Are you planning to give an immigration medical exam? Then you better brace yourself for the Green card medical exam! As part of the visa process, you must undergo a physical examination, lab tests, and immunizations to ensure you are healthy and fit for admissIbility. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with all the information you need.

First things first,

Let’s talk about lab tests. The most common tests include screenings for tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea. However, the requirements for each test vary depending on your age. For example, you’ll need to take a tuberculosis test if you’re 2 years of age or older. And while there are two types of tuberculosis tests available, the QuantiFERON® TB Gold Test and the T-Spot® TB Test, they both require a blood sample. If you test positive for tuberculosis, you’ll need to have a chest x-ray for further evaluation.

Now, let’s move on

To syphilis and gonorrhea tests. If you’re between the ages of 18 and 44, you’ll need to take a syphilis test. And if you’re between 18 and 24, you’ll need to take a gonorrhea test. Both of these tests require a blood sample and a urine sample, respectively.

 In addition to lab tests, you will also have to get vaccines against some 16 vaccine-preventable viral or bacterial infections, including COVID-19, mumps, measles, rubella, polio, tetanus, and diphtheria. However, the requirements for each vaccination vary depending on your age. For example, if you’re 5 years of age or older, you’ll need to complete the COVID-19 vaccination. And if you’re 11 years old or older, you’ll also need to get the tetanus vaccine.

 Now, here’s some big news: If you are under 59 years of age, you are now required to have the Hepatitis B vaccination.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has certain immunization requirements that must be met by applicants for immigration benefits, including green card applications. The most commonly required immunizations include:

COVID-19 vaccination: Applicants who are age 5 or older are required to complete the  COVID-19 vaccination. Depending on your age, you are considered fully vaccinated if you have been given two doses of either the Pfizer or the Moderna vaccine or one dose of the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, as on the date of writing this, a COVID-19 booster is not required for the purpose of an immigration medical exam.

Tetanus vaccine: A tetanus vaccination, such as the Tdap or the Td, is needed if you are age 11 or older. It is recommended to have a tetanus booster every 10 years. An individual who received a tetanus shot within the past ten years is exempt from tetanus vaccination.

MMR vaccine: The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is required for applicants aged 1 to 64 years. In addition to getting the MMR vaccination, you can also meet the MMR vaccine requirement if your MMR titers from a blood test are positive. Please note that the MMR vaccine is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Varicella vaccine: The varicella vaccine is required for applicants who are age 1 or older. Besides getting the varicella vaccination, you can also meet the varicella vaccine requirement if your varicella titer from a blood test is positive or if you have a history of chicken pox. Please note that the varicella vaccine is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Flu shot: A flu shot is required for applicants who are six months of age or older. It is only required during the flu season, which is between October 1 and March 31 of the following year.

If you have already taken these immunizations and vaccinations, please show the relevant documents to the Civil Surgeon when you go for your exam.

Currently, the results of your Exam will be valid for two years from the date the Civil Surgeon signed it. Further, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has extended the temporary waiver of the requirement that a civil surgeon’s signature on Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, be dated no more than sixty days before the date it is accepted by USCIS. Pursuant to the extension, Form I-693 dated more than sixty days prior to USCIS acceptance will remain acceptable until March 31, 2023.

USCIS may change these requirements at any time. It is best to plan early for your Immigration Medical Exam and check with the USCIS government website as well for the most accurate information.

Immigration Medical exams play a crucial role in the process of obtaining certain adjustments of status, including Green Card, Permanent residency, and citizenship. These include a physical examination, lab tests, and immunizations to ensure that you are healthy and free of infectious diseases. But don’t fret, with a little preparation, the process can be a breeze.

You can write to us (support@easyime.com) and check the easyIME website for all the necessary help in the matter.