A medical examination is essential to obtain permanent residency in the United States. This step, which involves more legal aspects than medical ones, can be decisive for your application. Below, we explain the crucial points to help you prepare and avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your green card.
Preparation for the Immigration Medical Exam
Almost all permanent residency applications require a medical examination by a physician authorized by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These doctors, known as civil surgeons, are the only ones authorized to perform this essential examination.
- Medical history evaluation: The doctor will review your health history, including previous illnesses and treatments received.
- Comprehensive physical exam: This includes a review of the eyes, nose, throat, a chest X-ray, and blood tests.
- Vaccination record: It is crucial to present an updated vaccination record, including the most recent immunizations.
This examination is valid for six months, so you must schedule your medical appointment, so the results are valid for your residency interview.
Consequences of an Incorrect Examination in the Immigration Process
An error in this examination can severely affect your application. If not done correctly, USCIS may reject your green card application. It is not enough to pass the examination; it must be performed according to the established guidelines.
It is essential to be honest during the medical appointment. Any attempt to falsify information can have negative consequences. The medical examination not only seeks to identify physical problems but also evaluates possible mental and behavioral issues, such as substance use or alcohol habits.
- Communicable diseases: If you have any infectious disease, you must demonstrate that it is under control and that you follow an adequate treatment
- Substance use: In case of substance use, it will be necessary to start a rehabilitation process before you can retake the examination
Tips for the Immigration Medical Exam
To ensure that the medical examination does not become an obstacle in your residency process, follow these recommendations:
- Perform a preliminary medical check-up: Get a medical examination before the official appointment. This will allow you to know your health status and take necessary corrective measures.
- Handle the information carefully: The examination results will be delivered in a sealed envelope that you must not open. If you do, the results will lose validity, and you will have to repeat the examination.
- Be honest: All the information you provide to the doctor will be verified. Lying or omitting information can result in the denial of your application.
Steps to Follow if You Do Not Pass the Immigration Medical Examination
If you do not pass the medical examination, you can schedule a new appointment after waiting a reasonable period. This allows the applicant to undergo specific treatments, acquire necessary vaccinations, or demonstrate, in the case of substance use, that they have been in rehabilitation.
The medical examination is a crucial and delicate step in obtaining permanent residency in the United States. Preparing adequately and following all recommendations can distinguish between an approved and a rejected application.
