Immigration Medicals
Is Immigration Medical Mandatory Before I Fly?
Are you intending to visit a foreign country? Are you in the process of visa approval? All things considered, you have more to do. You have to make sure you meet certain medical prerequisites to be eligible to fly. We, at Barnetby Private medicals, provide visa/immigration medicals for patients who willing to visit and work around the globe.
What is an Immigration Medical?
An immigration medical exam is a medical examination conducted to ensure that you are not carrying any infectious or contagious diseases before you fly to a different country. The medical involves reviewing medical history and evaluating physical and mental health.
Why Should I Undergo an Immigration Medical?
Every country follows a medical safety guideline to ensure the safety of its citizens, and foreigners. An immigration medical examination helps in identifying if the applicant is associated with infectious health conditions. In addition to that, it also provides information regarding the physical or mental disorder associated with harmful behaviour or drug abuse.
A contagious disease such as a viral disease or bacterial disease can spread easily from an infected person to a healthy person.
Some of the contagious diseases include:
- Coronavirus disease – an infectious disease caused by a causative agent called Coronavirus that infects people at a faster rate through droplets released during coughing and sneezing.
- Tuberculosis (TB) – a lung disease caused by a causative agent called Mycobacterium tuberculosis which spreads through air containing droplets of an infected person.
- Influenza or flu – a viral infection caused by human influenza virus that infects the respiratory tract.
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) – are infections caused by causative agents including bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Some examples of STDs include HIV, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Gonorrhoea, HPV, and Herpes.
When Should I get an Immigration Medical Done?
It is recommended to get your immigration medical done as soon as you start the visa process. This allows you to accommodate everything in time and avoid any last-minute chaos. In case of any complications, you will have ample time to get treated or tend to your medical need prior before you could fly.
What Tests are Done During Immigration Medicals?
All immigrants are required to compulsorily undergo a medical assessment to prevent the spread of diseases including Mumps, Polio, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rubella, Measles, and other bacterial viruses. People who are applying for the status of permanent residency are required to undergo medical assessment in addition to those who travel to other countries for work and other purposes.
Physical Examination
The GP will perform a physical examination typically including:
- Basic organ test of eyes, ears, nose, and throat
- Cardiac test or pulse test
- Blood pressure test
- Lung and respiratory test
- Skin test
- External genitalia test.
The GP may insist on an X-ray and blood test to check for Syphilis. However, children and pregnant women may be exempted from X-rays and other scans to safeguard the fetus. Although, it is advisable to contact your respective embassy or consulate office to get more information regarding the postponement.
Mental Examination
A mental examination is performed by the doctor to assess the intelligence, mood, comprehension, judgment, and behaviour of the person. However, applicants who have physical or mental disorders and are associated with harmful behaviour are inadmissible. The assessment checks the current mental illness with harmful behaviours or an event of past mental disorder.
Drug and Alcohol Screening
Alcohol and drug impair your physical and mental health performance and impact the communication of messages in your brain, emotions, movement, and other senses. The screening test includes urine analysis for screening alcohol or any illegal drugs. However, the person is expected to provide a prescription if he is under medication.
The test samples will be collected during the test and results will be provided within 24 hours of the test.
Review of your Medical History and Immunisation Records
To ensure you are free from contagious diseases, vaccination and immunisation records are essential. A record of medical history (if applicable) will be thoroughly reviewed during the medical assessment
What if the Test Results are Positive for Immigration?
If the test results show signs of any infections or disorders, the doctor will ensure that you take all the required vaccinations. Although, some vaccines are compulsorily required by the Immigration and Nationality Act, and others are needed in the interest of public health as specified by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Regardless of the condition, one must receive required vaccinations before flying to another country.
If you need more tests, you may be referred to a specialist based on the results of your medical test.
What are the Things to Remember Before an Immigration Medical Examination?
- If you have had any medical surgery or undergone a treatment, keep a record of the same.
- Try to get enough sleep before the medical exam, lack of sleep can sometimes lead to abnormal results in the blood pressure tests, pulse rate, as well as body temperature.
- Tests are generally performed on an empty stomach, hence it is advisable to avoid intake of caffeinated beverages and salty food items.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
What Documents do I Carry for the Immigration Medical Assessment?
It is advised to gather all the relevant documents in order to reduce delays in your application process.
- Carry a copy of your medical history
- Carry your immunisation and vaccination records
- Government-issued photo ID proof
- Funds to pay for your medical assessment
- Health insurance card
Can I get a Copy of the Results After the Test?
Upon completing your medical assessment, the GP will provide a document confirming that you have had an immigration medical exam which can be provided to the country embassy or the applicant can provide it during the interview process
Our goal at Barnetby Private Medicals is to deliver a fast and precise medical examination for the visa so you can meet the visa prerequisites in time for your travel. Schedule your immigration medical test today to avoid any delay