What to Expect at an Immigration Medical Exam

If you’re planning to immigrate to the United States, you may be wondering what to expect at your immigration medical exam. It’s important to note that this exam is a necessary part of the immigration process, designed to ensure that you are healthy and don’t pose a risk to public health.

The process typically takes about an hour, and the civil surgeon will give you the results in a sealed envelope for your U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). While it may seem daunting, the immigration medical exam is a straightforward process designed to ensure your health and safety.

Here’s what you need to know about the immigration medical exam, so you can enter the exam room feeling confident and informed.

What is an immigration medical exam? 

An immigration medical exam is a required part of the U.S. immigration process.

The medical examination ensures that you don’t have any medical conditions that could make you inadmissible to the U.S. The exam should be done by a licensed civil surgeon authorized by the USCIS.

Review of your medical history 

You might begin your immigration medical exam by reviewing your medical history.

The doctor may ask you about any past and current medical and mental health conditions and any medications you’re taking. You might also need to disclose whether you have ever had any infectious diseases, like tuberculosis or syphilis, or other conditions that could pose a public health risk.

Check of your vaccinations 

The doctor will check your vaccination records to ensure you have all the required vaccinations.

If you haven’t, you may be required to get the missing vaccinations before immigration approval. These vaccinations are necessary to protect public health in the U.S.

Physical exam 

The doctor will check your overall health with a physical examination.

The exam might include a check of your vital signs, like your blood pressure and pulse, and of your eyes, ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes, and skin.

During the physical exam, the doctor may also check for any signs of illness or disease and any medical conditions that could make you ineligible for immigration to the U.S.

Other tests 

Depending on your age and medical history, the doctor may perform other tests, like blood tests or a chest X-ray. These tests are to check for the presence of certain medical conditions, like tuberculosis or HIV, that could make applicants ineligible for immigration.

Final thoughts

The immigration medical exam is designed to ensure that you are healthy and won’t pose a public health risk if you move to the States.

It may seem daunting, but the process is relatively straightforward, and you can get it done by a licensed doctor relatively quickly. So, don’t be too skeptical and consider contacting a qualified doctor for an immigration medical exam near you to get your questions answered.

Knowing what to expect at the medical exam allows you to enter the exam room feeling prepared and confident. Good luck with your immigration process!