Immigration Physical Q&A

When you want to move to the United States, undergoing a physical exam is one of the requirements. Experienced primary care doctor Chinwe Okafor, MD, performs immigration physicals at Sugarland Primary Care Physicians in Sugarland, Texas. Under her care, you receive a comprehensive checkup, health advice, and the immunizations you need to live in the US. To arrange your immigration physical, call Sugarland Primary Care Physicians today or book an appointment online.

What is an immigration physical?

An immigration physical is a procedure you must complete as part of your application to live in the United States. It’s very similar to a routine medical exam in most ways.

The reason for an immigration physical is to protect the people in the community where you hope to relocate. Diseases can spread quickly and cause severe suffering, so it’s vital to ensure you aren’t carrying any serious illnesses.

Your immigration physical at Sugarland Primary Care Physicians ensures you’re healthy before starting your new life. Dr. Okafor can also offer advice and information on staying healthy.

What does an immigration physical involve?

When you visit Sugarland Primary Care Physicians for your immigration physical, bring your passport, medical records, and any forms relating to the exam.

Before starting your immigration physical, Dr. Okafor puts you at ease, so you feel relaxed and comfortable. She asks you about your general health and well-being, then does some routine health checks and measurements, including:

• Recording your weight and height
• Measuring your blood pressure
• Listening to your heartbeat
• Listening to your lung sounds
• Checking your eyes, ears, nose, and throat
• Feeling your abdomen and lymph nodes for abnormalities

After the initial stage of your immigration physical, you undergo a series of screenings for specific medical disorders. These cover infectious diseases and certain health problems the US government can’t allow, like syphilis and tuberculosis.

When your immigration physical is complete, Dr. Okafor completes form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record). She makes you a copy and sends the completed form to the US consulate or embassy, where it goes with the rest of your immigration application.

Do I need any immunizations during my immigration physical?

Before moving to the US, you must have up-to-date immunizations for certain diseases. Dr. Okafor checks any current vaccination records you bring with you. She can also take some blood for lab analysis to see if you have any antibodies from previous vaccinations. Diseases that require current immunization include:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Measles
• Mumps
• Rotavirus
• Rubella
• Tetanus
• Meningococcal meningitis
• Pneumococcal pneumonia
• Pertussis
• Polio
• Diphtheria
• Varicella
• Current influenza and influenza type B

If you need any immunizations or boosters, Dr. Okafor can give them to you at your immigration physical.

To arrange your immigration physical, call Sugarland Primary Care Physicians today or book using the online form.