For many individuals seeking permanent residency or certain types of visas in the United States, an immigration physical is mandatory. This medical examination ensures that applicants meet the health requirements set by U.S. immigration authorities. Understanding what to expect during the exam can help ease anxiety and ensure you’re fully prepared. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the entire immigration physical process, from scheduling your appointment to receiving your results, and explain how AFC Urgent Care Haverhill, Beverly, North Andover, Swampscott, and Methuen can help make the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 1: Scheduling Your Immigration Physical
- The first step is scheduling your immigration physical with a designated civil surgeon. Not all healthcare providers are authorized to perform immigration physicals, so it’s essential to choose a provider certified by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Where to Schedule:
- At AFC Urgent Care Haverhill, Beverly, North Andover, Swampscott, and Methuen, we have civil surgeons on staff who are authorized to perform immigration physicals.
- What to Bring to Your Appointment: When you schedule your immigration physical, be sure to bring the following documents to your appointment:
- Government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or driver’s license)
- Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (you can download this from the USCIS website)
- Immunization records (if available)
- Any medical history or records of previous illnesses or surgeries
Step 2: The Medical Examination
- During the immigration physical, the designated civil surgeon will perform a thorough medical examination to assess your overall health. The exam typically includes the following components:
- Physical Examination:
- What to Expect: The civil surgeon will conduct a standard physical exam, which may consist of checking your heart, lungs, eyes, ears, nose, throat, and skin. They will also evaluate your overall physical health, looking for any signs of illness or disease that could affect your admission to the U.S.
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test:
- Why It’s Required: A TB test is mandatory for all immigration physicals. The civil surgeon will administer a skin test (the Mantoux tuberculin skin test) or a blood test (interferon-gamma release assay, or IGRA) to check for TB infection.
- Follow-Up: If the TB test results are positive, further testing, such as a chest X-ray, will be required to determine if the infection is active.
- Vaccination Review:
- Why It’s Required: U.S. immigration law requires certain vaccinations to ensure public health safety. The civil surgeon will review your vaccination records during the exam to ensure you’re up-to-date on all the necessary vaccines.
- Vaccines May Include: MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), hepatitis A and B, influenza, and others as determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- What If You’re Missing Vaccines?: If you’re missing any required vaccinations, the civil surgeon can administer them during your visit to AFC Urgent Care Haverhill, Beverly, North Andover, Swampscott, and Methuen.
- Blood and Urine Tests:
- Why They’re Required: Blood and urine tests are conducted to screen for infectious diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhea. These tests are a standard part of the immigration physical and are required for individuals ages 15 and older.
- Mental Health Evaluation:
- What to Expect: The civil surgeon will also conduct a brief mental health evaluation to ensure there are no mental health conditions that could pose a public health risk. This evaluation may include questions about your mental health history, any substance abuse issues, and overall psychological well-being.
- Physical Examination:
Step 3: Completing the I-693 Form
After the medical examination is complete, the civil surgeon will fill out and sign Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination, and Vaccination Record. This form is required as part of your immigration application and must be submitted to USCIS in a sealed envelope.
- Important Note: Do not open the sealed envelope! The form must remain sealed when submitted to USCIS, or it could be rejected.
- Where to Submit: You’ll submit the sealed Form I-693 and your immigration application to USCIS. Please keep a copy of the form for your records, as it contains essential information about your medical history.
Step 4: Follow-Up (If Necessary)
In some cases, follow-up appointments may be required, particularly if additional vaccinations or tests are needed. For example, if your TB test comes back positive, you may need to return for further testing or treatment before your Form I-693 can be completed. At AFC Urgent Care Haverhill, Beverly, North Andover, Swampscott, and Methuen, we’ll work with you to complete all necessary steps and provide guidance on any needed follow-up care or documentation.
How AFC Urgent Care Can Help with Your Immigration Physical
At AFC Urgent Care Haverhill, Beverly, North Andover, Swampscott, and Methuen, we understand that the immigration process can be stressful. We’re here to make your immigration physical as smooth and straightforward as possible. Our experienced civil surgeons are certified by USCIS and will guide you through each step of the medical examination process.
- Convenient Locations: We offer multiple locations across Massachusetts, making it easy to find an AFC Urgent Care center near you.
- No Appointment Necessary: Walk-ins are welcome so that you can schedule your immigration physical at the best time.
- Comprehensive Services: In addition to immigration physicals, we offer vaccinations, lab tests, and follow-up care, ensuring all medical needs are covered.
Conclusion
The immigration physical is a critical step in the U.S. immigration process, and knowing what to expect can help ease any concerns you may have. Each part of the process, from the physical exam to the TB test and vaccination review, is designed to ensure public health and safety. At AFC Urgent Care Haverhill, Beverly, North Andover, Swampscott, and Methuen, we’re here to guide you through every step, making the process as easy and stress-free as possible. Visit us today to schedule your immigration physical and get one step closer to completing your immigration journey.
