USA IMMIGRATION MEDICAL EXAMINATION

How to prepare for your US Immigration Medical Exam

* THE US IMMIGRATION MEDICAL REPORT CANNOT BE DUPLICATED OR COPIED FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE. OUR OFFICE IS NOT AUTHORIZED TO PROVIDE EXAM COPIES. 

Initial Email:

Please indicate how many persons are coming for the exam in your initial email and provide the case number (if different) and proper name for each, as well as the interview date. Provide a phone contact.

Please use the SAME email address and same name (not nickname) (the name on all your Consulate documents) in all your correspondence with our office otherwise we are unable to find your information. If you have married or changed your name we require proof. If someone is emailing on your behalf, the same request applies.


OUR ADDRESS:   7170- 120 St. (in Scottsdale Square Business Centre),
                                   SURREY, BC  V3W 3M8
                                   FAX: 604-597-7779
                                 Email: Panelphysicianusa@drcheema.ca

                                          REQUIRED INFORMATION/DOCUMENTS

Effective September 15, 2022, the lower age limit for the COVID-19 vaccine requirement is 6 months of age. Any applicant 6 months through 4 years of age who presents for a medical examination on or after this date will be subject to this requirement. This is in addition to older applicants who are already subject to these requirements. All IV applicants must be vaccinated for Any FDA or WHO approved COVID-19 as a part of the medical examination.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html

As of April 21, 2023, a single dose of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent meets the vaccine requirement of these Technical Instructions for applicants 6 years old or older and a single dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent meets the requirements for applicants 5 years old or older. Although the monovalent Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are no longer authorized for use in the United States, these vaccines are still approved under these Technical Instructions because they are listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization and continue to require 2 or 3 doses (depending on age) to complete the requirement. Instructions for other vaccine formulations have not changed.

Please email your COVID – 19 vaccine record while booking your exam appointment.

Please bring following documents with you on exam day:

1.  P A S S P O R T: Your current and valid passport. The passport must be valid for 6 months after your travel date to USA. We will need one more government issued photo ID.

2. In order to book the Medical exam, each applicant must provide their FULL NAME(S), INTERVIEW DATE , CASE NUMBER. Your phone number is required; and your age is needed if you need assistance with vaccine requirements.

*We do request that if you have not set your interview date, please do so before you book an exam appointment; this will help applicants plan their appointments, travel needs and time accordingly. We are required to have this information in order to book an exam.

3. On or before exam day, applicants must provide the APPOINTMENT LETTER that shows your name, case number and interview date or confirmation email that verifies your interview date and time, CASE NUMBER, your name and place of interview.

*In case of family or more that one person, the letter /email confirmation must show all names (for each applicant coming for the exam) and their case number(s).

For example: if the letter shows the name as "Bob Doe"... "Christine Doe" or "Ann Doe" cannot be given an exam appointment unless all three names are noted on the interview letter.

4. P H O T O:
Photos may or may not be required depending on your application. Wait till you get further instructions from our office.

5.
On exam day you will need to provide your CURRENT HOME ADDRESS and your INTENDED NEW ADDRESS in the USA. Please ensure that you have both to provide at reception.

6. I M M U N I Z A T I O N:
You must bring proof of the immunization showing the exact date  for each of the vaccines required according to your age group.

The documents without exact dates (MM-dd-YYYY) you were immunized are not accpetable.

Please note that only Doctor's note without exact date are not valid documents as proof of immunization. The vaccination proof can be your vaccination records, health passport, school vaccine record or a blood test result showing that you have been immunized. Please submit the documents in English. If the documents are in a foreign language, please provide an English Translation along with the original report.

7. M E D I C A L     R E C O R D S:
If you have any chronic illness or disease, have undergone hospitalization or major surgery, or suffer from a mental illness or physical disability, you must bring past history, current condition documentation and medical records regarding the issue, as well as, a list of names of any medications and/or treatment you have been prescribed.  Please provide a note from your family doctor giving regarding your treatment and prognosis.

All appointments are booked Mon - Fri   7:00am to 11:00am only.

If you have preferred travel dates, please forward them and we will try to accomodate you.

Medical examination including lab and X-rays could take up to 4- 5 hours.

Each applicant for a U.S. K visa, including children and regardless of age must have a medical examination before a visa can be issued.  Medical examinations must be performed by a  specially-appointed panel physician.

