Tips For Preparing For An Immigration Medical Exam

Getting a medical exam is a part of immigrating to the United States. It's a step the government requires to protect public health. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, all people who are applying to be a lawful permanent resident need to have Form I-693 submitted by a designated civil surgeon. This exam will include both a mental and a physical exam. The doctor may test for a variety of conditions and diseases, and your medical history will be considered. Also, expect a screening for drug and alcohol use. Consider these tips for preparing for the exam.

Acquire Medical Records

Have your immunization and vaccination records sent to the civil surgeon or gather them yourself to bring to the exam. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that some of the vaccines required for immigration include seasonal influenza, mumps, measles, polio, rubella, tetanus and diphtheria, pertussis, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, pneumococcal disease, rotavirus, meningococcal disease, and varicella.

Also gather any previous X-rays and medical records when possible. It's a good idea to have as much information about your medical history and current health as you can get.

Get a Letter from Your Regular Doctor About Current Conditions

If you are currently receiving treatment for any medical conditions, have your primary health care provider write a letter about the treatment plan to the civil surgeon. Bring it with you to your appointment.

Bring the Basics

When you go in for your exam, keep in mind that you will need a government-issued photo ID. That can be a work permit, a travel permit, a driver's license, a passport, or a state ID. If in doubt about whether your ID is okay, contact the civil surgeon's office to confirm. Also, if you have health insurance, bring along your insurance card on the day of the exam.

Prepare to Pay the Fee for the Exam

The fees charged for your immigration medical exam may vary. The U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services doesn't regulate the fees that civil surgeons charge for this service. They do, however, designate a civil surgeon to perform the exam. So, if it's a concern, contact the civil surgeon beforehand. Discuss payment and any other questions you may have. Also inquire about whether they accept your health insurance.

Finally, keep in mind that the doctor isn't an enemy. They are simply there to give a full examination and honestly report their findings. If you are a healthy individual, don't expect to have a problem. If you'd like to know about the health issues that make people inadmissible to the U.S. on public health grounds, see section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

For more information about immigration medical exams, reach out to an industry professional.


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