Prior TB Treatment and Inadmissibility

A history of tuberculosis that was properly treated and cured does not make you inadmissible to the United States. Only active, infectious TB disease is a communicable disease of public health significance that constitutes a ground of inadmissibility. Latent TB infection (LTBI) and a history of prior TB disease that has been treated are not grounds of inadmissibility, though they may require follow-up.

TB Testing Is Still Required

Even if you have a history of prior TB disease or treatment, TB testing is still a required component of the immigration medical examination. The civil surgeon needs to determine your current TB status.

For most applicants age 2 and older, TB testing is performed using an IGRA (interferon-gamma release assay) blood test, such as the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus. The tuberculin skin test (TST) may also be used in some circumstances.

Chest X-Ray Requirements

If your TB test result is positive — which is common in people who have had prior TB disease or treatment — you will need a chest X-ray to evaluate for active TB disease. A normal chest X-ray in the context of a positive TB test indicates latent TB infection, not active disease. The civil surgeon will document your TB status on Form I-693 and may recommend follow-up with a public health department.

Documentation to Bring

If you have a history of prior TB disease or treatment, bring the following to your appointment:

• Records of your prior TB diagnosis and treatment, including the dates of treatment and medications used
• Documentation of treatment completion (e.g., a letter from your treating physician or public health department)
• Any prior chest X-ray reports
• Records of prior TB test results