Immigration Forms
Selected forms need to be completed before or as part of the Immigration Medical Examination. Consult your Civil Surgeon to confirm which forms you need to complete.
I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
If you are applying for adjustment status to become a lawful permanent resident in the Cleveland or Ohio region, use this form to establish that you are not inadmissible to the United States on public health grounds.
A list of those health grounds can be found in section 212(a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. For more information on the validity of Form I-693, see the USCIS Policy Manual Volume 8, Part B, Chapter 4.
INSTRUCTIONS TO COMPLETE THE I-693 FORM
Complete only the first page of the form, save it, and email it to bsharaoffice@gmail.com
N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions
Use this form if you are applying for U.S. citizenship and need to request an exception to the English and civics testing requirements for naturalization because of physical or developmental disability or mental impairment.
INSTRUCTIONS TO COMPLETE THE N-648 FORM
Complete only the first page of the form, save it and email it to bsharaoffice@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
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 an Immigration Green Card Exam ?
Everyone applying for a green card must undergo a medical 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.
How much does the Green Card Physical 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.
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 can perform Immigration physical exams in the Cleveland, Ohio area including Columbus, Ohio, Detroit, Michigan, and all of northern Ohio.
What is covered in an Immigration Green Card 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.
How to 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.