US Immigrant Visa Medical Exam & FAQs
Who Needs a Medical Exam?
All immigrant visa applicants, including eligible family members, must undergo a medical examination by a US embassy-approved Panel Physician. The exam is conducted in the country where the visa interview is scheduled.
When to Schedule Your Medical Exam
You can schedule your medical exam only after receiving your immigrant visa interview date from the US Embassy or Consulate. It is important to complete the exam and any required vaccinations before your interview to avoid delays in processing your visa application.
What Happens During the Medical Exam?
On the day of your exam, bring a valid passport or other government-issued photo ID and your appointment letter. The exam includes:
- A review of your medical history
- A physical examination, including vision, hearing, and cardiovascular health checks
- A chest X-ray for tuberculosis screening (except for most children under 15)
- Blood tests for syphilis (required for applicants 15 and older)
The Panel Physician may send your results directly to the US Embassy or give them to you in a sealed envelope. Do not open the envelope; bring it to your visa interview.
Medical Examination FAQs
General Questions
Are children required to have chest X-rays or blood tests?
No, children under 15 are generally exempt unless medically necessary.
What if the applicant has an intellectual or learning disability?
Applicants must provide a report detailing their condition and any special education or supervision needs.
What is the legal basis for requesting medical information?
Medical eligibility is required under INA Sections 212(a) and 221(d). Failure to provide necessary information may delay or deny your visa. Medical records are kept confidential under INA Section 222(f) if a visa is not issued.
Is the medical exam a full health check-up?
No, the exam screens for conditions relevant to US immigration law. The Panel Physician is not required to diagnose or treat unrelated health issues.
Medical Conditions & History
What if the applicant had a positive tuberculosis skin test?
Bring a certificate from your doctor detailing the test result, any treatment, and its duration. If you had tuberculosis or an abnormal chest X-ray, bring past X-ray films for comparison.
What if the applicant had syphilis?
Provide a signed certificate from a doctor or public health official confirming adequate treatment. If you had a positive test but were never treated, submit a written explanation from your doctor.
Do pregnant applicants need a chest X-ray?
Yes, pregnant applicants must have a chest X-ray with protective measures, such as a double-layer lead shield, per CDC guidelines.
What if the applicant has a history of harmful or violent behavior?
Provide medical records to help determine if the behavior was due to a medical or psychiatric condition, substance use, or other factors. Harmful behavior includes self-harm or attempted suicide.
What if the applicant has been hospitalized for psychiatric illness, alcohol, or drug abuse?
Submit a written certification with details of your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
What if the applicant has a chronic medical condition or takes medication regularly?
Bring a certificate detailing the condition, treatment, prognosis, and a list of prescribed medications.
Can an applicant have the medical exam during menstruation?
Yes, the exam can still take place.
Physicians & Exam Location
Can the applicant use their own doctor for the exam?
No, only an approved Panel Physician can conduct the medical examination.
Can the exam be done in the US if the applicant is already there?
No, visa medical exams must be conducted in the country where the US Embassy or Consulate processes the visa application.
Vaccination Requirements
Which vaccinations are required for immigration?
The following vaccines are mandatory:
- Hepatitis A & B
- Influenza & Influenza type B (Hib)
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella
- Meningococcal
- Pneumococcal
- Pertussis
- Polio
- Rotavirus
- Tetanus & Diphtheria
- Varicella
What if the applicant does not have a vaccination record?
The Panel Physician will assess which vaccines are needed and may administer missing vaccinations.
Can an applicant be exempt from vaccinations for medical reasons?
Yes, medical waivers are available based on the Panel Physician’s recommendation.
Final Tips for a Smooth Process
To avoid delays, schedule your medical exam as soon as you receive your visa interview date, follow all instructions from the Panel Physician, and bring all required documents. Proper preparation will help ensure a smooth visa application process.
Citations
We Can Help!
You may have questions regarding U.S. immigration laws and visas. We invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
JEREMY L. RICHARDS is the founding partner of Richards and Jurusik and has dedicated his career to U.S. immigration law, with a specialized focus on assisting Canadian and Mexican citizens under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to work and live in the United States. (Full Bio)
