Checking for any communicable diseases forms an important part of the Immigration Medical Examination, an exam that is conducted by USCIS-approved Civil Surgeons. Here are some more frequently asked questions on Tuberculosis that we answer here:

Q: What if the local TB Control Program is unable to provide treatment for latent TB infection (LTBI)?

A: Treatment for LTBI, or Latent TB Infection is not required, though it is highly recommended. If a health department TB Control Program is not able to accept a referral, the civil surgeon may ask if the TB Control Program can provide treatment consultation for an applicant with LTBI. The TB Control Program may also have arrangements with other health care providers in the community to provide treatment for LTBI.

Q: Can the civil surgeon sign Form I-693 if the applicant is undergoing required TB treatment?

A: No. It is advised that the Civil Surgeon should not sign on the Form I-693 until all follow-up evaluations and required treatments are completed.

If the applicant is undergoing treatment for TB the health department is required to sign on Section 6 (Referral Evaluation) form, only after the treatment is completed and the applicant is no longer found infected with the disease. The applicant should then return the form I-693 form to the Civil Surgeon. It is also to be noted that other parts of the form may also need to be repeated if found out of date.

The USCIS-approved Civil Surgeon should sign Form I-693 only when all parts of the form correctly reflect the applicant’s current medical state.

(Note: This does not apply if treatment is for latent TB infection (LTBI), since LTBI treatment is only recommended, not required.)