Before becoming a green card holder or permanent resident of the United States, one of the things that are a must is getting an immigration medical exam or physical. It’s a critical part of preserving public safety and meeting the health-related standards for the admissibility of a foreign national. A government-authorized doctor is required to complete the exam and it consists of a few different parts. Being prepared and knowing what to expect at the immigration physical can help to make the process a smooth one. What is it that you need to know as an immigrant about an immigration physical?
Immigration Physical Continue During COVID-19 Pandemic
Immigration physicals are a continuing need as more and more visa workers and permanent residents are allowed into the U.S at the end of the COVID pandemic. While the pandemic has thrown many challenges at the immigration process, and in this case, at medical professionals who conduct immigration medical exams, the process is still forging ahead. However, there are some designated physician offices inside the U.S and outside the region that may still be closed or that have limited office hours. It’s best to contact the designated physician’s office accessible to you to verify that they’re open and conducting exams.
What Involved in an Immigration Physical?
Immigration physicals are an overall evaluation of your health and work in the same vein as a primary care appointment. Patients will need to complete various forms and paperwork to get their physicals done. The process involves several steps:
- Completed Paperwork: Before scheduling your appointment, put your paperwork together. On form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, complete the applicant portion(section 1-3) as best as you can. Take with you a government-issued photo identification, like a driver’s license or valid passport, or, if 14 years old or younger, a birth certificate (English translation) or an affidavit. Also take any medical records, including vaccination records to the appointment and relevant documentation of medical history, for example, certificate of adequate treatment for syphilis or tuberculosis, a record of harmful behavior and mental or psychiatric illness, or record of harmful or violent behavior causing injury to people or animal
- Exam Process: The immigration examination is a thorough process that looks at different aspects of your medical history and medical status.
- A review of your medical and vaccination history is conducted
- The physical portion of the exam will typically involve examining your eyes, ears, nose and throat, extremities, heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes, skin, and external genitalia. A chest X-ray and blood test will also be performed.
- A mental examination will also be done
- Missing vaccination that’s required will be given.
Need an immigration physical soon? Don’t be dissuaded by the COVID-19 pandemic and get it done before you run out of time. Visit a nearby urgent care center to get an USCIS-certified immigration physical from an expert provider! Call beforehand to confirm the requirements of your urgent care location.