When you apply for citizenship in the U.S. or an adjustment of status, part of the application process involves a medical exam that is required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
If you’re applying for citizenship, you may already be familiar with the educational Naturalization Test, which tests applicants on their English-speaking ability, reading, writing and civics knowledge. But another requirement is the successful completion of the USCIS medical exam. This is mandatory for those seeking permanent residence in the U.S., whether as a citizen or green-card holder.
Only authorized doctors can perform this exam, and you may need to bring several materials to the appointment for the exam to proceed.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is the USCIS Medical Exam?
The USCIS medical exam is a comprehensive medical examination that is required for anyone who is applying for U.S. citizenship or a change in status to become a permanent lawful resident of the United States.
The medical examination includes a physical examination and review of your medical history to identify any health concerns or risks of transmittable disease.
What is the purpose of USCIS Medical Exam?
The purpose of the USCIS medical exam is to determine if applicants have any inadmissible health-related conditions.
The USCIS and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that the health-related grounds for inadmissibility include persons who:
- Have a communicable disease of public health significance
- Fail to present documentation of having received vaccination against vaccine-preventable diseases
- Have or have had a physical or mental disorder with associated harmful behavior, or who are a drug abuser or an addict
What does the exam consist of?
In addition to a review of your medical history, the appointment includes:
- A physical examination
- Tuberculosis (TB) Blood test.
- Serologic (blood) test for Syphilis (RPR).
- Urine test for Gonorrhea.
- Required vaccinations that are age dependent . The vaccinations must be up to date and completed for your age group.
What health issues might make an applicant have to go through further testing and treatment ?
The CDC lists the following communicable diseases and categories that can cause an applicant to fail the test:
- Tuberculosis
- Syphilis
- Gonorrhea
- Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy)
- Quarantinable diseases designated by any Presidential Executive Order, which currently include: cholera, diphtheria, plague, smallpox, yellow fever, viral hemorrhagic fevers and severe acute respiratory syndromes
Where can you get the exam?
USCIS medical exams can only be performed by a civil surgeon who has been authorized by the USCIS.
Dr. Sherif Hassan is certified by the Department of Immigration and Naturalization as a Civil Surgeon. He specializes in medical examinations for persons applying for US Citizenship or change of status. USCIS medical exams can be performed at Maryland Urgent Care & Primary Care in Lanham, MD.
What do you need to bring?
Be sure to confirm with your physician which materials to bring. Items that may be required include:
- Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record)
- Government-issued photo identification
- Immunization records
- Medical records and information
Why Choose Maryland Primary Care for your USCIS exam?
At Maryland Primary Care, we guarantee expedited and accurate completion of your USCIS medical exam application with no delays.
We have multilingual staff who will aid you with completion of your application, providing you with a complete and accurate examination as required by law and at an affordable price.
At Maryland Primary Care in Lanham, MD, we provide a wide range of care to assist patients with every need, including both primary care and urgent care services. In addition, we offer onsite pharmacist counseling to give patients personalized guidance for their medications.
Book an appointment with us
Maryland Primary Care offers the best of both worlds in providing primary care to you and your family, encompassing both internal medicine and family medicine. Call 301-277-3555 to make an appointment today.
How does substance abuse affect the immigration medical exam?
Substance abuse can have an impact on the immigration medical exam. If an applicant is actively using or has a history of drug abuse, there may be concerns raised during the exam. This is because individuals who are actively using illegal substances or have a history of substance abuse may be deemed objectionable.
However, if an applicant’s drug abuse or addiction is in remission, they may have the opportunity to reapply for an immigration benefit. In order to be considered in remission, the applicant will need to undergo a new assessment by a civil surgeon. This assessment will evaluate whether the drug abuse or addiction is no longer active and under control. If it is determined that the substance abuse or addiction is indeed in remission, then the applicant can become eligible to reapply for the immigration benefit.
In summary, substance abuse can raise concerns during the immigration medical exam. However, if an applicant’s drug abuse or addiction is deemed to be in remission, it may be possible for them to reapply for an immigration benefit after undergoing a new assessment.
How can individuals get in touch with your Clinic for more information?
To get in touch with our Clinic and obtain more information, you can contact us directly at our onsite care facility in MD. We have a team of professionals ready to assist you and your family with the best medical care possible. Please feel free to provide us with your name, email address, phone number, and a brief message regarding your subject of interest. Once we receive your message, we will promptly respond to provide you with the information you need.
What are Class B medical conditions and how do they impact eligibility for a visa or Green Card?
Class B medical conditions are severe or permanent diseases or disabilities that are assessed during the immigration medical exam. While having a Class B condition does not automatically make an applicant inadmissible, these conditions can have a significant impact on their ability to care for themselves, attend school, or work. They may also require extensive future medical treatment or institutionalization.
One way in which Class B conditions can affect eligibility for a visa or Green Card is through the concept of being a “public charge.” Being considered a public charge means that an individual may not be financially self-sufficient and may rely on government assistance. When evaluating an applicant’s eligibility, immigration authorities take into account the potential burden that an individual’s medical condition may place on public resources.