The medical examination includes a medical history, physical examination at our office and then we send you to a designated lab nearby for chest x-ray and blood test for syphilis and gonorrhea (if applicable). For lab testing you will be sent to a Consulate designated lab(s) which is near our office

*X-RAY AND BLOOD TESTS DO NOT REQUIRE DIETRY RESTRICTIONS you may eat and drink as normal before exam.

The addresses for labs are as follow:

West coast Imaging (Chest x-rays) Address: Unit #105-8318 120 Street, Surrey, BC

Life labs (Blood and Urine test) Address: Unit # 201- 8425 120 Street, Delta, BC  

*X-RAY AND BLOOD TESTS DO NOT REQUIRE DIETRY RESTRICTIONS you may eat and drink as normal before exam.

The physical examination will include, at a minimum, examination of the ears, eyes, throat, nose, heart, lungs, abdomen , lymph nodes , skin , extremities and external genitalia.  You may have the examination performed during your menstrual period.

* Children under 15 years of age do not routinely require a chest x-ray or blood tests.

NOTE: The medical examination is not a full and complete physical examination.  Its purpose is to screen only for certain medical conditions relevant to U.S. immigration law.  Although in the course of the examination, the panel physician might uncover other matters related to your health, the physician is not required to examine you for any conditions except those which the U.S. Public Health Service specifies for U.S. immigration purposes.

The panel physician is not required to provide any diagnosis or treatment.  Therefore, you should not consider this examination to be a substitute for a full physical examination, consultation, diagnosis or treatment by your primary health care provider.

* The panel physician is not responsible for determining whether an applicant is actually eligible for a visa; that determination is made by the consular officer after reviewing all records, including the report of the medical examination.

*Applicants who have had syphilis must provide a written certificate signed by a doctor or public health official evidencing you were adequately treated. Applicants who have had a positive VDRL or other blood test for syphilis and were not treated must provide a written explanation signed by your doctor.

*Applicants who have had a positive skin test for tuberculosis must provide a certificate from a doctor outlining the circumstances surrounding the positive tests result and indicating whether treatment was prescribed and, if so, the type and number of months of the treatment. Applicants who have been diagnosed as suffering from tuberculosis must present a written certification signed by a doctor evidencing you were adequately treated and stating the dates and types of medications taken. Applicants who have had an abnormal chest x-ray should borrow the last x-ray films taken and bring them to the medical appointment. The actual films, not the typed reports of the x-ray, may be required for comparison with the x-rays that will be taken at the medical appointment.

*Applicants who have been treated or hospitalized for psychiatric or mental illness or alcohol or drug abuse must present written certification which includes the diagnosis, duration of treatment rendered, and prognosis.

*Applicants with mental handicaps or learning disabilities must present a report outlining their problems and any special education or supervision that may be required.

*Applicants who have had any history of harmful or violent behavior resulting in injury to people, animals or inanimate objects must provide information that will allow the doctors to determine if the behavior was related to any psychiatric or medical problem, or to drug or alcohol use. Harmful behavior includes attempted suicide or harm to oneself, no matter how minor in nature.

* Applicants being treated for chronic medical problems or taking medication on a regular basis should be familiar with their medical conditions and bring a list of the medications they are taking.  If an applicant is not sure of their diagnosis, the applicant should bring a certificate from their doctor outlining the condition, current treatment, and prognosis.

*If you have in the past or are presently taking Cannabis for medical reasons you MUST provide a signed letter from your doctor or licensed health care provider indicating amount, frequency and medical conditions for which this use occurred. The letter must also show the date of each prescription with dosage and frequency of use signed and dated on the doctors letterhead.

*Patients who have been tested positive for HIV must bring documentation regarding their current condition as well as history and treatment records. Please provide list of medications that are being taken and all hospital and doctors' medical records regarding your illness.

Following conditions do not require a doctor's note:
Tonsillectomy, Appendectomy, Arthroscopic Knee surgery, Breast implants or Wisdom teeth removal, C-section birth.

 
P R E G N A N T   A P P L I C A N T S

C H I L D R E N

If children are accompanying you for the appointment, ensure that children have all the required vaccines. Please ensure that your child/children are fully prepared to get vaccines if they are being administered by the panel physician. The US requirements for vaccination may be different from some other countries so please ensure that children fulfill the requirements for USA immigration though they might have received other vaccinations as per their birth country or last country of residence. The US requirements differ from other countries.

E Y E G L A S S E S   O R   C O N T A C T    L E N S E S

If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, please bring your eyeglasses (or contact lenses) with you to the exam. NO NEED TO BRING THE PRESCRIPTION.

