Immigration Physicals Specialist

What is an immigration physical? 

An immigration physical, or immigration medical examination, is a legal requirement for an application for permanent residency in the United States. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires immigration physicals for both adult and child applications for residency. 

The purpose of an immigration physical is to determine that you’re free of communicable diseases and don’t have any serious medical problems, mental disorders, or substance abuse problems. While you don’t have to be in perfect health to pass this examination, these health-related concerns could impact your eligibility for US residency.

A designated USCIS civil surgeon must complete your immigration medical exam. Dr. George is qualified to perform and report the results of your immigration physical according to specific USCIS guidelines. 

What information does my provider collect during my immigration physical? 

According to USCIS guidelines, your identity must be verified at the time of your exam, either by a passport or other qualified document. 

Other information collected during your visit includes:

• General health status
• Health history
• Family history 
• Immunization history 
• Hospital visit history
• Mental health history, including self-harm history
• Drug or alcohol use or abuse history

In addition to an extensive physical exam, Dr. George evaluates records, such as police, military, education, or employment records, for signs of harmful behaviors or mental health concerns. 

What does an immigration physical entail?

Dr. George completes a comprehensive physical examination to determine your current health status and assess if you have symptoms of any infectious or communicable diseases, including tuberculosis (TB).

Your examination includes an assessment of your:

• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
• Upper and lower extremities
• Heart and lungs
• Abdomen
• Lymph nodes
• Skin
• External genitalia 
• Mental health status

USCIS guidelines require Dr. George to take a chest X-ray and collect blood and urine samples at the time of your exam. 

What immunizations must be up to date to pass an immigration physical? 

A significant part of your immigration medical exam is verifying that you’re up to date on your vaccinations. You should bring an English translation of your vaccination record with you.

The USCIS requires you are current on all CDC Recommended Immunizations which can be found on their website. Most children’s requirements are met if they are enrolled in school. The most common adult vaccines required include:

• TDAP
• MMR
• Rotavirus
• Meningococcal disease
• Varicella
• Pneumococcal disease
• Influenza

If you’re not current on your vaccinations, the team at Seven Corners Medical Center administers what you need at the time of your exam.  

Following your examination, Dr. George prepares a report using USCIS guidelines, which she gives you in a sealed envelope. To be valid, you must deliver this report to the consulate or USCIS unopened.

If you need an official immigration exam, call the office or schedule an appointment online with Dr. George at Seven Corners Medical Center today.