posts, 2024 to 2025
Arrive early and expect a half-day or full day
Most panel physician exams in India take 3 to 5 hours on exam day, not including the IGRA blood test wait (24 to 48 hours for results). Plan for a half-day minimum. SVMC Delhi reviewers note that arriving at opening helps reduce wait times. Do not schedule tight travel or meetings on exam day.
Source: Google Maps reviews for SVMC Delhi, 2025 to 2026
The IGRA result adds a day; plan your schedule accordingly
The IGRA (TB blood test) requires a return visit or pickup 24 to 48 hours after the blood draw. This means two visits to the clinic for most adults. If you are traveling from another city for your exam, plan for an overnight stay.
Source: r/immigration community posts, 2024 to 2025

In their own words

“The medical exam process was smooth and swift. The nursing and other staff is very good, patient, courteous and professional. The ambience is clean and peaceful.”
Google review, SVMC Delhi, November 2025

“Book your appointment early. The slots fill up fast in October and November. I had to wait two and a half weeks for an opening at the Delhi clinic.”
r/immigration post, India immigrant visa applicant, 2025

Sources

U.S. Embassy India: FY2025-26 Approved Panel Physician Sites for India (official PDF) (verified May 2026)
U.S. Embassy India: Immigrant Visas (verified May 2026)
U.S. Embassy New Delhi: Immigrant Visa Supplement (travel.state.gov) (verified May 2026)
U.S. Consulate Mumbai: Immigrant Visa Supplement (travel.state.gov) (verified May 2026)
Sadhu Vaswani Mission Medical Centre Delhi (svmcdelhi.com) (verified May 2026)
Google Maps reviews for SVMC Delhi (4.1 stars, 786 reviews). Verified May 2026.
r/immigration, r/USCIS, and r/greencard community posts on India panel physicians, 2024 to 2025.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go to any doctor in India for my immigrant visa medical exam?

No. Only physicians on the U.S. Embassy India FY2025-26 approved panel physician list are accepted. Results from non-approved physicians will not be accepted at your interview.

What is the IGRA test and why do Indian applicants need it?

IGRA (Interferon-Gamma Release Assay) is a blood test for tuberculosis. India has a high TB burden, so U.S.-bound applicants from India are routinely tested. The IGRA replaces the older tuberculin skin test (TST) for most adults. Results require 24 to 48 hours, so your exam takes at least two visits.

How far in advance should I book?

Book 2 to 3 weeks before your visa interview. Mumbai and Delhi sites fill quickly in peak season. Do not wait until the week of your interview.

Do I pick up my medical exam results, or does the clinic send them to the embassy?

In India, panel physicians transmit exam results electronically to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You do not typically carry a sealed envelope to your interview the way older procedures required. Confirm the transmission process with your clinic at the time of your appointment.

Can I use a clinic in a different city from my interview location?

Yes. You are not restricted to the clinic in your interview city. Many applicants find it more convenient to use a clinic near their home and travel separately for the interview.

What happens if my IGRA test result is positive?

A positive IGRA indicates TB exposure (latent or active). Your results will be held for further evaluation by a CDC-certified physician. This is a medical hold, not a visa denial. Resolution typically takes 2 to 6 weeks and may require additional X-rays or a follow-up with a TB specialist. Build this buffer into your interview timeline.

Are vaccination costs included in the exam fee?

No. Vaccines are billed separately at most India panel physician clinics. The exam fee covers the physical, blood draw, and chest X-ray. Vaccines administered on exam day are charged at the clinic's published rate. Bring your vaccination history to minimize the number of vaccines you need.

My exam result was flagged. Can I still attend my visa interview?

If your results are flagged for follow-up (TB-related, vaccination deficiency, or another medical issue), the embassy or consulate will typically hold your case pending clearance. Contact the clinic directly for status updates. Do not cancel your interview without consulting the consulate first.

Key takeaways

✓
Book your panel physician appointment as soon as you receive your interview date. Do not wait.
✓
The IGRA TB blood test requires a second visit 24 to 48 hours later. Plan for two days at the clinic.
✓
Only approved panel physician sites are accepted. Your own doctor or an unapproved clinic will not be accepted at your interview.
✓
Bring all vaccination records you have, including childhood immunization booklets. Missing records mean repeat vaccinations.
✓
Medical exam results are valid for 6 months. If your interview shifts past that window, you may need to repeat the exam.
✓
Approved clinic list as of FY2025-26. Verify at in.usembassy.gov before booking.

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