Immigration Medical Examination in Bronx, New York
One of the most important criteria to make your way to permanent residency (PR) in the United States is the immigration physical examination. If you or any of your loved ones are attempting for citizenship in the Bronx, NYC, or the US, NYCDOCS has you covered. We provide a hassle-free immigration medical exam that is mandatory for your green card. We are open every day except Sundays, from 9 AM to 5.30 PM
What is the immigration physical exam?
Immigration physical examination is part of the legal procedure that allows a person to become a legal citizen in the United States of America. This exam guarantees that you are not entering the country with a communicable disease that may pose a threat to public health. Passing the exam grants you a green card that is compulsory for living in the US.
An immigration physical exam, otherwise known as the green card medical exam, is issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and taken by a civil surgeon who is a legal citizen of the US and authorized to treat people in the US.
The green card immigration medical exam is dissimilar to a conventional medical check-up from a primary care physician in the US. Form I-485 is the Application to register for Permanent Residence or maintain status in the United States, and requires the completion of form I-693, which is known as the Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.
How long is the immigration physical exam?
The green card medical Exam or USCIS medical exam takes an hour or a little more to complete. There are 2-3 days between two visits. Please visit NYCDocs for your physical Exam or make an online appointment
What happens during the immigration physical exam?
On the first visit, your audio-visual capabilities, nose, mouth, respiratory system, skin, heart, lymph nodes, blood pressure, etc. are checked. Also, your blood and urine samples are taken to identify infections. 2-3 days later, you need to go for a second visit. By then, your blood and urine test results will be out and the administrative paperwork will be taken care of.
During an immigration physical at NYCDOCS the team first tests you for diseases such as tuberculosis and STDs like syphilis. Usually, you need to return 3-5 days after your tuberculosis test to receive your results. Next, the team reviews your chart to see if you need vaccinations. If so, they will administer them on the spot. If you are applying from outside the US, a chest x-ray is compulsory. From October 2021, the vaccines for COVID-19 have become a must, with two shots of Pfizer, two shots of Moderna, or one shot of Johnson and Johnson.
List of mandatory vaccines:
- Diphtheria (DT)
- Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
- Tetanus (Td)
- Polio (OPV or IPV)
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
- Hepatitis B
- Varicella
- Pneumococcal influenza
- Meningococcal disease
- COVID19
Moreover, through a urinalysis, they would check if you have any kind of addiction to drugs like meth, cocaine etc or marijuana. If you use hearing and/or visual aids, make sure to bring it to the exam. You must never hide your condition in any way. Pregnant women may have to go through an x-ray. They can choose to do so before or after giving birth.
Can you fail the immigration physicals?
If you have any of the below-mentioned lists, you will fail the exam.
- Harmful drug addiction
- Communicable diseases like tuberculosis and STDs
- Diseases that cause your inability to move by yourself, such as polio
- Mental disorders that result in major cognitive distortions and detrimental behaviors
- Lying about your health conditions
Necessary documents for immigration physical exam:
- A valid, reasonable photo Identity such as a passport or a driver's license
- Proof of nationality
- Children aged 14 and below must bring their parent's names, birth dates, etc.
- Vaccinations and immunization records
- Prescribed and over-the-counter drugs
- Medical insurance card
- Medical history records that show pest surgeries or any other medical procedures performed on you
- Immigration physical exam fees
USCIS Medical Exam Cost
Immigration medical exam costs vary from person to person depending on their health problems or the absence of it. It may also depend on the area. However, the average fee in the Bronx, NYC is $130.
Green Card Medical Exam Results:
Your results from the immigration medical examination will be given inside a sealed envelope with the doctor's official stamp, which must never be tampered with. If so, it will not be accepted. The first copy of your I-693 form will be submitted to the visa application along with your other documents. The second copy will be for your immigration lawyer, and the third for your records.
Validity:
The validity of your immigration physical exam is two years from the day it was taken.
FAQs:
1. Does insurance cover the green card exam?
Ans. No, your health insurance will not cover immigration medical exam expenses.
2. Do they test you for drugs?
Ans. Yes, through a urinalysis, if you are tested positive for drugs, you will fail the exam.
3. Do you need to have a complete immunization record?
Ans. If you have gotten all the vaccines required to pass the exam, it is a plus. However, you may get tested for antibodies in your blood. In this case, you can get the immunization for a few diseases later.
4. When can I go for the immigration medical exam?
Ans. You can walk in anytime if you wish, and we are here to serve you. But do call us beforehand at this number: (917) 634-9600; we are open from Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 5.30 PM.