Everything You Need to Know About an Immigration Physical

An immigration physical is a necessary step in the process if you choose to immigrate to the United States. Also known as a green card medical, immigration physicals ensure public safety removes the grounds for inadmissibility for entering immigrants.

At Physicians Medical Urgent Care, Dr. Ines Munoz De Laborde and Dr. Sveltlana Burkhead can conduct an immigration physical if you are an entering immigrant. You may also receive immunizations at your appointment and ask questions regarding the necessary paperwork you will need. 

Purpose of an Immigration Medical Exam

An immigration medical exam is required when immigrating to the United States because it will either verify or deny the intended immigrant meets the health standards for admission. At the exam, you can expect to provide a medical report, and vaccine record.

What to bring to your exam

There are several items you will need to prepare for your medical exam. A valid passport with required photos, vaccine records, Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (if adjusting status) and a list of medications are required by all doctors to perform the exam. 

You will also be asked to provide a report of the condition and any special education or supervision requirements, a Tuberculosis certificate from your doctor, and a certificate of clearance signed by a doctor or public health official if you have had syphilis. The record will need to indicate you were sufficiently treated. 

If you’ve been hospitalized for mental illness, alcohol abuse, or any other serious condition, you will need to provide hospital records from your stay. This includes any family members with whom you intend to immigrate. Your doctor needs a clear picture of your medical history. 

What vaccines you should expect

A required medical exam also requires an assessment for the following diseases: mumps, measles, rubella, polio, tetanus and diphtheria toxoids, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type B, rotavirus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningococcal disease, varicella, influenza, and pneumococcal pneumonia. This is to ensure public safety measures are in place when immigrating to the United States. If you are not vaccinated against these conditions, you may receive vaccines at your appointment or schedule another time to get up-to-date.

What your physical exam will look like

An immigration physical looks a lot like a regular, yearly physical. You will have an evaluation (skin test/chest x-ray examination) for tuberculosis, and blood test for syphilis. You may be examined for physical and health conditions, depending on your previous medical history. Come prepared to talk through your medical history. 

If you are immigrating with your family, you should be prepared to answer questions regarding your families health. If you require additional vaccines, you may also receive those during your physical. 

Immigrating to the United States is an exciting time for you and your family. To ensure you are healthy and meet all requirements, book online and visit the doctors at Physicians Medical Urgent Care for a quick and convenient appointment before you apply for residency to the United States.

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