M E D I C A T I O N
Please bring a note that lists any medications (and dosage) you have been prescribed from your doctor or pharmacist. NO NEED TO BRING THE MEDICINE. NOTES ARE NOT NEEDED FOR VITAMINS OR BIRTH CONTROL PILLS.

DUI /CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE A WAIVER
If you have had a DUI or been convicted of a criminal offense, present or past please be aware that you must disclose this information to the Panel Physician before and on exam day. You will be required to bring documentation in this regard when you come for  your medical exam  or the Consulate my ask you to return to our office to provide this information.

Please note that this information is gathered only for your benefit and is kept confidential and private.

WAIVERS: IF YOU ARE A WAIVER APPLICANT AND HAVE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM US CBP /  HOMELAND SECURITY DIRECTING YOU TO SEE A PANEL PHYSICIAN FOR A US MEDICAL EXAM ....YOU MUST INDICATE THAT TO US THROUGH YOUR EMAIL AND AND ATTACH YOUR LETTER FROM US CBP. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED ON HOW TO PROCEED WITH YOUR APPLICATION.

V A C C I N A T I O N S:

Here is the list of mandatory U.S. immigration vaccinations. For an updated and current list, please visit the US Department of State web-site at

https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/immigrate/vaccinations.html

You may determine the vaccines you need by visiting the US Department web-site as per the link given above and the vaccines needed are specified as per the age group in this web-site. The information given below is only for reference and visit the US Department web-site for the most updated list.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  The vaccines that each applicant requires is based on the age of each applicant. Please ensure that you understand that the vaccine LIST you received encompasses ALL the vaccines required to enter the United States from birth to 65 years and older. In order to determine what YOU need to immunized for, depends on YOUR age /age group as listed in this attachment.

For vaccine related inquiries please provide your Date of Birth when you email.

BIRTH - 1 MONTH

Hepatitis B

2 - 5 MONTHS

DTP - Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis-Usually given at 2 and 4 months of age

Polio (IPV or OPV) - 2 doses- Usually given at 2 and 4 months

Hib - 2 doses- Usually given at 2 and 4 months

Hepatitis B - 2 doses- Usually given at 2 and 4 months

Pneumococcal - 2 doses- Usually given at 2 and 4 months

Rotavirus (orally)

6 MONTHS

DTP (Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis) 3 doses- Usually given at 2, 4 and 6 months

Polio (IPV or OPV) - 3 doses- given at 2, 4 and 6 months

Hib - 3 doses- given at 2, 4 and 6 months

Hepatitis B - 3 doses- given at 2, 4 and 6 months

Pneumococcal - 2 doses- given at 2 and 4 months

Rotavirus (orally)

Covid 19
According to CDC May 12 guidelines – For unvaccinated applicants, please Only use the Pfizer or Moderna bivalent formulations or Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, and if not available, “Not routinely available” blanket waiver will be applicable.

For partially vaccinated applicant, please use the Pfizer or Moderna bivalent formulations (if available) for your next dose.

For applicants who have received one or more doses of Primary series of Monovalent Covid -19 vaccines are still acceptable. 

**Please note that a partial series of COVID-19 will be acceptable if the next injection in the series is not due on medical examination day.

For more information, please refer to the following link: https://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/panel-physicians/vaccinations.html#covid-19-vaccination

Influenza (only required during October - February, annually)

7-12 MONTHS

DTP (Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis) 3 doses- Usually given at 2, 4 and 6 months

Polio (IPV or OPV) 3 doses- Usually given at 2, 4 and 6 months

Hib  Usually given at 2, 4 and 6 months

Hepatitis B -3 doses- Usually given at 2, 4 and 6 months

Pneumococcal - 2 doses- Usually given at 2 and 4 months

Covid 19

According to CDC May 12 guidelines – Unvaccinated applicants who are 6 months to 4 years of age will require 2 doses of bivalent Moderna OR 3 doses of Pfizer BioNTech at least 3-8 weeks apart to be considered fully vaccinated, and if not available, “Not routinely available” blanket waiver will be applicable.

For applicants who have received one or more doses of Primary series of Monovalent Covid -19 vaccines are still acceptable.

**Please note that a partial series of COVID-19 will be acceptable if the next injection in the series is not due on medical examination day.

