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U.S. Dept. of State
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IMMIGRANT VISAS
Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Examinations

(日本語)


Where and when will the medical examination take place?

Applicants for U.S. immigrant visas must undergo medical examinations at designated facilities. You should contact the facility directly to schedule an appointment. Please note that the exam must be completed before your immigrant visa interview.


Can my physician perform the medical examination?

No. The medical examination is performed by an Embassy approved physician.


I applied for an adjustment of status with US Citizenship and Immigration Services. A medical examination was performed at that time. Can I use this?

No. Even if you have already had a medical performed in connection with your application for an adjustment of status, you will still be required to attend a medical examination with the Embassy's physician.


My husband is in the military. I had a medical performed by the doctor on base. Can this be used?

No. Even if you have already had a medical performed by the base physician, you will still be required to attend a medical examination with the Embassy's physician.


However, you can use medical examination with the U.S. Naval Hospital-Yokosuka.(Only if you use medical examination forms for immigrant visa application)
Note: USNH-Yokosuka will only schedule visa-related medical exams within six months of the service member's transfer date. If you would like to apply for your immigrant visa more than six months before your transfer to the United States, you must schedule an appointment with one of the other panel physicians.

How much is the medical examination.

The cost for the examination varies by required tests. Please contact the Embassy’s physician.


Can I pay the fee for the medical examination by credit card?

Please contact the facility directly for information on payment options.


What does the medical examination consist of?

The medical examination consists of a physical, chest X-ray the TST (tuberculosis skin testing), and a blood test, which includes testing for HIV infection (AIDS) and venereal disease. The blood test and X-ray are generally not required of persons under the age of 15.


Does my child need to attend the medical examination?

Children, regardless of age, are required to attend the medical examination


Will my child be required to undergo the same medical examination as an adult?

Yes, but the blood test and X-ray are generally not required of persons under the age of 15.


Do I require vaccinations?

If you are applying for an immigrant visa you will be required to have the necessary vaccinations. However, if you are applying for a fiance(e) visa or K3 visa, there is no requirement that you have the vaccinations done before the visa interview. At the time you apply for an adjustment of status with US Citizenship and Immigration Services from nonimmigrant to conditional or permanent resident, you will be required to meet the vaccination requirement


What vaccinations do I require?

On the day of your medical the physician will be required to verify that you have met the vaccination requirement, or that it is medically inappropriate for you to receive one or more of the following vaccinations: Mumps; Measles; Rubella; Polio; Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids; Pertussis, Influenza Type B (HIB), Hepatitis B, Varicella, Pneumococcal, and Influenza. You should have your vaccination records available for the Embassy physician's review at the time of your medical examination. If a vaccination record is not available, the doctor will help you in determining which vaccinations may be required. Certain waivers of the vaccination requirement are available upon the recommendation of the Embassy's physician.


Can my doctor perform the vaccinations?

Yes, your doctor may perform the vaccinations. I suggest that you review the information on vaccination requirements before visiting your doctor.


Will my child require vaccinations?

There are some vaccinations which will apply to your child. Follow this link for a list of the vaccination requirements.


I do not wish to have/ I do not wish for my child to have some of the vaccinations. What should I do?

You should discuss it with the Embassy physician on the day of your medical examination


How long is a medical exam report valid for?

Medical examinations conducted in connection with immigrant visa applications have a maximum validity of six months and must be valid when you enter the U.S. The consular officer shall limit the visa’s validity to a period of validity of the medical examination. If the alien cannot arrive in the United States within six months of the date of the medical examination, the alien must repeat the examination.


Should I get any vaccinations prior to my medical exam?

No. Live vaccines (chicken pox, mumps, measles and rubella) can be given the same day as the TST (tuberculosis skin testing) or any time after the TST is administered. However, if a live vaccine was given before the TST is administered, you must wait 4 to 6 weeks before getting the TST. Therefore, if you get live vaccines within 4 to 6 weeks of your medical exam, you will need to visit the panel physician again after the end of this waiting period to complete the TST.