It is now required by Form- i693, the form which records details and results of an applicant’s Green Card Examination, that the chest X-Ray should include an X-ray copy and report along with the I-693 packet. What type of report is this and what is acceptable?
Only a complete, formal chest report and X-ray, performed by a radiologist, sealed and signed appropriately on a medical office letterhead is accepted by USCIS. Any handwritten report submitted on a preliminary basis will be considered null and void. Most times, the Civil Surgeon who conducts the medical examination will have to wait for the x-ray report that comes in – this usually takes a day or so – the I-693 form is not deemed to be complete without this report, so it cannot be sent before the radiologist’s report is enclosed.
The requirements for the medical referrals have been revised by both, CDC and USCIS, as has been notated on Form I-693. What are the instances in which referrals mentioned in Part 5 should be completed?
Only if the referral is required should this be done. For instance a referral will be required if a class A situation is suspected and a further evaluation is required.
If you are located in the United States of America and are in the process of securing a green card there you will in all probability be required to appear for the Green Card Medical. This exam is conducted by doctors who are approved, trained and appointed by the body governing the visa process in the United States – United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS. Certain doctors are appointed by USCIS specifically to conduct and report the results of the Immigration Exam Medical.
For those applicants who reside outside the country panel physicians can conduct the examination. The panel physicians are not the same as the Civil Surgeons inside the States; they are appointed by the Department of State – they can only conduct the immigration medical as a part of the visa process in a consulate or a U S Embassy abroad.
WHAT TO CARRY TO THE MEDICAL EXAM
The applicant will have to carry :
- The I-693 form, with the first part filled up
- Previous medical and vaccination records
- Government-approved photo identification – such as a passport and a driver’s licence.
- Payment for the exam – prices vary from doctor to doctor, so it is always a good idea to check out a few doctors before deciding on the suitable Civil Surgeon.
WHAT IS THE COST OF THE GREEN CARD MEDICAL?
There is no fixed rate but the tests include blood work, skin tests and vaccinations – so the usual cost is around $275 Other things are additional – a chest X-ray for example. If the blood test for syphilis is confirmed there will be an additional charge for the confirmation test.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR THE RESULTS?
The forms are usually ready in 2-3 days. The laboratory returns test reports within 24 to 48 hours and the tuberculosis test is usually read within 48 to 72 hours. If the tuberculosis test turns out to be positive then a chest x-ray is required, and one more day would then be added to the process.
WILL YOUR INSURANCE COVER THE COST OF THE IMMIGRATION MEDICAL?
No, insurance will not cover the costs – the amount will have to be paid upfront at the time of appearing for the examination.
WHERE CAN ONE FIND MORE INFORMATION ON THE NEW VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS?
Details about the vaccination can be found in the Technical Instructions to Civil Surgeons for Vaccination Requirements, a series of notes that contain information on what is necessary for the vaccination procedures.
When you have arranged for a scheduled appointment with the doctor or surgeon who is qualified and appointed by USCIS to conduct the Green Card Physical make sure to reach there on time!
Here are some things that you need to carry along:
- A complete report or list of all the vaccinations that have been received by you in the past.
- If a member of your immigrating family has or has had a mental condition in the past then this needs to be reported to the Civil Surgeon.
- If you have had a case of tuberculosis in the past or are going through treatment for the same now this too needs to be reported.
- If there has ever been a case of an abnormal X-ray in the past this too will have to be carried along. Do not just take the reports – the original films too are required to be taken.
- If you have had syphilis in the past the certification pertaining to this too needs to be shown to the Civil Surgeon.
- If treatment is going on for a chronic medical condition then all the relevant details too need to be furnished to the Civil Surgeon.
- Any psychiatric treatment or treatment for a mental condition too needs to be reported.
