How Does an Immigration Physical Work?

How Does an Immigration Physical Work?

Immigrating to the United States is a big deal. While there are many rules and regulations to follow, one of the most important parts of the process is the immigration physical.

Designed to ensure public safety, the physical itself is fairly routine, but you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need. The expert team at Physician’s Medical Primary Care is well-versed in conducting immigration physicals — here’s what you need to know.

What is an immigration physical?

If you are immigrating to the United States from another country and want to obtain a green card to become a permanent resident, you must undergo an immigration medical examination, also known as a green card medical exam.

This physical exam must be done by a doctor who has been authorized by the US Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) — also called a designated civil surgeon. The purpose of the physical is to protect the general health of the public by ensuring you are free from certain infectious diseases and medical conditions. 

There are four primary medical conditions that can block an immigrant from entering the country:

What do I need to take the exam?

You’ll need to bring a few items with you so the doctor can complete the exam. These include:

It’s a good idea to make sure you have all this before you schedule your appointment. Without this documentation, the provider is not allowed to complete the exam.

What happens during the appointment?

During your appointment, the doctor will review your medical history and vaccination records, and perform a physical exam. They will also perform blood tests to check for communicable diseases that pose a public health risk, such as syphilis gonorrhea, tuberculosis, and leprosy.

The doctor will also look for any signs of drug or alcohol addiction, along with any indications of physical or mental disorders that could lead to harmful behaviors.

Once the exam is over, they’ll give you a copy of all test results and fill out the necessary paperwork required by the USCIS. Your results from the exam are good for up to a full year.

If you need a USCIS-certified doctor to conduct your immigration physical, call one of the Physician’s Medical Primary Care San Jose, California, offices or book an appointment online. We’ll help smooth your path to help you reach your American dream!

You Might Also Enjoy...

Is All Joint Pain Arthritis?

If you’re experiencing joint pain, you may have arthritis — or your pain may stem from a different source. Read on to find out what might be causing your joint pain!

4 Telltale Signs of Ear Infections in Kids

Determining whether your child’s issue is a full-blown ear infection that needs medical attention or some other minor problem you can treat at home can be difficult. Here are four telltale signs of ear infections in kids.

When to Worry About a Sore Throat

Sore throats are common, and you can often treat them at home, but when should you start to worry? Read on for advice about when you should see a doctor for your sore throat.