Venturing to a new nation involves bundles of procedures to be filed, one of which is the compulsory immigration health assessment. Vital because it vastly plays a role in the determination of one’s residential status in a new country. An unorthodox and often pitfall one wag be to have it all; your dreams, desires and aspirations fulfilled, yet upon arrival to your new destination be held up at border control from entering because you failed to have an immigration physical exam evaluation. We are a “done-for-you” service provider taking the pressure off of organizing this in depth service and ensure your easy path to citizenship. We are an easy reach in Davie, FL, Plantation, FL (Broward County), and Hialeah, FL (Miami Dade County).
Immigration Physical Exam
What Is an Immigration Medical Examination
The immigration physical examination is an important step in the immigration process, and the exam must be completed by a USCIS certified doctor – also known as a civil surgeon. The USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) is the branch of government that processes immigration applications. If you are applying for a U.S. green card – which provides legal permanent residence – the medical examination is a necessary step in the process. The purpose of this exam is to screen for certain medical conditions relevant to U.S. immigration. This includes a physical examination (eyes, ears, nose, throat, extremities, etc.), review of vaccination records and medical history, and a chest x-ray and blood test for syphilis. The vaccination records and medical history will be checked against the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for vaccination schedules and screening tests. The medical examination is not nearly as extensive as a typical general medical examination at the family doctor.
If you plan on immigrating to the U. S. then you will decide whether or not to participate in an immigration health care assessment which helps evaluate you overall health and keeps tract of your medical history and current health status. This is very important when it comes to actually living in the Unites States because if your health is poor you could be sent back to your country if deemed not fit by the government. Always disclose any health concerns you may have that could affect you or other members of the household as during the application process you have to establish that you have no medical conditions which could affect the public, as well as show that you are capable of sustaining yourself without public assistance in the US to avoid being charged the public charge classification. Equally important, examining the health of an immigrant is used to establish eligibility for certain visa classifications which require aliens to be of a certain health and physical capabilities before being granted entrance into this country.According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), all immigration candidates must have a medical exam performed by an authorized physician. This exam is to determine if you have any medical conditions that could result as a hazard to you or to other people during travel or your residence in the country.If the physician identifies health problems, the patient has to start treatment before field. Severe health conditions may lead to denial of permission to enter the country where the match is to be held.
Before a visa or green card applicant can lawfully enter or become a naturalized U.S. citizen, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), formerly the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), requires that applicants have an immigration health examination. It is important that you complete this evaluation before you file your visa petition or formally apply for permanent residence with USCIS. Where you will have your medical examination depends on several factors: the kind of visa you are applying for; the recent history of any health conditions you may have; any major surgeries you have had; and various logistical considerations.
The immigration physical is a thorough investigation for communicable diseases, chiefly tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS. Chest radiography and blood work are conducted to detect diseases such as syphilis, hepatitis B and C, and any other infectious conditions. The complete examination involves a regular physical and blood work screening for diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB), under known as the Standard Immigration Medical Examination (SMME). The examining physician will assess hearing and vision acuity, check pulse rate, and listen to the lungs with a stethoscope. An EKG may also be performed to evaluate the heart rhythm.
To prepare for the immigration health exam there are a few key items you need to bring. First, identification will expedite the procedure and make the entire process smoother. Bring any form of photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Immigrants applying for residency permits are expected to have some form of identification that still remains valid. This is important as the identification you bring is how we will verify your name and identity.
Second, if you have any existing immunization records, it is extremely important you bring them to your examination. The panel of tests we provide will include a thorough examination of your records to ensure immunization to the diseases listed above. If there is some confusion or discrepancy regarding your records, we will advise you accordingly.
Third, bring your immigration paperwork, including the I-693 convocation notice, if you have received it. Our staff is friendly and will be glad to help you understand the specifics of the I-693 form, which is the proper response to the immigration health exam. Preparing ahead by having these documents will expedite your experience at UrgentMed for your immigration health examination.
