If you are in the process of applying for a United States green card, congratulations. A green card will grant you lawful permanent residence in the US.
To receive a green card, applicants must undergo a medical examination to show that they are not inadmissible to the US on the grounds of public health safety concerns. A green card medical exam must be administered by a civil surgeon authorized by the US Department of Immigration.
What Does a Green Card Medical Exam Involve?
The exam involves physical and diagnostic tests, and the administering of vaccines. The physician will review your medical history then perform physical examination of your:
- eyes
- ears
- nose
- throat
- extremities
- heart
- lungs
- abdomen
- lymph nodes
- skin
- external genitalia
The doctor will also administer a chest X-ray and a blood test (unless the applicant is a minor under 15). Pregnant women can request the X-ray be postponed. Depending on the applicant’s country of origin, the doctor may or may not allow the postponement.
Finally, the doctor will administer any vaccinations required for the applicant. These may include:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Influenza
- Influenza type b (Hib)
- Measles
- Meningococcal disease
- Mumps
- Pneumococcal disease
- Pertussis
- Polio
- Rotavirus
- Rubella
- Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids
- Varicella
What Conditions Make An Applicant Inadmissible?
Certain conditions make an applicant inadmissible to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act (I.N.A.).
These include:
- Communicable diseases that pose a public health concern
- Lack of required vaccinations
- Physical or mental disorders connected to harmful behavior
- Drug abuse or addiction
What Should Applicants Bring to the Medical Exam?
Applicants should bring:
- Valid passport or government-issued photo ID
- Doctor’s fee
- Vaccination records
- If applicant is changing status: Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (sealed by doctor)
- Required photos for US passport
- List of special education or supervision needs
- List of medications applicant currently takes
- If applicant has had tuberculosis: certificate from a doctor proving they were treated for the disease
- If applicant has had syphilis: certificate from a doctor proving that they were treated for the disease)
- History of harmful or violent behavior (if any) — allows the doctor to determine the cause of the behavior (psychiatric, medical, drug or alcohol abuse)
- If applicant has been treated for drug or alcohol abuse: certification from a doctor stating the diagnosis, length of treatment, and prognosis)
What happens after the examination is completed?
This depends on your location. In some countries, physicians send exam results directly to the US embassy. In other countries, doctors give the results to the applicant in a sealed envelope. The applicant must bring these to their interview.If the exam is administered in the United States, the civil surgeon will provide a completed Form I-693 in a sealed envelope. The sealed envelope should be submitted along with Form I-485, Application to Adjust Status.
The results of an immigration medical exam are valid for two years. Form I-693 is valid for 60 days.
Experienced help is available
The path to US citizenship is not easy, but FIDE Law is prepared to help. We understand the complex immigration laws and have the experience to guide you through the process. Visit us online at FredericksburgImmigration.com/immigration-law, or call us at 540-371-4500. Our team is ready to provide the guidance you need.