Tuberculosis (TB) Testing for Immigration Medical Exams
Everything you need to know about TB screening for your Form I-693 — organized into 5 clear topics covering testing methods, positive results, treatment, special populations, and USCIS classifications.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed Civil Surgeon or qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your immigration medical exam.
TB Testing Methods
Understand the blood tests and chest X-rays used in immigration TB screening — what they measure, how they differ, and which applies to you.
Why Is TB Testing Required for Immigration?
The legal basis under INA and what USCIS requires on Form I-693.
TB Skin Test vs. Blood Test: Which Is Used for Immigration?
Why the IGRA blood test replaced the TST skin test for immigration exams.
What Is the IGRA Test Used for Immigration TB Screening?
How QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus works and what a reactive result means.
How Long Do TB Test Results Take?
Typical turnaround times and what can delay your Form I-693 completion.
Do I Need a Chest X-Ray for My Immigration Exam?
When a chest X-ray is required and what the civil surgeon is looking for.
Positive TB Results
A positive TB test does not automatically deny your green card. Learn exactly what happens next and how your civil surgeon documents findings.
What If My TB Test Is Positive?
Step-by-step walkthrough of next steps after a reactive IGRA result.
Can I Get a Green Card With a Positive TB Test?
How latent vs. active TB affects your immigration application outcome.
My TB Test Was Positive but My Chest X-Ray Was Normal — What Does That Mean?
Understanding latent TB infection and why it is not a bar to admission.
TB Contact Investigation and Immigration
What happens if you were exposed to someone with active TB disease.
Latent TB, Active TB & Treatment
The distinction between latent and active TB is critical for your immigration case. Understand Class A and Class B designations and what treatment means for your timeline.
Latent TB vs. Active TB: What's the Difference?
Clear explanation of LTBI vs. active disease and how each is handled on I-693.
TB Treatment and Immigration: What You Need to Know
How active TB treatment affects your Form I-693 and green card timeline.
TB History and Immigration Medical Exams
How prior TB diagnosis or treatment is documented and evaluated by USCIS.
Special Populations
TB testing requirements differ for children, pregnant women, and applicants with prior BCG vaccination. Get the guidance specific to your situation.
TB Testing for Children in Immigration Exams
Age-specific requirements and what to expect for pediatric applicants.
TB Testing for Pregnant Women in Immigration Exams
How pregnancy affects TB screening protocols and chest X-ray decisions.
I Had the BCG Vaccine — How Does That Affect My TB Test?
Why BCG vaccination does not affect IGRA results and what to tell your civil surgeon.
USCIS TB Classifications & Reporting
USCIS uses Class A and Class B designations to classify TB findings. Understand what each means for your green card and any follow-up obligations.
All TB Testing Articles
Browse all 15 TB Q&A articles in the library, or visit the full index for search and filtering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about TB testing and immigration.
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