medical examImmigrant Visa Process is a complex and multistep process. One of the major steps on the way of obtaining an immigrant visa is to undergo a medical exam by a U.S. Embassy/Consulate-approved Panel Physician. The medical exam in general is required only for immigrant visas (green card) and for certain non-immigrant visas like the K fiancée visas and for the V-1 visa. Other type of non-immigrant visas in general doesn’t require a medical examination.  An applicant has to schedule an appointment for the medical exam in National Visa Center (NVC) or through his local U.S. Embassy/Consulate before the scheduled visa interview date.

It is important to know that the medical examinations are performed only by authorized physicians. The scrutiny includes: a review of the applicant’s medical history, physical examination, chest X-ray, and blood tests. The physical examination will at least include examination of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat, extremities, heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes, skin, and external genitalia. The results can be given either to hand-carry to the visa interview or will be sent to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

In the beginning, the applicant should determine which doctors in his/her area are authorized to perform a medical examination for the U.S. immigration purposes, then contact to the doctors and prepare all the necessary records and bring them to the medical examination: vaccination immunization records, any prior chest x-rays, copies of the medical history records, the passport, identity card, laissez-passer, or travel document. At last, the applicant should schedule and undergo a medical examination.

Normally, children under the age of fifteen are not required to do a chest X-ray and blood tests, but they need to undergo immunizations and a general physical examination. If the applicant has some problems with mental health or learning disabilities, he/she must present evidence of it. If the candidate ever had such diseases as tuberculosis, syphilis, etc., he/she must bring the written certificate, signed by the doctor that proves that the applicant was really treated.

A pregnant woman must do the chest x-ray even if she is pregnant, as it is required. But panel physicians should provide abdominal and pelvic protection with double layer in order to protect the woman and her unborn child.

To get more detailed information about immigrant visa process, please visit: http://www.usimmigrationapplication.org/green-card