Therefore, individuals with Class B conditions may need to provide additional documentation or evidence of their ability to support themselves financially during the immigration process. This is done to address concerns related to the public charge ground of inadmissibility. By demonstrating that they are capable of supporting themselves, applicants with Class B conditions can mitigate any potential concerns about their reliance on public resources and improve their chances of obtaining a visa or Green Card.
What should applicants be aware of regarding the scope of the immigration medical exam?
Can the immigration medical exam replace comprehensive healthcare from a regular medical professional?
No, the immigration medical exam serves a specific purpose and should not be mistaken as a substitute for comprehensive healthcare from a regular medical professional.
Is the physician required to diagnose or treat any other health issues identified during the examination?
No, the physician is not required to diagnose or treat any other health issues that might be identified during the examination.
What are the obligations of the panel physician during the medical examination?
The panel physician is obligated to assess the requirements specified by the U.S. Public Health Service for immigration purposes.
What is the purpose of the medical examination conducted for U.S. immigration purposes?
The purpose of the medical examination is to screen for specific medical conditions relevant to U.S. immigration law.
What is considered dangerous behavior in regards to mental health conditions?
What are the factors that must be present for an applicant to be considered inadmissible based on dangerous behavior?
The factors that must be present for an applicant to be considered inadmissible based on dangerous behavior are a physical or mental disorder and engaging in harmful behavior. Both elements must be satisfied for an applicant to be deemed inadmissible on this ground.
Is having a physical or psychological condition alone enough to be considered inadmissible?
No, having a physical or psychological condition alone is not enough to be considered inadmissible. An applicant is only considered inadmissible based on dangerous behavior if they have both a physical or mental disorder and engage in harmful behavior.
Is destructive behavior alone a sufficient ground for inadmissibility?
No, destructive behavior alone is not considered a sufficient ground for inadmissibility. For an applicant to be considered inadmissible based on dangerous behavior, they must have both a physical or mental disorder and engage in harmful behavior.
What are the criteria for an applicant to be deemed inadmissible based on dangerous behavior?
To be deemed inadmissible based on dangerous behavior, an applicant must have both a physical or mental disorder and engage in harmful behavior. Both elements must be present for inadmissibility on this ground.
What actions or behaviors are considered dangerous in relation to mental health conditions?
Dangerous behaviors in relation to mental health conditions refer to actions that may have threatened or posed a risk to the safety, welfare, or property of the applicant or others.
What tips are provided for preparing for the US immigration medical exams?
Excerpt_Theirs offers guidance on preparing for the US immigration medical exams by recommending the following steps:
1. Collate various documents such as copies of previous X-rays, health insurance documents, and medical records related to tuberculosis (TB), Syphilis, Hansen’s Disease (leprosy), and gonorrhea disease and treatment.
2. Obtain an authorized letter from your doctor detailing your specific treatment plan for any of the aforementioned health concerns.
3. Gather all vaccination records that you have in your possession and ensure to bring them to your appointment.
How is the psychological evaluation conducted during the medical exam?
During the psychological evaluation conducted as part of the medical exam, various aspects of the applicant’s mental health are assessed. This evaluation includes an examination of intelligence, thoughts, judgment, mood, and behavior. The goal is to determine the applicant’s overall mental health status and identify any current or past mental disorders that could impact their admissibility. Specifically, individuals with current mental disorders that involve harmful behavior are typically considered inadmissible. However, applicants with current or previous mental disorders that included harmful behavior may still be deemed admissible if their condition is deemed to be under control and there is a low likelihood of the harmful behavior reoccurring.
What are some of the medical conditions that may make an applicant inadmissible for US immigration?
The CDC lists the following communicable diseases and categories that can cause an applicant to fail the test: Tuberculosis, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy), Quarantinable diseases designated by any Presidential Executive Order, which currently include: cholera, diphtheria, plague, smallpox, yellow fever, viral hemorrhagic fevers, and severe acute respiratory syndromes. Additionally, other factors that may lead to inadmissibility for US immigration include a history of untreated Hansen’s Disease, tuberculosis, syphilis, or gonorrhea, failure to provide proper vaccination documentation, presence of physical or mental disorders with harmful behavior or likelihood of recurrence, illegal substance abuse or addiction, and current alcohol abuse with a record of harmful behavior like DUI.
What kind of questions will the designated civil surgeon ask during the exam?
During the USCIS medical exam, the designated civil surgeon will ask you about your medical history, any previous illnesses or conditions you may have had, and if you have received all the required vaccinations for your age group. The civil surgeon will also inquire about any current health issues or symptoms you may be experiencing, as well as any potential risk factors for communicable diseases. Additionally, the civil surgeon,
What information is needed to be provided during the clinical record part of the medical exam?
During the clinical record part of the medical exam, it is essential to provide a detailed account of your medical history. This includes undergoing a physical examination, a tuberculosis (TB) blood test, a serologic (blood) test for Syphilis (RPR), a urine test for Gonorrhea, and ensuring that all required vaccinations are up to date based on your age group. It is crucial to disclose any past hospital admissions for significant ailments, history of being in a mental institution for severe mental conditions, and any instances of serious illness. The doctor will also inquire about medications used for chronic illnesses. Failure to provide accurate and complete information in these categories may result in being considered medically disqualified. It is important to be forthcoming and transparent during this part of the medical exam to ensure an accurate evaluation of your health status.
