AOS Medical Questions

[chrissbe17 3]

I will be filing for AOS soon from F1 student status. I have a few questions about the medical. Do you still have to do the medical if you have been living in the US? Also exactly what is it that they do test for? I have only recently learned about the medical part so I would like some clarification from others who have had the experience. Thanks in advance!

[Myopia 93]

Yes you have to do the medical if you are adjusting within the USA (Unless you are a K1 visa holder).

They test for syphilis as I recall.They do a TB test and some general blood work. Nothing too specific.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

They also check to see if your vaccines are up to date, and if not, you will get some.

[chrissbe17 3]

Thanks for the clarification!

[FinnAlb 0]

Thanks for the clarification!

All you really need to do is to take the I-693 with you and they will take care of everything else. Also, bring all your medical information (so basically the vaccinations) that you have with you.

Also, make sure you use a doctor that is listed by USCIS to be permitted to do the examination.

[BenjaminUKtoUSA 7]

I had mine done recently.

Here is how it went for me,

Upon arrival I had all of my vaccination records and passport page, photocopied for their records. I was then asked to fill in a few forms, including the I-693 with all the details I could answer (remember to bring your NOA or anything which has your alien number on it.) Also make sure you answer the forms correctly and fill them in clearly, as they can be really funny with this.

Once I had filled them in, I waited a while to be seen by the nurse. Once in the private booth, I had my weight and height taken and waited again. The doctor came in and was very friendly throughout the entire process, he tested my hearts and lungs and my flexibility. He then injected a PPD test under my skin. (I should add none of the injections hurt at all)

The PPD test is to test for a reaction to Tuberculosis in the skin. This test will be read 48 - 72 hours later and they will determine what action needs to be taken. ** If you have a reaction, it DOES NOT MEAN you have TB, it just means you have come into contact with the virus. **

After the PPD test, he bandaged it up and told me we had to come back to check it after 48 hours. He then took a look at my vaccination records and could see that I wasn't up to date on some vaccinations. I had to have a further two shots, One was for Varicella(sp?) and another but I can't remember which one it was. I should also say The previous day I had vaccinations administered at another doctors, these were an up to date tetanus and hepatitis B.

Then came the blood tests. These were to test for Syphilis and HIV virus in your blood stream. It was two vials and again, didn't hurt.

After the vaccinations we left and came back 48 hours later.

The next visit

When arriving I was seen by the doctor straight away, they looked at my PPD test and confirmed it had a reaction so I had to have a chest X-ray, to confirm the virus wasn't in my lungs. The PPD test is analysed by how much of a bump is raised in your skin around the injection mark. If it is more than 5mm they will consider that a positive reaction. Apart from the news of the PPD, my Syphilis and HIV tests came back all clear, so I was obviously happy about that.

This whole thing can be a costly process, the doctors fees including vaccinations, blood-work and chest x-ray, total was a little over $600. But I had to have four vaccinations and the x-ray on top.

Good luck and remember DON'T TENSE YOUR MUSCLES, or injections WILL hurt.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Nice and detailed review Benjamin.

I just want to clarify something, however. You said to bring your NOA1 so you have your alien number, but you really should do the medical before you even apply, and send it in with the initial submission, as per the instructions. You wouldn't have an A-number yet, and that's okay for the medical. If you don't send it in with the initial submission, they will send an RFE and you will lose time waiting to respond.

[chrissbe17 3]

I had mine done recently.

Here is how it went for me,

Upon arrival I had all of my vaccination records and passport page, photocopied for their records. I was then asked to fill in a few forms, including the I-693 with all the details I could answer (remember to bring your NOA or anything which has your alien number on it.) Also make sure you answer the forms correctly and fill them in clearly, as they can be really funny with this.

