How to Get Proof of a Negative TB Test for Visa SubmissionTuberculosis (TB) screening is a mandatory component of almost every U.S. immigration medical examination--2. Whether you are applying for a green card through adjustment of status inside the United States or an immigrant visa through consular processing abroad, you will need to provide proof that you do not have active, communicable TB. This proof is not a separate document you obtain on your own—it is recorded directly on your official medical examination form (Form I-693 for domestic applicants or the DS-2054/DS-3030 package for overseas applicants) by a designated physician-1. Understanding exactly how the TB screening works, what a "negative" result means, and how to ensure your proof is properly documented can save you from costly delays and unnecessary repeat testing.Key rule: A negative TB test result is documented by the civil surgeon or panel physician on your official medical examination form—not as a separate certificate you obtain on your own. For adjustment of status (Form I-693), the civil surgeon checks the appropriate box and signs the form-33. For consular processing, the panel physician records the result on the DS-3030 Tuberculosis Worksheet-. You do not need to obtain a separate "negative TB certificate" from an outside lab; the physician's documentation is the official proof.Who Needs TB Screening for a U.S. Visa?TB screening is required for nearly all visa and green card applicants, but the specific testing requirements depend on your age and, for overseas applicants, the TB incidence rate in the country where the examination takes place-10.Applicant CategoryScreening RequirementApplicants 2 years and older (domestic / Form I-693)IGRA blood test (mandatory for all)-32Applicants 15 years and older (overseas / panel physician)Chest X‑ray required in all countries-10Applicants 2–14 years (overseas)IGRA required only if examining country has WHO-estimated TB incidence of ≥20 per 100,000-10Children under 2 yearsGenerally exempt from routine screening; age‑specific protocols apply-2-Applicants with positive IGRA or TB symptomsChest X‑ray required regardless of age--32For students applying for F‑1 visas, the U.S. government does not mandate a TB test for the visa itself. However, almost all U.S. universities require TB screening as part of their入学 health requirements-. These institutional requirements are separate from the immigration medical exam and must be completed according to your university's specific policies.What Tests Are Used for TB Screening?IGRA Blood Test (Standard for Domestic Exams)For adjustment of status within the United States, civil surgeons are required to use an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) as the primary TB screening method for all applicants aged 2 and older-2-32. The IGRA is a blood test that measures the immune system's response to TB‑specific antigens-2.Two IGRA tests are approved for immigration purposes:QuantiFERON‑TB Gold (QIAGEN)T‑SPOT.TB (Oxford Immunotec)-The IGRA requires only a single blood draw, and results typically come back in 1 to 3 business days-2. Unlike the older tuberculin skin test (TST), IGRA is not affected by prior BCG vaccination, making it more accurate for immigrants from countries where BCG is commonly given-2.Chest X‑Ray (Follow‑up for Positive Results or Age‑Based Requirement)A chest X‑ray is required when:The IGRA result is positive-The applicant has signs or symptoms of TB disease-32The applicant is 15 years or older (overseas examinations)-10The chest X‑ray helps distinguish between latent TB infection (LTBI) —which is not a ground of inadmissibility—and active TB disease, which is a Class A condition that must be treated before a visa can be issued-2.Tuberculin Skin Test (TST / PPD) — Older MethodThe TST (also called the Mantoux test or PPD test) was previously the standard for immigration exams-2. It requires two appointments: one to apply tuberculin under the skin and a second 48–72 hours later to read the result-2. While some civil surgeons may still use TST in certain circumstances (e.g., for children under 2), IGRA is now the required primary screening method for most applicants-32. If a TST is used, a result of 4mm or less is considered negative-33.Understanding TB Test Results and Their Immigration ImplicationsNegative ResultA negative IGRA means no immune response to TB antigens was detected-2. This is documented on Form I‑693 (Part 5, Section 1) by checking the "Negative" box-33. A negative result typically clears you for TB purposes—no chest X‑ray is required, and you are considered to have met the TB screening requirement-2.Positive ResultA positive IGRA indicates that the immune system has responded to TB antigens-2. This does not automatically mean you have active TB or that your visa will be denied-2. A positive result simply triggers a chest X‑ray to determine whether the infection is active or latent-2:Active TB disease (Class A) : You are inadmissible until you complete treatment and are cleared by the health department-2-1.Latent TB infection (LTBI) (Class B) : This is documented but not a ground of inadmissibility-2.Indeterminate ResultAn indeterminate IGRA result means the test did not produce a readable result-2. This is uncommon but may require repeat testing-2. If the repeat test is also indeterminate, the civil surgeon may need to follow specific CDC guidelines for alternative evaluation.How to Obtain Proof of a Negative TB Test (Step‑by‑Step)For Adjustment of Status (Form I‑693) — Inside the U.S.Find a USCIS‑designated civil surgeon. Use the official USCIS Civil Surgeon Finder at uscis.gov-1. Only physicians on this list are authorized to complete Form I‑693-1.Schedule your medical examination. Bring the following to your appointment--1:Valid government‑issued photo ID (passport or driver's license)Complete vaccination recordsAny relevant