Unveiling the Medical Tests Required for a Green Card: A Comprehensive Guide
Do You Know What Medical Tests You Need for a Green Card? Here's What You Need to Know
Planning to apply for a green card and wondering about the required medical tests? This guide has all the information you need.
Before you can obtain a green card, you are required to undergo a medical examination to ensure that you do not have any conditions that may pose a threat to public health.
Required Medical Tests
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) requires immigrants seeking permanent residency to undergo a medical examination. The examination includes:
- A physical examination: The doctor will check your overall health and look for any signs of illness.
- A blood test: The blood test checks for infectious diseases, including HIV, syphilis, and tuberculosis.
- A urine test: The urine test checks for drug use and other health problems.
- A chest X-ray: The chest X-ray is used to look for signs of tuberculosis.
Additional Medical Tests
In some cases, you may need to undergo additional medical tests. These tests may be required if you have a history of a medical condition or if you are from a country where certain diseases are common.
Where to Get a Medical Examination
You can get a medical examination for a green card from a doctor who is authorized by the USCIS. You can find a list of authorized doctors on the USCIS website.
Cost of a Medical Examination
The cost of a medical examination for a green card varies depending on the doctor and the location. The average cost is around $200.
How to Prepare for a Medical Examination
Before your medical examination, you should:
- Get a good night's sleep.
- Eat a healthy breakfast.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Bring your green card application and any other required documents.
- Be prepared to answer questions about your medical history.
What Happens After the Medical Examination
After your medical examination, the doctor will send your test results to the USCIS. The USCIS will then review your results and make a decision on your green card application.
What Medical Tests Do I Need for a Green Card?
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires all green card applicants to undergo a medical examination by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. The purpose of the medical exam is to ensure that the applicant is not inadmissible to the United States on public health grounds.
What Tests Are Required?
The medical exam for a green card includes the following tests:
- Physical Exam: The civil surgeon will conduct a physical exam to check the applicant's overall health. This includes checking the applicant's vital signs, skin, eyes, ears, nose, throat, lungs, heart, abdomen, and lymph nodes.
- Blood Test: The civil surgeon will draw blood to test for the following:
- Syphilis
- HIV
- Gonorrhea
- Tuberculosis
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Rubella
- Urine Test: The civil surgeon will collect a urine sample to test for the following:
- Protein
- Sugar
- White blood cells
- Red blood cells
- Bacteria
- Additional Tests: In some cases, the civil surgeon may order additional tests, such as a chest X-ray or an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Who Needs to Take the Medical Exam?
All green card applicants, regardless of age or health status, must undergo a medical exam. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, applicants who are under the age of 15 or who are applying for asylum or refugee status may not need to take the medical exam.
Where Can I Find a USCIS-Designated Civil Surgeon?
USCIS has a list of USCIS-designated civil surgeons on its website. Applicants can search for a civil surgeon by location or by name.
How Much Does the Medical Exam Cost?
The cost of the medical exam varies depending on the civil surgeon. However, the average cost is between $200 and $500.
What Happens if I Fail the Medical Exam?
If an applicant fails the medical exam, the civil surgeon will issue a report to USCIS. USCIS will then review the report and make a decision on the applicant's case. In some cases, USCIS may grant the applicant a waiver of the medical inadmissibility.
How Can I Prepare for the Medical Exam?
The best way to prepare for the medical exam is to get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast. Applicants should also bring their immunization records and any other relevant medical records to the exam.
What Should I Do After the Medical Exam?
After the medical exam, the civil surgeon will give the applicant a sealed envelope containing the medical report. The applicant should keep this envelope sealed and submit it to USCIS along with their other immigration documents.
Conclusion
The medical exam for a green card is an important step in the immigration process. Applicants should be prepared to undergo the exam and should follow all of the instructions provided by the civil surgeon.
FAQs
1. What if I have a medical condition that could make me inadmissible to the United States?
You should discuss your condition with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. The civil surgeon can determine if you are eligible for a waiver of the medical inadmissibility.
2. Can I get a green card if I have a communicable disease?
In some cases, you may be able to get a green card if you have a communicable disease. However, you will need to provide USCIS with evidence that you are taking steps to treat the disease and that you are not a danger to public health.
3. How long does it take to get the results of the medical exam?
The results of the medical exam are usually available within a few weeks. However, it can take longer if the civil surgeon needs to order additional tests.
4. Can I appeal the results of the medical exam?
Yes, you can appeal the results of the medical exam. However, you must file your appeal within 30 days of the date you received the results.
5. What happens if I lose my medical report?
If you lose your medical report, you can request a copy from the civil surgeon who performed the exam.
Source: CHANNET YOUTUBE Berardi Immigration Law