When you apply for a green card to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, you may be overwhelmed by the amount of paperwork you must file. However, this may pale in comparison to the extensive immigration medical examination you must undergo. Unfortunately, many people are unprepared for how in-depth this process is, leaving them unprepared for their appointment. As such, taking the time to prepare for your appointment with the help of a New York City green card lawyer is crucial to helping this process go as smoothly as possible.
What Is the Immigration Medical Examination?
When someone wants to apply to become a green card holder or lawful permanent citizen, they must first undergo an extensive medical examination to determine if they are eligible to do so.
During the examination, you’ll begin by providing the physician with a number of documents. These include, but are not limited to, medical records, vaccination history, imaging copies, and a letter from your regular doctor explaining any issues you may have and subsequent treatment.
This examination can last a considerable amount of time as the physician must be thorough. They will check for any matters that can impact your green card application, like communicable diseases, conditions that prohibit you from supporting yourself, and mental illness that could put you at risk of harmful behavior. If you are missing the required vaccinations, the doctor can administer them during the appointment.
What Should I Know About This Process?
Generally, the most important part of this process is scheduling an appointment with a qualified doctor. Not every medical provider is qualified to give this examination, so you must ensure they are a government-authorized doctor. If you are applying within the United States, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has a list of designated doctors who can perform this service that you can choose from. If you are currently outside of the country, you’ll need to go to the panel physician at the embassy or consulate in your country.
Generally, the cost of the service will vary based on where you go. While it can range from $100 to $500, no assistance programs are available to help cover the cost.
If applying from within the United States, you must bring a copy of Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. If applying abroad, you must bring your green card interview appointment letter. The doctor will not perform the examination without it.
If you are getting ready to apply for your green card, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney. Not only can they help you throughout this entire process, but they can also assist in ensuring you have the necessary documents before your exam to help reduce delays or any issues that can negatively impact the outcome of your green card application. Additionally, if you have been denied for any reason, having an attorney who is already familiar with your case can help make the process of appealing less stressful.
When ready to obtain your green card, connecting with an experienced attorney from the Law Office of Jason A. Dennis is in your best interest. Schedule a consultation today to learn how we can assist you.
