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Understanding what happens during an immigration medical exam is an important part of your immigration journey. An immigration medical exam is a mandatory step for many green card applicants and those adjusting their immigration status. During the exam, a health professional will assess your health to ensure you meet the health-related standards for permanent residency.
The doctor will review your medical history, check for infectious diseases like tuberculosis, verify your vaccination records for vaccines, and conduct a physical exam, which may include a chest X-ray and tests for certain conditions. An experienced Phoenix immigration lawyer can help you understand what to expect at the physical exam.
Overview of Immigration Medical Exams – What Are They and What Is the Purpose?
The exam ensures that individuals do not pose a public health risk or have medical conditions that might make them inadmissible. It is required for many visa categories, including family-based and employment-based immigration.
During the exam, the doctor will review your medical history, check for infectious diseases, assess your vaccination records, and perform a physical exam. The medical results are recorded on Form I-693 Medical Exam and Vaccination Record, which is submitted to USCIS as part of your green card application package.
What Is the Purpose of Immigration Medical Exams?
The primary goal of the immigration medical exam is to ensure that green card applicants meet health requirements set by U.S. law to protect public health. This exam helps to:
- Prevent the spread of communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis and other illnesses.
- Confirm that applicants have received required vaccinations, including for COVID-19.
- Screen for mental disorders or physical conditions that may pose a threat to public safety.
- Ensure that applicants do not have a history of drug abuse or harmful behavior.
In addition to public health protection, the exam verifies that applicants do not have health conditions requiring extensive medical care that may strain public resources.
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Who Conducts the Immigration Medical Exam?
The immigration medical exam must be conducted by an approved healthcare professional, known as a USCIS-designated civil surgeon for those applying from within the U.S. or a panel physician for those applying from abroad.
The civil surgeon or panel physician will:
- Conduct a thorough physical exam, which includes checking the chest, lymph nodes, and other parts of the body to assess the applicant’s overall health.
- Review the applicant’s medical history to identify any prior medical conditions, including a history of substance abuse or drug addiction.
- Verify the applicant’s vaccination records to ensure compliance with the required vaccines, such as those for diphtheria, pneumococcal pneumonia, and the COVID-19 vaccine.
- If necessary, order a chest X-ray, particularly to screen for tuberculosis, one of the key communicable diseases checked during the process.
- Assess for mental disorders and behaviors that could pose a public health threat, such as a history of violent behavior or mental illness.
The health professional is required to fill out and sign Form I-693, which records the exam results. This form, along with any other necessary medical documents, is then submitted as part of the green card application package or immigrant visa application.
Key points to remember about who conducts the immigration medical exam include:
- Only government-authorized doctors are allowed to conduct the exam.
- You must choose a USCIS-designated civil surgeon in the U.S. or a panel physician abroad.
- The doctor will follow specific Tuberculosis Technical Instructions and other guidelines issued by the government.
If you’re unsure of who to contact, you can find a list of panel physicians or civil surgeons on the USCIS or Department of State websites.
How Do You Prepare for the Immigration Medical Exam?
Preparing for your immigration medical exam involves several important steps to ensure that you meet all the requirements set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The exam is a key part of the green card application process and helps determine whether an applicant is eligible for permanent residency based on their health-related conditions. Here’s how you can get ready:
Gather Your Medical Records
Bring your vaccination records, including proof of the COVID-19 vaccine and other required immunizations, such as diphtheria and pneumococcal pneumonia. If you’ve had a chest X-ray or treatment for tuberculosis, bring those records as well.
Schedule the Exam With an Approved Doctor
You must choose a USCIS-approved civil surgeon or panel physician, depending on whether you’re applying from within the U.S. or abroad. These doctors are authorized to complete the medical evaluation.
Prepare Identification and Documents
Ensure you have a government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or visa, your green card application package, or immigrant visa application materials. Don’t forget your Form I-693, which the doctor will fill out and sign after the exam.
Talk to an Immigration Lawyer
An immigration lawyer can help you gather all the necessary documents and help you understand the physical exam steps. A lawyer can also appeal an immigration case if your process gets an unfavorable decision.
Be Ready to Answer Questions About Your Health
The doctor will ask about your medical history, including any mental health or physical disorders. They will also screen for drug addiction, alcohol abuse, and other medical conditions that could affect your eligibility for a green card.
Key Items to Bring
- Vaccination records and any prior medical documentation
- Government-issued ID
- Health insurance card
- Form I-693 and green card interview appointment letter
By being well-prepared, you can ensure that your immigration medical exam goes smoothly and that you meet the health-related grounds required for adjustment of status or permanent residence.
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Ask Anything to an Immigration Lawyer Before Your Medical Exam
If you have concerns about the immigration medical exam, consulting an immigration attorney is a good step to take before your exam. They can help explain the immigration process, answer questions about health-related grounds for inadmissibility, and provide guidance on what to expect during the exam process.
Additionally, an immigration lawyer at New Frontier can help if you need to request a waiver of inadmissibility due to a medical condition or provide support if further tests or documentation are required. Before attending the exam, reach out to an immigration lawyer for any advice or to address concerns specific to your health and immigration status.
