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Are mandatory medical exams required, as with the green card?

The H-1B, as a nonimmigrant visa, generally does not require the mandatory medical exam that applies to the green card. See why confirming the current rules before traveling is essential.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 14, 2026
1 min read
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No. The H-1B is a nonimmigrant visa for skilled professionals and, as a general rule, does not require the medical exam that is part of the green card process. This is a key difference between the two paths.

On the green card path, the applicant undergoes an exam performed by an authorized physician, who evaluates certain health conditions required for permanent immigration. With the H-1B, that exam is generally not part of the application process.

  • The green card includes a medical exam conducted by an authorized physician.
  • The H-1B, as a general rule, does not require that immigration medical exam.
  • Exceptions may exist depending on the case, and rules can change.

Since each process has its own specifics and requirements can change, the safest approach is to confirm the current requirements at the official source (USCIS and the consulate) or with a qualified professional before making any decisions.

Learn more about H-1B

Initial validity
3 years
Extension
Up to 6 years total
Annual cap
85,000 visas
Processing
6-12 months
All about H-1B

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

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Are mandatory medical exams required, as with the green card?

The H-1B, as a nonimmigrant visa, generally does not require the mandatory medical exam that applies to the green card. See why confirming the current rules before traveling is essential.

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