GreenCard
Doctor
Authorized Civil Surgeon for immigration physical examination for immigrants applying for work permits.
- Call us at 216-251-5464
- Test results are provided within 5 to 7 days
- Expedited processing is available
Start The Process Now
1. Open and complete the information on the I-693 Form and/or the N-648
2. Save them to your computer
3. email them to bsharaoffice@gmail.com or bring them with you to the examination
The Green Card Exam
The immigration green card physical exam is an important step toward gaining permanent residency in the United States. It assures that those immigrating to this country do not pose a significant public health risk. A government-authorized physician performs this immigration green card physical exam.
What is a Green Card?
A green card is officially known as a permanent resident card. It allows people to work and live permanently in the United States. At one time, the card was green, hence the nickname green card, which is still in frequent use today.
The green card or permanent resident card contains a photograph, fingerprint, and the person’s basic biographical information. Once someone obtains a green card, they are not a U.S. citizen. However, they enjoy many of the same benefits, such as protection under federal, state, and local laws.
What is a Green Card Exam?
Everyone applying for a green card must undergo an immigration physical exam as part of the process. The purpose is to ensure noncitizens, including those applying for admission or adjustment of status as permanent residents, do not pose a threat to U.S. public health. Things that might make one inadmissible are called Class A conditions and include the following:
- Drug/substance addiction
- Having certain communicable diseases
- Not having required immunizations
- Suffering from a mental disorder that leads to harmful behaviors
There are waivers for some of the above circumstances. Our team can discuss these with applicants if necessary. Many are nervous about the exam process. However, we will advise patients through every step of the process and do our part to help patients feel comfortable.
Who Can Perform a Green Card Exam?
A green card medical exam requires special authorization. Only physicians authorized by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can perform these exams inside the U.S. These doctors are known as civil surgeons. To become a civil surgeon, a doctor must have been working and out of medical school for four years. Dr. Bshara is an authorized Civil Surgeon and able to perform these exams.
The Exam?
A green card medical exam starts with the doctor interviewing the patient about their current and previous mental and physical health. Questions are to determine if the patient has any medical issues that may affect the patient’s ability to work or go to school, or conditions that may require significant medical care in the future.
The exam portion includes testing for infectious diseases. The doctor will test all those over the age of two for tuberculosis and those over age 15 for syphilis and gonorrhea. Those showing signs of tuberculosis will need to have chest X-rays. Finally, the doctor will make sure the patient has the required vaccinations.
The vaccines the patient receives will be determined by the age group they fall into. According to the USCIS, the required immunizations include:
- COVID-19
- Haemophilus influenza type B
- Hepatitis A & B
- Influenza
- Meningococcal
- Mumps, measles & rubella
- Pertussis
- Pneumococcal pneumonia
- Polio
- Rotavirus
- Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids
- Varicella
The doctor includes the exam by completing Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination, and Vaccination Record. This is given to the patient in a sealed envelope to submit to USCIS with the rest of their application. Forms will not be accepted if the envelope has been opened.
The Exam?
A green card medical exam starts with the doctor interviewing the patient about their current and previous mental and physical health. Questions are to determine if the patient has any medical issues that may affect the patient’s ability to work or go to school, or conditions that may require significant medical care in the future.
The exam portion includes testing for infectious diseases. The doctor will test all those over the age of two for tuberculosis and those over age 15 for syphilis and gonorrhea. Those showing signs of tuberculosis will need to have chest X-rays. Finally, the doctor will make sure the patient has the required vaccinations.
The vaccines the patient receives will be determined by the age group they fall into. According to the USCIS, the required immunizations include:
- COVID-19
- Haemophilus influenza type B
- Hepatitis A & B
Influenza- Meningococcal
- Mumps, measles & rubella
- Pertussis
- Pneumococcal pneumonia
- Polio
- Rotavirus
- Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids
- Varicella
The doctor includes the exam by completing Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination, and Vaccination Record. This is given to the patient in a sealed envelope to submit to USCIS with the rest of their application. Forms will not be accepted if the envelope has been opened.
Get In Touch
We have offices in Cleveland and surrounding areas.
Email Us
Hours
Monday & Tuesday: 9 am-5 pm
Thursday & Friday: 9 am – 5 pm
Saturday: By appointment
Prepare for Your Appointment
The patient must have all the necessary paperwork and information when they arrive at the appointment. Most importantly, patients must bring a blank copy of the I-693 form for the doctor to complete. The patient will also need a government-issued photo ID, such as a passport, along with their medical and vaccination records.
The applicant should plan and ensure they will complete the exam and all related tests and vaccinations by their immigration interview. The patient should ask the doctor for a copy of the completed I-693 for their records. We recommend patients allow about an hour for the appointment.
How Much Does the Green Card Examination Cost?
There are several aspects to the process.
The physical examination and completion of the paperwork
is $ 180.00
The bloodwork required is $220.00.
If additional vaccinations are required that would mean additional fees and the doctor can provide that information at the time of the examination.
What To Bring To The Immigration Green Card Physical Examination
Bring the following to your medical examination:
- Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
- Government-issued photo identification, such as a valid passport or driver’s license. If you are 14 years old or younger, bring identification that shows your name, date, and place of birth and your parent’s full name. Possible forms of identification include your birth certificate (with an English translation) or an affidavit.
- Vaccination or immunization record (such as DT, DTP, DTaP, Td, Tdap, OPV, IPV, MMR, Hib, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, varicella, pneumococcal influenza, rotavirus and meningococcal disease, and COVID-19)
- Health insurance card. You should ask if the civil surgeon accepts your medical plan for immigration medical examinations. Many health insurance plans do not cover all portions of this examination.
- Payment (check with the civil surgeon’s office about acceptable forms of payment). When scheduling your appointment our office can share information about the costs of the examination.
Expert Doctors.
Professional Care.
Dr. Bshara is a primary care physician and civil surgeon servicing the greater Cleveland area since 1993. He has taken care of thousands of patients throughout his career and believes in the power of good service.
Our offices provide Green Card Examinations for the communities of Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, Detroit, Youngstown, and all of Northern Ohio.