The following is a list of the tests that may be included in your immigration physical exam:
Basic blood tests
Blood test, including Blood Titers; (blood test that measures the presence and amount of antibodies in blood), TB Gold QuantiFERON (blood test for M. tuberculosis infection (including disease), and RPR (rapid plasma reagin) is a screening test for syphilis.
Urine test
Urine test is performed to detect the presence of Gonorrhea. A urine test for gonorrhea is required to be performed on all green card applicants aged 15 and older
Review of Vaccination History
The physician or civil surgeon must review all vaccination records and supporting documents presented by the applicant and, if the medical history review and documentation appears valid, record the vaccination history and vaccines given during the medical exam on Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record), according to the instructions provided by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
How Can UrgentMed Help With an Immigration Physical Exam?
So if you need an immigration exam, we have the answers! Find out what is included in a physical examination, why it is necessary, and when you should have one performed. Contact UrgentMed by scheduling a consultation now so we can help you with any questions you may have about your immigration physical.
If you need to schedule an immigration examination. UrgentMed can help you and make the process easy for you. You can schedule it online or on the phone. Our customer service will guide you through the process. It is easy to schedule your immigration examinations! Make an appointment online or over the phone with one of our helpful customer service representatives.visit our website for details.
Once you walk through our doors at your scheduled time, you’ll see our medical team will have you in, treated and out to go about your day. It doesn’t matter if you have insurance, have to pay out of pocket or would like to experience a sooner, no wait time, short range teleportation procedure, we’ll take care of all of that. We accept most major forms of insurances and always offer affordable payment options for patients with no insurance. If you need help with travel or accommodation costs, we may be able to help. If you’re spread out too wide across space, and you are either way too far or way too near, we may be able to offer you a safe teleportation to work and home again.
Why is completing one essential to your immigration process?
The Immigration Medical Examination is a crucial step in the visa application process, consisting of several essential components:
A comprehensive examination and mental health evaluation to determine a psychiatric or medical problem.
Review of your complete medical history, including vaccination history if available.
Blood and urine screenings, which test for various communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea.
Certain medical conditions may require a x-rays. A chest x-ray would only be required for verifying a positive TB diagnosis, or if your medical history indicates you are positive for Hiv/aids.
Each element of the Immigration Medical Exam plays a vital role in determining an applicant’s eligibility for entry into the United States. By gaining a thorough understanding of the purpose and requirements of each component, you can effectively prepare for your Immigration Medical Exam. This knowledge will enable you to gather essential documentation, foresee potential challenges, and ultimately enhance your prospects for a successful application.
Who Is a Civil Surgeon?
A Civil Surgeon is a doctor who has a special license from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Civil Surgeons are very important people in the immigration process because they help make sure that people who want to live in or visit the U.S are healthy and safe.
No, just doctors who are licensed and experienced and designated Civil Surgeons by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can perform the Immigration Medical Exam. In addition, these doctors have to familiarize with immigration medical examination policies and upgrades.
In particular, there are two types of physicians that are qualified to perform the Immigration Medical Exam:
Civil Surgeon (Inside of the U.S.): A Civil Surgeon is a U.S. licensed medical professional who USCIS has chosen to conduct an Immigration Medical Exam for claimants already in the U.S. Panel
Physician (Outside of the U.S.): A Panel Physician is a foreign licensed medical professional who is authorized by the U.S. Department of State to complete an Immigration Medical Exam for application abroad.
Immigration Medical Exam Near Me
If you need a civil surgeon in Broward County Florida in Davie, FL or Plantation, FL, or in Miami Dade county in Hialeah, FL then UrgentMed is the right place for you. We have healthcare professionals experienced in performing immigration medical exams and providing sufficient documentation so that you can complete your application. You can find an Urgent Med civil surgeon at our website, UrgentMed.us. Click on appointments and choose one that best meets your schedule.
