Welcome to Direct U.S. Immigration’s channel where you get direct access to our most up to date immigration and global mobility space. My name is Miatrai Brown, and I’m going to talk about what happens during your immigration medical exam. You are not going to want to miss this one, stay tuned. 11 Second DUSI Intro Video Thanks for tuning in, my name is Miatrai Brown, and I am a U.S. immigration attorney based in Washington DC. I am also the Principal Attorney at Direct U.S. Immigration where we work with clients in all 50 states and around the world. Before we start, click the like and subscribe button to follow our immigration hub to get the latest immigration information that could be vital to your case. And also, be sure to stick around until the end to get a bonus tip on preventing or challenging a health-related denial. As you may know, an immigration medical exam is necessary for immigrating to the United States and becoming a permanent resident (green card holder). The medical exam is a routine part of the process to ensure public safety and remove the grounds for inadmissibility for intending immigrants. Certain diseases of public health can make an individual inadmissible to the United States. That means it could prevent the applicant from getting a green card. The exam is the process of removing these grounds of inadmissibility. We at Direct U.S. Immigration can help you prepare the entire adjustment of status application, but you’ll need to attend the exam on your own. Therefore, knowing what to expect and how to prepare for your medical examination is important. Purpose of an Immigration Medical Exam The medical grounds of inadmissibility, the medical examination of foreign nationals, and the vaccinations administered to foreign nationals are designed to protect the health of the United States population. The immigration medical examination, the resulting medical examination report, and the vaccination record provide the information that USCIS uses to determine if a foreign national meets the health-related standards for admissibility. Any of these four basic medical conditions may make an applicant inadmissible on health-related grounds: Communicable disease of public health significance An immigrant’s failure to show proof of required vaccinations Physical or mental disorder with associated harmful behavior Drug abuse or addiction The immigration medical examination is not a complete physical examination. Its purpose is to screen for specific medical conditions relevant to U.S. immigration law. The U.S. government doesn’t require the doctor to evaluate you for any conditions except those the U.S. Public Health Service specifies for U.S. immigration purposes. Likewise, the government doesn’t need the doctor to provide you with a diagnosis or treatment even if they discover other issues related to your health. This examination is not a substitute for a full physical examination, consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by your primary healthcare provider. Selecting a Doctor for your Exam You won’t be able to go to any doctor for your immigration medical exam. A government-approved doctor must perform the examination. Outside the United States, the U.S. embassy or consulate will refer you to an authorized “panel physician.” Applicants applying inside the United States will go to a “civil surgeon.” In both situations, they are doctors authorized to administer your exam. Suppose you apply for an immigrant visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate (known as consular processing). In that case, they will provide a list of panel physicians certified by the Department of State. In most cases, you’ll have a choice of physicians. But it’s always best to check with the procedure at your local consulate. You may need your appointment notification before the panel physician will see you. When to Schedule an Immigrant Medical Exam The National Visa Center will tell consular applicants when it’s time to schedule the appointment. You must complete the medical exam and vaccinations before your scheduled immigrant visa interview date. When applying inside the U.S., the exam results must be signed by the doctor no more than 60 days before you submit Form I-485. The results are valid for two years from the signature date. What to Take to your Medical Exam In preparation for the medical examination, you will need to take several items. This list will vary based on the location of your exam. If you are attending an exam outside the United States, the U.S. embassy will give you specific guidance for your country. However, you will generally need to take the following items to an immigration medical exam: Valid passport or other government-issued photo identification. Vaccination records. Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (if adjusting status). The required fee (varies by the doctor). If applying abroad, required number of U.S. passport photos (check with the consular office). If anyone in your family is immigrating with learning disabilities, report the condition and any special education or supervision requirements. If you are being treated for a chronic medical condition or taking medications regularly, a list of medications. If you’ve had a previous positive skin test for tuberculosis, the tuberculosis certificate from your doctor proving that you were adequately treated. If you have had Syphilis, a certificate of clearance signed by a doctor or public health official proving that you were adequately treated. If you have a history of harmful or violent behavior resulting in injury to people or animals, information that will allow the doctor to determine whether the behavior was related to a psychiatric or medical problem or to drug or alcohol use. If you have been treated or hospitalized for psychiatric or mental illness or alcohol or drug abuse, written certification including the diagnosis, length of treatment, and your prognosis. Vaccinations The doctor will make sure that you have had all the required vaccinations. The Immigration and Nationality Act expressly requires some vaccines, and others are required because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have determined they are in the interest of public health. Regardless, you must receive the following vaccinations before