For more information, please refer to the following link: https://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/panel-physicians/vaccinations.html#covid-19-vaccination

Influenza (only required during October - February, annually)

13 MONTHS TO 4 YEARS

DTP (Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis) 3 doses- Usually given at 2, 4 and 6 months

Polio (IPV or OPV) 3 doses- Usually given at 2, 4 and 6 months

Hib Usually given at 2, 4 and 6 months

MMR Measles, Mumps, Rubella. ("MR" and "MM" are not enough. You need MMR) ) - 4 and 5 years of age would require 2 doses

Hepatitis A - 2 dose series 6–12 months apart

Hepatitis B - 3 doses- Usually given at 2, 4 and 6 months

Pneumococcal -3 doses- Usually given at 2, 4 and 12 months

Varicella - If you had "Chicken Pox" disease, no vaccine is needed. (4 and 5 years of age would require 2 doses of Varicella)

Covid 19

According to CDC May 12 guidelines – Unvaccinated applicants who are 6 months to 4 years of age will require 2 doses of bivalent Moderna OR 3 doses of Pfizer BioNTech at least 3-8 weeks apart to be considered fully vaccinated, and if not available, “Not routinely available” blanket waiver will be applicable.

For applicants who have received one or more doses of Primary series of Monovalent Covid -19 vaccines are still acceptable.

**Please note that a partial series of COVID-19 will be sufficient to complete the medical report if the next injection in the series is not due on examination day. kindly use the Pfizer or Moderna bivalent formulations (if available) for your next dose.

For more information, please refer to the following link: https://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/panel-physicians/vaccinations.html#covid-19-vaccination

Influenza (only required during October - February, annually)

5-10 YEARS

DTP (Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussis) 4 doses- Usually given at 2, 4, 6 months and a kindergarten booster

Polio (IPV or OPV)

MMR Measles, Mumps, Rubella. ("MR" and "MM" are not enough. You need MMR)

Hepatitis A *NEW REQUIREMENT* - 2 dose series 6–12 months apart

Hepatitis B  (3 doses)

Varicella (2 Doses) - If you had "Chicken Pox" disease, no vaccine is needed

Covid 19 

According to CDC May 12 guidelines – Unvaccinated applicants who are under 6 years of age will require 2 doses of bivalent Moderna at least 3-8 weeks apart to be considered fully vaccinated, and if not available, “Not routinely available” blanket waiver will be applicable.

Unvaccinated applicants who are 5 years of age will require single dose of Bivalen Pfizer BioNTech to be considered fully vaccinated.

Applicants who are 6 years and older, a single dose of Moderna bivalent or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 bivalent Vaccine meets the requirement.

For applicants who have received one or more doses of Primary series of Monovalent Covid -19 vaccines are still acceptable.

**Please note that a partial series of COVID-19 will be acceptable if the next injection in the series is not due on medical examination day. For more information, please refer to the following link: https://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/panel-physicians/vaccinations.html#covid-19-vaccination Influenza (only required during October - February, annually)

For more information, please refer to the following link: https://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/panel-physicians/vaccinations.html#covid-19-vaccination

Influenza (only required during October - February, annually)

11-18 YEARS

Tdap/ Td (Adacel or Boosterix) - Administered at 2, 4, and 6 months, the 18-month booster followed by a kindergarten booster. **Ensure to get a Tdap vaccine between 14- 16 years depending on the applicant’s age.

Polio (IPV or OPV)

MMR Measles, Mumps, Rubella. ("MR" and "MM" are not enough. You need MMR)

Hepatitis A -*NEW REQUIREMENT*2 Dose series 6–12 months apart

Hepatitis B (3 dose series)

Meningococcal (Your vaccine must cover all four strains - A, C, Y, W-135). Some of the brands are: Menactra, Menomune, Menveo

Varicella - (2 doses) If you had "Chicken Pox" disease, no vaccine is needed. Just provide us the year when you have had the chicken pox disease. Otherwise, the exact date MM-DD-YYYY of the Varicella vaccine is needed.

Covid 19

According to CDC May 12 guidelines -Applicants who are 6 years and older, a single dose of Moderna bivalent or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 bivalent Vaccine meets the requirement, and if not available, “Not routinely available” blanket waiver will be applicable.

For applicants who have received one or more doses of Primary series of Monovalent Covid -19 vaccines are still acceptable

**Please note that a partial series of COVID-19 will be sufficient to complete the medical report if the next injection in the series is not due on examination day. Kindly use the Pfizer or Moderna bivalent formulations (if available) for your next dose.

