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Does the R-1 require a medical exam when adjusting status to permanent residence?

R-1 visa holders must undergo a USCIS-authorized medical exam when adjusting status to permanent residence, ensuring health and safety throughout the immigration process.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on February 1, 2025
2 min read
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When discussing adjustment of status to permanent residence in the United States, it is important to understand each step of the process. In the case of R-1 visa holders – designated for religious workers – the medical exam is generally one of the requirements for adjustment of status, just as it is for other categories.

This exam is conducted by a physician authorized by USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) and aims to detect any health conditions that could impact the applicant”s admissibility for residence.

The medical exam, which involves a review of vaccinations, medical history, and, in some cases, tests for certain diseases, is required to ensure that the applicant does not pose a public health risk and meets the requirements set forth by immigration law. Therefore, even those already in the US with an R-1 visa who decide to adjust status to permanent resident must be prepared to undergo this evaluation, following the current USCIS guidelines.

It is worth noting that requirements and procedures may be updated, so keeping up with official information and consulting reliable sources is essential.

In any immigration process, strictly obeying current laws and regulations is critical. Avoiding scams and dubious offers promising miraculous results is equally important for those seeking a safe and correct procedure. Seeking information from trustworthy sources and staying alert to updates in immigration rules can make a difference in the outcome of the process.

Each step requires care, and the medical exam is part of this set of requirements, which ultimately aims at the safety and health of all involved.

Remember that rules can change, and consulting the official USCIS guidelines is indispensable for a complete understanding of the procedures in your specific case.

Learn more about R-1

Requirement
Religious worker
Initial validity
Up to 30 months
Extension
Up to +30 months (max 5 years)
Hours
Min. 20 hrs/week
All about R-1

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

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Does the R-1 require a medical exam when adjusting status to permanent residence?

R-1 visa holders must undergo a USCIS-authorized medical exam when adjusting status to permanent residence, ensuring health and safety throughout the immigration process.

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