Author DVLottery.me
2025-04-22
Medical Requirements and Examination for the Green Card
All Green Card applicants are obliged to undergo a medical exam. The lists of medical tests, fees applicable, vaccinations required - everything you need to know is in this article.
What is a Green Card medical exam? — It is a mandatory health screening conducted by a government-authorized doctor to ensure that applicants do not have any medical conditions that could make them inadmissible to the United States.
This guide walks you through the medical tests for Green Card processing, so you know what kind of medical examination for Green Card applicants is involved and how to ensure your application stays on track.
Is a medical exam required for DV Lottery winners?
Indeed, individuals who win the DV Lottery are required to undergo a medical examination. This requirement applies to every winner, including children. The exam must be completed before attending the Green Card interview at a U.S. embassy. Only tests conducted by physicians accredited by the U.S. Embassy are accepted. It is crucial for you to schedule your medical exam at least three weeks prior to your visa interview at the embassy. Exams done by unapproved doctors won't be accepted.
The medical examination for DV Lottery winners encompasses a review of your medical history, a physical check-up, and necessary lab tests. Moreover, applicants need to have all required vaccinations completed before their visa interview.
Be aware that it may take up to 96 hours to receive your medical exam results.
What medical conditions disqualify a Green Card?
Medical eligibility for Green Card holders is determined through the immigration medical exam, which ensures that applicants do not have any disqualifying health conditions before they are approved to live and work in the United States. Certain health problems can lead to a denial of a Green Card application. These include:
Infectious diseases
An applicant with untreated and contagious diseases such as gonorrhea, leprosy, syphilis, or tuberculosis may not be eligible for a Green Card until the conditions are appropriately managed or resolved.
Substance abuse
If there is a history of drug abuse, the applicant might be required to undergo a drug test or confirm that they have completed a substance abuse treatment program. An active addiction to prescription drugs, illegal substances, or alcohol can disqualify someone from obtaining a Green Card.
Mental disorders related to violence
A history or threat of violence due to a mental disorder, whether against oneself or others, can hinder Green Card eligibility. This includes conditions that have led to violent behavior in the past. Notably, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) considers drunk driving as a concern under this category.
Vaccinations required to get the Green Card
For immigration purposes, individuals must meet the following Green Card medical vaccine requirements: (*) Hepatitis A (*) Hepatitis B (*) Influenza (*) Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) (*) Measles (*) Meningococcal (*) Mumps (*) Pneumococcal (*) Pertussis (Whooping Cough) (*) Polio (*) Rotavirus (for children of a particular age group) (*) Rubella (*) Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids (*) Chickenpox (Varicella)
Applicants are required to provide proof of these vaccinations during their medical examination. If they have already completed these vaccinations, no additional shots are necessary, but documentation must be shown to the examining doctor or authorized medical professional.
When and where to take the medical exam
If you're applying from inside the United States:
Schedule and complete your medical exam around the time you apply for your Green Card (Form I-485). You need to submit your sealed medical exam report along with your application. You'll need to find a USCIS-authorized civil surgeon to conduct the exam.
If you're applying from outside the United States:
Wait to schedule your medical exam until you receive your interview appointment letter from the National Visa Center (NVC). It's best to have your exam at least three weeks before your scheduled visa interview.
Where to get your medical exam: (*) In the United States: Use the USCIS "find a doctor" tool online or reach out to the USCIS Contact Center to locate a qualified civil surgeon near you. (*) Outside the United States: Identify an approved panel physician in your country. You can find details and contact information for these doctors on the U.S. embassy or consulate's website relevant to your location. For specific instructions on Green Card medical exam locations, check the U.S. Embassies and Consulates List for country-specific guidelines (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-10-prepare-for-the-interview.html).
What to bring to the medical appointment
When you head to your medical check up for Green Card, be sure to bring the following items and documents: (*) Your medical history. (*) Immunization records. (*) A government-issued photo ID. (Get one at http://visafoto.com/) (*) Any previous chest X-rays, if relevant. (*) Your health insurance card, if you have one. (*) Payment for the exam fee. (*) Form I-693 for applicants within the U.S. (*) The Green Card interview appointment letter for those applying from abroad.
List of DV Lottery medical tests
1. Physical examination. This covers an assessment of your eyes, ears, nose and throat, limbs, heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes, skin, and genitals.
2. Mental health evaluation. This checks your cognitive abilities, understanding, judgment, mood, and overall behavior.
3. Blood tests: (*) Syphilis screening: Required for applicants aged 15 and above. (*) Tuberculosis test: Conducted via a QuantiFERON blood test or an interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) for those aged 2 and up in the U.S., and a chest X-ray for those aged 15 and older in regions with high rates of tuberculosis.
4. Urinalysis: (*) Gonorrhea screening/ Necessary for applicants aged 15 and older.
5. Chest X-ray evaluation. Required for applicants aged 15 and older, especially in countries with high tuberculosis rates.
6. Vaccination review. Ensures all necessary vaccinations have been administered.
7. Substance use assessment. Involves questions relating to past and current use of drugs and alcohol.
What happens after the medical exam?
Once you have completed all the medical tests required for a US Green Card, the panel physician will either send your results directly to the U.S. Embassy or give you a sealed envelope. If you receive the envelope, be sure not to open it. You must take this sealed envelope to your visa interview. The consular officer won't be able to proceed with your interview without these results.
It's important to have your medical exam done at least two to three weeks before your scheduled visa interview. This time frame allows the necessary processing of results and helps prevent any delays in your visa application process.
Keep in mind that your medical report must be no more than six months old when you enter the U.S. as an immigrant. For specific health conditions, the report might only be valid for three months.
How much is the DV Lottery medical fee?
The medical exam fees for Green Card are determined by the civil surgeon, so the cost can vary depending on the doctor. Generally, the price ranges from USD 250 to 650 or more, plus any required vaccinations.
All medical examination fees for Green Card, which may include those for x-rays and blood tests, need to be paid directly to the doctor conducting the exam.
What is the next step after the medical exam for the Green Card?
The next steps following your medical exam depend on if you're applying for a Green Card from within the United States or from abroad.
If you're applying from inside the United States:
1. Submit Form I-693: The doctor will fill out Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) and give it to you in a sealed envelope. Include this sealed form with your Green Card application (Form I-485) when you submit it to USCIS. Make sure it stays sealed, as an opened envelope will be rejected by USCIS.
2. USCIS Evaluation: Once your application and medical results are submitted, USCIS will assess them. They might request additional information if necessary or move forward with processing your application.
If you're applying from outside the United States:
1. At your U.S. embassy or consulate interview, you need to present the sealed envelope containing your medical exam results.
2. During the visa interview, the consular officer will examine both your application and medical exam results. If everything checks out, your application will move on to the next phase.
3. After a successful interview, your visa will be approved, and your passport will be returned to you with the visa attached.
How long will the result remain valid?
The Green Card medical exam validity period depends on when the exam was conducted: (*) Exams done before November 1, 2023: These are valid for two years from the signature date of the civil surgeon. (*) Exams done on or after November 1, 2023: These results have no expiration date and remain valid indefinitely.
If you're applying from outside the United States, your medical exam must be current at your time of entry, which usually means within six months of the exam date. However, if you have specific medical conditions, the results might only be valid for three months.
Moreover, from November 13, 2024, certain Afghan nationals who entered the U.S. through “Operation Allies Welcome” will also benefit from the indefinite validity of their immigration medical exams.
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