Step 5:

Once you have collected all the documents necessary, filed copies of them and sent the needed, original papers to USCIS you will then have to wait for the Green Card Medical exam. This is a compulsory exam that all applicants going through the visa process have to undertake.

The Green Card Medical could prove to be expensive – the exam involves some physical examinations and the necessary vaccinations –  the applicant has to go in for a body check-up, TB testing and some blood tests, if required.  The Immigration Medical could cost anything between 200 and 500 USD. For the vaccinations the applicant might have to pay more. It is important to talk to your health care worker and confirm which vaccines have been taken by you before. A certificate stating the same could help.

You might have to take a break from your daily routine or work, as the exam could last for around 2 to 4 hours at least. Also, it could happen that the vaccinations could require you to have a follow up.

Step 6

A USCIS –approved Civil Surgeon will have to conduct the entire procedure of the Immigration Medical Exam for you – this is mandatory. There are some tools that could help you in your search- a site like www.easyIME.com gives applicants a free listing of Doctors in the area of their choice – you could try it out. An appointment too can be scheduled with the doctor online.

Step 7

On the fixed date and time do show up at the Surgeon’s! A form called the I-693 form will have to be filled up and signed by the doctor taking your exam – it will be handed over to you to in a sealed envelope, which will then have to be forwarded to the authorities at USCIS.