What happens if a syphilis test is positive in my immigration medical Exam?
If you've received a positive syphilis test during your immigration medical exam, it's important to know that this doesn't automatically mean your application will be denied. There’s a clear path you can follow, which includes follow-up testing, treatment, and documentation from a civil surgeon. Let’s break down the steps you need to take to ensure everything is handled properly!
Steps to Take After a Positive Test
1. Confirmatory Testing:
It all starts here! The initial positive result is just the beginning. You’ll need to undergo a follow-up test to confirm whether you have syphilis.
2. Clinical Evaluation:
Your civil surgeon will do a thorough evaluation to check for any symptoms of syphilis, especially things like neurosyphilis which can cause altered mental status, hearing loss, or vision problems.
3. Treatment:
Good news—syphilis is treatable with antibiotics! If your follow-up test confirms an active infection, you’ll need to receive this treatment to clear it.
4. Documentation of Treatment:
After you’ve successfully completed your treatment, you’ll need to get written proof from your civil surgeon showing that you’ve been adequately treated. This is an important step!
5. Form I-693 Classification:
Your civil surgeon will document the test results, your clinical findings, and the proof of your treatment on Form I-693. They’ll also assign a classification for syphilis, which is vital for your immigration decision.
Why it Matters
Public Health Risk:
Managing syphilis is important as it has been considered a "communicable disease of public health significance." It helps ensure that you do not pose any health risk to the U.S. population.
Meeting USCIS Requirements:
Following these steps shows USCIS that you meet the health standards required for permanent residency. It’s all about demonstrating your commitment to a healthy future.
Remember, staying informed and proactive is the best approach! You're not alone in this process, and taking these steps helps pave the way for a positive outcome. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your civil surgeon or seek guidance—you're on the right track!
At Lumberton Internal Medicine Group, we pride ourselves on offering affordable prices, same-day appointments, and bilingual services in Spanish and Creole-French. We specialize in completing USCIS Form I-693 and Form N-648 for those seeking U.S. residency and citizenship.
If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to reach out to us.
We’re here to help you every step of the way!