Immigration Physicals Westchester

Immigrating to the US involves many processes and a lot of paperwork, from filing a petition, applying for a visa, and attending interviews. Additionally, another important procedure is the immigration physicals or green card medical examination. 

The immigration medical exam is a requirement for all families seeking to obtain a green card and live permanently in the US. It consists of various medical procedures that aim to ensure the health and wellness of each applicant. Some of the included steps that you may anticipate include the following:

• Medical history review
• Review of completed immunizations and vaccines against infectious diseases.
• A thorough physical and mental health assessment.
• Drug and alcohol screening
• General medical evaluation to check for the presence of various disorders and health conditions.

Many people scheduled for immigration physicals are worried and anxious about their results. Fortunately, we at Immediate Medical Care MD make the process as easy as possible.

Here are some insights on how to prepare for your immigration physicals in Westchester and successfully get your green card.

What is the purpose of immigration physicals in Westchester?

The immigration medical exams are a necessary step in the immigration process. It is a requirement by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to screen out green card applicants from the following diseases:

• Drug and alcohol abuse
• Infectious illnesses, such as tuberculosis, syphilis, and COVID-19
• Mental health illnesses with a history of violence
• Inability to work

An immigration medical examination ensures that the applicant is in the right physical state. This will help safe keep the health and wellness of the general public.

 

Who performs immigration medical exams in Westchester?

Green card medical examinations are performed by a licensed medical doctor. For individuals applying for immigration within the country, the USCIS will designate a civil surgeon to perform the procedure. On the other hand, applicants from outside the country will see a panel physician designated by the Department of State. 

Sometimes, you can get your pick of physician from a consulate-approved list of panel physicians. So, before you make your choice, make sure to find the most efficient and trusted doctor in the field.

How to prepare for your immigration physicals?

Here’s how you can prepare for your scheduled immigration medical exam:

Prepare all the paperwork needed

Immigration physicals require tons of personal documents, medical papers, and ids. So make sure you have these important papers ready the night before your physicals. Some examples of the important files you need to get ahold of include the following:

• Government-issued identification and photo, such as passport and driver’s license
• Copies of medical history and previous results of X-ray.
• Health declaration or medical record regarding a health condition or specific supervision requirements.
• A signed document from your doctor regarding 
• List of medications currently taking and for what conditions.
• Medical insurance documents.
• A signed document from your doctor regarding the health conditions that are being treated and their treatment plan.
• Medical exam fee payment.
• A signed letter or certificate from your doctor that a specific illness (e.g., infectious disease, mental illness) has already been adequately treated.

Bring proof of vaccinations

National organizations, like the CDC and Immigration and Nationality Act, as well as the USCIS, require immigrants to vaccinate against specific illnesses. So on the day of your immigration physicals, make sure to bring proof of your immunizations against the following:

• Measles, mumps, rubella
• Polio
• Diphtheria and tetanus
• Haemophilus influenza type B
• Pertussis
• Influenza
• Varicella
• Hepatitis A and B
• Rotavirus
• Pneumococcal pneumonia
• Meningococcal disease
• COVID-19

Here is a complete list regarding the vaccination requirements of the USCIS depending on an applicant’s age.

Review your medical history

You are required to bring an official document regarding your medical history. However, your panel physician or civil surgeon will still interview you regarding significant health events in your life, such as hospitalizations or chronic illnesses. 

The physician may also ask about any physical or mental condition that had significantly diverted you from the normal state of well-being and functioning (e.g., mental illness or previous drug addiction).

Although all of these will be on your documents, you still need to refresh your memory as there will be a one-on-one interview regarding such events.

Dress comfortably

The medical exam with a civil surgeon or panel physician won’t take up much of your day. However, it’s better to dress comfortably as you’ll undergo a lot of assessments for the day, such as physical exams, blood draw, lung function, and vision and hearing evaluation. 

Be open and honest during your immigration physicals in Westchester

There’s no need to get stressed out or overwhelmed during your immigration medical exam in Westchester. All you need to do is be honest with your physician regarding your medical history. For individuals immigrating with their families, you should also be able to answer health-related questions about your family. 

What happens during the immigration medical exam in Westchester?

Most facilities that conduct immigration physicals accept walk-ins, but a scheduled appointment is usually preferred. 

During the initial visit, you’ll be required to bring a valid ID, vaccination records, and payment for the medical exam. Additionally, the facility will require your blood to be drawn on the first day to perform a titer and diagnostic test. 

After that, you will be asked to complete your immunization record so they can schedule you for the final visit (medical exam) within three months. The medical exam typically involves the following processes:

• Physical examination 

this involves evaluating your vision, hearing, nose, throat, lungs, heart, abdomen, lymph nodes, skin, and external genitalia. This may also include a medical history review and interview.

• Tuberculosis test  

the CDC requires applicants to undergo an interferon-gamma release assay test and/or an X-ray to check for symptoms of tuberculosis.

• Blood and urine tests 

blood tests are performed to check for current infections or titer for certain diseases, such as varicella or syphilis. A urine test is also required to check for symptoms and the presence of gonorrhea.

• Vaccination screening 

your blood will be drawn to check if you have already received the required vaccinations against the listed conditions above. Your doctor may also give you the needed vaccines if you’re missing some.

• Drug and alcohol screening 

your physician will screen and interview you regarding current medications, as well as past drug and alcohol problems or usage.

• Mental examination 

your doctor will screen and evaluate you for physical and medical disorders related to harmful or violent behaviors. This may also include substance use disorders even in the past.

Processing of the medical results may take days or weeks to finish, depending on how complicated a medical case is. But once available, the facility will send your results, which you will be required to bring on the day of your green card interview.

Where to find the best immigration physicals near me?

Get your health checked and make sure that you meet all the medical requirements needed by teaming up with Immediate Medical Care MD. 

Immediate Medical Care MD is one of the leading Westchester urgent care centers that offers immigration physicals for you and your family. Our esteemed staff and board-certified physicians offer superior customer service and high-quality medical care. We are located in Ossining, NY and take clients not only from Ossining, but also from Tarrytown, Scarsdale, Crotonville, and the surrounding areas. 

We can make the whole process easier by assisting you every step of the way. When you’re ready to start your immigration medical exam in Westchester, you can contact us at 914-502-0881 or schedule an appointment.