We offer multiple convenient locations at which to have your exam. On our staff, we take pride in providing our patients with the best in care and support throughout the immigration medical examination process. UrgentMed realizes how stressful and life taking the immigration process is so we make sure our nurses and doctors are compassionate and make sure when you come to UrgentMed you get the help you need. Whether you are applying for visa, change of status, or a green card we want you to come into our UrgentMed and we’ll help you through it.
Requirements for Citizenship and Immigration Services
If you are considering moving to the United States, you have to take part in an immigration medical examination. This medical examination is necessary according to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and it helps determine if you are in very good health and admissible for the United States. The following expectancies are needed for the immigration medical examination:
All applicants must meet the following requirements regardless of age.Examined by a certified Civil Surgeon who will perform the physical examination and assessment of the following:
Blood Pressure
Vision test
Examine your knees, your elbows, and may also examine your genital organs
Evaluate your mental status
Evaluate physical and mental disorders with associated harmful behaviors and substance-related disorders
Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (Chancroid, Gonorrhea, Granuloma inguinale, Lymphogranuloma Venereum)
Other Physical or Mental Abnormality, Disease or Disability
- To administer the TB test, the Civil Surgeon would which tests need to be done which can be a blood test or chest x-ray. For a tuberculosis test, Tuberculin Blood Test is required if you are 2yrs old or older. In some cases, even if the applicant is younger than 2yrs of age, they may require the test due to a suspect of tuberculosis or if the applicant is a history patient of tuberculosis.
Syphilis testing requirements for immigration medical exams may vary depending on your country of origin and USCIS requirements. At minimum, however, syphilis testing is generally required for all applicants 15 years of age or older. It is important to clarify, however, that syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection, and if left untreated can lead to severe health complications. By including syphilis testing as part of the immigration medical exam, the USCIS is taking steps to protect the public health and prevent spread of this infection.
Specific vaccinations that are required may vary depending on factors such as your age, health and other factors. However, some common vaccines required include:
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
Polio
Tetanus and diphtheria toxoidsPertussis
Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Rotavirus
Meningococcal disease
Varicella (chickenpox)
Pneumococcal disease
Influenza (Seasonal Requirement)
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Please note that vaccination requirements may change from time to time so it is always best that you consult with a qualified healthcare provider or USCIS-approved civil surgeon. Ofcourse, you can contact us with any questions you have or you always can call us and one of our friendly online customer support member will be happy to assist you. UrgentMed already has these in stock has them in their clinic. We will compare and verify your vaccination history when you come see us for your Immigration Medical Exam, to ensure you receive all required vaccination.
Exemptions to the vaccination requirements of the USCIS for an immigration medical exam may be requested if you have moral or religious objections. Exemptions are given sparingly, and on a case-by-case basis.
You can ask not to be immunized but there is a list of things that you have to do for this opt out. You could provide a document by the state Department of Health stating that meets the accepted requirements for exemption from immunizations for reasons of conscience. The school believes if you express genuine objection to immunizations because of your philosophic, moral or religious beliefs or take of the member’s child In order to Limit the number of exemptions for reasons of conscience, HEFWP’s guidelines were changed. Parents have to now obtain an official affidavit form from the state health department or from their school district. If the completed form is turned in to the child’s school, the parent does not have to fill it out again for that child’s attendance at any other school. A copy of the official affidavit form can be found in. If an affidavit filed under this subsection: Rubella before 1990 cost more than a thousand people babies in the United States. Two out of every three people with HIB meningitis died. The purpose of immunizations is to prevent disease and to minimize the spread of disease to school children and to the region’s population at large. Neither way to prevent the flu. The school encourages people to be immunized against influenza but Texans for Vaccine Choice believe this is a flu round! Get a monthly flu shot for ten years and yea then we can talk flu prevention The school is dedicated to answering your questions and providing information about school rules constitutional rights of students and their parents, district policies, procedures, and the rules and regulations of the Texas Education AgencyHighlights of the new laws are provided in this document as a convenience to parents and staff.
