Medical exams for U.S. Green card: What does it include?

For immigrants who want to live and work in the United States, getting a U.S. Green Card is a big step. One important component of the application procedure is passing a medical examination by a doctor on the approved panel. You can follow along with this article as it walks you through the numerous parts and facets of this medical checkup.

Medical exams for U.S. Green card

Who Is Required to Have Medical Exams?

Not everyone who applies for a Green Card must have a medical examination. Typically, it pertains to:

immigrants who want to change their status within the US.
immigrants from abroad who are requesting an immigrant visa.

Choosing a Doctor from the Approved Panel

Specific doctors are designated as approved panel physicians by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For your exam to be accepted for immigration purposes, you must choose one of these doctors.

Immunizations and Vaccinations Necessary for U.S. Green Card

Make sure your immunizations are current before your physical. Vaccinations against illnesses like measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus, and more might be necessary. Your vaccination history will be confirmed by the panel doctor.

Medical records and history

Be ready to give a thorough medical history. This contains details regarding previous illnesses, operations, hospital stays, and any ongoing medical issues. The panel doctor will look over this data.

Parts of a physical examination

The physical exam is a thorough evaluation of your general health. It consists of taking your vital signs, looking for physical anomalies, and gauging your general health.

Tests for Tuberculosis (TB)

A common worry is tuberculosis, thus prospective employees are frequently examined for the disease. Depending on your age and medical history, a skin test or blood test may be required for this.

Serologic testing and blood tests

Blood tests can be used to check for infectious disorders like HIV and syphilis. Serologic testing is essential to evaluating your health.

X-rays of the chest and radiological exams

X-rays of the chest are frequently needed to rule out active tuberculosis. Any abnormalities in the chest region can be found through radiological exams.

COVID-19 Testing

The USCIS implemented new precautions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 testing may be incorporated by some panel physicians as a component of the physical examination procedure. To find the virus, a PCR test might be used.

Mental health assessments

People who have a history of mental health problems could occasionally go through an assessment by a mental health expert to establish their acceptability.

Testing for drugs and alcohol

Although it is uncommon, certain applicants may have to submit to testing for drugs and alcohol if there are worries about substance misuse.

Children’s Medical Examination for Immigration

Children who are applying for a Green Card must also go through a medical check. With age-appropriate changes, children’s vaccination and health requirements are similar to those for adults.

Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, Form I-693

Your medical examination’s findings are listed on Form I-693. This document serves as a formal record of your health history, examination outcomes, and vaccinations.

Price of the Medical Examination

Depending on the doctor and location, the cost of the exam varies. It’s crucial to find out the costs in advance so that you can plan your finances.

Timing and Reliability of Medical Exams

The medical examination’s findings are normally good for a year. The immigration procedure, which includes the Green Card interview, must be finished by candidates within this time range.

Common Errors During Medical Exams and How to Avoid Them

You can decrease the likelihood that your Green Card application will be delayed by being well-prepared for your medical examination.

What Will Happen If You Are Rejected?

Before moving forward with your application, you might need to take care of the problem if the panel doctor discovers a disease that prevents you from entering the United States.

Resources and Further Details

Consult the USCIS website or contact an immigration lawyer for more information on the precise requirements and regulations for the medical exam.

Transmission of Diseases and Ineligibility

Screening for communicable diseases that might prevent an applicant from entering the United States is required of panel doctors. Inadmissibility may result from ailments like active tuberculosis, contagious syphilis, and certain STDs.

Examinations in the Future and Waivers

To address particular health concerns, candidates may occasionally be asked to undergo further testing or produce more medical records. Despite having a medical issue, some people may be qualified for waivers that would still grant them a green card.

Privacy and discretion

The medical examination procedure is governed by privacy and confidentiality laws, which applicants should be aware of. Applicants have the right to request that their medical data be kept private, so applicants should exercise caution while handling any personal medical information.

Panel physician’s obligations and role

It’s crucial to comprehend the panel doctor’s responsibilities and duties. They must follow USCIS regulations, perform a comprehensive and objective examination, and fill out Form I-693 with accurate and complete information.

Recording Immunization Status

Applicants must make sure they have the necessary proof of their immunization history. Vaccination records from their own country or those from prior doctors may be included. The panel doctor could need to administer any missing vaccinations.

The Green Card Interview is Affected

Normally, the USCIS receives the results of the medical examination and reviews them in conjunction with the Green Card interview. During the conversation, any discrepancies or worries raised during the physical examination may be discussed.

Also Read: Immigration Medical Exam: What to Expect and How to Prepare?

Conclusion

The physical examination is a crucial step in getting a United States green card. COVID-19 testing is a new addition after the pandemic. It’s also critical to be aware of any changes to immigration laws or new requirements. By being prepared for the exam and being knowledgeable of what to expect, a smooth and successful immigration process can be secured. Make sure to follow each guideline to avoid problems.

References

The medical examination in United States immigration applications: the potential use of genetic testing leads to heightened privacy concerns: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16619448/
Privacy of genetic information: a review of the laws in the United States: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11604936/
Health-based exclusion grounds in United States immigration policy: homosexuals, HIV infection and the medical examination of aliens: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10126948/