Hepatitis C Was Removed From the Inadmissibility List in 2009

In 2009, the CDC removed Hepatitis C from the list of communicable diseases of public health significance for immigration purposes. This means that Hepatitis C infection — whether acute or chronic — is not a ground of inadmissibility under U.S. immigration law. This change followed a similar removal of HIV from the inadmissibility list in 2010. Your Hepatitis C status will not prevent you from obtaining a green card.

Hepatitis C Testing Is Not Required for Immigration

Because Hepatitis C is not a ground of inadmissibility, testing for Hepatitis C is not a required component of the immigration medical examination. The civil surgeon is not required to test for Hepatitis C, and you are not required to disclose your Hepatitis C status as part of the standard exam.

What the Exam Does Check

The immigration medical examination includes a physical examination, a review of your medical history, tuberculosis testing, and a review of your vaccination records. The civil surgeon will ask about your general medical history, and you may choose to disclose your Hepatitis C status if you wish.

If you are currently receiving treatment for Hepatitis C, you may wish to bring documentation of your treatment. This is not required but can help the civil surgeon have a complete picture of your health.

Treatment Documentation

If you are on antiviral therapy for Hepatitis C, bring a list of your current medications to your appointment. This is helpful for the civil surgeon's review of your medical history. There are no special restrictions, additional tests, or extra documentation requirements for applicants with Hepatitis C.