Embarking on the journey to immigrate or join a loved one in the United States often involves a crucial step: the medical examination. It's a requirement for immigrant and fiancée visa applicants, and while it might sound daunting, understanding the process can make it feel much more manageable.
Think of it as a thorough check-up, but with a specific purpose. You'll need to visit a facility designated by the U.S. government. The key here is to book your appointment well in advance, ensuring it fits comfortably within your travel plans. Don't forget to bring your passport or another photo ID, any vaccination records you have, four passport-sized photos (though this requirement might be waived if you've submitted your DS-260 online form on or after January 21, 2020), and your CEAC confirmation page. And speaking of the DS-260, it's a good idea to have that online application form submitted before you schedule your medical exam.
When you arrive at the designated facility, you'll receive the necessary medical examination forms there. A heads-up for contact lens wearers: it's best to go without them for the exam, but do bring them along with your solution. You'll also be asked to fully disrobe for the examination, which can include a chest X-ray and blood tests, including those for venereal diseases. The cost of this exam can vary, as it's determined by the agreement between the panel physician and the embassy or consulate, and depends on the specific tests and vaccinations required.
Interestingly, as of March 11, 2025, a COVID-19 vaccination is no longer a mandatory part of the immigrant visa medical exam. It's also worth noting that these medical exams generally have a validity of six months. This means your visa's expiration date often aligns with your medical exam's validity. If you can't make it to the U.S. before your medical exam expires, you'll likely need to repeat the examination to get a valid visa.
For those who submitted their DS-260 online form on or after January 21, 2020, a significant change is that your medical exam results will be sent electronically to the embassy or consulate. You won't receive a hard copy, though you should still get a copy of your vaccination records via email or post. If you do receive 'vaccination worksheets' by mail or email after your exam, be sure to bring those to your interview. Just a small note: these latter two points about electronic submission and worksheets don't apply to fiancée visa applicants.
It's a process, for sure, but with a little preparation and understanding, navigating the medical examination for your visa application can be a smooth part of your overall journey.