Green Card Medical Exam: What to Expect and How to Prepare

One of the final and mandatory steps to obtaining your permanent residency is the Green Card medical exam. This examination is designed to ensure that you do not have any underlying medical conditions that would make your admission to the United States inadmissible for public health reasons.

Here is what you need to know to approach this step with confidence and efficiency.

1. Choosing an Authorized Doctor (Panel Physician) for your Green Card Medical Exam

You cannot consult your regular family doctor for this procedure. For your Green Card medical exam to be valid, it must be performed by a practitioner specifically designated by the U.S. authorities.

How to Find Authorized Doctors Outside the United States

If you are processing your application from abroad (for example, from France), you must consult a Panel Physician.

• The Official Procedure: You must visit the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.

• Example for France: The official list is available on the website of the U.S. Embassy in Paris. Currently, most authorized doctors are located in Paris. You will find their direct contact information there to schedule an appointment.

• Pro Tip: Fees are not regulated by the Embassy and vary from one clinic to another. Do not hesitate to compare prices and availability.

  
  

2. Mandatory Vaccine List and Medical Records

The most document-heavy part of the Green Card medical exam involves your vaccination history. Authorities require you to be up to date on several vaccines (Polio, Tetanus, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, and depending on the season, Influenza or COVID-19).

What if You Lost Your Vaccination Records?

This is a common situation. If you cannot find proof of your vaccinations:

1. Titer Tests (Serology): The doctor can perform a blood test to check if you have the necessary antibodies. This proves your past immunization.

2. Catch-up Shots: If the serology is negative or unavailable, you will need to receive the missing doses during your appointment.

   
   

3. What to Expect During the Appointment?

The doctor will conduct a physical examination, a review of your medical history, a blood test (to screen for certain communicable diseases like syphilis), and a tuberculosis screening.

At the end of the exam, the doctor will provide you with the results in a sealed envelope.

Warning: You must not open this envelope under any circumstances. If the seal is broken, the immigration officer will systematically reject it, delaying your file by several months.

The Bottom Line

The Green Card medical exam is a purely administrative step, but it requires meticulous preparation. Anticipating the search for your medical documents and identifying the authorized doctor in your country is key to avoiding unnecessary costs and last-minute delays.

Medical requirements frequently change. The Deltin Law Firm assists you in verifying that your file is compliant before your final interview. Contact us to secure your journey toward permanent residency.