Understanding Gonorrhea Screening for Immigration Applicants
It’s essential for applicants seeking adjustment of status to be accurately tested for gonorrhea. Correct diagnosis not only ensures that individuals get the necessary treatment but also minimizes potential long-term effects and helps prevent the spread of the infection.
Here’s what you need to know:
Testing Age Requirements: All applicants between 18 and 24 years old must undergo testing for gonorrhea. If you’re under 18 or over 24, testing is required only if there are signs of a possible infection.
Testing Procedure: The gonorrhea nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) must be ordered by a civil surgeon during your immigration medical examination. Any tests done outside or before this examination will not be accepted.
Impact of a Positive Gonorrhea Test
1. Class A Inadmissibility: If you test positive for untreated gonorrhea, it results in a Class A medical condition, which makes you inadmissible to the U.S. until treated.
2. Required Treatment: You will need to receive antibiotic treatment in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) STI treatment guidelines.
3. Class B Reclassification: After successfully completing your treatment, your condition will change from Class A to Class B.
4. Completion of Medical Exam: Once treated and reclassified, the civil surgeon can finalize your medical examination paperwork, like Form I-693, allowing you to continue with your immigration process.
Important Considerations
Age Requirement: Remember, gonorrhea screening is mandatory for those aged 18 to 24.
Sexual History Review: The civil surgeon will take a detailed sexual history to assess any potential risk factors.
Testing Method: The screening involves a simple urine sample using the NAAT method.
Role of the Civil Surgeon: A designated civil surgeon will conduct your examination, perform the screening, and document the findings and any required treatments on Form I-693.
If my gonorrhea test is positive. How long does treatment take?
Gonorrhea infection clears up within seven to 14 days after treatment with antibiotics. Some healthcare providers recommend a second gonorrhea test to make sure the infection is completely gone. You should avoid sex for the first seven days of treatment so you don’t spread the infection.
Can gonorrhea be cured?
Yes. Prompt treatment can cure gonorrhea. Take all medicine as your healthcare provider instructs, even if your symptoms improve and you start to feel better. Also, never take someone else’s medicine to treat your illness.
Taking all antibiotics as prescribed is always important, but it’s especially important with gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is curable now, but it’s becoming more resistant to antibiotics. Some forms of gonorrhea that have developed a high level of antibiotic resistance are commonly referred to as “super gonorrhea.”
To ensure that gonorrhea remains curable, it’s more important than ever that everyone takes medications as prescribed — and that everyone takes steps to prevent infection.
Understanding these guidelines will help you navigate the screening process smoothly. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us. Your health and the integrity of the immigration process are our priority!