For the green card application, you’ll probably have to take an immigration medical exam. This is an integral component of the process. Law and Visas helps with the common concerns about the exam like: why should I take the exam, how much does it cost, who will be conducting the exam, and how do you bring your results with your application? Find out more about the immigration medical test and the process here.
When You Have to Take a Medical Examination Why?
The immigration medical exam weeds out candidates who may have certain medical conditions that might compromise the green card. Here are some of the most common reasons that a green card can’t be granted for health reasons:
- -Syphilis or tuberculosis: infectious diseases like that.
- Drug and alcohol addiction: Substance abuse or addiction.
- A psychiatric disorder in which the past includes acts of violence or a threat of violence.
- Not able to work, for illness.
Who Can Conduct the Medical Exam?
Only certain doctors are allowed to take the immigration medical examination. How many doctors will you encounter if you’re applying from the US or overseas:
- You can only take the exam if you’re coming from within the US, and it should be given by a civil surgeon who is licensed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- If you are applying from out of the US, you will need to see a panel physician certified by the U.S. Department of State.
How Much Does an Immigration Medical Exam Cost?
The immigration medical exam is an expensive one depending on where you go and which physician you are going to, but typically it will run you around $200. The only thing to do is ask your preferred doctor what their prices are.
When & How Do I Schedule the Medical Exam?
When and how do you have to schedule your immigration medical exam, depending on whether you are applying in the US or abroad? Check with them to know how your exam will need to be scheduled based on your circumstances.
Those of you living in the US can schedule pretty easily with a USCIS-authorized civil surgeon. If you are submitting from abroad, you might have to contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for a panel physician.
How to Prepare for the Immigration Medical Exam?
For a stress-free medical exam, take the following documents:
- Your passport or any official proof.
- Vaccination records (if available)
- – A list of all medications you are taking.
- Your medical history – previous surgery or illnesses.
- Anything your doctor or the embassy asks you for.
- For the full list of what to bring visit here.
- What Does Happen During the Immigration Medical Exam?
- A medical examination usually involves several relevant tests and measurements:
- Physical exam for a general health check.
- Tuberculosis (TB) test for suspected TB.
- Blood and urine screening for several medical conditions.
- Immunization check so you are current on required vaccinations.
- You’ll also be asked by the doctor what medications you’re taking and any drug or alcohol addictions, along with mental health problems.
What Happens After the Medical Test?
After you’ve taken your exam, the submission of your results is up to where you’re applying:
- If you are an American and are applying from outside the US, the civil surgeon will mail you a sealed envelope with your medical records. This envelope is to be sealed not opened. It will have to be mailed with your green card application, mailed back to USCIS after you have filed for a green card, or brought to your green card interview.
- You can apply from overseas, but the panel physician will either hand you the sealed envelope or they will mail it to the U.S. embassy/consulate handling your case.
An immigration medical exam is also an important component of the green card application process. If you know all the details, costs, and steps, then you’ll be in a better position to make sure it goes off without a hitch and your application is well-geared for submission. To know more about immigration and what to do, head to Law and Visas for advice and assistance.
