Immigration Medical Exams What You Need To Know

By Tesfaye Tetemke, MD

An immigration medical exam (also known as a green card medical exam) is a necessary part of immigrating to the United States and becoming a permanent resident, or green card holder. Many green card applicants get nervous about this exam, so this article will help you learn what to expect.

Keep in mind that failing this exam is rare. However it’s best to be prepared, so you can avoid any issues or delays that could result in a denial of your application.

The Purpose Of
Immigration Exams

Certain diseases of public health significance make an individual inadmissible to the United States. The exam is the process to remove these grounds of inadmissibility. Your exam and vaccination records provide information that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) use to determine whether a foreign national meets health standards for admissibility. Doctors who have been designated as “civil surgeons” by the USCIS perform the exam.

Medical conditions that may make an applicant inadmissible include:

Communicable disease of public health significance

An immigrant’s failure to show proof of required vaccinations

Physical or mental disorder with associated harmful behavior

Drug abuse or addiction

What To Bring To Your
Immigration Medical Exam

A valid government-issued photo ID (Passport or driver’s license)

Your vaccination records

Means of payment (the exact fee depends on your provider)

Other relevant records such as TB treatment, chest x-ray reports, etc.

Vaccinations

The doctor will first make sure that you have had all the required vaccinations. Required vaccinations include mumps, polio, tetanus, hepatitis A and B, influenza, among others. The specific vaccinations you will need will depend on your age and other medical conditions.

Medical History, Physical
and Mental Examination

During your visit the civil surgeon will explain to you about the immigration medical examination, required Immunizations, and will do the following:

Verify your identity by requiring a valid photo ID

Perform initial medical exam

Review of your vaccination and other relevant records

Administer or order required vaccinations

Order blood test for tuberculosis (TB) screening

Draw or order blood test for syphilis (RPR)

Collect or order urine test for gonorrhea

Schedule a chest x-ray, only If required

Ask you to sign the applicant’s part of the form I-693.

Provide you the completed form I-693 for USCIS use