What is an immigration physical?
An immigration physical is much the same as any routine medical examination and isn’t anything to be concerned about.
It’s important that the populations of the communities where you hope to live aren’t exposed to any serious diseases you may be carrying. The immigration physical is a way of ensuring you’re healthy before you start your new life.
Dr. Worrell is a designated Civil Surgeon by the US Department of Homeland Security, so he's able to successfully perform immigration physicals for patients. The team at Dallas Family Medicine is also always happy to answer questions and provide general health advice during an immigration physical. If you want to know how to improve your health, you are welcome to ask.
What happens when I have an immigration physical?
To begin your immigration physical, your doctor helps you feel comfortable and relaxed. They talk to you about your overall health and well-being. They carry out some general health checks, including:
- Recording your height and weight
- Measuring your blood pressure
- Listening to your heart and lungs
- Examining your eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- Palpating your abdomen and lymph nodes
The next stage is a series of screenings for certain medical conditions. There are infectious diseases and some mental and physical health problems that the US government lists as inadmissible, such as syphilis and tuberculosis.
When the physical is complete, your doctor fills out Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record), makes a copy for you, and sends the completed form to the US consulate or embassy for consideration as part of your immigration application.
Will I need any immunizations during an immigration physical?
You do need to be up to date with certain immunizations, which your doctor checks at your immigration physical.
If you have any records of current vaccinations, you should bring them with you, or you can undergo blood tests to check for immunization antibodies. You need immunization against:
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Tetanus
- Varicella
- Flu Shot
The team at Dallas Family Medicine gives you any immunizations or boosters that you require during your immigration physical.
What do I need to bring with me to my immigration physical?
When you attend your immigration physical at Dallas Family Medicine, you need to bring:
- Passport
- Vaccination records
- Appropriate forms
- Learning disability reports
- List of current medical conditions
- Any X-rays
- List of regular medications
- Any positive tuberculosis test certificate from your former doctor
To arrange your immigration physical, call Dallas Family Medicine today or book an appointment online.
