What Can I Expect from My Immigration Exam?

Kadie E. Leach, MD, provides comprehensive health and wellness services to adult patients in Lanham, Maryland, and the surrounding region. One of those services is an immigration exam, which is a critical step in becoming an American citizen. 

Many people have questions about what this exam entails and how they should prepare. We’re here today to discuss why this exam is so important, what you should expect, and how to prepare for success. 

What is the purpose of an immigration exam?

Immigration physicals are intended to protect the health of the American population. They aim to determine if an immigrant has any serious diseases, has been immunized according to American health standards, and is free of any serious mental health issues that could pose a threat to others. 

Not every medical practitioner can perform an immigration exam — only those professionals designated as United States civil surgeons can perform immigration exams within the United States. If you’re applying from abroad, the local US embassy can provide a list of practitioners. 

What to expect during your immigration exam

Many aspects of an immigration exam are similar to what happens when you come in for routine annual health checks. You’ll share the details of your personal health history, including information about any serious health issues you’ve faced and how they were treated. 

Next, a basic physical exam occurs. Expect Dr. Leach to check the following:

• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Lung function
• Vision
• Hearing
• Nose and throat

A chest X-ray is part of the process, primarily to screen for tuberculosis. You’ll also need a quick blood draw to screen for syphilis. We perform these labs on-site, so there’s no lengthy wait for your results. 

Dr. Leach also needs to review your immunization record to ensure that your vaccines adhere to the standards used in American medical practice. If you’re missing any vaccines, they can be administered during your visit. 

What happens if I “fail” my immigration exam?

If Dr. Leach detects a serious health problem that would prevent you from “passing” your immigration exam, that doesn’t mean your path to citizenship is permanently closed. 

Often, the issue that caused concern can be easily treated. For example, tuberculosis can now be easily treated. It’s a bacterial infection that responds well to medication, including inactive tuberculosis. There are also treatment paths for drug-resistant tuberculosis. 

Syphilis is also easily treatable with antibiotics. You’ll need a follow-up blood test to make sure the infection has cleared completely from your body. 

You should view your immigration exam as an opportunity to learn more about how your body is functioning. If there are areas of concern, Dr. Leach can discuss treatment options. We also hope you’ll turn to us for all of your preventive health needs in the future. 

How to prepare for an immigration exam

The best way to prepare for an immigration exam is to take some time to gather any information you have about your health history. This includes a list of any medications you’re taking, their dosages, and their dosing schedules. 

Be prepared to present your immunization records. This can be challenging for people who’ve moved multiple times and lost track of their childhood vaccine records. Do your best to gather the documentation you can find. 

Finally, try not to let stress overwhelm you at this stage of your immigration journey. The immigration exam is meant to protect both you and the American population and is usually a straightforward process that typically results in a positive outcome. 

When you’re ready to book, reach out to Kadie E. Leach, MD, to discuss scheduling. If you prefer online booking, we have an option that’s available around the clock.