Medical Exam and Vaccinations for EB-5 Green Card Applicants

The medical examination and required vaccinations are a critical, mandatory step in the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program application process. This procedure ensures that all intending immigrants meet U.S. public health standards before being granted permanent residency. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in a delayed or denied visa petition.

The Purpose of the EB-5 Medical Examination

The primary goal of the medical screening is to identify applicants who may have communicable diseases of public health significance or who may require specific vaccinations to protect the U.S. population. This examination is standardized globally but must be performed by a physician authorized by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Designated Civil Surgeons

Applicants cannot choose just any doctor. The examination must be conducted by a Panel Physician, often referred to as a Civil Surgeon, who has been specifically authorized by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) or the relevant U.S. Embassy/Consulate in the applicant's country.

• The list of authorized physicians is available through the local U.S. Consulate website.
• Always confirm the Civil Surgeon's credentials before scheduling the appointment.
• The examination must occur after the I-526/I-526E petition is filed or concurrently with the consular processing stage.

Required Components of the Medical Examination

The examination follows specific guidelines outlined in the DOS Technical Instructions for Medical Examination of Aliens Applying for U.S. Visas. It typically involves several key parts:

1. Physical Examination

A thorough physical assessment to check for signs of communicable diseases, mental disorders that pose a threat to property or safety, or drug abuse.

2. Communicable Disease Testing

Specific blood and urine tests are required to screen for conditions such as:

• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Syphilis
• HIV (in some specific cases or based on consular request)

3. Vaccination Assessment and Compliance

The Civil Surgeon reviews the applicant's immunization history. If the applicant lacks required vaccines, they must receive them during this appointment, unless a medical contraindication exists.

Required vaccines generally follow the CDC recommendations for immigrants, which may include:

1. MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
2. Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP/Tdap)
3. Polio
4. Hepatitis A and B
5. Influenza (seasonal)

If an applicant refuses a required vaccination without a valid medical waiver, the medical examination cannot be completed successfully.

Documentation and Submission

The Civil Surgeon will complete the required forms, most notably the Form I-695 (Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) for Adjustment of Status applicants, or the appropriate equivalent for Consular Processing.

Key submission points:

• The physician seals the completed forms and supporting documentation in an envelope.
• Do not open this sealed envelope. If the seal is broken, the documents are considered invalid, and the process must be repeated.
• This sealed packet is presented directly to the U.S. Consulate during the interview or submitted to USCIS if applying for Adjustment of Status within the U.S.

The cost of the medical examination is not covered by the EB-5 investment or USCIS filing fees; it is paid directly to the Civil Surgeon.

Conclusion

The EB-5 medical exam is a non-negotiable administrative hurdle. Applicants should prepare their existing vaccination records beforehand and schedule the appointment promptly once consular processing is initiated to avoid unnecessary delays in obtaining the Green Card.