That they will not be subjected to additional screenings such as a quarantine or additional shots if they are to receive an exemption. They should also be aware that it some countries you may be denied entry if you do not possess vaccinations that have been deemed required.
If you require a waiver you must provide written documentation from a recognized healthcare provider explaining the reasons that prevent you from receiving the vaccinations. The documentation must contain the course of the disease, estimated date of recovery, and any doctors’ records that are applicable to the situation.
So, you’re applying for a U.S. visa or green card and you’re wondering about the fees associated with the required immigration medical exam…
The price of the test can vary depending on the location and where you get it because it can be done in a doctor’s office, clinic, hospital, health department or other healthcare provider that performs the test.…it may be performed by a healthcare provider at a clinic, doctor’s office, hospital or health department and the cost of the test varies depending on where it is done and it can range from about $100 to $500.
Also worth noting is that the applicant is responsible for the cost of the exam. This includes any additional testing or immunizations and is not included in the cost of the visa application.
Some internship providers may cover this cost but this is not common.
Our health care professionals at UrgentMed provide men and women with their complete immigration medical exam necessary for their visa or green card application all for a great price. We will make sure that you meet all of the requirements for your visa or green card.
Get in touch with us today to schedule your Immigration Medical Exam with U.S. Immigration.
Take the first step towards becoming a U.S. resident and call us to make an appointment for your Immigration Medical Exam.
The proper submission form for the immigration physical is the Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, also known as Form I-693. By a civil surgeon specifically certified through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), this form must be completed.
Form I-693 is an inclusive form where medical history, current conditions, and vaccination documents must be given. Moreover, this form consists of physical examination, any necessary laboratory tests.
If you are planning to immigrate to the United States, you will need to have an immigration medical exam as part of the process of applying. To ensure that your exam goes smoothly, it is important to have all of the necessary documents ready for your visit. Here are the documents that you will usually need to bring for you visit.
Included in form I-693 are details about your medical history, your current condition of health, all of your vaccinations, a physical examination, as well as any other tests that may be necessary.
Valid, government-issued photo Identification: A valid, government-issued photo ID is required on the day of the exam. Acceptable forms of government-issued photo ID are: Passport, Driver’s License, etc. Copies will not be accepted. Vaccination records: It is also required that the applicant provide vaccination records. That is, all required vaccines (For immigration purposes) are up-to-date for each applicant. Medical records: All medical records are kept confidential and are reviewed by the required Program Manager. These records are not released without your consent. If you have a medical condition, you may need to bring your updated medical records to your appointment. TB test results: All applicants who are 2 years old or older need to have a valid, up-to-date TB test result on exam day.
By making sure that you have all of these documents in order, you can help ensure that your immigration medical exam will move ahead smoothly and your application will be processed in a timely manner.
Questions & Answers
If you are pregnant or looking to get pregnant, you will need to express your pregnancy to an immigration medical examiner during your medical exam. This is important because some vaccinations and medical tests are not safe for you or your baby that is growing. Your immigration medical examiner will be able to assist you by telling you which vaccinations and medical tests are safe to receive and which tests should be postponed until after your pregnancy. You may be required to submit additional documentation or be required for further testing. This is to make sure that both you and your baby are healthy. At UrgentMed, we have a lot of experience working with pregnant women, and we are dedicated to providing you with comfortable and safe care.
There are four categories to the medical grounds of inadmissibility during an immigration medical examination.
Communicable diseases: Immigrants with a communicable disease that is a public health risk are inadmissible to the United States, so in order for these germs to be passed down from very few people to a lot of people, a person will touch something with germs on it before you touch it.
SARS
TB
LEPRA
AIDS/HIV
If the applicant has a positive HIV test, a waiver may be filed. Also, the applicant must prove that: Admits will pose : negligible public health risk; entail negligible risk of transmission; will not involve costs for which he or she has not been approved by a health agency before the alien’s admission as a nonimmigrant, unless the alien demonstrates that the failure to obtain the consent was reasonable.