For more information, please refer to the following link: https://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/panel-physicians/vaccinations.html#covid-19-vaccination

Influenza (only required during October - February, annually)

19-59 YEARS

Tdap / Td (Adacel or Boosterix) – If the applicant did not receive Tdap at or after age 11 years: 1 dose of Tdap, then Td or Tdap every 10 years

MMR Measles, Mumps, Rubella. ("MR" and "MM" are not enough. You need MMR)
* MMR needed only for those applicants born in or after 1957.

Varicella - (2 Doses) If you had "Chicken Pox" disease, then no vaccine is needed. Just provide us with the year when you have had the chicken pox disease. Otherwise, the exact date MM-DD-YYYY of the Varicella vaccine is needed.

Influenza (only required during October - February, annually)

60-64 YEARS

Tdap/ Td (Adacel or Boosterix) – If the applicant did not receive Tdap at or after age 11 years: 1 dose of Tdap, then Td or Tdap every 10 years

MMR Measles, Mumps, Rubella. ("MR" and "MM" are not enough, you need MMR)
* MMR needed only for those applicants born in or after 1957.

Varicella – (2 Doses) If you had "Chicken Pox" disease, then no vaccine is needed. Just provide us the year when you have had the chicken pox disease. Otherwise, the exact date MM-DD-YYYY of the Varicella vaccine is needed.

Covid 19

According to CDC May 12 guidelines -Applicants who are 6 years and older, a single dose of Moderna bivalent or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 bivalent Vaccine meets the requirement.

For applicants who have received one or more doses of Primary series of Monovalent Covid -19 vaccines are still acceptable.

**Please note that a partial series of COVID-19 will be sufficient to complete the medical report if the next injection in the series is not due on examination day. Kindly use the Pfizer or Moderna bivalent formulations (if available) for your next dose. For more information, please refer to the following link:

https://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/panel-physicians/vaccinations.html#covid-19-vaccination

Influenza - (only required during October - February, annually)

65 YEARS AND OLDER

Tdap/ Td (Adacel or Boosterix) – If the applicant did not receive Tdap at or after age 11 years: 1 dose of Tdap, then Td or Tdap every 10 years.

Pneumococcal- -*NEW REQUIREMENT*

(1 Dose) PCV20

OR

1 dose PCV15 followed by a dose of PPSV23 given at least 1 year.

OR If one dose of PPSV23 has been already taken, then after one year 1 dose of PCV15 or PCV20 is needed.

COVID 19

According to CDC May 12 guidelines -Applicants who are 6 years and older, a single dose of Moderna bivalent or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 bivalent Vaccine meets the requirement.

For applicants who have received one or more doses of Primary series of Monovalent Covid -19 vaccines are still acceptable.

**Please note that a partial series of COVID-19 will be sufficient to complete the medical report if the next injection in the series is not due on examination day. Kindly use the Pfizer or Moderna bivalent formulations (if available) for your next dose.

For more information, please refer to the following link:

https://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/panel-physicians/vaccinations.html#covid-19-vaccination

Varicella – (2 Doses) If you had "Chicken Pox" disease, then no vaccine is needed. Just provide us with the year when you have had the chicken pox disease. Otherwise, the exact date MM-DD-YYYY of the Varicella vaccine is needed.

Influenza - (only required during October - February, annually)

Note: A VERBAL DELCARATION is accepted proof of Chicken Pox.
Do NOT assume that you can substitute Td for Tdap or vice versa.   

Alberta Applicants: Immunizations can be given a any Public Health Clinic in Alberta

B L O O D   T E S T (TITER IMMUNITY TEST):
If you do not have the vaccine records available from childhood, you can have a blood test to prove that you have been vaccinated. You can visit your Family Doctor or any medical clinic and request a blood test. Please note there is no blood test for (Tdap) Tetanus or Pertussis and the Flu shot has to be repeated annually. If you choose to have the Titer test, ensure that you receive the result prior to your arrival for the Immigration Medical. Please note that you must bring proof of all required vaccines.

*Some blanket waivers for the COVID vaccination will still be applicable, including in countries where the vaccine is not routinely available and if the vaccine is not age appropriate.

FINAL REPORT AND PICK UP
NOTE: YOUR FINAL REPORT IS VALID FOR 6 MONTHS from the date of your medical exam  (UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE).

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent changes made by the US Consulate, your medical report will be emailed to the US Consulate in Montreal by our clinic. Usually, it takes 4-5 business days to send the report.

*You will receive a copy of your vaccination worksheet by email which will be for your personal records only.


TRAVEL CLINIC WEBSITES
Vancouver area:   http://www.tmvc.com