For many Green Card applicants, the required medical examination, known as Form I-693, can be a source of anxiety, particularly when it comes to questions about past addiction or mental health issues. The fear that a personal struggle could jeopardize your immigration journey is understandable. The good news is that, in the vast majority of cases, a history of these conditions will not prevent you from obtaining a Green Card.
The Purpose of the I-693 Medical Exam
Every Green Card applicant must undergo a medical exam with a USCIS-approved civil surgeon. The purpose of this exam is to identify any health-related grounds of inadmissibility. The doctor will ask about your medical history, including substance use and mental health, conduct a physical examination, and order tests for specific communicable diseases. These are standard procedures for all applicants.
How Your History is Evaluated
When it comes to your health history, the civil surgeon is focused on specific criteria that could make you inadmissible to the United States.
Addiction and Substance Use
The primary concern regarding a history of drug or alcohol use is current and active abuse.
- Past Issues in Remission: If you have a history of substance abuse but are no longer using, this is typically documented as a past condition in remission. This is not a ground of inadmissibility. A straightforward and honest answer is best: “I had issues with [substance] in the past, but I am in remission and no longer use.”
- Current, Active Abuse: If the doctor determines there is a current substance abuse disorder, it can be a temporary bar to your application. The path forward would involve seeking treatment and demonstrating a period of remission.
Mental Health Conditions
Being in treatment for mental health conditions like anxiety or depression is very common and, by itself, is not a barrier to getting a Green Card. The doctor’s concern is narrowly focused on whether a condition is associated with harmful behavior directed at yourself or others.
If you are receiving treatment and are stable, that is all the doctor needs to know. You can simply state: “I am being treated for [condition] and am stable under my doctor’s care. I have no history of harmful behavior.” Honesty is important, but there is no need to over-share details of your treatment.
A Separate but Related Issue: Admissions of Unlawful Activity
It is important to understand that separate from the medical exam, immigration law has strict rules about admissions to violating any law related to controlled substances. If you are asked about drug use by a USCIS officer (not the doctor), a formal, detailed admission could create a separate ground of inadmissibility, even if your medical exam is clear. For this reason, it is crucial to be truthful but concise in all interactions with immigration officials.
In short, your past does not have to define your future in the United States. A history of addiction in remission or managed mental health conditions are not obstacles to securing a Green Card.
Because this is a sensitive and complex area, working with an experienced immigration attorney can provide invaluable peace of mind. A lawyer can help you prepare for the medical exam and ensure you navigate the process with confidence. If you have concerns about how your medical history may impact your Green Card application, schedule a consultation with us for guidance on your specific situation.