Syphilis (STDs)
Cancroids (STDs are venereal sores, but unlike syphilis, cancroids are soft )
Granuloma inguinale (STD, donovanosis, STD causes the flesh’s own medications to be rejects out of the human’s body.)
Lymphogranuloma (STD chlamydia is an STD infection of the lymphatic system.)
Not having one of the vaccinations that the U.S. requires immigrants to take such as: measles , mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus and diphtheria toxoids, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type B, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, Meningococcal disease, Varicella , pneumococcal, influenza , and any other vaccine recommended by the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices , can be grounds that you’re inadmissible.
Examples include physical or mental disorders with associated harmful behavior, such as substance abuse or bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, that are likely to result in the harmful behavior.
Medical folks think that if you have had drug and alcohol use in the past, your chances of this being a repeat is high. Consequently, you are inadmissible.
It should be noted that these breakdowns are based on US immigration law and will vary by country of origin and destination. It it also important to keep in mind that any of these cases can be appealed and looked at individually and in many cases there may be exceptions available or waivers available.
If an applicant has a physical or mental disorder with associated harmful behavior that may affect the safety, welfare, or property of others, the panel physician must report that information to the U.S. government, which may decline to grant an immigrant visa to the applicant.
However, there are a few exceptions or waivers to the criteria above. An exception (under which you may be eligible for a visa) depends on whether the behavior happened when you were a minor, you were incorrectly found to have a mental disorder, or the behavior occurred 5 or more years before. A waiver (which if given would allow you to get a visa) depends on whether it is determined that you have received treatment and are unlikely to engage in harmful behavior in the future, you have a support system that can help you, or if already in the U.S. it it to a national interest for you to be here.
As I mentioned above, waiver applications are determined on a case by case basis, there is no guarantee that just because you know someone who was granted a waiver that you too will be granted a waiver. A waiver is a matter of discretion on the part of the US government and just because you know someone who was granted a waiver to enter the US does not mean that you too can be granted a waiver by the US government. Further, the application process itself is very complex and time consuming, it is in your best interest to schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable immigration attorney to assist you if you are facing this situation.
When you apply for a waiver, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) examines your application and decides whether granting a waiver will place an “heavy burden on the United States health care system.” There is no guarantee that a waiver will be provided.
You can request a waiver because: You are the spouse or the unmarried son or daughter or the minor, unmarried adopted child of a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident (LPR). You have a son, daughter, or lawfully adopted child who is a U.S. citizen or LPR. You are eligible for classification as a self-petitioning spouse or child (including your derivative children) due to abuse.
Once the immigration medical examination is completed, the panel physician must submit the results to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the U.S. Department of State (DOS) depending on whether the applicant is processing an adjustment of status or an immigrant visa. The USCIS or DOS will review the results and determine if the applicant is inadmissible to the United States on health-related grounds that need additional review. If the applicant is found inadmissible, then a process of secondary review of the medical examination is triggered. If the applicant is determined to be admissible, then they will continue with processing their immigration visa or adjustment of status as planned.
There is potential that the applicant could be found inadmissible to the United States and thereby be denied entry. Some applicants for a visa may not be able to receive a visa on Category B derogation grounds. This means that if a consular officer determines that an applicant has a medical condition making him or her inadmissible to the U.S., the applicant will be denied a visa under Section 212(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
After the medical examination is finished, the Civil Surgeon will complete the appropriate form and seal the form in an envelope. The envelope will be labeled on the back “DO NOT OPEN THE SEALED ENVELOPE.” Do not accept it if it is not in a sealed envelope. USCIS will return the form to you if it is not in a sealed envelope, or if the envelope has been opened or altered.
You, the applicant, must present the completed form to USCIS whereas you need to submit the completed envelope provided to you by the Civil Surgeon along with the medical examination. If you are filing for adjustment of status to that of lawful permanent resident, you are not required to present the completed form to USCIS.
