How to Prepare for Your Immigration Physical

The process of immigrating to the US is a long, exciting road. One of the steps is to be seen by an authorized doctor (known as a civil surgeon) and assessed for certain medical conditions. Commonly known as an “immigration physical”, there are specific ways this exam is different from a traditional physical. Fortunately, Dr. Hamid Mirshojae and Dr. Aram Mkhitarian at Warner Plaza Urgent Care are certified civil surgeons who can perform this exam and fill out the required paperwork. Before you make your appointment, here is what you should know.

1. Not every physician can do an immigration physical.

When you apply for a green card, you will need to have an exam done by a doctor who has gone through the approval process with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This means not every doctor is eligible to do an immigration physical. If you contact a doctor that is not an approved “civil surgeon,” your physical will not be accepted by USCIS.

2. You will need to bring specific paperwork with you.

Your ability to provide the following paperwork will make the examination process much easier. Please bring with you your:

• Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.
• A government-issued photo identification (such as a driver’s license, state ID card, or valid passport). If you are making the appointment for someone younger than 14 years old, be sure to bring identification that shows their name, date, and place of birth and the parents’ full names. A birth certificate with an English translation if necessary will suffice.
• Your vaccination or immunization records.
• Your medical insurance card or a form of payment for your immigration physical.

3. An immigration physical is not a full examination.

During an immigration physical, you are tested for specific medical conditions but not for overall health. You will receive a blood test that will check for communicable diseases such as syphilis. You will also receive a tuberculosis test that is performed in two parts. During your initial visit, a small bubble of air is injected under the surface of your skin. Two to three days later, you will return to our office where you will have the test results read. Dr. Hamid Mirshojae and Dr. Aram Mkhitarian will also check your medical records to see if you need any additional vaccinations. Since many vaccines require multiple doses, be sure to have records of all of your immunizations with you.

4. USCIS will not accept your medical form if the envelope has been opened.

Once your immigration physical is complete, Dr. Hamid Mirshojae and Dr. Aram Mkhitarian will fill out Form I-693, and make a copy for you to keep for your records. They will then seal the original form in an envelope and stamp or sign the seal. Since USCIS will not accept the form if the envelope has been opened; it is important that you mail it in as it is.

If you or a loved one is applying for a green card or changing their citizenship status, call Warner Plaza Urgent Care today to schedule your immigration physical.