Refugee Health Screening in Santee: Medical Requirements for Refugees and Asylees
Understanding health screenings and medical exams for refugee resettlement
Quick Answer
For refugees and asylees in Santee and East San Diego County, health screenings are an important part of the immigration process. SoCal Immigration Services helps Arab refugee families understand medical requirements and find appropriate healthcare providers.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For refugees and asylees in Santee and East San Diego County, health screenings are an important part of the immigration process. SoCal Immigration Services helps Arab refugee families understand medical requirements and find appropriate healthcare providers.
Refugee Health Screening Overview
Types of Health Screenings:
• Overseas medical exam (before arrival)
• Port-of-entry screening
• Domestic health assessment (after arrival)
• I-693 medical exam (for adjustment of status)
Each serves different purposes in the refugee health continuum.
Overseas Medical Examination
- •Conducted by panel physicians designated by the U.S. embassy
- •Physical examination
- •Tuberculosis (TB) screening
- •Vaccination review
- •Syphilis and HIV testing for ages 15+
- •Mental health evaluation
- •Drug abuse screening
- •Review of medical history
Domestic Refugee Health Assessment
Purpose:
• Not to create barriers, but to ensure health
• Connect refugees with healthcare system
• Follow up on overseas findings
• Identify conditions needing treatment
• Provide vaccinations not given overseas
This is typically arranged by the resettlement agency within 30-90 days of arrival.
What the Domestic Health Assessment Includes
| Component | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Exam | Overall health assessment | Height, weight, vital signs |
| TB Screening | Follow-up from overseas | Chest X-ray or blood test |
| Immunizations | Complete CDC schedule | Update vaccines |
| Blood Tests | Screen for conditions | Varies by age and risk |
| Mental Health | Identify trauma/PTSD | Important for refugees |
| Dental Screening | Oral health assessment | Often neglected overseas |
I-693 Medical Exam for Adjustment of Status
I-693 Requirements:
• Completed by USCIS-designated civil surgeon
• Must be completed within 60 days of filing I-485
• Valid for 2 years from date completed
• Includes vaccination requirements
• Physical examination
• TB screening
For Santee refugees: The I-693 is required even if you had a domestic health assessment.
Vaccination Requirements
- •Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- •Polio
- •Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td/Tdap)
- •Hepatitis B
- •Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- •Varicella (chickenpox)
- •Pneumococcal
- •Influenza (seasonal)
- •COVID-19 (current requirement)
- •Additional vaccines based on age
TB Screening for Refugees
Types of TB Screening:
• Tuberculin skin test (TST/PPD)
• Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) blood test
• Chest X-ray (if needed)
Class B TB Conditions:
• Some refugees arrive with 'Class B' TB designation
• Requires follow-up within 30 days
• Does not mean active TB disease
• Must complete evaluation to exclude active TB
Mental Health Considerations
Common Mental Health Concerns:
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Adjustment difficulties
• Grief and loss
For Arab Refugees:
• May face additional stressors from war trauma
• Cultural considerations in mental health treatment
• Arabic-speaking mental health providers when possible
• Family-centered approaches often appropriate
Finding Healthcare Providers in Santee
- •County refugee health programs
- •Community health centers accepting refugees
- •USCIS-designated civil surgeons for I-693
- •Culturally competent providers
- •Interpretation services available
- •Refugee resettlement agency referrals
- •County mental health services
Health Insurance for Refugees
Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA):
• Available for first 8 months after arrival
• Covers medical, dental, vision
• Transitions to Medi-Cal after RMA ends
Medi-Cal:
• California's Medicaid program
• Available to refugees and asylees
• No waiting period for refugees
• Covers comprehensive services
Costs and Fee Waivers
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Health Assessment | Usually free | Covered by resettlement funding |
| I-693 Civil Surgeon Exam | $100-400 | Varies by provider |
| Vaccinations | Varies | May be covered by insurance |
| TB Follow-up | Usually covered | County programs available |
| Mental Health Services | Usually covered | Insurance or county services |
Santee Refugee Health Services
- •Arabic and English speaking staff
- •Referrals to civil surgeons for I-693
- •Connection to refugee health programs
- •I-485 adjustment of status preparation
- •Coordination with resettlement agencies
- •Understanding of cultural health needs
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Do refugees need another medical exam to get a green card?
A: Yes. Even if you had a health screening when you arrived, you need Form I-693 completed by a USCIS civil surgeon when you file for adjustment of status (green card). The domestic health assessment does not replace this requirement.
Q:What if I'm afraid of needles or medical exams?
A: This is common, especially for refugees who may have trauma related to medical settings. Let your healthcare provider know about your concerns. They can take steps to make you more comfortable, and some tests may have alternatives.
Q:Can I refuse vaccinations for religious reasons?
A: Some vaccinations may be waived for religious or moral objections. You would need to request a waiver from USCIS using appropriate documentation. However, waivers are limited and may affect your application.
Q:What if I have a condition found in the health screening?
A: Finding a health condition does not mean you'll be denied immigration benefits. The purpose is to connect you with treatment. Very few conditions create immigration bars, and most can be addressed with treatment.
Q:How do I find a civil surgeon near Santee?
A: USCIS maintains a list of designated civil surgeons on their website. We can help you find one nearby who is experienced with refugees and may have lower costs or accept insurance.
Q:Does my health insurance cover the I-693 exam?
A: Most health insurance plans do not cover immigration medical exams because they're not considered medically necessary treatment. However, some community health centers offer reduced fees, and vaccinations may be covered separately.
Need Help with Refugee Health Requirements in Santee?
Our Arabic-speaking team helps East County refugees understand health screenings and connect with appropriate healthcare providers. We coordinate with your adjustment of status application.
Related Articles
Family Preference Wait Times in Whittier: Understanding Visa Bulletin Priorities for Arab Families
Complete guide to family preference category wait times for Arab families in Whittier including F1-F4 categories, Visa Bulletin updates, and strategies to reduce waiting periods.
J-1 Waiver Services in San Marcos: Two-Year Home Residency Requirement Help for Arab Professionals
Expert J-1 waiver assistance in San Marcos for Arab professionals subject to the two-year home residency requirement including all five waiver bases and application process.