An immigration physical is an exam required by United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS). Anyone who wants permanent U.S. citizenship must pass an immigration physical.

The physical exam is different from an annual exam in that it has very specific rules and regulations. Once you pass the exam, your JAM Wellness Clinics provider can fill out the necessary paperwork to assist you with the immigration process.

What do immigration physicals involve?

At JAM Wellness Clinics, immigration physicals follow a simple, five-step process:

Step one - physical exam 

First, your provider conducts a complete exam. They assess your physical, mental, and neurological health and ask if you have any chronic health problems. 

Step two - review of your medical records

Next, your provider reviews your medical records. They check for previous hospitalizations, illnesses, and drug use. 

Step three - vaccination and immunization records

Your provider determines if you have the necessary vaccines. USCIS requires several immunizations, and the CDC also has requirements for immigration purposes. The necessary vaccines include measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), polio, COVID-19, influenza, tetanus, meningitis, and pneumonia. 

Step four - screening for tuberculosis, gonorrhea, and syphilis

If you have a ‘Class A’ condition like tuberculosis, gonorrhea, or syphilis, you won’t be allowed into the United States. If your results come back positive, your JAM Wellness Clinics provider can recommend treatment so you can continue moving forward with your immigration application.

Step five - completion of I-693 paperwork

After completing the exam and receiving the results of your lab tests, your provider fills out and signs the I-693 form. Then, you submit this paperwork to USCIS along with the rest of your permanent resident application.

What should I bring to an immigration physical?

The team at JAM Wellness Clinics recommends bringing the following items to your immigration physical:

• A blank I-693 form for your provider to complete
• A second I-693 form with parts 1-4 filled out in black ink
• Photo ID
• An interpreter (if you don’t speak English)

It’s also important to bring a copy of your medical records, including an updated list of immunizations.

How long do immigration physicals take?

At JAM Wellness Clinics, the team recommends setting aside at least two hours for your immigration physical. The exam and screenings don’t take very long, but filling out the necessary paperwork and reviewing your medical records can take a while. 

Don’t wait to request an immigration physical at JAM Wellness Clinics. Call the nearest office in Dallas, Houston, Fresno, Pasadena, or Arlington, Texas, or click the online booking feature today to make an appointment for you and your family.