The U S Immigration procedure stipulates that the applicant for the Green Card visa should go in for the Immigration Medical Examination. The Immigration Medical is one of the final steps in the entire process of availing of the Green Card. Here are some frequently asked questions that revolve around appearing for the exam…
Q: For how much time is the I-693 form valid after the Civil Surgeon certifies it?(The I-693 form is the Medical report to be filed for Adjustment of Status)
A: The Immigration Medical is valid for 1 year from the time it is taken.
It is advised by USCIS to all applicants taking the exam to keep it as close to filing the I-485 as possible. The same applies to the vaccinations too.
Q: What is included in the Immigration Medical?
A: It is up to the designated Civil Surgeon to complete all the required components of the Medical, if the entire exam is required.
The results will be recorded on the form that is called the I-693 form.
Q: What is generally required to be done in the Immigration Medical Exam?
A: 1. Physical Examination: Irrespective of age a physical examination and an evaluation of mental status is required.
2. TB Skin Test: All those applicants who are two years of age or older are required to take the TB skin test that is administered using the Mantoux technique.
After the skin test, the applicant will have to meet the Civil Surgeon within 48 to 72 hours to get the test results read.
For applicants required to have the entire medical exam, the following exams and testing is required. All adjustment of status applicants are required to comply with the vaccination requirements.
Physical Examination : A physical examination and mental status evaluation are required, regardless of age.
Tuberculin (TB) Skin Test: All applicants two years of age and older are required to have a tuberculin skin test (TST) given by the Mantoux technique. (Civil surgeons may require an applicant younger than two years to undergo a TST if there is evidence of contact with a person known to have tuberculosis or other reason to suspect tuberculosis.) After the skin test, the applicant will need to return to the civil surgeon within 48 to 72 hours to have the results read.
3. Vaccinations: The following vaccinations are mandatory to be taken for the Medical:
Mumps, measles, rubella, polio, tetanus and diphtheria toxoids, pertussis, influenza, hepatitis B, haemophilus influenzae type B, varicella, pneumococcal, rotavirus, hepatitis A, meningococcal, human papillomavirus, zoster, and any other vaccinations recommended by the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Q: Can the envelope with the I-693 form certified by the Surgeon be opened?
A: NO. Whenall tests and immunizations are completed, the USCIS Civil Surgeon will record the results in the I – 693 forms, certify it and hand it over to the applicant in a sealed envelope to be handed over to the USCIS authorities.
