We have been talking a lot about the Green Card Medical in this space, with detailed instructions as to how to go about it and what are the things to be kept in mind while appearing for the exam, as a visa applicant.
Here is a quick overview – shall we say a quick step guide to the entire process?
So here goes…
STEP 1: Download and fill up form I 693, a form that is required to be downloaded, filled up and submitted by all those who are adjusting status in the United States. All your personal information has to be filled up by you, and then the same has to be carried with you to the Civil Surgeon conducting the Green Card Medical.
STEP 2: Search for a doctor – only a USCIS-approved Civil Surgeon can conduct the exam. Remember, it cannot be done by your family doctor!
STEP 3: Carry your:
Filled out I-693 form (in part)
List of vaccines taken by you
List of chronic medical conditions, if any
Doctor’s certification if there is history of drug abuse, mental illness or any other grave condition
STEP 4: TAKE THE EXAM!
Depending upon your medical condition you may receive vaccines and other tests may also be conducted.
STEP 5: A sealed envelope will be handed over to you by the doctor or the results may be sent directly to the visa authorities.
It is now required by Form- i693, the form which records details and results of an applicant’s Green Card Examination, that the chest X-Ray should include an X-ray copy and report along with the I-693 packet. What type of report is this and what is acceptable?
Only a complete, formal chest report and X-ray, performed by a radiologist, sealed and signed appropriately on a medical office letterhead is accepted by USCIS. Any handwritten report submitted on a preliminary basis will be considered null and void. Most times, the Civil Surgeon who conducts the medical examination will have to wait for the x-ray report that comes in – this usually takes a day or so – the I-693 form is not deemed to be complete without this report, so it cannot be sent before the radiologist’s report is enclosed.
The requirements for the medical referrals have been revised by both, CDC and USCIS, as has been notated on Form I-693. What are the instances in which referrals mentioned in Part 5 should be completed?
Only if the referral is required should this be done. For instance a referral will be required if a class A situation is suspected and a further evaluation is required.
If you are located in the United States of America and are in the process of securing a green card there you will in all probability be required to appear for the Green Card Medical. This exam is conducted by doctors who are approved, trained and appointed by the body governing the visa process in the United States – United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS. Certain doctors are appointed by USCIS specifically to conduct and report the results of the Immigration Exam Medical.
For those applicants who reside outside the country panel physicians can conduct the examination. The panel physicians are not the same as the Civil Surgeons inside the States; they are appointed by the Department of State – they can only conduct the immigration medical as a part of the visa process in a consulate or a U S Embassy abroad.
WHAT TO CARRY TO THE MEDICAL EXAM
The applicant will have to carry :
- The I-693 form, with the first part filled up
- Previous medical and vaccination records
- Government-approved photo identification – such as a passport and a driver’s licence.
- Payment for the exam – prices vary from doctor to doctor, so it is always a good idea to check out a few doctors before deciding on the suitable Civil Surgeon.
WHAT IS THE COST OF THE GREEN CARD MEDICAL?
There is no fixed rate but the tests include blood work, skin tests and vaccinations – so the usual cost is around $275 Other things are additional – a chest X-ray for example. If the blood test for syphilis is confirmed there will be an additional charge for the confirmation test.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR THE RESULTS?
The forms are usually ready in 2-3 days. The laboratory returns test reports within 24 to 48 hours and the tuberculosis test is usually read within 48 to 72 hours. If the tuberculosis test turns out to be positive then a chest x-ray is required, and one more day would then be added to the process.
WILL YOUR INSURANCE COVER THE COST OF THE IMMIGRATION MEDICAL?
No, insurance will not cover the costs – the amount will have to be paid upfront at the time of appearing for the examination.
WHERE CAN ONE FIND MORE INFORMATION ON THE NEW VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS?
Details about the vaccination can be found in the Technical Instructions to Civil Surgeons for Vaccination Requirements, a series of notes that contain information on what is necessary for the vaccination procedures.
