When applying for a K-1 visa, the Petitioner, who is a U.S. citizen, initiates the process; however, once approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the petition is immediately transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC), and the applicant, that is, the foreign fiancé(e), takes over the process.
Before forwarding the required documents to the U.S. embassy at the alien financé(e)’s home country, the NVC must confirm the completeness of the necessary documents and application for the online nonimmigrant visa application. An interview will be scheduled with the foreign fiancé(e).
However, several tasks must be completed before the K-1 visa interview date. The first is a medical examination.
Medical Exam for K-1 visa
In preparation for the K-1 visa interview, the foreign fiancé(e) must have a medical exam, regardless of age, performed by an authorized physician; details will be provided by the embassy where the medical exam will take place. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) did a breakdown of the applicability of medical examinations and vaccination requirements here on the USCIS website.
It is critical to remember that the exam must be administered by a doctor approved by the embassy, i.e., the Panel Physician, as exams administered by other physicians will not be accepted.
Vaccinations must be obtained in addition to the medical examination, all of which must be completed before the interview date. The Department of State has provided a list of US Embassies and Consulates for country-specific medical examination instructions.
Although vaccination assessment is done during the adjustment of status from a K-1 visa to a permanent resident.
However, certain vaccination requirement waivers are available on the recommendation of the panel physician.
After the exam, the results will be sent directly to the embassy within a minimum of five working days at times in some countries, while for others, the panel physician will give the results to the foreign fiancé(e) in a sealed envelope that the consular officer will open at the interview rather than the alien.
If the medical examination cannot be conducted before the visa interview date, the interview should be rescheduled for at least five working days after the medical examination.
It is best to schedule the earliest medical examination possible.
What should an Applicant expect at a Medical Examination?
The immigration medical examination performed is to screen for specific medical conditions relevant to immigration law in the United States. The medical examination is carried out following the requirements for U.S. immigration; no diagnosis or treatment should be provided at the end of the examination.
The medical examination reviews medical history, physical exam, mental health, vaccinations, and blood tests for communicable diseases.
The exam is divided into three parts: a chest x-ray, a physical examination, a blood test, vaccinations, and a questionnaire.
The physical examination includes examination of the eyes, ears, nose, throat, extremities, heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes, and skin.
Although people under the age of 15 are usually exempted from X-rays and some other tests.
Required Documents for K-1 Visa Medical Examination
While the foreign fiancé(e) is attending the medical examination, the following documents must be provided:
- Photo identification (such as a driver’s license or passport);
- Four photographs that meet Department of State standards;
- Visa interview confirmation/appointment letter
- Medical records
- Evidence of Payment for Medical Exam
- Vaccination records. This can be obtained from a primary care physician. If you cannot get your vaccination record, the panel physician should be informed before the appointment.
- Completed Medical Questionnaire
Note: There may be other requirements depending on the country where the exam will take place.
Medical Condition/History
Applicants who have medical conditions must disclose them during the medical examination. It is sufficient to have it stated in a medical report signed by a doctor proving that the applicant was adequately treated or is currently undergoing treatment and the duration.
An applicant, for example, who has a previous positive skin test for tuberculosis or has been diagnosed with infectious tuberculosis must present a written medical report/certificate signed by the attending doctor proving that the applicant was adequately treated. Dates and types of medications taken must be included in the report.
Meanwhile, if a chest x-ray is abnormal, the film should be taken to the panel physician.
An applicant with syphilis must present a written certificate signed by a doctor proving adequate treatment to the panel doctor.
On the other hand, applicants with a history of harmful behavior that has resulted in injury to people or animals or harm to inanimate objects must provide information that will allow the panel physician to determine whether the conduct was related to a mental disorder or medical problem.
Medical Examination: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
#How long is medical good for a K-1 visa?
The medical examination is generally valid for six months, and the chest X-ray is valid for six months but can be shorter.
#Can I have the medical examination at a different medical facility or with my doctor?
No. Only medical practitioners the embassy has authorized to conduct medical examinations on behalf of the U.S. government are permitted to do so. Other physicians’ exams would not be accepted.
#Does a K-1 visa need a medical exam?
Yes. Sections 212(a) and 221(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act require medical eligibility for K-1 Visa. Immigrant visas may be delayed or denied if required information is not provided.
However, suppose an immigrant visa is not issued. In that case, all medical eligibility forms/sensitive information will be confidential under INA Section 222(f).
#How much is the medical exam for a K-1 visa?
The cost of medical examination varies depending on each country’s panel of physicians.
#Is it necessary for children to take the Medical Exam?
Everyone applying for a K-1 visa must have a medical exam regardless of age.
According to the U.S. Department of State, children under the age of 15 who apply for the K-2 visa usually do not need to have chest x-rays or blood work done.
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