The medical examination for a US visa is an important part of visa application and immigration purposes, as per the United States Department of State. The purpose of this examination is to ensure that you do not have any medical conditions or communicable diseases of public health significance that would make you inadmissible to the United States.
If you are seeking adjustment of status to be a permanent resident card or a green card, then you will need to have this exam. If you are securing an immigrant visa, the US embassy or consulate in your home country will require a medical exam from a panel physician.
The medical exam for a US visa consists of several different parts.
Standard Physical Exam
The first part of the green card medical exam is the standard physical examination. During this part of the exam, the doctor will listen to your heart and lungs. The authorized physician will examine your ears, eyes, nose, and throat. The health exam may also check for histories of drug abuse and harmful behavior.
Tuberculosis (TB) Screening Test
An applicant or newly arriving refugee over the age of two must have a Quantiferon test done. Children under the age of two must also have a test if they have had contact with anyone known to have TB. As per the new regulations, USCIS is only accepting Quantiferon results for TB screening. If the Quantiferon test is positive, you will need a chest X-ray.
Vaccinations
To pass the green card medical exam, you must have several age-based vaccination requirements. These are age-based requirements.
Most adults will need the following vaccinations (or titers):
- Tetanus (or Tdap)
- MMR
- Varicella
- Influenza (during the flu season)
Gonorrhea Urine Test
If you are over the age of 15, you will need to have a gonorrhea urine test. Applicants under the age of 14 must also have a test if they have had any symptoms or a history of gonorrhea. Because gonorrhea is contagious, you must have treatment if you test positive in order to pass the immigration medical exam.
Some doctors use test kits that test for both gonorrhea and chlamydia trachomatis if individual test kits are not available. Individuals who test positive for gonorrhea will be advised to get tested for sexually transmitted infections, often involving chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV testing as well. Please refer to CDC for more information on these.
Syphilis Blood Test
You also need to have a syphilis blood test if you are 15 years or older. Applicants under the age of 15 who have a history or symptoms of syphilis must also have this test. If you test positive for syphilis, you must also have treatment before you can pass the immigration medical exam. As per new regulations, the syphilis blood test can only be done at the civil surgeon’s office.
FAQs
Here are commonly asked questions about the immigration medical examination:
How to prepare for the green card medical exam?
To prepare for the green card medical exam, bring the following items with you to your appointment:
- A copy of your full medical history.
- Any previous chest x-rays.
- Your vaccination records.
- Government-issued identification card.
Does immigration test for herpes?
Immigration does not test for herpes simplex virus. It is also not a reason for inadmissibility.
What illnesses can make you inadmissible to the United States?
Illnesses that can make you inadmissible to the United States include Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy), infectious; Syphilis, infectious stage; and. Tuberculosis (TB), Active-Only a Class A TB diagnosis renders an applicant inadmissible to the United States. Under current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, Class A TB means TB that is clinically active and is considered one of the most infectious diseases.
Can any doctor perform a visa medical exam?
Not all doctors can perform a visa medical exam. Instead, you must have the exam from a civil surgeon who has been specifically authorized by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Doctors who perform green card medical exams receive special training and technical instructions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
How to find a doctor who performs green card exams?
To find a doctor who performs green card exams, we encourage you to visit Statcare. We are open seven days a week and have four civil surgeons on staff who are authorized by the U.S. government to perform USCIS Immigration Medical Exams. Schedule an appointment today.
Do you accept insurance for the immigration exam?
Unfortunately, we do not accept insurance for the immigration exam. It is health insurance fraud in the US to use your medical insurance for any part of the immigration medical exam. You should save all receipts in the event your employer reimburses you for the exam.
Do I need to bring my vaccination records? What if I do not have any?
Yes. You need to bring your vaccination records if you have any. If records are not available, you may get all of the required shots or get lab tests to prove immunity.
Will you send the sealed envelope containing my original I-693 to my lawyer, my employer, or to the USCIS?
No. We will not send the sealed envelope containing the original I-693 to your lawyer, employer, or to the USCIS. It will be your responsibility to submit the document to whoever is assisting you or directly to the USCIS.
How long is my I-693 exam valid for?
Your I-693 exam is valid for 2 years from the completion date indicated next to the Civil Surgeon’s signature.
