Immigration Medical Exam: How to Prepare Yourself for Yours

Your petition has been accepted and you are well on the way to becoming an immigrant. What next? USCIS wants all immigrants to undergo an immigration medical examination before they will be eligible to move to America. If you are afraid of doctors, dentists and the like, then the idea of showing up for an immigration medical may well terrify you. But undergoing an immigration medical is just one step of many that you must take when you decide to emigrate to America. An appointment letter will be sent directing you to your country's US embassy or consulate so that you can have your immigration medical. Here is what to do to prepare yourself for the immigration medical.

Vaccinations

Before you attend your immigration medical make sure that you are up to date with all of your vaccinations. This would include MMR, Polio and Tetanus. Take along your current vaccination records so that the immigration doctor can see that you have had all of the necessary vaccinations.

HIV Test

All prospective immigrants who wish to move to America must undergo an HIV test and test negative for the virus before they are cleared for immigration. If there is any doubt as to your status, have an HIV test before you show up at the embassy or consulate; otherwise you will be wasting your time and the time of others. You will only be cleared for immigration once the HIV test comes back negative, which will take a few hours.

Chest X-rays

All prospective immigrants will need to submit to chest x-rays and if you are a woman, you will also have to have a breast examination. If you do not want a male doctor to perform your breast exam, you can request a female, but there is no guarantee that a female doctor will be available. Once you receive your x-rays, keep a tight hold of them. You will need to hand carry them with you on the plane and present them to immigration officials when you touch down in America. They are not always requested, but if they are, you must be prepared to present them at the port of entry.