From as far back as 1892, immigrants to the US have undergone immigration medical examinations. This article outlines a little of the history of the immigration medical examination and offers pointers on streamlining the process to ensure you do not have to resubmit documents or delay your immigration application.
If you currently reside in Chicago and are applying for a green card, you may wish to avail yourself of the services of the 3P4Care Avondale Civil Surgeon’s immigration medical examination.
History of the Immigration Medical Examination
Ellis Island was the medical screening facility that saw 12 million immigrants enter the US between 1892 and 1954. The US Public Health Service provided commissioned officers as the “surgeons” tasked with examining immigrants in a line inspection procedure. Today,
civilian doctors certified by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to perform such examinations are called “Civil Surgeons”.
In the early 1900s, immigrants were asked how they would support themselves and were cross-questioned on whether they held extremist views.
Basic intelligence tests such as a puzzle that made up the shape of a face – the Feature Profile Test, which was used for four years from 1914 – were devised to sort newcomers to the US. The test was to be completed within five minutes, and though it may seem simple today, it is likely to have been challenging for immigrants who had usually just arrived from a long sea voyage. These people were often exhausted, ill, and undernourished, but they were summarily deported if they failed.
“The Island of Tears” was coined to describe Ellis Island. In June 1914, of the million people who were examined for the preceding year, 957 were returned to where they had come from.
Why Do I Need an Immigration Medical Exam?
An immigration medical examination aims to check whether the individual wanting the green card is suffering from a health problem that might disqualify them from receiving such.
The examination is necessary for all family members who require a family-based green card and must be completed by a doctor with authorisation from the government.
You may consider requesting a waiver if you suffer from a health condition that might hold up your green card application.
Depending on whether you’re applying from within the US or from abroad will determine which kind of doctor you should consult.
● A civil surgeon designated by USCIS will be your doctor if applying from within the United States.
● A panel physician authorised by the US Department of State is the doctor you need to see if you are applying from abroad.
Ask about the doctor’s availability, fees, and whether your health insurance plan will cover their services. The medical examination’s cost varies significantly by both provider and location.
Applying from within the US for a Green Card
Schedule your appointment before you begin the green card application process. In this instance, your medical exam results should be submitted concurrently with your application package, including all government forms and supporting documents.
If you do go this route and include the medical exam results with your green card application, then Form I-693, along with the medical results, has to be signed by a civil surgeon no more than 60 days before the green-card application (Form I-485) is submitted. The signed Form-I-693 is valid for two years.
If you schedule your appointment after the green card application package, you can send USCIS the medical exam results soon after submitting your application for the green card (Form I-485) or bring the results to your interview.
Applying from abroad for a Green Card
Family members who are abroad and seeking a green card are instructed by the State Department not to schedule a medical exam until they have received a green card interview appointment letter from the National Visa Center, which states their interview date.
How to Schedule an Immigration Medical Examination
If you are in the US, call the USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 or use the USCIS find a doctor tool to find a nearby civil surgeon who is authorised to perform immigration medical exams. When you contact the doctor’s rooms, let them know you want to schedule a medical exam appointment for immigration purposes.
If applying abroad, find your local US embassy or consulate online before the appointment letter arrives. Here, you should be given the medical exam instructions and information for doctors who are authorised to conduct the medical exam. It is advisable to arrange your appointment when you receive a date from the National Visa Center for your interview.
Ensure the doctor’s office knows you want a medical exam so you can immigrate to the US. 3P4Care Avondale will supply the most updated Form I-693. However, if you have a previously completed Form I-693, please bring it with you. Please also bring the following with you to see the civil surgeon:
● Valid government-issued identification document (passport, state ID or driver’s licence)
● ALL VACCINATION RECORDS (issued in both the US and other countries)
● Alien Registration Number (A-Number), if any (Bring your United States of America Employment Authorization Card, if you have one.)
● USCIS Online Account Number, if any
● Chronic medicaments you are taking
● The medical exam payment fee
During the Medical Examination
The doctor is expected to review your immunisation and medical history, so they will ask questions about your health and give you a physical examination that will include an examination of the eyes, ears, nose and throat, extremities, heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes, and skin.
A blood test for tuberculosis is required for all applicants 2 years and older. A blood test for syphilis is required for all applicants between 18 and 44 years of age. A urine test for gonorrhoea is required for all applicants between 18 and 24 years of age. These tests are covered in the basic examination fee at 3P4Care Avondale.
You can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for the Panel Physician Technical Instructions on vaccination requirements. The doctor must ensure you’ve received the required vaccines. Any doses due can be received at 3P4Care Avondale, retail pharmacies or your primary care doctor’s office. Immunity testing can also be conducted to see if you are immune to any infections before receiving the vaccines. (Please note that the basic examination fee at 3P4Care Avondale does not cover the costs of vaccinations and immunity testing.)
Those who have intellectual or learning disabilities must bring along a report on the condition with special education or supervision requirements.
A relative wanting a green card will not generally be denied on medical grounds if they:
● Have a cold when the medical exam is conducted
● Have a chronic disease, such as diabetes or heart disease, which is well managed
● Are HIV-positive
● Previously had one of the listed communicable diseases but have been cured (You should bring copies of your medical records showing treatment has been received and the results of that treatment, as well as a statement from your doctor confirming the disease is either cured or being managed.)
Medical exam results will be provided in a sealed envelope. You must not break the seal or open the envelope. A copy of the results will usually be given to you for your records. Ask for one if you do not receive it. (You are allowed to open this copy.) We provide an extra copy for your immigration attorney as well.
If applying from within the US, send the sealed, unopened envelope containing your completed Form I-693) to USCIS or bring it to your interview. If applying from abroad, the doctor will either hand you the sealed, unopened envelope and the X-ray to bring to your interview, or they could send it directly to the US embassy or consulate, depending on your home country’s requirements.
Immigration Medical Examinations Available in Chicago, IL
If you’re applying for a green card, 3P4Care Avondale can help you as our 3P4Care practice has been designated by the USCIS as a Civil Surgeon’s office to perform Immigration Medical Examinations and to report the results to USCIS on Form I-693.
Our highly-trained staff is committed to giving you the care you deserve. We present your health data accurately and according to the requirements mandated by USCIS.
To book an appointment at 3P4Care Avondale for your immigration medical examination, contact 3P4Care by phone at: (773) 654-1888.
