What Does an Immigration Medical Exam Consist Of?

An immigration medical examination is a routine part of the application process to become a permanent resident of the United States, also called a green card. The exam is also sometimes called a green card medical exam. 

For a successful green card (Adjustment of Status) petition, these physical exams must be completed by a doctor who is authorized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) (designated civil surgeon). Outside of the U.S., these doctors are called panel physicians. Here at Great City Medical, we have a designated civil surgeon on staff to perform these exams.

The requirements for the exam are determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), who provide technical instructions to civil surgeons and panel physicians.

What Do they Check in an Immigration Medical Exam?

During an immigration medical exam, the doctor will review your medical history and immunization records, and perform a physical examination. The doctor will also perform blood tests to look for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, syphilis, gonorrhea, and leprosy because these diseases pose a public health risk. Children under the age of 15 do not need to be tested for syphilis or gonorrhea. Finally, the doctor will check for any physical or mental disorders or mental illnesses that are associated with violent behavior or harmful behavior, as well as any signs of drug abuse or drug addiction. 

If you are between the ages of 18-64, you only require immunization against Tetanus and Diphtheria, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), varicella, and flu during the flu season of October 1- March 31. Pregnant women may be exempt from some vaccination requirements, however.

Immigration medical exams are a bit different than standard physical exams. The purpose of the exam is primarily to screen a patient for certain medical conditions that are of concern to the U.S. government and public health and safety. The doctors are not required to examine or treat patients for any medical conditions outside of those deemed relevant by U.S. health officials for the immigration process. 

How Long Does the Immigration Medical Exam Take?

The immigration medical exam takes about the same amount of time as a regular doctor’s visit, and might last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. 

It takes about one week after the exam to receive your lab test results. If any lab tests results come back positive for a communicable disease, you may need to return for a second visit to be evaluated and treated.

Can I eat before the Immigration Medical Exam?

You may eat before your immigration medical exam. The blood tests that will be performed do not require you to complete a fast beforehand.

What should I bring to my exam?

Many people feel nervous about their immigration medical exam, but being well-prepared with all the documentation that you need can be a great help in ensuring your exam goes smoothly. Be sure to arrange these documents ahead of time and bring them all with you to your exam. Call us before your scheduled exam if you have any questions about what you need to bring with you.

• • • Form I-693, also called the Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
      • The doctor will use this form to document the results of your exam. After the exam, the doctor will complete this form and place it in a sealed envelope for you to submit to USCIS.
      • You will receive a copy of the Form I-693 for your records
      • To save time on the day of your appointment, you can fill out pages 1-4 of the form in advance. The rest of the form is filled out by Great City Medical.

• • • Government-issued photo identification
      • This may include your passport, state ID, driver’s license, travel permit, or work permit.

• • • Your immunization or vaccination records 
      • If you have had immunizations, you must bring your records as proof, as the doctor cannot take your word for it.
      • If you do not have any immunizations, you can receive them during your exam for additional fees, however, at Great City Medical, we can run a blood test that will show if you are immune or not. If the tests show you are immune that that will be sufficient.

• • Copy of your medical history
  • Copies of previous chest X-rays, if any
  • If you have any existing health issues, a note from your doctor outlining your treatment plan
  • Payment for the medical exam fee. Great City Medical charges a base fee of $130for the Civil Surgeon Exam, and additional tests and vaccinations will cost additional fees. Please use this link below to find the pricing breakdown. As a note, insurance does not cover the cost of an immigration exam. https://greatcitymedical.com/immigration-doctor/#pricing

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