Mental Health and the Legal Standard

Under U.S. immigration law, a physical or mental disorder is a ground of inadmissibility only if it is associated with harmful behavior — meaning behavior that poses a threat to the property, safety, or welfare of the applicant or others. A mental health diagnosis alone, without associated harmful behavior, is not a ground of inadmissibility.

Common Conditions That Are Not Grounds of Inadmissibility

Many common mental health conditions are not grounds of inadmissibility, including:

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Bipolar disorder (when managed and without harmful behavior)
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

How the Civil Surgeon Evaluates Mental Health

The civil surgeon will conduct a brief mental health screening as part of the immigration medical examination. This typically involves a review of your medical history and a clinical interview. The civil surgeon is not conducting a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation — the focus is on identifying conditions associated with harmful behavior.

If the civil surgeon identifies a concern, they may request additional documentation from a treating mental health provider or refer you for further evaluation.

What to Disclose

Be honest with our civil surgeon about your mental health history. Accurate disclosure helps ensure your Form I-693 is completed correctly. If you have a treating mental health provider, consider bringing a letter or records documenting your diagnosis, treatment, and current status.