The immigration medical exam is required of most green card applicants. Boundless answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the process, including cost, who to get a medical exam from, and how to include it with your application. Learn more about the medical exam here.
Why do I need to get a medical exam?
The medical exam aims to screen out green card applicants who have certain health conditions. The main health-related reasons for why a person may be denied a green card are:
- Communicable diseases such as syphilis or tuberculosis
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Mental illness with a history of or threat of violence
- Inability to work
Who provides a medical exam?
There are only two types of doctors who can perform the medical exam, and the right one depends on where you’re applying from:
- If applying from within the United States, you will see a civil surgeon designated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- If applying from outside the United States, you will see a panel physician authorized by the U.S. Department of State
How much does the medical exam cost?
The cost of the medical exam varies, but the typical cost is $200.
When and how do I schedule the medical exam?
The process for scheduling the medical exam depends on where you’re applying from. Learn more about scheduling and timing if you’re applying from within the United States or if you’re applying from outside the United States.
What should I bring to the medical exam?
For a full list of what to bring to the medical exam, head over here.
What happens during the medical exam?
The medical exam includes:
- a physical exam
- a tuberculosis test
- a blood and urine test
- a vaccination screening
The doctor will also ask about any prescription drugs you take as well as your present and past drug and alcohol use.
What happens after the exam?
If applying from within the United States, the civil surgeon will ask you to sign the medical exam results form. They will then give you the results in a sealed envelope, which you will either include with your green card application, send to USCIS after you’ve applied, or bring to your green card interview. Do not break or open the sealed envelope.
If applying from outside the United States, the doctor will either give you the sealed envelope or send it directly to your U.S. embassy or consulate.