How soon after the exam will I receive my resultsQ. Are immigration exams the same for all countries?
A. Not necessarily, different countries have different requirements, it is recommended to perform your immigration exam according to the consular requirements of the country you plan on traveling to. Also, different kinds of travel mean different requirements (For example, immigration, long-term stay, short-term stay, study abroad, visiting family, vacation, and work).
Q. Do all hospitals have the ability to perform these exams?
A. Not all hospitals have this authorization; the majority of countries only accept examinations from certain authorized facilities.
Q. How is an immigration exam different than an annual check-up?
A. An immigration exam does not cover the basics of an annual check-up; it concentrates on certain infectious diseases, considered dangerous by public health authorities.
Q. What are criteria that determine how to prepare for this exam?
A. Preparing for the exam depends on; how soon you plan to travel, how many people are traveling together, how old are those traveling, whether individuals are male or female.
Q. How far in advance do I need to schedule the immigration exam?
A. For individuals and families it is recommended to schedule the exam 1-2 days before you would like to have the exam. For groups of 10 or more, you should schedule 3 days in advance. (Also, women should not make appointments during their menstrual cycle.)
Q. What tests are performed during the exam?
A. The exam will include giving a medical history, urine and blood samples, physician consultation, diagnostic tests, and physical examination.
Q. How detailed is the required medical history?
A. The medical history is similar to those during an annual check-up. Information would include surgeries, infectious diseases, and any past medical conditions.
Q. How do I proceed if I have had an infectious disease before?
A. If you have had an infectious disease, including but not limited to hepatitis A or B, bird flu, measles, and tuberculosis you have to report your treatment information and current status to the physician. In addition, you are required to report chronic illnesses and medications that you take (including how you take them).
Q. Can I take my daily dose of medication on the day of the immigration exam?
A. In general, there is no problem to continue your daily medical regime even on the day of your exam. However, it is best to check with a physician specializing in immigration exams.
Q. What classifies as an infectious disease?
A. Different countries test for different infectious diseases, it’s best to determine the requirements set by the specific country you are traveling to. The World Health Organization provides more information on infectious diseases. For more information click here www.who.int/topics/infectious_diseases/en/
Q. Which diseases are more dangerous and which diseases do immigration exams usually test for?
A. Respiratory diseases are most commonly tested for as they are highly contagious. Therefore, commonly the exam will include a chest X-ray to test for tuberculosis. You may also be tested for syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, and AIDS.
Q. How long does the immigration exam last?
A. The exam normally takes about 1-1.5 hours.
Q. How soon after the exam will I receive my results?
A. You can receive results usually that same day. However, this does depend on the procedures in place at the specific location where your exam occurs.
