Tampa, Florida, is a key hub for immigration services. If you’re in the process of obtaining a green card, you’ll likely need to undergo an immigration medical exam. The immigration medical examination required by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for green card applicants ensures that you meet the health requirements for residency in the United States.
Immigration
Medical Exam: An Overview
Getting an immigration medical exam is an important step in the green card application process. Its main goal is to ensure that you don’t have any health conditions that could make you inadmissible to the United States. This means ensuring that you do not pose a public health risk or have conditions that could prevent you from being self-sufficient.
Significant Announcement: USCIS has revised the regulations concerning the validity periods of Form I-693. As of November 1, 2023, any completed and signed Form I-693 Medical Exam will no longer have an expiration date and will be valid indefinitely.
Choosing the Right Civil Surgeon
When it comes to the immigration medical exam, seeing the right doctor is crucial. There are two types of doctors you might need to see:
• Civil Surgeons: If you are applying from within the United States, you must see a civil surgeon—a doctor who has received approval from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to conduct the necessary mental health and physical examinations.
• Panel Physicians: If you’re applying from abroad, you must see a panel physician. This doctor is authorized by the U.S. Department of State to do the same examinations as a Civil Surgeon.
Additionally, ensure you bring a completed Form I-693 to your appointment to avoid any delays in your application process.
Immigration Medical Exam Costs
The cost of an immigration medical exam in Tampa varies significantly by location and provider, typically ranging from $100 to $500. There are no government funding or assistance programs to help cover the cost of the exam— you will have to pay out-of-pocket for the exam.
How and When Should I Schedule the Immigration Medical Exam?
When and how you schedule your appointment varies based on where the person seeking a green card is applying from.
If you’re applying from within the United States:
Option 1 (Recommended): Complete the medical exam and submit the exam report (unopened and in the original envelope) along with the green card application.
Option 2: Schedule the medical exam after submitting the green card application and bring the exam report (unopened and in the original envelope) to the green card interview.
The USCIS recommends the first option to save time. If you wait to submit your exam report during your interview, you may receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) that can slow down your application process.
If you’re applying for a green card from abroad:
The State Department explicitly instructs individuals seeking a green card from abroad not to schedule their medical exam until they know their green card interview date, which will be included in your interview appointment letter from the National Visa Center (NVC).
Regardless of where you are applying, tell the doctor's office you are scheduling an immigration medical exam. An annual physical exam is not the same kind of comprehensive medical exam that you will need as part of your immigration paperwork.
What Should I Expect During My Immigration Medical Exam?
The green card medical exam differs from your regular annual physical. The doctor will complete a review of your medical history and immunization record, ask detailed health questions, and perform a basic physical examination to assess your overall health. It typically takes about two hours but may vary depending on your medical history. The examining doctor will screen for specific conditions, including:
Communicable diseases (tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea)
Drug abuse or addiction
Mental health or physical disorders associated with harmful behavior
Conditions that could prevent self-sufficiency
These screenings are part of the CDC's disease control measures.
Tuberculosis Test
Testing guidelines for tuberculosis vary depending on where you’re applying from.
If you’re applying from within the United States: Civil surgeons will perform the interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) for applicants aged 2 and older. Generally, you won't need to return for IGRA results unless further testing is required.
If you’re applying from abroad: Panel physicians will conduct a chest X-ray for applicants ages 15 and older in countries with high tuberculosis rates. Further testing may be necessary if initial results indicate possible tuberculosis.
Blood and Urine Tests
All applicants must submit blood and urine samples to check for communicable diseases that could bar them from immigrating. All applicants aged 15 and older must undergo additional testing for syphilis and gonorrhea.
Vaccine Screening
During your medical exam, the surgeon will review your vaccination record to verify that you have received all required vaccines. If any are missing, you'll need to get them before your green card interview. The doctor can typically provide these vaccines during the exam.
NOTE: The USCIS has updated vaccination requirements - proof of COVID-19 vaccination is now mandatory for all green card applicants.
Vaccination Screening
The doctor is required to make sure that you’ve received all required vaccines. If you’re missing any, you’ll be required to obtain these before you attend your green card interview, but the doctor should be able to provide these vaccines during your medical exam.
IMPORTANT: USCIS now requires green card applicants to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 when attending the medical exam. Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine requirements when immigrating.
Alcohol and Drug Screening
The doctor will ask about any prescription drugs you're taking, as well as your past and present drug and alcohol use. If you are currently abusing these substances, it may impact your eligibility for a green card. A history of drug abuse might require you to undergo a drug test or provide proof of participation in a treatment program to be eligible.
Important Information for Women
All female applicants must complete the medical exam even if they are having a menstrual period. Pregnant women must have a chest X-ray if required. Concerned applicants can consent to additional protection during the procedure or postpone it until after giving birth to avoid exposing the baby to unnecessary radiation.
Health-Related Reasons for Denial
The main health-related reasons why a person might be denied a green card include:
Communicable diseases: Active, untreated infectious diseases like gonorrhea, leprosy, syphilis, or tuberculosis.
Drug and alcohol abuse: Current abuse of prescription drugs, illegal drugs, or alcohol.
Mental illness with a history of violence: Conditions associated with past or potential future violence.
Inability to work: Health issues that prevent self-sufficiency and might lead to dependency on government benefits.
Preventing or Challenging Health-Related Denial
If a relative seeking a green card has a health-related condition that could lead to denial, it is important to provide evidence of successful treatment for diseases like gonorrhea, syphilis, leprosy, or tuberculosis, including medical records and a doctor’s statement.
For those with a history of drug abuse or mental illness, proof of treatment or stable mental health should be presented during the medical exam. Additionally, for any serious disease, a letter from a doctor explaining how the disease is managed and its impact on daily life and work is recommended.
If the application is denied for health reasons, a “waiver of inadmissibility” can be requested, which USCIS will consider in consultation with the CDC. Conditions may be attached to the waiver, such as mandatory treatment for certain conditions, and waivers may be denied if the applicant refuses necessary treatment.
Tampa Bay Family Clinic Helps You Prepare for Every Milestone of the Immigration Medical Exam
Tampa Bay Family Clinic specializes in conducting immigration medical examinations in the Tampa Bay Area. Navigating the immigration medical exam can be daunting, but Tampa Bay Family Clinic is here to assist you every step of the way. From guiding you through the necessary documentation to ensuring you’re well-prepared for each test, we provide comprehensive support. Find out more about our services and start your journey to securing a green card with confidence. Let’s begin!
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