The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 introduced health-related grounds for inadmissibility when applying for admission or citizenship of the United States of America. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, or the CDC, is now in charge of overseeing a requirement called an Immigration Medical Exam or IME, which is a requirement that applies to most individuals seeking admission to the country. At Centro Medico Latino in Charlotte, North Carolina, we want to make sure anyone undergoing the immigration process has a full understanding of this requirement.
Who Needs an Immigration Medical Exam?
Most people planning extended travel or moving to the United States from outside the country will be required to have a physical and mental examination by a Panel Physician. This includes immigrants, refugees, and even certain non-immigrants, such as the fiance of an immigrant making the trip back to the United States with their partners.
If a person is already in the United States but is applying for an adjustment of status to permanent resident, they will also be required to have the same physical and mental examination done. In the United States, this service is performed by what is called a Civil Surgeon.
What Is a Civil Surgeon?
A Civil Surgeon is a licensed doctor with four or more years of experience in their field. They must also be certified by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. There are only a limited number of certified Civil Surgeons in the United States, and locating one can sometimes become problematic.
At Centro Medico Latino, we proudly have a Civil Surgeon on staff to help complete these important exams.
Why Do You Need an IME?
The purpose of the medical exam is to help identify any health-related conditions that would render a person ineligible for citizenship. The Department of State (DOCS) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services are concerned primarily with communicable diseases and seek to keep the spread of such diseases at bay when new people are introduced into the United States population.
They are also concerned with the mental health status of new citizens. Those who have or have had any kind of mental disorder associated with violent or otherwise harmful behavior or those who struggle with chemical dependency may also be disqualified.
What Is Involved in the Exam?
The Immigration Medical Exam is done in a series of steps. These steps work in conjunction with one another to paint a full and clear picture of a person’s overall health. This assessment will help the examiner determine if they feel that an applicant is a good candidate for immigration approval.
Physical Exam
You will be asked to undergo a physical exam as part of your Immigration Medical Exam. The purpose of this exam is to see that your body is working appropriately and that you are in good overall health.
Communicable Diseases Test
You will be tested for a set of communicable diseases. This is sometimes seen as a demeaning and embarrassing process, but you should not look at it that way. The purpose of this part of the exam is not to make you feel shame, but to ensure that you are not unknowingly harboring any disease that may cause you or those you interact with harm. If you are found to have one of these communicable diseases, you will be offered treatment.
Vaccination Assessment
The United States has certain vaccination requirements that are universally upheld throughout the states. When you are looking to move to the United States, you are expected to comply with these same requirements. An inventory of any vaccinations you have already had will be done to determine if there are any gaps between your records and what is required in our country. If you are missing vaccinations, they will be given to you at the time of your exam.
Mental Health Assessment
A Mental Health Assessment will also be done to determine if you pose any kind of risk to society in the United States. If a person is prone to violence or if they are unable to differentiate right from wrong, it might be unsafe to allow them entry into the country.
During your mental health assessment, you will also be questioned about any chemical dependency you have. This will help your examiner decide if you pose a risk to yourself or society by means of such dependency. You will also be asked if you are willing to accept treatment for any chemical dependency you may have.
Once these steps are complete, your examination is considered finished. From here, the Civil Surgeon will work up a report to be sent to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for them to use in their determination of immigration eligibility.
What Diseases Are Tested for?
Because one of the primary concerns is keeping communicable diseases under control, there are a few that will always be tested for. This will ensure that nobody entering the country on a permanent basis will be bringing in a disease that the United States has worked hard to keep under control.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a venereal or sexually transmitted disease, often called an STD. This disease can affect men or women and causes spots of infection in the genitals, rectum, and throat. This is a common infection, especially among young people between the ages of 15 and 25. There is no reason to be afraid of a diagnosis. This is a highly treatable disease, and you will simply be prescribed medication to prevent its spread to other people.
Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy)
This is another highly curable disease that is simply tested for as a preventative measure to keep it from spreading within the United States. Leprosy, or Hansen’s Disease, is an infection that is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. This slow-growing bacteria affects nerves, eyes, skin, and the lining of the nose.
Syphilis
Syphilis is typically spread through direct sexual contact. The disease usually starts as a small sore that seems painless. This disease then spreads from person to person via mucous membrane contact. Again, this is a highly treatable disease, and a diagnosis will not automatically disqualify you from immigration approval.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis or TB is an infectious disease that affects the lungs. While potentially serious, the disease is treatable, especially if caught early. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis spreads from one person to the next through tiny droplets that are released into the air when a person coughs or sneezes. This makes TB a hard disease to control in an unvaccinated and unregulated environment.
Remember not to be afraid if you get a diagnosis. The primary reason for testing is to ensure that anyone who has these diseases is being treated before they spread the disease within the country.
What Should I Bring to My Exam?
There are a number of things the doctor will want to see when they are conducting your Immigration Medical Exam. These items will help them get a better understanding of your current and past health and any risk you may pose or face in a new population.
Immunization and Medical Records
If you have already been immunized, there is little need to do so again. Presenting a clear record of immunizations and other medical procedures you have undergone will show the examiner exactly what you need to accomplish during your immigration exam. Sometimes, your immunizations are outdated, or you may not have received all of the same immunization doses that the United States requires.
A Civil Surgeon is aware that vaccine requirements vary by country. The purpose of seeing your records is not to disqualify you because you have not had the same treatment the United States would like, but to allow the doctor to fill in any gaps that are a result of the different requirements.
Copies of Chest X-Rays (if You Have Them)
Your lungs and heart can change over time. Often, old copies of chest x-rays can be used to help diagnose inflammation, dark spots, or other concerns when compared to newer x-rays. If you have old copies of these x-rays, your Civil Surgeon may have an easier time clearing your lungs and heart as healthy.
All Necessary Immigration Documentation
There is a lot of paperwork involved in immigration, and the required forms will vary based on your individual circumstance. If you are unsure which documentation and paperwork you need to bring to your immigration medical exam, speak to your representative with the immigration office. They will be able to identify which forms apply to your case.
Letter From Current Doctor Outlining Treatment Plans
If you are nervous about a current medical condition, don’t be. This is especially true if you are currently being helped with this condition. Simply have your current doctor write a note explaining the condition and any treatment plan you have underway. This will present the Civil Surgeon with a clear understanding of your current physical condition and will show the examiner that you have been proactive in handling your medical needs.
Photo ID
A valid photo ID will be needed to verify your identity before the medical exam can begin. This prevents people from defrauding the process by having a healthier friend or family member go in their place. Remember that your medical exam is not only necessary to protect citizens of the United States, but also to ensure that you are getting proper medical attention for anything you may be unknowingly dealing with.
Payment and/or Insurance Information
Whether you are paying in cash, with insurance, or by a combination of both, your immigration medical exam will not be forwarded or approved for the proper channels until it is paid for. You should be prepared to make any cash payment necessary upfront to prevent the delay of your records and paperwork being sent to the proper authorities.
While all of this can seem overwhelming, it is usually a fairly simple and painless process that can be completed quickly if everything is in place to do so. When you are ready, you should not hesitate to schedule an appointment and get this important step in the immigration process out of the way.
Schedule an Immigration Medical Exam Today
Call Centro Medico Latino in Charlotte, North Carolina today to schedule your Immigration Medical Exam. Our doctors and staff are certified to perform this important service and look forward to assisting you in one of the first important steps to becoming a citizen of the United States. Welcome to your new home!
