Your Guide to Green Card Medical Exams in NYC: What You Need to Know

The Green Card Medical Exam is a mandatory health screening required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as part of the application process for permanent residency (a green card). The exam is conducted by a USCIS-approved doctor, known as a civil surgeon, and is designed to ensure that applicants do not have any health conditions that could affect public health or render them inadmissible to the U.S.

The exam checks for a range of conditions, including communicable diseases such as tuberculosis (TB), syphilis, gonorrhea, and vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and polio. Additionally, the exam ensures that applicants meet the necessary vaccination requirements and that their health history is properly documented.

Why is the Green Card Medical Exam Necessary?

The primary reason for the Green Card Medical Exam is to protect public health in the U.S. The exam helps ensure that immigrants do not pose a threat to the general population through the spread of contagious diseases. The exam also provides a clear medical history of the applicant, which helps to determine whether any conditions may affect their ability to integrate into society and support themselves financially.

Additionally, the exam ensures that applicants have received the vaccinations required by U.S. immigration law. The U.S. requires certain vaccinations to protect against infectious diseases, and the exam helps to verify that applicants are compliant with these requirements.

Who Needs a Green Card Medical Exam?

In most cases, anyone applying for a green card (adjustment of status) will need to complete the medical exam. This includes individuals who are:

• Applying for a green card through family-based or employment-based immigration
• Immigrants seeking refugee or asylum status
• Individuals entering the U.S. on a K-1 fiancé(e) visa (to marry a U.S. citizen)
• Diversity visa lottery winners

While most applicants will need the medical exam, there are a few exceptions. Children under the age of two are typically not required to undergo the medical examination, and certain individuals may be exempt if they have medical conditions that make the exam impossible to complete. However, these exemptions are rare and should be discussed with your immigration attorney or USCIS-approved civil surgeon.

What to Expect During Your Green Card Medical Exam in NYC

The green card medical exams NYC is a relatively straightforward process, but it’s important to know what to expect so you can prepare adequately. Below are the steps involved in completing your Green Card Medical Exam in NYC:

1. Find a USCIS-Approved Civil Surgeon

The first step in the process is to find a civil surgeon in NYC who is authorized by USCIS to conduct the medical exam. Only approved civil surgeons can complete the necessary forms and submit them to USCIS on your behalf. You can find a list of USCIS-approved doctors on the USCIS website or by calling their customer service line.

It’s important to schedule your exam with a civil surgeon who has experience with green card medical exams. Some doctors may specialize in specific areas, so look for someone who handles immigration-related medical exams regularly.

2. Schedule Your Appointment

Once you’ve found a USCIS-approved civil surgeon, you’ll need to schedule your appointment. The waiting time for appointments in NYC can vary, especially during peak immigration seasons. Be sure to schedule your exam as soon as possible to avoid any delays in your green card process.

3. Prepare Your Documents

Before your appointment, gather all the necessary documents to bring with you. These may include:

• A valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license)
• Vaccination records: Bring any records showing the vaccines you’ve received in the past. If you don’t have records, the civil surgeon may recommend getting the required vaccinations before the exam can be completed.
• Medical history: Be prepared to discuss any past medical conditions, surgeries, and medications you’ve taken.
• Completed Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record): This is the USCIS form that the civil surgeon will complete during the exam.

4. Undergo the Medical Examination

When you arrive at your appointment, the civil surgeon will conduct a thorough medical examination. This includes:

• Physical examination: The doctor will check your general health, including your heart rate, blood pressure, and overall physical condition. They will also ask about your medical history and any chronic conditions you may have.

• Screening for communicable diseases: The civil surgeon will test for diseases that are of public health significance. This may include:

  • Tuberculosis (TB): A chest X-ray may be required for applicants aged 15 and older to check for TB. If you have a history of TB or have been exposed to it, additional testing may be required.
  • Syphilis: Blood tests are conducted to screen for syphilis.
  • Gonorrhea: For applicants aged 15 and older, screening for gonorrhea is often required.
  • Other diseases: Depending on your health history and age, other screenings may be necessary.

• Vaccinations: The civil surgeon will ensure that you have received all the required vaccinations for U.S. immigration purposes. This typically includes vaccines for diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, polio, hepatitis B, and others. If you are missing any vaccinations, you may need to receive them before the exam can be completed.

5. Receive Your Results

After the exam, the civil surgeon will complete Form I-693, which includes your medical examination results. The form will be sealed in an envelope, and you will be instructed not to open it. You will need to submit this sealed envelope to USCIS as part of your green card application.

6. Follow Up if Necessary

If the civil surgeon detects any health issues that need follow-up, such as additional tests or treatments, you will be notified. These issues must be resolved before your application can be finalized. It’s important to follow any instructions carefully to avoid delays in your green card process.

Cost of the Green Card Medical Exam in NYC

The cost of the green card medical exams NYC can vary depending on the civil surgeon you choose and the specific tests or vaccinations required. On average, you can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for the exam. Be sure to ask about the cost upfront when scheduling your appointment so that you can plan accordingly.

Conclusion

The Green Card Medical Exam is a crucial part of the immigration process, and understanding what to expect can help ensure that the process goes smoothly. If you are applying for a green card in NYC, make sure to find a USCIS-approved civil surgeon, prepare the necessary documents, and schedule your appointment in advance. With the right preparation, you’ll be on your way to completing your green card application and moving one step closer to your goal of permanent residency in the United States.