Do you know what health checks you need to move to the USA?
When applying for an immigration visa or an Adjustment of Status for the USA, there are numerous requirements that must be fulfilled, including satisfying certain health criteria. A medical examination is carried out in order to determine whether your visa will be issued.
Medical examination
The examination screens for conditions outlined in U.S. immigration law. It is made up of a physical exam, review of medical history, a skin test for TB, a blood test to check for HIV and syphilis, and a chest X-ray.
You are also required to provide a vaccination history. A list of compulsory vaccinations can be found here. If for medical or religious reasons the applicant cannot receive one of the prescribed vaccinations then an exemption can be granted on the recommendation of the panel physician.
The examination process
Medical examinations must be conducted by a physician approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a list of approved panel physicians can be obtained from your visa-issuing U.S. embassy.
The results and X-ray are given to the applicant in a sealed envelope. The envelope must stay sealed and be presented at the immigration interview. In some countries the results are sent directly to the embassy.
Medical history
As well as current health, previous conditions are taken into consideration. Any previous abnormal chest X-ray must be brought to the examination for comparison.
If the applicant has ever received a positive diagnosis for tuberculosis or syphilis, a doctors report must be provided of the circumstances along with proof that the infection was adequately treated.
Suffers of chronic illness or users of regular medication need to provide certification of the condition, current treatment, the prognosis and details of the medication prescribed.
If the applicant has ever been hospitalised for a mental illness then documentation outlining diagnosis, treatment and prognosis and the duration of hospitalisation must be given to the panel physician. Furthermore, if there is a history of violence or harmful behaviour; resulting in injury to another person, animal or inanimate objects. Information regarding circumstances must be given, to allow the panel physician to determine whether actions were the consequence of psychiatric issues or substance use. This includes any suicide attempts or self harm.
Applicants with learning difficulties or other mental disabilities will need to obtain a report of their condition and details of any additional needs.
Who has to have a medical exam?
Anyone applying for an immigrant visa or Adjustment of Status must undergo a medical examination. Those applying for a non-immigrant visa (the spouse or fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen, or the child or spouse of a permanent resident) must undergo a medical examination, but are not required to provide a vaccination history until they apply for an Adjustment of Status.
Refugees must have a medical examination, although asylum seekers already in the U.S. do not, both are eligible after a year in the USA to apply for an Adjustment of Status where they will then be required to have a medical exam and provide vaccination history.
Exemptions
Most embassies will dictate that pregnant women are required to undergo a chest X-ray if an examination is required for their visa issuance. Some issuing countries, however, will exempt pregnant women. Applicants that do not wish to have a X-ray may be granted temporary exemption with proof of pregnancy signed by an obstetrician.
Chest X-rays and blood tests are not usually mandatory for children under 15, unless there is reason to suspect infection.
More information regarding documentation and requirements can be found here.