The process of immigrating to the United States can be an extremely complicated process. One of the most important steps in obtaining a green card for lawful permanent residency is ensuring an individual does not pose a threat to public health. Immigration physicals are essential to providing this information. Learn more during a consultation with our qualified team at MD Beauty Labs in Palm Beach or West Palm Beach, FL.
What Are Immigration Physicals?
Immigration physicals are specific physicals to ensure an individual is not inadmissible to the United States on the basis of a medical concern or condition. While they are partly similar to a traditional medical physical, there are other tests performed as the physical aims to test for specific conditions.
What Could I Expect from a Physical?
Immigration physicals are initially similar to a standard physical. They involve checking the:
- Abdomen
- Breathing
- Ears
- External genitalia
- Extremities
- Eyes
- Heartbeat
- Lymph nodes
- Nose
- Throat
- Skin
As mentioned, immigration physicals are performed to not only understand overall health and wellness but also check for specific conditions. It is imperative to be up-to-date on vaccinations, and bringing your immunization records as well as significant other documents and testing records related to your medical history. Also, it is necessary to bring a passport or other valid form of government-issued ID.
For individuals older than the age of 2, tuberculin skin test (TST) is performed to test for tuberculosis. If there is concern for TB, a chest X-ray may be performed. For individuals over the age of 15, a blood test is performed for syphilis and an urine test is performed for gonorrhea. These tests will only performed on individuals under the age of 15 if they show signs of or have a history of the conditions.
Why Are They Important?
Immigration physicals are imperative for determining an individual’s eligibility for a green card for lawful permanent residency in the United States. While most people are in good health and could qualify for a green card, there are a few conditions or concerns that may make an individual eligible for a green card, including:
- Abuse of or addiction to drugs
- Communicable diseases that pose a significant risk to public health, such as gonorrhea, infectious leprosy, infectious syphilis, or tuberculosis
- Physical or mental disorders with a history of behavior that may pose a threat to the individual, others, or property
Completing a physical with our qualified staff in the Palm Beach area can help better understand your health to assist in the immigration process.
Schedule Your Consultation!
To learn more about immigration physicals, contact us today at MD Beauty Labs! Daniela Dadurian, M.D., and her qualified team proudly serve Florida with locations in Palm Beach and West Palm Beach. We look forward to helping you on this important journey.
The Medical Professionals at MD Beauty Labs have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.