The new rules state that for any immigration medicals completed on or after May 1, 2024, a Polio booster (IPV) is required for all applicants aged 2 months and older, including all adults, unless proper documentation is provided of previous primary vaccination.
Medical tests are an integral part of the US immigration process. Testing is mandatory in order to obtain a green card. A United States Civil Surgeon--a government-authorized doctor--is responsible for ordering these tests.
Applicants must obtain the following medical tests for US immigration:
1. Tuberculosis (TB)
All green card applicants two years or older will undergo an Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) test. If the test result is positive, applicants must undergo a chest x-ray and possibly other tests. Treatment is required immediately in some cases, but, for most cases, treatment may be deferred. Note that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not accept the tuberculosis skin test (TST).
Related: How Latent Tuberculosis and TB Disease Affect Immigration Medical Exam?
2. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
✔ All applicants aged 18 to 44 must be tested for syphilis infection with a blood test.
✔ All applicants aged 18 - 24 must also be tested for gonorrhea infection with a urine test.
✔ Applicants found to be positive for syphilis &/or gonorrhea must be treated before adjustment is allowed. The Civil Surgeon must personally carry out the treatment.
3. Optional Tests for Immunity (Titers) In Lieu of Certain Vaccinations
Applicants may exercise the option to attempt to “test out” of certain vaccination requirements by immunity testing (titers). The titers must be ordered by the Civil Surgeon and must be dated on or after the first appointment with the Civil Surgeon.
Positive titers for the following viruses are accepted in lieu of vaccination:
✔ Hepatitis A
✔ Hepatitis B
✔ Mumps, Measles, and Rubella (must be positive for all 3 to avoid the MMR)
✔ Varicella aka Chickenpox
✔ Polio (certain restrictions may apply)
Related: How Is Consistency of Vaccination Important for Immigration?
Form I-693 includes the test results. It is completed by the Civil Surgeon, placed in a sealed envelope, and issued to the applicant by appointment for delivery to the USCIS. Dr. Gordon’s office furnishes a copy of the completed form as well as copies of all laboratory and x-ray reports for the applicant’s reference.
If you are worried about your immigration medical exam, consult a trusted immigration doctor. There is no better alternative than Steven Wittenberg Gordon, MD, a reputed immigration doctor. With over 20 years of experience as a United States Civil Surgeon and having performed over 10,000 immigration medical exams, Dr. Gordon is a subject matter expert in the USCIS rules and guidelines. Request an appointment to get started with your immigration medical exam today!
