Applying for a green card (either within or outside the United States) to become a lawful permanent resident (LPR) can be a lengthy and complicated process full of paperwork and extended waiting periods. However, you may not know that the process also involves a specialized medical examination that’s required for green card application approval.
While failing this physical exam is rare, it can be stressful. By thoroughly understanding the process and knowing common mistakes to avoid, you can avoid the delay or denial of your application. Let’s look at what you need to know about the green card medical exam.
Related: Immigration Interview Questions You Need to Know
A U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) medical exam– also frequently referred to as an immigration medical exam– is essential for the immigration process. A government-authorized doctor must conduct the exam- either a civil surgeon if you’re applying for a green card from inside the country or a panel physician authorized by the State Department if you’re applying from outside the country. The medical exam consists of several parts, including;
The doctor will also ask questions regarding any current prescription medication you’re taking, along with information on your past and present drug and alcohol use.
The immigration medical exam is done with the intent to help U.S. officials screen out applicants who have certain health conditions or an inability to work. Some of the most common health conditions that can result in a denial of someone’s green card application include;
Related: When Do You Need an Immigration Lawyer?
The process of scheduling your immigrant physical exam is different depending on if you’re applying inside or outside the United States.
Those who apply for a green card from within the U.S. have two options when it comes to scheduling their immigration physical exam;
Your first option (typically called “concurrent filing”) involves scheduling your exam when you begin the green card application process and then including the exam results when you submit your application. If you select this option, your exam results form (I-693) must be signed by a civil surgeon within 60 days of submitting your application.
Your second option is to schedule a physical exam after filing your green card application, submit your results to the USCIS, or bring them to your interview. The results are valid for up to four years but have been temporarily extended due to COVID-19 processing delays. Contact the USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 or visit the Find a Doctor webpage to schedule an appointment.
Individuals applying for a green card from outside the United States are only permitted to schedule their medical exam once they receive their green card interview appointment letter. They will then need to search for their local U.S. embassy or consulate to find a list of doctors authorized to perform the exam in their particular country. Exam results provided in this situation will be valid for up to six months.
Not just any doctor can perform the physical exam. So, you should ask to ensure your chosen physician can.
If you are applying in the U.S., your practitioner must be a civil surgeon designated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. You can use the USCIS Find a Civil Surgeon tool to search for a doctor that meets these requirements. If you are applying from abroad, you must use a panel physician the U.S. Department of State has authorized.
Regardless of your choice, make sure to ask about the doctor’s availability, as a long wait to get an appointment can delay your application. In addition, ask about any fees and if they accept your health insurance.
To prepare for your immigration physical exam effectively, there are several documents and items you’ll need to collect so you can bring them to the physician performing the exam. You’ll need to bring;
Failure to bring necessary documents, such as the green card interview appointment letter, may result in exam completion, so double-check before attending.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to the Biometrics Appointment
If you apply from within the U.S., you need Form I-693 (“Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record”) for your appointment. This is where your civil surgeon will note the results of your physical exam. There is no fee for filing this form. But you still need to pay the physical exam fee.
To ensure a successful application, download the latest version of the USCIS form from the USCIS website. Fill out your portion before your appointment, but sign it only after being instructed by the civil surgeon, as they will need to complete their potion after the exam.
While the stakes are high for passing this exam, remember most people pass. However, the exam is different from the routine exams you’re used to. You will not receive a pass or fail grade at the end either.
Most green card medical exams take about two hours. Your doctor will ask you general and specific questions about your health. They’ll also discuss your medical and immunization history. During this time, you’ll get a basic physical exam.
Your doctor will be paying attention to conditions that fall under certain categories. To do this, they may conduct a few tests related to the following:
• Tuberculosis, gonorrhea, and syphilis are tested.
• Blood test for syphilis and urine test for gonorrhea required for all applicants aged 15 or older.
• IGRA tuberculosis test required for applicants aged two or older in the U.S.
• Tuberculin skin test not available for applicants from "heavily tuberculosis-burdened countries."
• Chest x-ray required for applicants aged 15 or older from abroad.
• Follow instructions from doctor or U.S. consulate/embassy.
Your provider will ask about your prescription drugs and previous and current alcohol and drug use. You can read more about the guidance for civil surgeons (applying within the U.S.) and for panel physicians (applying from abroad) to learn about screening procedures.
Your doctor will make sure you have received all required vaccines, including COVID-19. If you are missing any, your doctor can usually administer these during your physical exam. If not, you are required to get them before your green card interview.
You will be required to complete the physical exam even if you are menstruating. Pregnant people are also still required to complete the chest x-ray if applicable to them. However, you must be given additional protection and give prior consent to your doctor.
If you are pregnant, you may postpone until after giving birth, but you still need to have the x-ray before:
If you’re applying from within the U.S., the civil surgeon will have you sign the exam results form and give you the results in a sealed envelope (do not open the envelope or break the seal). You may be given a copy of the results, or you can ask for a copy before they seal the envelope. These are the only ones you can open.
If you’re applying from outside the U.S., the doctor will either give you the envelope or send it directly to the U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Untreated conditions: syphilis, gonorrhea, tuberculosis, or leprosy may be denied if the patient has tested positive for these.
• Drug abuse: if the patient is currently abusing alcohol, prescription drugs, or illegal drugs, they will not be able to get a green card.
• Drunk driving: if there is a threat or history of violence, the patient may be denied.
• Poor health preventing work: if the patient has fatal or serious degenerative diseases, they may be denied.
• Forgiveness: if the application is denied, the patient can apply for "forgiveness" with a waiver of inadmissibility.
If you have a simple cold during the physical exam, you will not be denied based on this. In addition, those who are HIV-positive or have a well-managed yet chronic condition such as heart disease or diabetes should not be denied. If you have previously had but been cured of a communicable disease, you should not be denied based on this, but you may need documentation to prove this.
The exam takes between 1-10 days to complete due to the blood and urine testing. The process may take longer if any of your tests come back positive. To help ensure that the process takes as little time as possible, please ensure you bring all of the documents detailed above when you attend your exam appointment.
The cost of the medical exam can vary depending on several factors, such as your location and medical provider. Individuals have reported paying anywhere from $100 and $500, but the typical exam cost is usually around $200.
You can eat before the USCIS medical exam, as the blood tests involved don’t require you to fast beforehand.
While the U.S. immigration physical exam is a serious step in obtaining permanent residency, it doesn’t have to be as scary as it sounds. Make sure you schedule your green card medical exam correctly and bring the correct documents to the appointment. Working with an experienced immigration law firm can help you navigate the process as smoothly as possible.
Thank you for taking time out of your day to explore the contents of this article and educate yourself on the various ins and outs of the USCIS medical exam. For more information on different parts of the immigration, green card, or U.S. citizenship application process, please consider reaching out and booking a consultation with our team of trusted legal experts here at Brudner Law today if you live in or near Orange County area. Also, don’t forget to explore our wide range of expertly crafted educational resources to help further expand your knowledge on critical elements regarding the immigration process here in the United States.
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