How to Prepare for the Medical Exam Required for U.S. Immigration

A medical examination is a required element of the visa process in order to adjust your status. Its purpose is to determine if you have any health conditions which may need further follow-up. While it is natural to worry about the outcome of the exam, being prepared will go a long way to helping you relax. The following steps will help you understand the process.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will provide you with a list of doctors or clinics they have approved to perform immigration medical exams. Make your appointment as soon as possible so as not to delay the processing of your file.
2. Complete form I-693 Medical Examination of Aliens Seeking Adjustment of Status and bring it with you to your appointment. Some consulates require that passport-style photos be provided at your medical exam. Check to see if your office requires photos as part of your supporting materials.
3. Bring payment as indicated by the doctor's office, clinic or as directed in your instruction packet from the USCIS.
4. You will be required to provide proof of immunizations. If you have any records of immunizations (vaccinations), bring them to your appointment. The doctor will tell you if any more immunizations are needed and where you can get them (usually at your local public health department).
5. The doctor will examine you for certain physical and mental health conditions. You will have to remove your clothes for the medical procedures. If the doctor determines that you need more tests because of a condition found during your medical exam, you may be sent to your own doctor or to the local public health department for tests or treatment.
6. You will be tested for tuberculosis (TB). Applicants two years old or older will be required to have a tuberculin skin test or chest x-ray. The doctor may require an applicant younger than two to have a skin test if the child has a history of contact with a known TB case, or if there is another reason to suspect TB disease.
7. You will have a blood test to determine if you have syphilis (if you are 15 years of age or older) as well as to see if you have the human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) infection.
8. At the completion of your exam, the doctor or clinic will provide you with documentation that you will need to complete your adjustment of status.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind that very few people actually "fail" the exam. Try to relax and understand that this is a necessary step in the immigration process.
• If there are any irregularities regarding your medical exam, remember that the doctor is providing a medical opinion and can only make recommendations. It is the consulate or the USCIS that has the final decision on whether you will get your immigration visa.
• If you have a chronic medical problem which you feel may impact the exam, bring copies of your medical records to show that you are being treated and your condition is controlled.
• Be completely honest during your exam and truthfully answer any questions posed by medical staff. It is not necessary, however, to volunteer more information than is requested of you.
• Consult U.S. Citizenship and and Immigration Services for the most current policies and procedures, follow instructions provided on the forms and consult an immigration attorney if you have any questions.