Everything You Need to Know About the INS Immigration Physical Health Exam

Whether you're getting ready to move to the US or have just moved here, it's essential to know how the physical exam for immigration works so that everything goes smoothly. It is for your benefit to understand that the immigration physical examination is set up to ensure your safety and the protection of the neighborhood you are moving to.

This article will educate you on everything you need to know about the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS} physical health exam, clearing up the mysteries surrounding this critical step in the immigration process. By the end of this guide, you should feel confident in approaching your immigration physical test. So, let's start on this journey together. 

What Is an Immigration Physical?

An immigration physical exam is a requirement by the USCIS or the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services for candidates before they become green card holders or permanent residents. If you have become a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), you are also called a "green card" holder. 

Your medical test for green card approval will be based on whether you have health issues affecting public health or your ability to support yourself.

Why Is Green Card Medical Needed?

The objective of the medical exam for a green card is to find any health problems that could be dangerous to the public or your health. By providing these exams, immigration officials will try to ensure that people coming into the country are healthy and can positively contribute to the community where they live.

 Having a particular medical condition can also make you "inadmissible." Your health status or medical history can prevent you from receiving a green card. "Medical inadmissibility" is what this condition means.

 Inadmissibility based on medical reasons can occur for several reasons, such as.

1. Potentially Harmful Communicable Diseases

 If you've got a contagious illness that is still up for treatment, like 

• gonorrhea
• syphilis
• leprosy
• tuberculosis 

If USCIS determines that you pose a risk to public health in the United States, they can refuse to issue you a green card until you get treatment or are free from the disease. 

2. Misuse of Drugs or Alcohol

The results of your medical examination can exclude you from receiving a green card if they demonstrate that you have a substance abuse problem. The USCIS could request a drug test or evidence of treatment completion if you have a history of substance abuse. 

3. Harmful Behavior-Related Mental or Physical Diseases

The USCIS can decline to grant you a green card if they determine that you have a mental disorder that makes you dangerous to yourself or others. For instance, drunk driving, which endangers others around the drunk and intoxicated drivers, USCIS classifies it as a mental condition. 

4. Incapacity for Employment 

USCIS can deny a green card if your health prevents you from working and supporting yourself. This also includes deadly diseases. Your likelihood of becoming a government benefit recipient determines this criterion. 

5. Lack of Vaccination Proof

You could be "inadmissible" if you cannot prove you had the necessary immunizations to enter the US. 

What Happens During Immigration Physical?

The immigration doctor will check your health records and conduct any necessary tests for contagious conditions. 

The INS green card examination will include the physical and medical checkups as follows:

1. The medical examination will consist of a review of your 

• medical history
• physical exam 
• chest X-ray
• immigration blood test to check for syphilis

2. While the physical will include the examination of your

• eyes 
• ears 
• nose 
• throat 
• extremities
• heart
• lungs 
• belly
• lymph nodes
• skin

Your doctor will complete Form I-693 after your medical exam and provide you with a sealed envelope with the form inside to send to USCIS. Before they seal the envelope, you should get a copy of the filled-out Form I-693 for your notes. 

How Should You Prepare for Your Immigration Medical Exam?

To submit a medical application for immigration, you must locate doctors with government approval. Some doctors are not allowed to conduct these tests. 

Your choice of physicians and whether or not you must complete the appointment before your scheduled interview will depend on your location. Knowledge of the specific policies and rules of the USCIS office in your area is crucial.

Further, remember these special instructions.

• Schedule your immigration medical exam as soon as possible before you file for status adjustment to ensure the results are still valid when adjudicating the associated benefit application.
• Reply to a Request for Evidence 
• Attend an interview (if applicable) 
• Provide enough time for any laboratory or additional testing the CDC or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requires.

What Happens Following the Immigration Medical Exam?

After your immigration medical exam for your green card, your actions will depend on whether you seek consular processing outside the US or adjustment of status within the US. Ensure you sign forms when your doctor asks; otherwise, USCIS will reject them. 

1. Applying From the U.S.

Your physician will give you a sealed packet containing medical documents and Form I-693. USCIS will reject this envelope if you break the seal. If you schedule your medical exam before or after applying, send the envelope to USCIS or bring it to your green card interview. 

2. Applying From Outside the U.S.

Bring a sealed envelope and x-ray results from your doctor to your green card interview. Your U.S. embassy or consulate can receive your results directly. Medical exam criteria vary by country. 

Book Your INS Immigration Exam With Professionals

If you are getting ready for an INS Immigration Physical Health exam or have questions about the process, check for "immigration doctor near me" or "green card medical clinic." This will point you in the direction of AllMed Medical Center.

Our medical professionals are highly trained and committed to providing the best care for your INS immigration medical exam needs. 

Schedule your appointment immediately by calling 1-833-255-6332 or clicking the link to book an appointment.  We also accept walk-ins. With this link, you can also choose the location of your choosing.