What is an immigration physical?
If you’re immigrating to the United States and want to become a permanent Green Card holder, you’re required to undergo an immigration physical. This type of appointment is a routine part of the immigration process and helps to ensure public safety.
Certain diseases and medical conditions may prevent you from gaining admission to the United States. An immigration physical works to remove these grounds of inadmissibility.
What medical issues could prevent me from gaining residency?
There are four basic medical conditions that USCIS identifies as making an immigrant inadmissible on health-related grounds. These conditions include:
- A communicable disease with public health significance
- Drug abuse or addiction
- A physical or mental disorder associated with harmful behavior
- Failure to show proof of required vaccinations
Prior to scheduling an immigration physical, make sure you have all of your necessary documentation and medical paperwork. Doing so will speed up the process and increase your chances of admission. This includes:
· Immunization records or bloodwork to approve your immunity
· Any prior chest X-rays
· Copy of your medical records
· International identification, including passport, identity card, laissez-passer, or travel document
Without this documentation, your provider cannot complete your immigration physical.
What happens during an immigration physical?
During an immigration physical at Physicians Medical Urgent Care, your doctor conducts a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks you questions about your lifestyle, health, and general well-being. Your doctor also reviews your vaccination records and updates any immunizations required by law.
Your doctor also orders a series of X-rays and a complete blood count (CBC). If you’re pregnant, your doctor might also ask you to contact your embassy or consular office to request a postponement.
What vaccines and boosters do immigrants need?
All immigrants to the United States must undergo testing for several different vaccine-preventable communicable diseases, including:
- Mumps
- Measles
- Rubella
- Polio
- Tetanus
- Diphtheria
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella
- Meningococcal disease
For vaccines that require a series of shots, you only need to receive a single dose in order to qualify for immigration purposes.
What happens after my immigration physical?
Following the completion of your immigration physical, your doctor fills out all of the necessary paperwork required by USCIS. The results of an immigration physical are good for up to one full year.
If it’s time to schedule your immigration physical, make an appointment at Physicians Medical Urgent Care today by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool.
