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The process of immigration can be both thrilling and daunting. It entails a considerable amount of paperwork, documentation, and medical examinations to ensure that the individual is physically and mentally fit to live and work in a foreign country. In the United States, one of the prerequisites for immigration is to undergo a physical examination for immigration purposes.

An immigration physical is a vital component of the immigration process, as it verifies that the individual does not possess any infectious diseases and is physically capable of entering the country. This comprehensive guide covers all significant aspects of immigration physicals, such as their definition, what to anticipate during the examination, and their significance.

What is the Purpose of Immigration Physicals?

Undergoing an immigration process can be a daunting and protracted process. However, one of the vital steps involved is accomplishing an immigration physical. A lot of individuals are often perplexed regarding what an immigration physical entails and its significance.

The purpose of an immigration physical is to ensure that the individual seeking entry into the country is healthy and not carrying any contagious diseases that could pose a public health risk. The process involves a thorough medical examination that includes a review of the individual's medical history, a physical examination, and a series of laboratory tests. 

During a medical examination, the physician will conduct tests to identify potentially infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, syphilis, gonorrhea, and other related illnesses. If any of these diseases are detected, the concerned individual may face disqualification from entry into the country.

During an immigration physical, the physician will conduct a thorough examination to identify any underlying medical conditions or illnesses that may require medical intervention. The primary goal of an immigration physical is to verify that the applicant is in good health, does not carry any infectious diseases, and can lawfully enter and stay in the country.

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What Can You Expect During Immigration Physical?

Immigration physicals consist of three key components that determine their outcome. These include physical examinations, mandatory testing, and thorough document review. Proper completion of these three parts is crucial for successful immigration proceedings. 

• During an immigration physical, you can expect a comprehensive medical examination, including a review of your medical history and any past or current medical issues.
• A thorough physical exam will be performed, including height, weight, vital signs, and a review of your eyes, ears, nose, throat, lungs, and heart.
• You will also need to provide documentation of any required vaccinations, such as for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), and undergo tuberculosis (TB) test.
• If you have any underlying medical conditions, you may be required to provide additional documentation or undergo further testing.
• Immigration physicals are designed to ensure that you are healthy enough to enter the United States and do not pose a risk to public health.

What Happens After Your Immigration Physical?

Once you've completed the immigration physical process, your examination results will be sent directly to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This information will be utilized by USCIS to assess your eligibility for entry into the United States. In case any complications arise during your examination, USCIS may require supplementary medical evaluations or paperwork prior to granting approval for your application.

It is crucial to emphasize that the outcomes of your immigration medical examination are private and will remain undisclosed to any party except the USCIS, unless you grant consent. Your physician will solely disclose relevant details to the USCIS, enabling them to arrive at an informed conclusion concerning your petition.

If your exam results are approved by USCIS, you'll receive Form I-693 - a medical examination report and vaccination record. This form will be handed to you in a sealed envelope, which must be submitted to USCIS along with your immigration application. It's crucial to retain a copy of your Form I-693 for future reference.

You may be asked to provide this information later if you need to renew your visa or apply for permanent residency. In conclusion, after your immigration physical, the doctor will send the results directly to the USCIS to determine your eligibility to enter the United States. If approved, you will receive Form I-693, which you will need to submit to the USCIS along with the immigration application. Be sure to keep a copy of the form for records.

Final Words

Immigration physicals play a crucial role in the immigration process, but they can be overwhelming for individuals unfamiliar with them. This article provides useful details on what to anticipate during the physical exam, the necessary documentation, and potential tests. It is crucial to note that designated civil surgeons are the only authorized professionals to carry out immigration physicals. Therefore, it is essential to seek out a qualified provider to schedule your immigration physical and avoid any complications.