The Legal Basis for Gonorrhea Testing

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), USCIS requires screening for communicable diseases of public health significance as part of the immigration medical examination. Gonorrhea — caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae — is classified as a communicable disease that USCIS screens for in all eligible immigration applicants.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sets the technical instructions that civil surgeons must follow when conducting immigration medical examinations. These instructions require gonorrhea testing as part of the standard laboratory panel, reflecting the public health significance of the infection and the availability of effective treatment.

Who Is Required to Be Tested

Gonorrhea testing is required for immigration applicants as part of the standard Form I-693 laboratory panel. The civil surgeon will order the test as part of your on-site laboratory workup. All required laboratory testing is performed at our clinic — no separate lab visit is needed. The requirement applies regardless of gender, country of origin, or prior medical history.

How the Test Is Performed

Gonorrhea testing for immigration purposes is performed using a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), which is the most sensitive and specific method available. The test is typically performed on a urine sample, making it a non-invasive and straightforward procedure.

The sample is collected on-site at our Costa Mesa clinic during your immigration medical exam appointment. Results are generally available within 1 to 2 business days. No special preparation is required — you may eat and drink normally before your appointment.

• Non-invasive urine sample collection
• NAAT method — highly accurate and sensitive
• Performed on-site — no separate lab visit required
• Results available within 1–2 business days

What Happens If the Result Is Positive

A positive gonorrhea test result does not automatically prevent you from obtaining a green card. Gonorrhea is a highly treatable bacterial infection, and completing a course of antibiotic treatment is typically sufficient to address the finding for immigration purposes.

If your result is positive, our civil surgeon will discuss the finding with you privately and professionally. The civil surgeon will document the result on Form I-693 and advise you on appropriate treatment options. In most cases, treatment can be completed quickly, and your Form I-693 can be finalized shortly thereafter.

Our team is committed to providing a respectful, non-judgmental environment. All medical information is handled with strict confidentiality in accordance with applicable privacy laws.

Gonorrhea and Immigration Inadmissibility

Under U.S. immigration law, active gonorrhea infection may be considered a communicable disease of public health significance. However, because gonorrhea is treatable, the inadmissibility finding is typically resolved once treatment is completed and documented.

The civil surgeon will document the finding on Form I-693 along with any treatment completed. USCIS reviews this documentation as part of the overall medical evaluation. A history of treated gonorrhea, with documented cure, is generally not a bar to admission.

Our Clinic's Approach

As a USCIS-designated civil surgeon practice, we follow all CDC technical instructions for gonorrhea screening. We use NAAT testing — the gold standard method — for all eligible applicants. Our staff is experienced in handling sensitive medical findings with professionalism and discretion. If your result requires follow-up, we will guide you through every step of the process to ensure your Form I-693 is completed accurately and efficiently.