What Medical Exams Are Part of Immigration Physicals?
Immigration physicals generally include a comprehensive review of the applicant's medical history, a detailed physical examination, and a series of diagnostic tests to evaluate overall health and detect any potential health concerns. During the physical exam, the healthcare provider assesses vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory function, and performs a thorough evaluation to identify signs of infectious diseases, chronic conditions, or other health issues that may affect immigration eligibility. This examination also involves checking the applicant's general physical and mental health status to ensure fitness for entry into the United States.
Diagnostic testing is a crucial component of the immigration physical and typically includes tuberculosis (TB) screening, which may be performed through a skin test (Mantoux tuberculin test) or chest X-ray, depending on the applicant's age and risk factors. Blood tests are routinely conducted to detect infections such as syphilis and other communicable diseases. Screening for sexually transmitted infections is also standard practice. Additionally, the applicant's vaccination history is reviewed to verify compliance with the U.S. immunization requirements, and necessary vaccines may be recommended.
