Cuban/Haitian Entrant Status and Green Card

Cuban and Haitian entrants are individuals who entered the United States from Cuba or Haiti and were not admitted or paroled in a specific immigration status. This status was created by the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980. Cuban and Haitian entrants may be eligible for a green card through various pathways, including the Cuban Adjustment Act (for Cubans) or other immigration provisions.

Cuban and Haitian entrants who file Form I-485 must complete the standard immigration medical examination as part of the adjustment of status process.

Medical Exam Requirement

All I-485 applicants, including Cuban and Haitian entrants, must complete an immigration medical examination with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and submit Form I-693. The medical exam requirement applies regardless of how you entered the United States.

Cuban and Haitian entrants typically did not undergo an overseas medical exam before entering the United States, so a full civil surgeon examination is required.

What the Exam Covers

The immigration medical exam covers a complete physical examination, tuberculosis testing, required laboratory tests, and a vaccination review. The civil surgeon will administer any missing required vaccines.

Bring any vaccination records you have from Cuba or Haiti to the appointment. Having documented vaccinations can reduce the number of vaccines you need.

Vaccination Records From Cuba and Haiti

Many Cuban and Haitian entrants have limited vaccination records. Cuba has a comprehensive vaccination program, and Cuban nationals may have vaccination records. Haitian nationals may have fewer documented vaccinations. In either case, bring whatever records you have.

If you do not have vaccination records, the civil surgeon can administer the required vaccines at the appointment. You are not required to have prior vaccination records to complete the exam.

TB Testing Considerations

Both Cuba and Haiti have higher TB prevalence than the United States. All applicants filing I-485 must be tested for TB. If your TB test is positive, the civil surgeon will order a chest X-ray.

A positive TB test does not automatically disqualify you from obtaining a green card, but you may need to complete treatment. The civil surgeon will guide you through the next steps.

Practical Tips

Bring your Form I-94 or other entry documents, passport or other identity documents, vaccination records, and any relevant medical records. If you need language assistance (Spanish or Haitian Creole), contact the civil surgeon's office in advance.