Welcome to Direct U.S. Immigration’s channel where you get direct access to our most up to date immigration and global mobility space. My name is Miatrai Brown, and I’m going to talk about the types of questions that are asked during a CR1 visa interview. You are not going to want to miss this one, stay tuned. 11 Second DUSI Intro Video Thanks for tuning in, my name is Miatrai Brown, and I am a U.S. immigration attorney based in Washington DC. I am also the Principal Attorney at Direct U.S. Immigration where we work with clients in all 50 states and around the world. Before we start, click the like and subscribe button to follow our immigration hub to get the latest immigration information that could be vital to your case. And also, be sure to stick around until the end to get a bonus tip for a successful visa interview. As you may know, the conditional residence visa (CR1 visa) is given to the foreign national spouse of a U.S. citizen and is valid for two years. This visa is reserved for individuals who have been married for less than 2 years. When applying for the CR1 visa, there will be a visa interview. This video discusses some of the topics and questions you can expect during the CR1 visa interview. What Types of Questions Are Asked During A CR1 Visa Interview? The questions you (and your spouse) receive during a CR1 visa interview may vary based on the specifics of your case. However, there are some more common questions that you can expect to be asked, and it is important to prepare for them before your interview. However, remember that these are example questions intended to provide a general idea of the topics you should prepare for, and your questions during your interview may be different. What Does Your Spouse Do for A Living? A commonly reported question that married couples are asked during a CR1 visa interview is regarding what their spouse does for a living. As mentioned, the question you receive may look different. For example, rather than being asked about your spouse’s profession, you may be asked about their hobbies or interests. It is important to understand your spouse very well personally before your interview. Of course, as a method of cross-checking the validity of your and your spouse’s answer, you can also expect to be asked about your career, hobbies, and interests. What Are the Names of Your Spouse’s Parents? Questions about your in-laws are common during CR1 visa interviews. This could be as simple as asking the names of your spouse’s parents and siblings, or they may ask about more specific details such as what they do for a living, where they live, etc. If your spouse has any children from a previous relationship, they may also ask about their names. How (and Where) Did You Meet Your Spouse It is also common for applicants to be asked how they met their spouse and other questions regarding the origin of their relationship. A common question is how and where the two of you met, and you both need to provide the same answer. They may also ask about what attracted you to your spouse and other slightly more personal questions concerning the origin of your relationship. Where Did You and Your Spouse Get Married Questions about your wedding are very common as well. The officer may ask about where exactly you and your spouse got married. They may also ask who was at the wedding, whether or not photos were taken, etc. It can be helpful to review all details about your wedding (and the facts surrounding it) before your CR1 visa interview. What Is Your Spouse’s Religious Background This may seem unusual, but it is more common than many anticipate and can catch an interviewee off guard if they need to prepare. It is important to understand your spouse’s religious views and how you feel about your spouse’s religious beliefs relative to your own. When Do You Plan on Entering The United States? The consular may also use the interview to learn more about your plans for entering and living in the U.S. Specifically, they may ask about when you plan to enter the United States. They may also ask about your goals once you arrive (i.e., where you will live) and your long-term plans. The CR1 visa is temporary and conditional, so a long-term plan should include applying for an IR1 visa, which is the 10 year green card. How Much Time Do You Spend With Your Spouse? You can also expect to answer questions about how much time you spend with your spouse and some of the things you and your spouse do together. The questions may also be more specific than this, such as asking about the color of your spouse’s eyes. Often, the goal here is to ensure the couple genuinely enjoys each other and has legitimate purposes for their marriage. Why Do You Intend To Live In The United States Rather Than Your Native Country? Last but not least, you can expect to be asked why you and your spouse chose to live in America permanently rather than your country of origin. This can seem tricky, but it is best to be honest, and state clearly what you find desirable about the United States. In other instances, it may be as simple as saying that your spouse does not wish to leave their job. Bonus Information As promised, here’s some bonus information that you may not know about: Practice, practice, practice. It’s important to rehearse before your interview, especially if one of you tends to be forgetful. Even people in long-term marriages can often find these interviews stressful, but the more you practice, the less anxious you’re likely to be. In this situation, it’s almost always better to be overprepared than under. I hope you found this video helpful. Subscribe if this content or information
