If you or a member of your family is in the process of immigration detention and needs a green card in the US, it may be confusing to go through the medical examination process. Here, we’ll break down the essential steps for a successful I-693 green card medical exam process, including what you can do if your spouse or a member of this family is detained.
Understanding the Purpose of the Medical Exam
Overview of the Medical Examination Requirement
The U.S. immigration system mandates that individuals applying for a Green Card undergo a medical examination to ensure they are not inadmissible due to health-related issues. This requirement is codified in Section 212(a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which specifies that applicants must be free from certain communicable diseases and other health conditions that could pose a public health risk or signify a lack of moral character.
Medical Examination Process in Detention
Finding an Approved Physician
- Civil Surgeon Requirement: The medical examination must be conducted by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon, who is a physician designated to perform immigration medical exams. This process remains consistent whether the applicant is in detention or not.
- Locating a Civil Surgeon: Family members or legal representatives can use the USCIS online tool to find nearby civil surgeons who are willing to conduct examinations at detention facilities1.
Coordination with ICE
- ICE Officer Communication: It is crucial to communicate with the ICE officer handling the detainee’s case. This officer can facilitate arrangements for the medical examination by confirming the need for it and coordinating with the detention center.
- Detention Center Procedures: Some detention centers have established procedures for conducting medical exams, while others may require more direct coordination between the physician and ICE.
Conducting the Examination
- The examination typically includes:
- A review of medical history.
- A physical examination.
- Required tests, such as tuberculosis screening and blood tests for syphilis, depend on age and health history.
- The results must be documented on Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record), which must remain sealed until presented in court.
Challenges Faced by Detainees
Timeliness: It is essential to ensure that the examination is completed promptly, especially if it is tied to an upcoming immigration hearing or other legal deadlines.
Access Issues: Detainees may face challenges in accessing healthcare due to facility policies or logistical issues related to bringing outside physicians into secure environments.
Initiating the Process
Contacting the ICE Officer
When someone is in immigration detention, coordinating with the appropriate authorities is the first step. Begin by reaching out to the ICE officer responsible for your loved one’s case. Obtain the officer’s name and contact details, and establish communication to confirm the need for a medical examination. In some cases, ICE officers may directly arrange the examination, depending on local practices and detention center policies.
Communicating with the Detention Center
Simultaneously, contact the detention center to ensure they are aware of the medical examination requirement. Collaborate with the responsible person at the facility to facilitate the doctor’s entry and examination.
Finding a USCIS-Approved Civil Surgeon
To perform the required medical exam, you’ll need a USCIS-approved civil surgeon. Here’s how to find one:
se USCIS’s Online Tool
Visit https://my.uscis.gov/findadoctor and enter the zip code of the detention center to locate approved doctors nearby. The search results will provide you with the doctor’s name, phone number, and office location.
Contact Multiple Doctors
Reach out to several doctors from the list and inquire about their willingness to examine the detention center. Additionally, discuss their fees, as USCIS does not regulate the charges for these services. Some doctors may charge extra for travel to the detention center.
Appointment Availability
Ensure that the selected doctor has available appointment slots that align with your timeline, especially if your loved one has an upcoming individual hearing. It’s crucial to secure the examination and results promptly.
Confirming the Appointment
Once you’ve chosen a doctor, confirm the appointment date and time with both the ICE officer and the detention center. Ensure that all parties are aware and in agreement to avoid any complications on the examination day.
After the Medical Examination
Contacting the Doctor’s Office
After the examination, get in touch with the doctor’s office to inquire about the timeline for receiving the results. Typically, this process is relatively quick, depending on the doctor’s schedule. The doctor’s office will provide you with a sealed envelope containing the results.
Important Note: Do Not Open the Envelope
It’s crucial not to open the sealed envelope. Instead, take it to the court and hand it over to the government attorney assigned to your case. The government attorney will unseal the envelope during the court proceedings to assess whether any health-related issues could affect admissibility.
By following these steps diligently, you can ensure that your loved one undergoes the necessary medical examination, a vital requirement for obtaining a green card while in immigration detention. While the process may involve some challenges, your commitment to fulfilling these requirements will significantly contribute to a successful green card application.
In conclusion, obtaining a green card medical exam for someone in immigration detention involves effective communication with ICE officers, detention center authorities, and USCIS-approved civil surgeons. By following these steps and remaining proactive, you can navigate this process efficiently, bringing your loved one a step closer to lawful permanent residence in the United States.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the US for the Green Card Medical Exam straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Family-Based Visas or Immigrant Visas (IV), we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our immigration lawyer consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process, coordinating with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to get green card medical exams in the US. Call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can assist you.
