Why are medical exams needed?
Medical examinations verify good health and admissibility to the United States on medical grounds. The exam can identify medical conditions that require follow-up medical care after emigration to the U.S. or adjustment of status to permanent residence.
All medical examinations include:
1. Physical Examination: applicants are required to have a physical examination (to include complete disrobing), and a mental status evaluation.
2. Tuberculin (TB) Skin Test: All applicants 2 years of age and older are required to have a tuberculin skin test (TST).
3. Serologic (Blood) Test: All applicants 15 years of age and older are required to have serologic (blood) tests for HIV and for syphilis. Applicants under age 15 can be tested for HIV or syphilis if there is reason to suspect the possibility of infection. Civil Surgeons and Panel Physicians are required to provide pre-test counseling to all applicants who take the HIV test. If you are found to have HIV infection, the Civil Surgeon must provide you with post-test counseling.
4. Vaccinations: Most applicants need to show that they are current with all vaccinations recommended by US public health officials. Here is a complete list of recommended vaccinations. You should have vaccinations for:
If you are unable to submit all your vaccination records at the time of the exam, or if you have never had certain vaccines, the Civil Surgeon or Panel Physician can administer them to you.
Important: Do not try to fulfill your vaccination requirements before you meet with the Panel Physician or Civil Surgeon, in case it is not medically appropriate for you to have one or more of the required vaccines.
What if vaccinations are contrary to my religious beliefs or moral convictions?
If you have firmly held religious or moral beliefs that do not permit vaccinations, you may still be eligible for adjustment of status. You will need to apply for a waiver of vaccination requirements.
Who gives the medical exam?
Medical examinations are given by licensed and experienced doctors, called Civil Surgeons (in the U.S.A.) and Panel Physicians (outside of the U.S.A.). Doctors who qualify as Civil Surgeons or Panel Physicians receive special and on-going immigration oriented medical training and policy updates. Note: A medical exam performed by a doctor NOT approved by USCIS will not be recognized.
Medical examinations verify good health and admissibility to the United States on medical grounds. The exam can identify medical conditions that require follow-up medical care after emigration to the U.S. or adjustment of status to permanent residence.
All medical examinations include:
1. Physical Examination: applicants are required to have a physical examination (to include complete disrobing), and a mental status evaluation.
2. Tuberculin (TB) Skin Test: All applicants 2 years of age and older are required to have a tuberculin skin test (TST).
3. Serologic (Blood) Test: All applicants 15 years of age and older are required to have serologic (blood) tests for HIV and for syphilis. Applicants under age 15 can be tested for HIV or syphilis if there is reason to suspect the possibility of infection. Civil Surgeons and Panel Physicians are required to provide pre-test counseling to all applicants who take the HIV test. If you are found to have HIV infection, the Civil Surgeon must provide you with post-test counseling.
4. Vaccinations: Most applicants need to show that they are current with all vaccinations recommended by US public health officials. Here is a complete list of recommended vaccinations. You should have vaccinations for:
* Mumps
* Measles
* Rubella
* Polio
* Tetanus
* Diphtheria toxoids
* Pertussis
* Influenza type B
* Hepatitis B
* Measles
* Rubella
* Polio
* Tetanus
* Diphtheria toxoids
* Pertussis
* Influenza type B
* Hepatitis B
If you are unable to submit all your vaccination records at the time of the exam, or if you have never had certain vaccines, the Civil Surgeon or Panel Physician can administer them to you.
Important: Do not try to fulfill your vaccination requirements before you meet with the Panel Physician or Civil Surgeon, in case it is not medically appropriate for you to have one or more of the required vaccines.
What if vaccinations are contrary to my religious beliefs or moral convictions?
If you have firmly held religious or moral beliefs that do not permit vaccinations, you may still be eligible for adjustment of status. You will need to apply for a waiver of vaccination requirements.
Who gives the medical exam?
Medical examinations are given by licensed and experienced doctors, called Civil Surgeons (in the U.S.A.) and Panel Physicians (outside of the U.S.A.). Doctors who qualify as Civil Surgeons or Panel Physicians receive special and on-going immigration oriented medical training and policy updates. Note: A medical exam performed by a doctor NOT approved by USCIS will not be recognized.
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