US Visa Medical Exam in the Philippines 2026: SLEC Cost, Requirements & Process
Quick Answer: Every US immigrant visa applicant in the Philippines — including K-1 fiancé visa applicants — must get a medical exam at St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic (SLEC) in Ermita, Manila, the only authorized panel physician in the country. As of July 10, 2026, the fee is ₱29,995 for applicants 15 and older (up from ₱28,650, due to a new mandatory polio vaccine requirement) and ₱13,910 for those under 15. The exam includes a physical exam, TB testing (IGRA and/or chest X-ray), and age-appropriate vaccines. Book online at slec.ph about two weeks before your visa interview.
Table of Contents
- Why SLEC Is the Only Authorized Clinic
- How Much Does the US Visa Medical Exam Cost?
- What Does the Exam Test For?
- What Documents Do You Need to Bring?
- How Do You Book and What's the Process?
- How Long Are Results Valid?
- What Happens If There's a TB or Other Finding?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why SLEC Is the Only Authorized Clinic
St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic (SLEC), located at 1177 J. Bocobo Street, Ermita, Manila, is the sole US Embassy-designated panel physician for visa medical exams in the Philippines. Per the US Embassy Manila's official post supplement, medical exam results from any other clinic or hospital will not be accepted for a US visa application, no matter how qualified the physician.
This applies to every category of US immigrant visa applicant — family-sponsored, employment-based, diversity visa (DV) winners, and K-1 fiancé visa applicants — as well as certain other categories the Embassy may direct to SLEC. Nonimmigrant (tourist, student, work) visa applicants do not need a medical exam unless a consular officer specifically requests one during processing.
SLEC operates independently of the Embassy; it's a private clinic contracted for this role. You register and pay directly with SLEC, not the Embassy, and all fees go to SLEC.
How Much Does the US Visa Medical Exam Cost?
The medical exam costs ₱29,995 for applicants 15 years old and above, and ₱13,910 for applicants under 15, confirmed on SLEC's official registration page as of July 2026.
| Age Group | Fee | Effective |
|---|---|---|
| 15 years and older | ₱29,995.00 | Since July 10, 2026 |
| Under 15 years old | ₱13,910.00 | Unchanged |
SLEC's own site states the reason for the increase directly: "Starting 10 July 2026, the new medical examination fees for U.S. visa applicants aged 15 and above will be Php 29,995 to cover the new polio vaccine requirement." This follows an earlier increase to ₱28,650 that took effect August 19, 2024, announced by the US Embassy in the Philippines. The fee is inclusive of required vaccines, but psychiatric evaluations and referrals to outside sub-specialists (neuro-developmental pediatrician, dermatologist, interventional cardiologist, ophthalmologist, etc.) are billed separately.
You can pay online at account.slec.ph, or in cash/credit card at the clinic cashier on exam day. SLEC and the Embassy both warn that these are the only valid payment channels — any other collection method, agent, or "expediter" asking for payment is a scam.
If the cost is a strain, see our guide on loans for hospital bills for financing options, though note SLEC fees are private, out-of-pocket, and not something PhilHealth or most HMOs cover.
What Does the Exam Test For?
The exam is a physical check-up plus TB screening and age-appropriate vaccination, with a chest X-ray required for everyone 15 and older. Per SLEC's published requirements:
| Component | Who Needs It |
|---|---|
| Physical examination | All applicants |
| Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) TB blood test | Applicants 2 years old and above |
| Chest X-ray (CXR) | All applicants 15+; younger children if clinically indicated |
| Syphilis and gonorrhea testing | If clinically indicated |
| Age-appropriate vaccinations (per CDC/immigration law) | All applicants, based on vaccination history |
| Psychiatric evaluation | Only if flagged, billed separately |
US immigration law and CDC guidelines require vaccination against diseases including polio, measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and others, based on age and existing immunization records. Self-reported vaccination history is not honored — SLEC only accepts documentation showing the date of each vaccine and the administering doctor's or health worker's name and license number (a baby book, medical chart excerpt, or health center vaccine card qualifies).
Pregnant applicants may request to defer the chest X-ray until after delivery, but SLEC will not release the completed medical exam until it's done.
What Documents Do You Need to Bring?
Bring the following to your SLEC appointment, per the clinic's required documents list:
- Appointment confirmation email from SLEC (printed or digital) and proof of payment
- Valid passport — original plus one photocopy of the biographic data page
- Vaccination records bearing the doctor's or health worker's full name, signature, and license number — original and one photocopy
- Visa interview appointment letter — one photocopy
- Case number letter or K1FTP letter (for K-1 fiancé visa applicants) — one photocopy
- DS-260 confirmation (regular immigrant visa applicants) — one photocopy
- Old chest X-ray films, if available and taken within the last 3 months, clearly showing the patient's name, date, and facility name
Minors 17 and under arriving without a parent need an authorization letter or Special Power of Attorney, two photocopies of the parent's valid government ID, and the companion's valid government ID (original plus two photocopies).
