Why You May Need an Immigration Physical Exam

Do you need an immigration physical exam? This type of physical examination is one that is also called a green card physical examination and is typically performed by a primary care provider. The provider must be approved by the U.S. government, making it necessary for providers who want to perform immigration physical examinations to apply for this type of certification. This exam helps to ensure public safety from a serious disease or illness exposure as well as remove potential inadmissibility claims for the immigrants. Certain diseases could prevent an applicant from being approved for a green card given the impact on public health.

What is the purpose of an immigration medical exam?

The greater well-being and health of the United States public is the purpose behind the immigration medical exams. The health-related standards for admissibility of immigrants are determined by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services, and there are four basic medical conditions that could lead to the inadmissibility of an applicant.

The examination is not a full physical, as it only screens for medical conditions that are relevant to United States immigration law. Applicants outside of the U.S. may be referred to panel physicians for the screening, while those within the U.S. will select a civil surgeon. The physician is only able to evaluate an immigrant for the conditions specified by the U.S. Public Health Service. Any findings during the exam are not required to be diagnosed or treated. The applicant should consult with a primary health care provider for results or findings that are troubling.

To minimize delays with immigration paperwork, there are several options for scheduling the exam. Adjustments of status applicants should complete the exam before beginning the green card application process. Those within the U.S. must use signed exam results provided no sooner than 60 days prior to submitting Form I-485.

How do primary care providers perform immigration physical examinations?

Understanding how a primary care provider performs a physical exam for those who want to immigrate to the U.S. is a great idea. This allows those who are in need of this type of physical examination to understand exactly what to expect. A physical examination will be conducted, as well as an X-ray of the chest and general blood tests. A mental examination will be conducted, which is divided into two different categories: current and past.

Why are immigration physical exams needed?

This type of examination is required in order to become a permanent resident of the United States. Those who make an appointment with a primary care provider for this type of examination will need to undergo a series of procedures and tests in order to ensure that they are healthy, as it is necessary for them to meet the health-related standards in place for admission into the U.S.

What can prevent someone from being admitted?

There are four different types of medical conditions that someone may have that may prevent them from passing a physical examination and thereby becoming a U.S. resident. These medical conditions include having a communicable disease that is considered to be a significant threat to public health, being diagnosed with a physical or mental disorder that may cause them to act in a harmful manner, suffering from some type of drug addiction and the inability to show proof of necessary vaccinations.

How to prepare for an immigration physical examination

When it comes to preparing for this type of examination, it is necessary to bring a list of items to the appointment. This list includes but is not limited to a passport or government-issued identification, a list of medications if applicable, vaccination records, and any documentation of previous mental problems, physical problems and/or drug abuse problems.

Required vaccinations

While there is a long list of vaccinations that are necessary for one to have, this list may be updated from time to time. The list currently requires those who want to become a U.S. resident to have the following vaccinations: mumps, measles, rubella, polio, tetanus, pertussis, influenza type B, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, varicella, rotavirus, pneumonia and meningococcal disease.

Ready to get scheduled for your physical examination?

In need of an immigration physical exam? Our primary care provider is approved and certified, which means you can call us now to schedule your necessary physical examination. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. If you have any questions for us before your appointment, please do not hesitate to call.

Request an appointment here: https://tx-urgentcare.com or call Texas Urgent Care & Imaging Center at (832) 941-1894 for an appointment in our New Caney office.

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