What is an immigration exam?
An immigration exam includes a physical, health screenings, and other tests to evaluate your health and medical history. It’s a requirement when foreign nationals apply to become permanent residents in the United States.
An immigration exam is not a complete physical. Dr. Mackie screens you for the medical conditions identified by federal immigration law. It doesn’t replace an annual physical or wellness visit and doesn’t include treatment for any health issues.
Dr. Mackie is government-approved to provide immigration exams. In addition to performing the necessary health screenings and reviewing your medical records, she completes the required paperwork to accompany your residency application.
Why would I need an immigration exam?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services uses immigration exams to ensure you meet the health standards for permanent residency. The four medical reasons that can make you inadmissible include:
- Infectious diseases of public health significance
- Failure to show proof of required vaccinations
- Physical or mental disorders that cause harmful behavior
- Drug abuse or addiction
The exam is designed to identify individuals who could negatively impact public health. If you have a clean bill of health, Dr. Mackie completes the paperwork to prove you meet the health requirements.
How should I prepare for an immigration exam?
You don’t need to do anything special to prepare for your immigration exam, although you need to bring quite a bit of paperwork. You need to bring:
- Valid passport
- Vaccination records
- Required number of passport photos
- Report of any condition or special education needs
- List of medications
If you’ve had a communicable disease such as tuberculosis or syphilis in the past, you need to bring proof that you were treated and are now disease-free. Similarly, you will need to provide evidence that any psychiatric or behavioral conditions are treated and under control.
What vaccinations do I need?
The United States requires several vaccinations, including:
- Measles, mumps, rubella
- Polio
- Tetanus and diphtheria
- Pertussis
- Hepatitis A and B
- Varicella
- Influenza
- Pneumococcal pneumonia
- Rotavirus
- Meningococcal
If you haven’t had any of these immunizations, Dr. Mackie can provide them.
If you’re looking for a certified physician to provide an immigration exam, call Excellence Medical Centers, LLC or make an appointment online today.
