An immigration health exam is necessary for relocating to the United States and becoming a green card holder, also called a green card medical exam sometimes. The appointment is part of the procedure to ensure public safety and eliminate the grounds for inadmissibility for aspiring immigrants.

Specific diseases of public health importance make an individual unaccepted by the United States. That means it could block the applicant from getting a green card. The exam is the process of removing these grounds of inadmissibility.

The Objective of an Immigration Medical Exam

The medical examination of foreign nationals, medical grounds of inadmissibility, and the vaccinations administered to foreign nationals are invented to preserve the U.S population's health. The immigration medical examination, the vaccination record, and the resulting medical examination report provide the information that (USCIS) uses to decide if a foreign national meets the health-related demands for admissibility.

Any of these four primary medical conditions may make an applicant inadmissible on health-related grounds:

• The communicable disease of public health importance
• An immigrant's failure to show evidence of required vaccinations
• Physical disorder with associated harmful behaviour
• Drug abuse 

This USCIS immigration examination is not a replacement for a complete physical examination, consultation, or diagnosis by your primary healthcare provider. The immigration medical examination is not the final physical examination. It aims to screen for specific medical conditions applicable to U.S. immigration law. The U.S. government doesn't need the doctor to assess you for any health issues except those the U.S. Public Health Service identifies for U.S. immigration.

How To Plan For Your USCIS Medical Exam?

All expected immigrants to the U.S must have a medical exam before their visa interview. This exam aims to screen for specific contagious diseases that could cause a public health hazard. To ensure a successful exam, there are some essential things that you require to do (and not do) in advance.

D.O.'s

• Passport.
• List of vaccinations you have collected.
• List any medications you are taking currently (prescription and over-the-counter).
• Medical records, if available.

Arrive on time for your consultation. If you require to reschedule, please let the office/officer know as soon as possible so they can give your time slot to someone else.

Follow all directives given to you by the civil surgeon during the exam.

Be sincere when answering questions about your medical history and recent health condition. The civil surgeon must report specific contagious diseases to public health authorities and, if possible, may contact household contacts if you have been diagnosed with a contagious disease of public health significance. 

DON'Ts:

• Don't bring any child to your meeting unless they are also applicants for immigration benefits and need a medical exam.              
• Don't bring personal items such as phones or bags into the examination room
• Don't wear jewelry in the examination room. Keep your valuables at home.
• Don't bring food or drinks into the examination room.

Advanced OccMed, an occupational medicine clinic in Asheville, NC, offers USCIS-designated civil surgeon services. We can help you throughout the process of the USCIS medical exam.