medical test green card

medical test green card

If you’re applying for a U.S. Green Card (lawful permanent residence), a crucial step in the process is completing the immigration medical examination. This examination ensures that applicants do not have health conditions that could make them inadmissible to the United States. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the medical tests required for Green Card applicants, the necessary documentation, and recent policy updates

Understanding the Immigration Medical Examination

The immigration medical examination assesses whether an applicant has any health-related conditions that could pose a threat to public health or safety. This includes communicable diseases, lack of required vaccinations, or physical or mental disorders associated with harmful behavior.

Applicants must undergo this examination by a physician authorized by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), known as a civil surgeon. For those applying from abroad, the examination must be conducted by a panel physician approved by the U.S. Department of State.

Required Medical Tests

The medical examination includes several tests and evaluations:U.S. Embassy Canada

1. Tuberculosis (TB) Screening medical test green card

Applicants aged 2 years and older are required to undergo TB screening. This typically involves a chest X-ray, especially for individuals from countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis. If the chest X-ray indicates potential TB infection, further testing may be necessary. Physicians Immediate Care Center

2. Syphilis and Gonorrhea Testing

Applicants aged 15 years and older must undergo blood tests for syphilis and urine tests for gonorrhoea. These tests are mandatory regardless of whether the application is filed within the United States or abroad. Boundless

3. Vaccination Requirements medical test green card

Applicants must be up to date with vaccinations recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Required vaccinations include:

• Hepatitis A and B

Hepatitis A

Cause & Transmission: medical test green card
Hepatitis A is caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV) and is primarily transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food or water, or through direct contact with an infectious person. World Health Organization

Symptoms:
Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

Hepatitis B

Cause & Transmission:
Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and is transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids, such as blood, semen, and vaginal secretions. Common modes include unprotected sex, sharing needles, and from mother to child during childbirth.

Symptoms:
Many individuals may not exhibit symptoms. When present, they can include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, joint pain, and jaundice

Influenza

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, and lungs. It is caused by influenza viruses, which are categorized mainly into types A and B. These viruses spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks

Influenza type b (Hib)

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a bacterium that can cause severe, potentially life-threatening infections, particularly in children under five years old. Despite its name, Hib is unrelated to the influenza virus. Before the introduction of the Hib vaccine, it was a leading cause of bacterial meningitis among young children.

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)

What is the MMR vaccine?

The MMR vaccine combines three live‑attenuated (weakened) viruses in a single injection to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella It dramatically reduces the risk of these illnesses and their serious complications.

Meningococcal

What is Meningococcal Disease? medical test green card

Caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, meningococcal disease can lead to severe conditions like meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord) and septicemia (bloodstream infection). It progresses rapidly and can be fatal or disabling if not treated promptly

Serogroups A, C, W, Y and B are responsible for most cases worldwide

Pneumococcal

What Is Pneumococcal Disease?

Caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, this bacterium can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, bacteremia, otitis media, and sinusitis. It spreads via respiratory droplets or close contact and carries higher risk in children under 5, adults over 50, and immunocompromised individuals

Pertussis

What Is Pertussis?

Pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis.It often begins with mild cold‑like symptoms (runny nose, low fever, mild cough), progressing over 1–2 weeks into severe coughing spells with a characteristic high‑pitched “whoop,” vomiting after coughing, and exhaustion. Infants—especially under 6 months—may not cough but instead experience apnea or difficulty breathing.

Complications can include pneumonia, seizures, brain injury, rib fractures, and in severe cases, death—particularly among infants.

Polio

About Poliovirus and Disease medical test green card

Poliomyelitis (polio) is caused by a virus that primarily affects children under age 5. It can cause paralysis, with about 1 in 100 cases leading to permanent limb paralysis; around 2–5% of these children may die if breathing muscles are affected. Even those who appear to recover may develop post‑polio syndrome decades later

India’s last case of wild poliovirus was on 13 January 2011, with WHO certification of polio‑free status granted in March 2014 ( Pulse Polio, Immunize India)

Rotavirus

What Is Rotavirus?

Rotavirus is a double‑stranded RNA virus in the Reoviridae family, notable for its characteristic “wheel‑shaped” appearance under electron microscopy

Tetanus and Diphtheria toxoids medical test green card

What Are They?

• Tetanus toxoid and diphtheria toxoid are inactivated toxins used to stimulate immunity against tetanus (lockjaw) and diphtheria.
• Diphtheria vaccines are only available combined with other antigens (e.g. pertussis, in DTaP / Tdap) or with tetanus (DT / Td)
• In childhood, these toxoids are administered as part of DPT (whole‑cell pertussis) or DTaP (acellular pertussis) series
• Varicella (chickenpox)

What Is Varicella?

• Caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), primary infection results in chickenpox—featuring itchy blisters, fever, fatigue, and sometimes complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis, especially in infants, adults, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women
• The virus remains dormant and may later reactivate as shingles (herpes zoster)
• It’s highly contagious—up to 85% attack rate among susceptible individuals in closed settings
• The civil surgeon will review your vaccination records and administer any missing vaccines during the examination. USCIS+1

Form I-693: Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record

The results of the medical examination are documented on Form I-693, which must be completed by the civil surgeon and submitted to USCIS as part of your Green Card application. As of December 2, 2024, USCIS requires applicants to submit Form I-693 concurrently with Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). Failure to include Form I-693 may result in the rejection of your application.

Recent Policy Updates medical test green card

Effective June 11, 2025, USCIS implemented a new policy regarding the validity of Form I-693. Under this policy, Form I-693 is considered valid only while the associated Form I-485 is pending. If Form I-485 is withdrawn or denied, the applicant must submit a new Form I-693 with any subsequent application.

Preparing for the Medical Examination medical test green card

To ensure a smooth examination process, follow these steps:

1. Find an Authorized Physician: Use the USCIS Civil Surgeon Locator to find an authorized physician in your area.
2. Schedule an Appointment: Contact the physician’s office to schedule your examination. Inquire about the cost, as fees can vary.
3. Gather Required Documents:
4. Government-issued photo identification (e.g., passport, driver’s license)
5. Vaccination records
6. Medical history
7. Form I-693 (do not sign until instructed by the physician)Robert O’Penac Civil SurgeonUSCIS+Physicians Immediate Care Center
8. Attend the Examination: The physician will conduct a physical examination, review your medical history, perform required tests, and administer any necessary vaccinations.
9. Submit Form I-693: After the examination, the physician will complete and seal Form I-693 in an envelope. Do not open this envelope. Submit it to USCIS along with your Form I-485.

Completing the immigration medical examination is a vital step in the Green Card application process. Staying informed about the required tests, vaccinations, and recent policy changes will help ensure a successful application. Always consult with authorised medical professionals and refer to official USCIS guidelines for the most accurate and up-to-date information.