How to Prepare for Your Immigration Physical
Immigrating to the United States is a huge step. There are several important things on your to-do list, but don’t neglect your entry medical exam. Wondering how you can prepare for it?
Start by finding a federally-authorized provider, like WiseCare Urgent Care. Dr. Perry Weisman is a board-certified internal medicine and cardiovascular physician who also conducts immigration physicals.
How do I prepare for my physical?
The first thing you should do before your appointment is get your paperwork in order. If you’ve already received some or all of your required vaccines, make sure you bring the documents that prove you’ve been vaccinated. In addition, complete and sign section 1 of form I-693, print it out, and bring it with you to give to Dr. Weisman. For more detailed instructions on the form and how to fill it out, visit the US Department of State site.
For your appointment, wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Along with your completed form I-693, bring any chest X-rays you’ve had, any medical records you have from your home country, and a state-issued I.D. You should also prepare to have blood drawn and to share relevant personal information with Dr. Weisman.
Remember that the purpose of your immigration exam is to determine if you carry any infection that could cause harm to yourself, your family, and/or your community. If you have any questions about what you need to bring with you or what will be done, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
What will happen during my physical?
Your medical exam will include:
Height
Weight
Skin health
Heart rhythm
Lung function
Other basic health concerns, including vision and hearing
During your visit to WiseCare, we take blood samples to test for several diseases, including syphilis, gonorrhea, and tuberculosis. Dr. Weisman will ask you about your medical and mental health histories, as well. Children in your family under the age of 15 aren’t subject to blood tests or X-rays, but if anyone, including your children, has a history of harmful or violent behavior, you must disclose it to the doctor.
If you’ve had a problem with drug or alcohol addiction, this could interfere with the success of your application. For questionable items, such as these, on an entry exam, a panel of doctors selected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reviews each item on a case-by-case basis.
Transitioning to a new country can be a scary time, and you may have questions or concerns about your or a family member’s physical exam. We’re here to help. To find out more or to schedule your immigration physical, call us at 410-255-7900, use our online scheduling tool, or simply walk in. And feel free to bring an interpreter along, if you need one, to aid the process.