WHY DO I HAVE TO HAVE A MEDICAL EXAM?
A medical exam is a requirement of your application. The purpose of the medical examination is to determine if you have certain health condition which may need medical attention. The results of this examination will be provided to you in a sealed envelope, which you will either give to your attorney or you will send with your application. The medical examination must be completed in order for USCIS to process your application.
WHAT DO I NEED FOR THIS MEDICAL EXAMINATION?
You need your photo ID such as a passport or driver’s license. If you need examinations for your minor children, a school cad will be acceptable in most instances. If you have the form I693, please bring it in. We do not accept copies that are down loaded from the internet, we ONLY accept the triplicate form, this minimizes chance of an error while filling out the application. IF you do not have this form we do have it available in the office for a nominal fee.
WHO CAN PERFORM THIS EXAMINATION?
This medical examination can only be performed by a Civil Surgeon.
A Civil Surgeon is licensed and experienced doctor practicing in the United States, who is certified by the USCIS formerly known as BCIS, CIS and INS. These medical professionals receive U.S. Immigration –focused training in order to provide examinations as required by the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) and USCIS. IMPORTANT: medical examinations done at any physician other than a Civil Surgeon are not recognized by the USCIS and will have to be redone.
A medical examination is mandatory for:
All refugees coming to the United States.
All applicants outside the US applying for a visa
Aliens in the us who apply for adjustment of their immigration status to that of a permanent resident.
WHAT DOES THE MEDICAL EXAMINATION INVOLVE?
Physical Examination: A physical examination and mental status evaluation are required regardless of age.
Tuberculin Skin Test: Applicants ages 2 and older are required to have a tuberculin skin test (TST). Civil surgeons may require an applicant who is less than 2 years of age to have a TST test if he or she has a history of contact with a known TB case, or if there is any other reason to suspect TB disease. After the skin test, you will need to return to the civil surgeon in 48-72 hours to have the results read. If you have a reaction less than 4 millimeters, you will not need any further tests for TB. A Chest X ray is required when the swelling from the TB is greater than 5 millimeters.
If you had the BCG vaccine as a child in your native country, you will still be required to have the PPD test done. A positive reaction will require you to have a chest x ray done. Results of this x-ray are sent along with your application.
If you have had a positive test in the past, you will still need to have a PPD test done – this is per USCIS instructions.
If you have been treated for a positive PPD test in the past you will need to bring in a letter from the facility that treated the positive test. In this case you will not be give another PPD test but you will need to have an X ray done.
Serologic Blood Testing: Applicants 15 years or older are required to have serologic (blood) testing for HIV and syphilis. Civil Surgeons can require someone younger than 15 to have the test for HIV and syphilis, if there is a reason to suspect the possibility of infection. Civil surgeons are required to provide pre – counseling to all applicants who take the HIV test. IF you are found to have HIV infection, the civil surgeon must provide you post- test counseling.
Vaccinations: Vaccine requirements are based on your age. Please bring your vaccine records with you at the first visit. The required vaccines may include measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus – diphtheria pertussis, varicella and hepatitis B, influenza and pneummococal vaccine. Do not try and comply with these requirements before your visit, in case it is not medically appropriate for you to have one or more of the required vaccines.
What happens if I test positive for syphilis?
If you test positive for syphilis you will need to complete treatment before getting your medical papers, this normally takes 3-4 weeks. This needs to be done at your own physician’s office or the health department. You need to bring proof of being treated. A letter from the treating facility.
What happens if I test positive for HIV?
You will be informed of your HIV test on your follow up exam. If negative it will be reported on your medical exam. If positive you will be need to follow up with your physician or specialist. In addition NYS law requires you to assist in filling out an HIV form from the State Health Department. The health department is required to be notified of all positive results.
Can I open my sealed envelope?
No, do NOT open the sealed envelope that you will get at the conclusion of your exam, doing so will invalidate your examination. You will be provided with a copy of papers that are in the sealed envelope. This envelope is given to your attorney or mailed to USCIS.
Can I use my
insurance to pay for this exam?
Children (under 15) with up to date vaccine requirements: $225.
This includes:
Physical examination
PPD skin test
Blood test.
IF you need any vaccines, there is an additional charge for these.
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