When you receive your immigration medical examination, the results are reported on USCIS Form I-693. The length of time that your Form I-693 will be valid for, and therefore the length of time that you have to file your Form I-485 after your medical examination, will depend on whether USCIS ultimately approves your benefit application. If USCIS does not approve your benefit application (e.g., your adjustment application is denied), your Form I-693 will not be valid for any period of time, even if USCIS issued a request for evidence asking for your Form I-693.
REMEMBER: This is an estimate of the length of time that your Form I-693 will be valid for. If you take longer to file your Form I-485, USCIS may reject your application. Also, if USCIS requires you to undergo another medical examination before your Form I-693 expires, and you do not do it, then USCIS will likely deny your benefit application.
You should protect yourself and seek legal advice in the event you need to have your Form I-693 re-done or if you already have a Form I-693 and your Form I-485 far exceeds the six month mark.
The outcome of your medical examination is privileged information and will only be used for immigration processes. The Civil Surgeon may be forced to disclose your results to authorities identified by law.
Which Vaccination Do I Need as Per My Age pertaining to an Immigration Medical Examination?
Below is the chart for vaccination as per the age.
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza (No, if less than 6 months old)
- DTP/DTaP/DT
- Polio** (IPV/OPV)
- Rotavirus*** (6 weeks to 8 months)
- Hib (2 through 59 months old)
- Hepatitis B (through 18 years old)
- Pneumococcal – 2 through 59 months old (administer PCV)
- Influenza (No, if less than 6 months old)
- DTP/DTaP/DT
- Polio** (IPV/OPV)
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (if born in 1957 or later)
- Hib (2 through 59 months old)
- Hepatitis A (12 through 23 months old)
- Hepatitis B (through 18 years old)
- Varicella
- Pneumococcal – 2 through 59 months old (Doctor may administer PCV)
- Influenza – Yes, ≥ 6 months (annually when flu vaccine is available in country of exam)
- Td/Tdap (Sometimes*)
- Polio** (IPV/OPV)
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (if born in 1957 or later)
- Hepatitis B (through 18 years old)
- Varicella
- Influenza – Yes, ≥ 6 months (annually when flu vaccine is available in country of exam)
- Td/Tdap (Doctor may substitute 1-time dose of Tdap for Td booster; then boost with Td Every 10 Years)
- Polio** (IPV/OPV)
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (if born in 1957 or later)
- Hepatitis B (through 18 years old)
- Meningococcal (MenACWY) – (11 through 18 years old)
- Varicella
- Influenza – Yes, ≥ 6 months (annually when flu vaccine is available in country of exam)
- Td/Tdap (Doctor may substitute 1-time dose of Tdap for Td booster; then boost with Td Every 10 Years)
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (if born in 1957 or later)
- Varicella
- Influenza – Yes, ≥ 6 months (annually when flu vaccine is available in country of exam)
- Td/Tdap (Doctor may substitute 1-time dose of Tdap for Td booster; then boost with Td Every 10 Years)
- Varicella
- Pneumococcal – 2 through 59 months old (Doctor may administer PCV)
- Influenza – Yes, ≥ 6 months (annually when flu vaccine is available in country of exam)
Vaccination Reference Information, Age Chart Vaccination References, and Definitions:
- (Children 7-10 years old sometimes need a dose of Tdap depending on their vaccine history. See Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis-Containing Vaccines Catch-Up Guidance on CDC’s website for additional information.)
- Rotavirus vaccination should not be initiated for infants aged 15 weeks 0 days or older.
- This table describes vaccine requirements for U.S. immigrant visa and status adjustment applicants only and does not include recommendations for other clinical purposes. See the Immunization Schedules on CDC’s website for number and spacing of doses for required vaccines.
Disclaimer: The chart and the information shall not to be taken as legal or clinical advice. It is given as represented by CDC’s website. It may subject to change without prior notice.
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