USCIS Health-Related Inadmissibility Criteria Explained:
Every applicant who is applying for the Green card, irrespective of age has to go in for the Immigration Medical Exam. There are some health-related grounds on which the applicant becomes inadmissible. Let us take a look at these:
- Communicable disease of public health significance (Class A)
- Failure to show proof of required vaccinations (for lawful permanent resident applicants ONLY)
- Physical or mental disorder with associated harmful behavior (Class A)
- Drug abuse or addiction (Class A)
There is a form called the I-693 form or the Civil Surgeon worksheet which the Civil Surgeon fills up as a part of the process.
Let us take a look at a part of Section 1 of the form which relates to communicable diseases, beginning with Tuberculosis in subsection A:
- Civil surgeons should review TIs on Tuberculosis at:
- Civil surgeons should also review updates to the Tis at:
- Civil Surgeons: Steps for performing the TB component of the Immigration Medical Exam:
STEP 1: If the applicant is age-appropriate, the applicant should be screened for TB with a cell-mediated immunity test (TST or IGRA).
- Generally, all applicants 2 years of age and older must be screened regardless of pregnancy or previous immunization with BCG vaccine.
- Applicants under 2 years of age must also be screened if there is evidence of contact with a person known to have TB or any other reason to suspect TB.
- Applicants may be exempted from a screening test in some circumstances.
