The Basics Of Your Immigration Medical Exam

A key part of the process of immigrating into the United States is the successful completion of an immigration medical exam. If you have been advised to complete this exam, you may be wondering what to expect. Here's a look at what you should know as you prepare to complete this exam.

The Purpose Of The Exam

An immigration medical exam is designed to ensure that those permitted to enter the country are free of serious communicable diseases, mental illness, and other medical concerns that could prove problematic. This is a safety step designed to protect the public from dangerous outbreaks and safety threats.

The Process Of The Exam

Your immigration medical exam will be completed in a couple of stages. First, you must schedule your exam with a doctor who is certified with the immigration service. Your first appointment will include a blood test for tuberculosis and, if you are 16 or older, a test for certain sexually-transmitted diseases.

You'll need to bring all of your prior medical records, vaccination history, and any chest x-rays you might have. These will be reviewed while the doctors await your other test results from this appointment.

The second visit, if your tuberculosis test and STD tests are clear, will include a physical and mental health exam. Following that, the doctor will discuss your medical history and any concerns that there may be. You'll have to be up-to-date on your vaccinations as well.

The Results Of The Exam

The exam must be completed within two months prior to submitting your application. You'll need to be sure that your timing is correct so that your results are accepted. The final results of your examinations will be written up and sealed in an envelope.

You cannot open this envelope. You'll have to carry the results, still sealed, to the immigration officer who is reviewing your application. If the envelope is open, the results will not be accepted.

Once the immigration officer reviews your medical exam results, a determination can be made on your case. If you are updated on vaccinations, free of communicable diseases, and don't pose any mental health risk, you should be cleared medically for your application.

Talk with an immigration doctor today for more information about your immigration medical exam and to ensure that you have the information you need for your appointment. The more you understand about the process and requirements, the easier it is to get your exam finished.


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