What Issues Are Considered in an Immigration Medical Examination?

 Posted on March 24, 2023 in Immigration

Medical examinations are an integral part of the immigration process in the United States. They are required for many types of visas or for those who are applying for a Green Card through adjustment of status. It is important for immigrants to understand what is involved in a medical examination and what issues are considered.

The Purpose of an Immigration Medical Exam

The purpose of medical exams conducted during the immigration process is to ensure that applicants are medically fit to enter the United States. The exam includes a complete physical assessment, as well as an evaluation of any communicable diseases and vaccinations that may be required. For people in the United States applying for adjustment of status, an exam must be completed by a doctor who has been designated as a civil surgeon by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For people outside the U.S. who are applying for visas, an exam must be completed by a panel physician appointed by the Department of State. The results of the exam will determine whether or not the applicant is eligible to proceed with their application and gain entry into the U.S.

What Is Involved in an Immigration Medical Exam?

An immigration medical examination consists of a review of a person's medical history and a physical examination. A doctor will review a person's history of hospitalizations, chronic medical conditions, illnesses, disabilities, drug or alcohol use, and mental health issues or behavioral concerns. The physical exam will look at the person's eyes, ears, nose, throat, heart, lungs, lymph nodes, extremities, skin, and other parts of their body. Diagnostic tests, including chest X-rays and tests for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and syphilis, will be performed. The doctor will also report on the person's mental status, including an assessment of behavioral issues, cognitive abilities, and intelligence.

What Factors Are Considered in a Medical Exam?

During an immigration medical examination, many different factors are taken into consideration when assessing an individual’s eligibility for entry into the United States. These factors include but are not limited to one’s age, overall health status, past immunization history, presence of contagious diseases or conditions (including HIV/AIDS), mental health status (including depression and anxiety), current medications being taken (prescription and non-prescription drugs), alcohol consumption habits, and drug use history. An applicant will also need to provide proof that they have received all necessary vaccinations. These may include vaccines for hepatitis A & B, polio, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT), varicella (chickenpox), influenza (flu shot), pneumococcal disease, meningococcal disease, and rotavirus. 

Contact Our DuPage County Immigration Lawyers for Medical Examinations

Immigrants should take time before applying for visas or Green Cards to understand what issues are considered during a medical examination. They should also ensure that they have gathered all necessary documentation related to their medical history and vaccination records. At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we work with immigrants and their family members to address issues during the immigration process. We can help prepare for medical examinations or determine how to respond to any issues that could affect a person's ability to enter or remain in the United States. Contact our Illinois immigration attorneys at 630-932-9100 to set up a free consultation and learn more about how we can help with these issues.

Sources:

https://www.uscis.gov/tools/find-a-civil-surgeon

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-10-prepare-for-the-interview/medical-examination-faqs.html

https://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/civil-surgeons/medical-history-and-physical-exam.html