A non-immigrant visa (NIV) is a type of visa issued to individuals who wish to travel temporarily to the United States for work, study, or leisure. These visas are usually issued for a specific period of time and must be renewed regularly if the individual wishes to remain in the U.S. Non-immigrants may include tourists, business travelers, students, temporary workers, and more. The Department of State recently announced that on June 17, 2023, there will be an increase in non-immigrant visa fees worldwide as part of its effort to offset the cost associated with processing these applications. The fee increases will apply both to new applicants and those renewing their visas. This fee hike is expected to affect millions of people around the world who need access to the U.S. on a non-immigrant basis for various reasons, such as work or education purposes. The main change proposed by this new regulation is that all NIV applicants would have to pay an additional $10 application fee regardless of whether they’re applying for a single entry or multiple entries into the U.S. over a certain period; currently, only first-time applicants are required to pay this fee when submitting their initial application form online, through the mail, or courier services. It is important to note that the fee increases will vary depending on the type of NIV being applied for and other factors, but it can range from $50 to $200+ in added costs for different applicants. It is also important to be aware of any deadline changes or updates as the new regulation takes effect, so you can ensure your application is submitted correctly and on time. Overall, this change could have major implications for both U.S. citizens traveling abroad as well as non-citizens looking to enter the U.S.; therefore, it is essential to plan and make sure you have all necessary documents ready before submitting your application form online or through mail or courier services after June 17, 2023. If you have questions relating to non-immigrant visas (NIV), we would be happy to review your case, guide you through the necessary legal procedures , and answer any questions you have about your application.
When it comes to U.S. visas, two popular options are the H-1B visa and the TN visa. Both visas are for temporary workers, and although both provide work authorization in the US, they differ significantly in terms of processing time, requirements, and who is eligible to apply for them. Processing Time The H-1B visa can have much longer processing time than the TN visa. If it is your first H-1B with a for-profit sponsor, you will generally have to wait for the lottery cycle and the processing time can take seven months or longer if the case is not filed under premium processing. The TN visa, on the other hand, is much faster. For Canadian citizens, they can apply for the visa at the airport several hours before their flight, or at an embassy/consulate. For Mexican citizens, they can apply for the visa at an embassy or consulate. Requirements To qualify for an H-1B visa, applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in their field of work. The TN visa generally requires at least a bachelor’s degree, but can have less stringent requirements depending on the position. Some positions only require the applicants to have a job offer from a qualifying organization and evidence of their professional qualifications. Eligibility The H-1B visa is open to any applicant with the right skills, qualifications, and experience. However, the TN visa is only available to Canadian and Mexican citizens. Another main difference between an H-1B visa and a TN visa is the length of stay they provide. An H-1B visa is valid for up to three years and can be extended to a total of 6 years, unless the holder has an I-140 approved. A TN visa allows for up to 3 years of stay, which can be extended indefinitely so long as there is a valid job offer and the visa holder does not have immigrant intent. The process of applying for either an H-1B or TN visa also differs. An H-1B visa requires approval from the United States Department of Labor, and then an employer must submit a petition for the non-immigrant worker status to USCIS. The TN visa is a simpler process where you can apply directly at a consulate/embassy abroad, or in the airport. If the individual is inside the U.S., then the petition can be filed directly with USCIS. In conclusion, both the H-1B visa and the TN visa offer work authorization in the U.S. However, they differ significantly in terms of processing time, requirements, and who is eligible to apply for them. It is important to consider these differences before deciding which visa is right for you. If you have questions relating to an H-1B or TN visa, we would be happy to review your case, guide you through the necessary legal procedures , and answer any questions you have about your application. Finding an employer willing to sponsor an H-1B visa can be a challenging process. However, platforms like Jooble can simplify this search by providing a wide range of job opportunities from companies actively offering H-1B visa sponsorship.
A K-1 visa and a K-3 visa are non-immigrant visas issued by the United States government. The major difference between these two visas is the purpose for which they are issued.
© 2025 Direct U.S. Immigration. All rights reserved.
