The United States Immigration medical exam is a mandatory test required of every applicant intending to migrate to the U.S. The purpose is to prevent the emigration of persons with health conditions of public health concerns, which tend to put the migrant and other host country members at risk.
Such conditions include persons with an infectious disease of public health significance, physical or mental disorder associated with harmful behavior, and persons who fail to show proof of having received vaccination against vaccine-preventable diseases.
The examination requires a physical and mental test. It consists of a mental evaluation that checks for a mental illness record and a physical assessment that checks the eyes, ears, nose, and throat. The physical examination also involves examining the heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes, and skin. A blood test to check for syphilis and a chest X-ray is also required for adults. Proof of vaccination against certain vaccine-preventable diseases is also required.
The aim of the examination is not only limited to the detection of inadmissible health conditions but also to facilitate the achievement of global health goals, such as the fight against infectious diseases, reduction of mortality from non-communicable diseases, and promotion of mental health. AFC Urgent Care Methuen has certified doctors on staff that are able to conduct immigration physicals. Be sure to call ahead to ensure these doctors are on staff.
Requirements for Immigration Physicals
All applicants applying for a Green card and U.S. citizenship are required by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to receive an immigration medical exam.
The applicant needs to be physically present on the scheduled date for the examination as it requires physical and mental evaluation. The applicant is expected to come along with proof of vaccination against vaccine-preventable diseases and might also be questioned about their medical records.
Regardless of location, an applicant may either be directed to an approved panel physician for those applying from abroad or an authorized civil surgeon for applicants within the United States.
What is included in the physical?
The examiner is required by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and Immigration Law to test the applicant on inadmissible health conditions considered public health concerns. Examples of such conditions include tuberculosis, syphilis, gonorrhea, and Hansen’s Disease.
The exam consists of a physical examination, including checking the eyes, ears, nose, throat, and other internal body organs. The physical examination also requires a chest X-ray and blood test to screen for possible inadmissible health conditions. The screening also consists of a mental evaluation that checks for a record of mental illness. An applicant might further be questioned about past medical records.
The immigration physical is different from the regular checkups. The doctor is only required to assess the applicants for inadmissible health conditions considered public health concerns and nothing more.
Why you may need an immigration physical
The immigration physicals aim to prevent the transboundary movement of diseases that may put the host country citizens at risk. It also helps protect the immigrant by mandating proof of vaccination of certain vaccine-preventable conditions that the immigrant might be exposed to.