Once I had filled them in, I waited a while to be seen by the nurse. Once in the private booth, I had my weight and height taken and waited again. The doctor came in and was very friendly throughout the entire process, he tested my hearts and lungs and my flexibility. He then injected a PPD test under my skin. (I should add none of the injections hurt at all)

The PPD test is to test for a reaction to Tuberculosis in the skin. This test will be read 48 - 72 hours later and they will determine what action needs to be taken. ** If you have a reaction, it DOES NOT MEAN you have TB, it just means you have come into contact with the virus. **

After the PPD test, he bandaged it up and told me we had to come back to check it after 48 hours. He then took a look at my vaccination records and could see that I wasn't up to date on some vaccinations. I had to have a further two shots, One was for Varicella(sp?) and another but I can't remember which one it was. I should also say The previous day I had vaccinations administered at another doctors, these were an up to date tetanus and hepatitis B.

Then came the blood tests. These were to test for Syphilis and HIV virus in your blood stream. It was two vials and again, didn't hurt.

After the vaccinations we left and came back 48 hours later.

The next visit

When arriving I was seen by the doctor straight away, they looked at my PPD test and confirmed it had a reaction so I had to have a chest X-ray, to confirm the virus wasn't in my lungs. The PPD test is analysed by how much of a bump is raised in your skin around the injection mark. If it is more than 5mm they will consider that a positive reaction. Apart from the news of the PPD, my Syphilis and HIV tests came back all clear, so I was obviously happy about that.

This whole thing can be a costly process, the doctors fees including vaccinations, blood-work and chest x-ray, total was a little over $600. But I had to have four vaccinations and the x-ray on top.

Good luck and remember DON'T TENSE YOUR MUSCLES, or injections WILL hurt.

Thank you . Your review has gone a long way in easing any worries I had since I did not know what was involved in the medical. I am glad you said the injections didn't hurt. I hate being stuck with needles! Was the cost of your medical inclusive of insurance or did you pay out of pocket?

[brklny 2]

I had my exam done in NYC, I did not need any new vaccines or X-rays, and it was only $150. Most likely you have to pay cash, as insurance typically does not cover this exam. I did bring the form with me, however the doctor’s office did not use my form, they generated a new one, since this is something they do all the time, if that's the case I would recommend you read over carefully the copy they give you to make sure all the info was entered correctly. They should give you two copies one in a sealed envelope to send with your package (DO NOT OPEN THAT), and one copy for your records, this is the one I suggest you review.

Also, you can read the actual form USCIS Form I-693

It will answer most of your questions. I don't believe they screen for HIV anymore, and also they do ask some mental health and drug abuse questions.

good luck with the process.

[chrissbe17 3]

I had my exam done in NYC, I did not need any new vaccines or X-rays, and it was only $150. Most likely you have to pay cash, as insurance typically does not cover this exam. I did bring the form with me, however the doctor’s office did not use my form, they generated a new one, since this is something they do all the time, if that's the case I would recommend you read over carefully the copy they give you to make sure all the info was entered correctly. They should give you two copies one in a sealed envelope to send with your package (DO NOT OPEN THAT), and one copy for your records, this is the one I suggest you review.

Also, you can read the actual form USCIS Form I-693

It will answer most of your questions. I don't believe they screen for HIV anymore, and also they do ask some mental health and drug abuse questions.

good luck with the process.

I did see on the uscis website they said that they no longer screen for HIV so you are correct on that. I was hoping that my insurance would cover it but I will have to check my benefits to see. Thanks for the information

[desmond&molly 5]

Any idea what happens if I don't have evidence of past vaccines? I'm adjusting from a tourist visa so didn't bring my childhood vaccination records. Oh well, might have to get a lot of expensive vaccines, again.

[Little_My 464]

They can check the antibodies for some diseases from your blood and determine if you've had a certain vaccine or not. For the rest, if you can't show proof you've had them before, you'll just have to get them with the medical.

[Myopia 93]

Depends how old you are and what is appropriate for your age. I did not have my immunization records but because I am over a certain age., I didnt have to have all my shots again.

[BenjaminUKtoUSA 7]

You can also contact your doctors office from your original country, to mail over your vaccination records. This is what I did. Took them about a week to send it to me.

[Timf79 3]

One key point to add:

Call mutliple Doctors and ask for the price!

I was able to find a doctor that had a 245USD flat fee, means ALL shots and possible x-ray's where included!

Of course the doctor's office was not the nicest and certainly not in the best area, but at the end of the day he is USCIS certified and that is all that matters.

Also was teh doctor and the staff very knowledgebale and friendly (and professional)!