Some Questions Answered! The Green Card Medical In The United States of America

Immigration to US citizenship could be a back-breaking process for the novice! But in spite of so many hiccups and hurdles the past decades have seen thousands upon thousands of aspirants trying to immigrate to the country. According to some estimates it is expected the population in the USA will reach 400 million by the year 2050 in immigration alone!

SOME FREQUENTLY ANSWERED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE GREEN CARD MEDICAL

Every person who has applied for the Green Card in the United States is required to appear and clear the Immigration Medical Examination.

Here are some questions that are frequently asked:

WHAT EXACTLY IS THE GREEN CARD MEDICAL AND WHY MUST ONE COMPLETE IT?

Generally, all those on the immigration journey – who have filed for both- immigrant and non-immigrant visas, or who are refugees or those who those who seek to apply adjustment of status to that of permanent residence must file a form prescribed by USCIS, which is known as Form I-693, which should be filled up and signed off by a qualified, designated Surgeon.

WHAT DOES THE I-693 FORM ENTAIL?

The specially appointed USCIS Civil Surgeon records all the results of the applicant in Form I-693 and the same is reported to USCIS.

WHAT DOES THE MEDICAL EXAM DETERMINE?

The Green Card or Immigration Medical is a tool to ensure that an applicant is admissible to the country and does not pose any danger to public life or health.

The Immigration Medical generally consists of a routine physical check that includes blood, urine tests and x-rays. Medical records of the past along with the applicant’s current mental state are also examined.

CAN THE APPLICANT GO THROUGH THE EXAM DONE BY HIS OR HER PHYSICIAN?

No, this is not possible. Only medics and surgeons appointed by the Immigration body – USCIS are qualified to conduct the examination inside the country. Panel Doctors conduct the examination outside the country.

HOW DOES THE APPLICANT FIND A USCIS SURGEON IN THE AREA OF CHOICE?

One can visit the USCIS official website, and look up Surgeons. As an alternative some websites offer details of Surgeons along with the pricing. Appointments can be scheduled online – there are helpful resources available such as price comparison, timings and others.

WHO PAYS FOR THE IMMIGRATION MEDICAL?

The cost of the prescribed vaccines to be given are usually included in the cost of the exam, if there are others that need to be given these too are included, over and above these, the Surgeons charge for the cost of the physicals and also for the lab fees.

It is the responsibility of the applicant who is going through the Medical Exam for bearing all costs of the exam. All costs for follow-up and any recurring test or treatment too shall have to be borne by the applicant. Costs are remitted directly to the Surgeon or the relevant health care facility.