After the medical exam
The medical examination is valid from 3 to 6 months, depending on the results.
IMPORTANT
The results of the medical tests may take up to seven days.
SCHEDULE YOUR MEDICAL EXAMINATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER YOU RECEIVE NOTIFICATION FROM THE NATIONAL VISA CENTER OR KENTUCKY CONSULAR CENTER ABOUT YOUR VISA INTERVIEW DATE AND TIME. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU COMPLETE YOUR MEDICAL EXAM PRIOR TO ARRIVING FOR YOUR INTERVIEW
When your examination is completed, the doctor will provide you with exam results in a sealed envelope or send them directly to the U.S. Consulate. IF GIVEN AN ENVELOPE TO CARRY TO YOUR INTERVIEW, DO NOT OPEN THIS ENVELOPE. Instead, bring it to your visa interview.
Any x-rays taken will be given to you in CD format. You DO NOT need to bring this CD to your visa interview. However, you must bring the x-rays on the CD with you when you travel to the United States for the first time. Your visa will be limited to the expiration date of your medical exam.
Special Medical Conditions
The medical examination is not a full and complete physical examination. Its purpose is to screen only for certain medical conditions relevant to U.S. immigration law. The medical examination will include a medical history, physical examination, chest x-ray and blood tests for syphilis and gonorrhea for all applicants over 15 years of age. Children under 15 years of age do not routinely require a chest x-ray or blood tests.
The Department of State and the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) also require testing for the detection of tuberculosis (TB) and for infection with gonorrhea. Please be aware that the results of these tests may take up to ten (10) days. Please carefully read the following chart to see what tests are required for different age groups:
0 years – 2 years: These applicants only need the general medical exam, unless the doctor requires additional tests.
2 years – 14 years: In addition to the medical examination, all applicants in this age group need an interferon gamma release assay (IGRA). If the test result is positive, the applicant will be required to have a chest x-ray. If the test result is negative, the chest x-ray is not required.
15 years and older: In addition to the general medical examination, all applicants need a chest x-ray, and blood tests for syphilis and gonorrhea.
- Women who are pregnant are required to have a chest x-ray (CXR) to immigrate. Pregnant women must provide consent for the CXR. Pregnant women receiving chest radiographs will be provided abdominal and pelvic protection.
- Applicants who have had syphilis must provide a written certificate signed by a doctor or public health official evidencing they were adequately treated. Applicants who have had a positive VDRL or other blood test for syphilis and were not treated must provide a written explanation signed by their doctor.
- Applicants who have had a positive skin test for tuberculosis must provide a certificate from a doctor outlining the circumstances surrounding the positive tests result and indicating whether treatment was prescribed and, if so, the type and number of months of the treatment. Applicants who have been diagnosed as suffering from tuberculosis must present a written certification signed by a doctor evidencing they were adequately treated and stating the dates and types of medications taken. Applicants who have had an abnormal chest x-ray should borrow the last x-ray films taken and bring them to the medical appointment.
- Applicants who have been treated or hospitalized for psychiatric or mental illness or alcohol or drug abuse must present written certification which includes the diagnosis, duration of treatment rendered, and prognosis.
- Applicants being treated for chronic medical problems or taking medication on a regular basis should be familiar with their medical conditions and bring a list of the medications they are taking. If an applicant is not sure of his/her diagnosis, the applicant should bring a certificate from his/her doctor outlining the condition, current treatment, and prognosis.
- Applicants who have had any history of harmful or violent behavior must provide information that will allow the doctors to determine if the behavior was related to any psychiatric or medical problem, or to drug or alcohol use. Harmful behavior includes attempted suicide or harm to oneself.
Vaccinations
U.S. immigration law requires immigrant and K visa applicants to obtain certain vaccinations prior to the issuance of a visa.
Panel physicians who conduct medical examinations on behalf of immigrant visa applicants are now required to verify that immigrant visa applicants have met the new vaccination requirement, or that it is medically inappropriate for the visa applicant to receive one or more of the listed vaccinations:
- Mumps
- Measles
- Rubella
- Polio
- Tetanus
- Diphtheria
- Pertussis
- Haemophilus influenzae Type B
- Rotavirus
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Meningococcal disease
- Varicella
- Pneumococcal
- Influenza
In order to assist the panel physicians, and to avoid delays in the processing of an immigrant visa, all immigrant visa applicants should have their vaccination records available for the panel physician’s review at the time of the immigrant medical examination. Visa applicants should consult with their regular health care provider to obtain a copy of their immunization record, if one is available. If you do not have a vaccination record, the panel physician will work with you to determine which vaccinations you may need to meet the requirement. Certain waivers of the vaccination requirement are available upon the recommendation of the panel physician.
Only a physician can determine which of the listed vaccinations are medically appropriate for you, given your age, medical history and current medical condition.
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