Immigration Physical Exam- Si Habla Espanol

 IMMIGRATION PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

The USICIS immigration medical examination is not a complete physical examination. Its purpose is to screen for certain medical conditions relevant to U.S. immigration law. The U.S. government doesn’t require the doctor to evaluate you for any conditions except those the U.S. Public Health Service specifies for U.S. immigration purposes. Likewise, the government doesn’t require the doctor to provide you with diagnosis or treatment even if he or she discovers other issues related to your health. This examination is not a substitute for a full physical examination, consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by your primary health care provider.

What to bring for your immigration medical exam:

Please bring following items for your immigration medical exam:

· Valid passport or other government-issued photo identification such as a driver’s license.

· Vaccination records (if available)

• If you have any immunization records, whether American or from your home country, please bring them in. It is best to have them translated to English, but we will try to interpret them. We will try and apply all applicable immunization records, even foreign records to your INS immunizations requirements.

-You can fill out the first 3 pages of the form I693 by yourself at home. Please do not sign the form before your appointment.

· List of medications (if you are being treated for a chronic medical condition or taking medications on a regular basis)

· Written records If you have been treated or hospitalized for psychiatric or mental illness, or alcohol or drug abuse.

· Exam fees (we accept cash, credit, debit). Please note this exam is not covered by insurance.

• Doctor will take a medical and social history, review your immunization history/records if available and perform a physical examination.
• You will be asked to undergo following blood and urine tests. These tests can not be performed prior to your appointment.
• RPR blood test (Syphilis test)- if this screening test is positive then you will require a confirmatory test. This test is needed for applicants age of 18-44 yrs of age. 
• Neisseria Gonorrhea urine test. This test is needed for applicants 18- 24 yrs of age.
• QuantiFERON blood test for screening of Tuberculosis. If positive then you will be required to do a chest xray to look for any evidence of active TB. Required for applicants age 2 and above.
• You may be required to do a drug screen test (not always required)

After the immigration physical examination is completed, the Doctor will certify Form I-693 with the test results of the immigration exam and vaccination history and place the same within a sealed envelope to be presented to the INS. DO NOT OPEN THE SEALED ENVELOPE. Turn in the envelope with your immigration application. A copy of the completed form will be provided for you to keep after results have been discussed with the examining doctor. The examination will only be valid up to a year after the immigration exam date.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use my health insurance to pay for my immigration physical exam?

We do not accept health insurance for immigration physical exam or any lab work that is done as part of this examination.

Does the doctor fill the form with hand writing or typing?

The doctor types the information on pages 4-14 so it is easier for the immigration officer to read it. You can fill your information on pages 1-4 by handwriting or typing as it is optional. 

See the sample form here. 

What are the fees for the physical and labs etc?

Pls note that effective April, 3rd 2023 the charges will be as follow:

Age 18 yrs and up: Doctor fees plus all required tests $280 

Kids under (age 2-17 yrs) : Doctor fees plus all required tests $200

Infants age 0-1 yrs: Doctors fees $100

Infants under age 2 do not need any blood or urine tests 

MMR Titres $60 (optional for those who want to check their immunity instead of getting the vaccine)

Varicella Titres $40 (optional for those who want to check their immunity instead of getting the vaccine)

Family Discount: (Effective Sept 11, 2023):

$25 off total charges for 2 Adult family members, $50 off total charges if 3 family members, $75 off total charges for 4 or more family members.

What vaccines are required in order to pass the immigration exam?

Vaccine requirements are different based on age of the applicant so the doctor will review your immunization records if availalable and recommend the required vaccinations. Most commonly recommended vaccines are MMR (not required for those age 65 or older), Varicella, Tdap, Flu (October through May), COVID, Pneumococcal vaccine for those older than 65 or those with certain chronic medical conditions. If you are from certain countries where Polio is endemic and you have travelled there within last 1 year then you may be required to have proof of polio vaccine as well.

Can I get the vaccines prior to my appointment?

You can get your age appropriate vaccinations prior to your appointment.

Can I get the required blood tests (TB, syphilis, Gonorrhea) done prior to my appointment?

No, we do not accept the results of these tests if performed anywhere else. These tests can not be performed prior to your appointment. We may accept the results of "titers" to show as proof of having certain diseases such as MMR, Varicella, tetanus/diptheria/pertusis.

Can I get exemptions for the required vaccinations based on my relegious or personal beleifs?

Please note that if you want an exemption on religious or personal beleifs then you will have to fill out form I 690 and apply for a waiver with USCIS and pay a fees of about $700. Our doctor can not waive your vaccine requirement as it has to be approved by USCIS. Please note that there is high rejection rate for vaccine waiver applications.

Will I get a copy of the completed form?

Yes.

Can I get 2 sealed envelopes with 2 original completed forms?

Yes. Will charge extra for this.

What is the turn around time for completing the form?

This depends on your lab results and completeness of your immunization records. Generally speaking, if your immunization records are uptodate and your lab results come back normal then we can fill out the form within 7-10 business days.

What to expect at the appointment?

See above.

What if my TB screening test is positive?

There is no need to panic if your TB screening test results are positive. Doctor will order a chest xray in that case. If your chest xray comes back normal and If you do not have any symptoms of active TB then the doctor will be able to fill out the form and you should be good. In case your chest xray comes back positive for active TB then you will be referred to an infectious disease or pulmonary specialist specialist for treatment of TB before the doctor can complete your immigration form.     

Do you see children? 

Yes. Pls bring their immunization records.