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Green Card medical exam
The Green Card medical exam, i.e., the appointment with a panel physician of the US Embassy, is a mandatory step in your Green Card process to immigrate to the United States. We explain how you can best prepare for the Green Card medical exam and what to expect there.
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What is the Green Card medical exam?
If you are drawn as a winner in the US Green Card Lottery, you will not receive your Green Card immediately. You still have to go through a few more steps. These include completing the DS-260 Form, an interview at the US Consulate or Embassy, and the Green Card medical exam, which is a medical examination conducted by a panel physician of the US Consulate.
Green Card medical exam: finding a panel physician
You cannot take the Green Card medical exam at your family doctor's office or any other doctor's office. The US authorities require that your medical examination must be performed at a medical facility approved by the US Embassy.
You can usually find these panel physicians in the larger cities of each country. For a current list of all contracted physicians, visit the website of the US Department of State or the websites of the US Consulates.
Note
In principle, the appointments for the Green Card medical exam take place in the country in which you are a citizen. If you reside in another country and would like to have your appointment there, you must discuss this with your responsible consulate in advance.
Green Card medical exam: When is the best time?
After winning the Green Card Lottery, you will complete the electronic immigrant visa application via Form DS-260 and submit it to the responsible US agency, the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC). After the KCC has reviewed your information and documentation, you will be invited to an interview appointment at a US consulate or embassy.
The appointment for the Green Card medical exam should be arranged depending on your interview date at the US Consulate. Ideally, you should have the medical exam done about 14 days before the interview at the US Consulate. Since the panel physician will send your examination results directly to the consulate, you can ensure that the documents will be available in time for your interview date.
Note
In exceptional cases, it is possible to have the Green Card medical exam performed after your interview date. However, you should definitely arrange this with your responsible consulate in advance. However, you will not receive your visa for entry into the USA until the results of your medical exam are submitted and your file is complete.
Green Card medical exam: required documents
To ensure that your appointment for the Green Card medical exam goes smoothly, you should prepare for the appointment in the best possible way and have all the necessary documents to hand.
You will need the following documents and data for the date:
- your valid passport
- four recent photos
- your invitation to the interview appointment at the US Consulate
- your Case Number
- your vaccination records
- your health insurance card
- if applicable, a copy of your medical history
- if applicable, documentation of any serious illnesses or disabilities you may have
- if applicable, copies of your X-ray certificate and X-ray photographs
- children under 10 years of age: medical check-up documentation
- for pregnant women: documentation of pregnancy and expected date of delivery
- € 400 to € 600 examination fee
Note
Prior to taking the Green Card medical exam, check with the respective physician's office for payment options. Not all panel physicians accept card payments.
Green Card medical exam: What vaccinations do I need?
US immigration law requires that applicants for a Green Card provide proof of certain immunizations. Any family members applying for the Green Card with you must also provide the appropriate proof.
The following vaccinations are required for USA immigrants:
- Mumps
- Measles
- Rubella
- Polio
- Tetanus
- Diphtheria
- Whooping cough
- Haemophilus influenzae type B
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza (only if your appointment falls within the flu season from October 1st to March 31st)
- COVID-19
Note
The requirements of the US authorities regarding vaccinations for the Green Card medical exam can change at short notice. Please inform yourself about all currently required vaccination certificates before your appointment.
Green Card medical exam: the course of the examination
The Green Card medical exam is a routine screening and lasts about one to two hours. For most applicants, the appointment should not be difficult or stressful. Keep calm, remain friendly, and always answer all questions truthfully.
The Green Card medical exam includes the following screenings:
- a general check-up
- a blood analysis (tests for gonorrhea and syphilis)
- a tuberculosis test
- an X-ray of the chest
This will be followed by a review of your immunization status. Also, be prepared to answer specific questions about your medical history, current treatments, and prescribed medications.
What happens after the Green Card medical exam?
After successfully passing your Green Card medical exam, you have six months to enter the USA for the first time. With this so-called activation trip, you complete your Green Card process, and your life in the USA can begin!
