Asthma Is Not a Ground of Inadmissibility

Asthma — whether mild, moderate, or severe — is not a ground of inadmissibility under U.S. immigration law. The medical grounds of inadmissibility are limited to communicable diseases of public health significance, failure to have required vaccinations, physical or mental disorders with associated harmful behavior, and drug abuse or addiction. Asthma does not fall into any of these categories, and your diagnosis will not affect your eligibility for a green card.

The Respiratory Exam Component

The immigration medical examination includes a physical examination of your respiratory system. The civil surgeon will listen to your lungs and assess your breathing. If you have asthma, this will be noted in your medical history on Form I-693.

The civil surgeon is not evaluating whether your asthma is well-controlled or making a judgment about your overall health status for immigration purposes. The respiratory exam is a standard component of the physical examination.

Inhaler and Medication Documentation

If you use a rescue inhaler, a maintenance inhaler, or any other asthma medications, bring a complete list of your current medications to your appointment. If you use a nebulizer or other respiratory devices, you may mention this to the civil surgeon as part of your medical history. There are no special restrictions or additional requirements for applicants with asthma.

No Special Restrictions

Applicants with asthma complete the same standard immigration medical examination as all other applicants. There are no additional tests, special documentation requirements, or extra steps required because of an asthma diagnosis. Bring your vaccination records, a government-issued photo ID, and your medication list, and you are fully prepared for your appointment.