The Importance of Choosing the Right Doctor for the Immigration Process in the US

The immigration medical exam is a vital step in the immigration process for the US. For context, for any individual seeking to apply for residency in the US, the immigration medical exam essentially rules out the health-related issues that are considered to be dangerous. If left untreated, having any of the specific diseases can lead to inadmissibility to the country. Thus, an immigration health check-up remains a mandatory step in the immigration process, and it must be conducted by a consulate or USCIS-approved doctor. Just any regular healthcare professional is not allowed to perform this exam unless they are on the US government's list of approved doctors.

Read on to learn more about the immigration medical exam and the role of the approved doctor in the immigration process for the US.

What Is a Medical Examination for Immigration?

A medical exam is a vital part of the process of immigration in the US. The certified doctor conducts the examination and then generates a detailed written health report. This step is mandatory for both children and adults seeking US residency. Another important element of the exam is that the doctor will be able to determine the requisite vaccines that would be necessary for the applicants by taking into account their ages.

Also read: Vaccination Requirements for the Immigration Medical Exam

The entire process usually consists of the following—

• A physical exam when the doctor checks your eyes, nose, throat, ears, extremities, heart, skin, lymph nodes, and lungs. Applicants do not have to undress for the exam.
• A review of your past medical records and medical history.
• A review of your mental health where the doctor may ask for previous records, including school, employment, police, or military records, to consider the presence of a history of harmful behavior stemming from a physical or mental disorder.
• Tests for infectious diseases, including STDS, tuberculosis, etc. This step may involve a chest x-ray and/or blood and urine tests.
• Determining which vaccines are required under the conventions of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

A medical examination is required for certain types of visas and green card applications to ensure that the applicant is not carrying certain communicable diseases that could pose a public health risk in the host country. The purpose of the medical examination is to protect the health and safety of the host country's population while also ensuring that the applicant is medically fit to enter and reside in the country.

What Is the Role of a Doctor in the Immigration Process?

Within the US, a civil surgeon performs an immigration medical examination. Remember, only USCIS-approved doctors are eligible to conduct the immigration medical examination. Make sure to check whether your doctor is on the USCIS-approved list of doctors before proceeding with your immigration medical examination to avoid being scammed. If you aren’t sure how to find an immigration medical professional, the USCIS website is an important database that will help you find an approved doctor near you.

As the previous section addresses, the doctor chosen for the exam is an important facilitator in the immigration process in the US, and the report generated is vital in granting you residency in the US. The doctor will review your medical history, conduct tests to check for evidence of certain conditions, and diagnose and treat certain communicable diseases. The doctor will also ask you about your history with alcohol and/or drugs. Tests may be conducted, and/or past medical records verified to clarify this information. Simply put, it is the task of the civil surgeon or the panel physician to certify that you do not have any health condition that would make you inadmissible to the US.

What Happens After My Medical Examination?

Following the conduction of the medical exam, the doctor will be required to fill out form I-693. The doctor will then present you with the form in a sealed envelope. You will have to present the envelope during your visa interview (don't open the envelope, if you do it will not be accepted!). In certain other cases overseas, the doctor may send your medical report directly to the consulate without giving you the envelope.

Why Choose Dr. Gordon for Immigration Medical Exam?

If you need to complete an immigration medical examination to finish your application process for permanent residency in the US, make sure to approach only certified civil surgeons, such as Steven Wittenberg Gordon MD, for the examination.

If you are worried about your immigration medical exam, our approved immigration doctor - Dr. Gordon - will ease the journey for you. A USCIS-certified healthcare professional, Dr. Gordon is well-versed in the immigration laws and rules.

Dr. Gordon decided to dedicate 80% of his private practice to the performance of immigration medical exams in memory of his father, who was a refugee and Holocaust survivor. He has conducted thousands of immigration medical examinations over the years. Contact us today for more details and to schedule an appointment with him.