How Do You Book and What's the Process?
- Register online at slec.ph/registration/us and select an available appointment slot.
- Book about two weeks before your visa interview date. The US Embassy's own guidance directs applicants to schedule with SLEC two weeks ahead of the interview to allow time for results processing. Walk-ins are accepted only if your interview falls within 7 calendar days, and only from 1:30 PM.
- Arrive on time. Entry is allowed only 15–30 minutes before your scheduled slot to avoid overcrowding — arriving too early or too late can mean rebooking.
- Complete the physical exam, labs, and X-ray in-clinic. Some applicants go through a two-day process depending on age and required tests.
- Receive your immunization worksheet and IGRA results by email, typically 3–5 working days after your appointment.
- Bring your sealed results (or however SLEC transmits them) to your visa interview at the US Embassy — do not open a sealed medical envelope yourself unless SLEC instructs you to.
How Long Are Results Valid?
Immigrant visa medical exam results are generally valid for up to 6 months — your medical report must not be more than 6 months old when you actually enter the United States on your immigrant visa. Chest X-ray films older than 3 months are typically not accepted as a substitute for a new one, so if your visa process stretches out, you may need portions of the exam repeated. If your case is delayed well beyond your original exam date, confirm directly with SLEC or your visa attorney whether a repeat exam is required before your interview or before travel.
What Happens If There's a TB or Other Finding?
If your chest X-ray or IGRA test suggests tuberculosis, SLEC classifies the finding and documents it on the standard CDC/State Department form (DS-2054), which becomes part of your medical exam packet. A "Class B" TB finding generally means some TB-related condition was found but it isn't the active, contagious form that would bar entry outright — it typically requires additional evaluation, sputum testing, or a treatment plan, and can add delay to your visa timeline. A finding consistent with active, infectious TB (historically referred to as Class A) is treated far more seriously and can result in visa denial until cleared.
This is general information, not medical or legal advice — if you receive an abnormal finding, follow SLEC's and the Embassy's specific instructions for your case, and consult an immigration attorney if your interview timeline is affected. For free TB treatment in the Philippines while your case is pending, see our guide on DOTS TB treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different clinic for my US visa medical exam?
No. SLEC in Ermita, Manila is the only US Embassy-designated panel physician in the Philippines. Results from any other doctor or hospital will not be accepted.
How much is the SLEC fee for a child under 15?
₱13,910, as published on SLEC's official fee schedule. This rate has not changed with the July 2026 adult fee increase.
Why did the fee increase to ₱29,995?
SLEC states the increase, effective July 10, 2026, covers a new mandatory polio vaccine requirement for applicants aged 15 and above, driven by CDC immunization rules for US immigrant visa applicants.
Do K-1 fiancé visa applicants need this exam too?
Yes. K-1 (fiancé) visa applicants go through the same SLEC medical exam process as other immigrant visa categories, bringing their case number or K1FTP letter instead of a DS-260 confirmation.
How far in advance should I book my SLEC appointment?
Around two weeks before your visa interview date, per Embassy guidance. Walk-ins are only accommodated for applicants with an interview within 7 calendar days.
Is the chest X-ray required for children?
Chest X-ray is mandatory for all applicants 15 and older. Younger children only need one if clinically indicated based on their physical exam or TB screening results.
Where can I pay the SLEC fee?
Only at the SLEC clinic cashier (cash or credit card) on exam day, or online at account.slec.ph. Any other payment channel is a scam, per both SLEC and the US Embassy.
Does PhilHealth or my HMO cover this exam?
No. The US visa medical exam is a private, out-of-pocket requirement paid directly to SLEC — it is not covered by PhilHealth or Philippine HMO plans.
Conclusion
The US visa medical exam is a fixed, non-negotiable step for every immigrant and K-1 visa applicant in the Philippines, and SLEC is the only clinic that can perform it. Budget ₱29,995 if you're 15 or older, book online about two weeks ahead of your interview, and bring complete, properly documented vaccination records to avoid delays. If you're weighing this cost against other visa medical requirements, see our guides on the Canada/Australia visa medical exam, the Japan JPETS TB screening, and pre-employment medical exam (PEME) costs for OFWs and local hires. For any TB-related findings, our free TB-DOTS treatment guide covers where to get follow-up care at no cost.