medical history, including prior TB test results or treatment recordsA partially filled‑out Form I‑693 (Parts 1 and 2 only)-1Undergo the IGRA blood test. A staff member will draw a small blood sample, which is sent to a certified laboratory-2. Results typically return in 1–3 business days-2.Return for follow‑up (if applicable). If your IGRA is positive, you will need a chest X‑ray-. If the X‑ray shows no active disease, you will be classified as Class B (LTBI)—which is not a barrier to your green card-2.Review the completed Form I‑693. The civil surgeon will document your TB test result in Part 5, Section 1-33. Verify that the result is correctly recorded (Negative, Positive, or Indeterminate).Receive the sealed envelope. The civil surgeon will place the completed I‑693 in a sealed envelope-1. Do not open this envelope—USCIS will reject an unsealed I‑693-.Submit the sealed I‑693 with your I‑485 application or bring it to your USCIS interview.For Consular Processing (Overseas)Find a panel physician approved by the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country-10.Schedule your medical examination and bring your passport, vaccination records, and any prior TB test results-.Undergo the required screening:If you are 15 or older: chest X‑ray is mandatory-10.If you are 2–14: IGRA may be required depending on the country's TB incidence rate-10.The panel physician records the result on the DS‑3030 Tuberculosis Worksheet- and the DS‑2054 medical report-.Receive the sealed medical envelope (if applicable) and bring it to your visa interview. Do not open it.What to Do If You Have a History of Positive TB TestIf you have previously tested positive for TB, you must disclose this to the civil surgeon or panel physician. You will need to provide:A certificate from your attending doctor explaining the circumstances of the positive test result, any treatment prescribed, and its duration-Recent chest X‑ray reports showing no active disease-Documentation of completed treatment (if applicable)-Important: The civil surgeon does not need to submit written documentation of previous positive TST/IGRA results to USCIS. The surgeon simply checks the appropriate box on Form I‑693 to indicate that an exception applies-. However, you should still bring all your records to the appointment to help the surgeon make an accurate assessment-.Common Mistakes That Can Invalidate Your TB ProofMistakeConsequenceScheduling the exam with a non‑designated physicianForm I‑693 will be rejected-1Opening the sealed envelopeUSCIS will not accept the form-Undergoing a chest X‑ray without an initial screening testUSCIS will reject Form I‑693-Not disclosing prior positive TB historyMay lead to misclassification and delaysUsing an outdated Form I‑693 editionUSCIS will reject the formMissing the 60‑day filing windowIf the exam is done more than 60 days before filing I‑485 (when submitted concurrently), USCIS may reject it-Forgetting to bring vaccination recordsMay require additional appointments and costs-How Long Is a Negative TB Test Valid?For adjustment of status (Form I‑693): USCIS generally treats properly completed Forms I‑693 signed on or after November 1, 2023, as valid indefinitely-. However, if there is a significant change in your health or the CDC's medical standards, USCIS may request a new exam.For consular processing (overseas): The medical exam is typically valid for up to 6 months-. If your visa interview is scheduled beyond that window, you may need a new exam.For university入学 requirements: Validity periods vary by institution. Most universities require TB screening results within 12 months of enrollment.Related GuidesWhat Is the Difference Between I‑693 and a Regular Physical? — to understand why you must see a designated civil surgeonWhat Is Form DS‑2054 and Who Needs to Submit It? — for applicants applying through consular processingHow to Get a Second Opinion After a Failed Immigration Medical Exam — if your TB test yields unexpected resultsWhat Health Screenings Are Required for a Student Visa? — for F‑1 applicants navigating university requirementsFrequently Asked QuestionsQ: Is a negative TB test required for every visa applicant?A: No. The U.S. government does not require a TB test for all visa categories. However, green card applicants (adjustment of status) and immigrant visa applicants must undergo TB screening-. For non‑immigrant visas like F‑1 student visas, the requirement comes from the university, not the U.S. government-.Q: Can I use a TB test I had for my university or employer for my immigration medical exam?A: No. The immigration medical exam (Form I‑693 or DS‑2054) must be performed by a USCIS‑designated civil surgeon (domestic) or an embassy‑approved panel physician (overseas)-1. Tests from other providers are not accepted.Q: What if my IGRA test is positive but my chest X‑ray is normal?A: This indicates latent TB infection (LTBI) , which is classified as a Class B condition-2. It is not a ground of inadmissibility, and it will not prevent you from getting a green card or visa-2.Q: Can I get a copy of my negative TB test result for my records?A: Yes. You can request a copy of your Form I‑693 or the laboratory report from the civil surgeon. However, the official proof for USCIS is the sealed I‑693, not a separate document.Q: How long does it take to get IGRA test results?A: Results typically come back in 1 to 3 business days-2.Q: What if I have had a BCG vaccine? Will that affect my TB test?A: The IGRA blood test is not affected by prior BCG vaccination-2. This is one of the main reasons IGRA has replaced the older skin test for immigration purposes.Q: Do I need a chest X‑ray if I am pregnant?A: Yes. Pregnant applicants are still required to have a chest X‑ray if indicated (positive IGRA, age 15+ overseas, or symptoms). The radiologist will use abdominal and pelvic shielding to protect the fetus.textCopyDownload
