Immigration Medical Exam – What Do They Check?
By Brian in Visas and Green Cards | on 2024-02-27 09:00:21
If you’re applying for an immigrant visa or an adjustment of status, you must submit a medical assessment with the application or during the interview.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requests a medical exam to ensure you do not have a medical condition that makes you ‘inadmissible’ for public health reasons.
A government-authorized doctor, also called a civil surgeon, completes the immigration medical exam.
In the immigration medical exam, you can expect:
- Alcohol and drug screening
- Mental and physical evaluation
- A review of your medical history and immunization records
- Tests for particular conditions— sometimes an X-ray test
Many applicants get nervous about the immigration medical exam, which is normal. However, there’s no need to worry.
Consider speaking to a trusted Austin citizenship attorney for advice on avoiding common pitfalls during the immigration medical exam.
Immigration Medical Exam Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Choose the Right Doctor
If you’re completing your application with the USCIS, visit https://www.uscis.gov/ and search “find a doctor.”
If you’re applying for an immigrant visa while abroad, there is a limited choice of doctors, and you must get a medical exam from the listed healthcare providers. You can also obtain a list of doctors and instructions for each embassy/consulate from Travel.State.Gov.
Step 2: Schedule the Exam
You may need to schedule a medical exam if you’ve just received an interview notice on the adjustment of status application. You can also schedule a medical exam if it has already expired, meaning more than a year after it was submitted to USCIS.
You should schedule the medical exam a few weeks before the interview so you’ll have the results in hand to submit at the interview.
Preparing all the documents before the appointment can help the medical exam sail smoothly.
Here are the documents to bring to your medical exam:
- Vaccination or immunization record
- A copy of your medical history
- A copy of previous x-ray, test result, or medical history
- A government-issued photo ID card
- Health insurance card
- 1-693 form
- A letter from a certified physician outlining a treatment health plan for your current condition
Step 3: During the Immigration Medical Exam
Here’s what you can expect during the exam:
- Questions regarding your medical history
- Questions about alcohol and drug use
- A urine test
- A mental health examination
- An X-ray test
- Physical examination of your eyes, nose, throat, heart, lungs, skin, and lymph nodes
- The doctor may request records from the police, school, military, or employment for physical and mental health disorders.
Get in Touch With an Experienced Citizenship Attorney For Legal Assistance
It is vital to pass the medical exam since it is crucial in determining whether you’ll extend your stay in the U.S. Understanding what to expect and the medical exam that makes you ineligible can promote a seamless immigration journey.
Since navigating the immigration process may be overwhelming, you deserve assistance from an experienced immigration attorney like J. Sparks Law, PLLC.
Contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
