HIV Was Removed From the Inadmissibility List in 2010

In 2010, the United States Department of Health and Human Services removed HIV infection from the list of communicable diseases of public health significance that constitute grounds of inadmissibility under U.S. immigration law. This was a significant policy change that opened the door for people living with HIV to obtain lawful permanent residence.

HIV Testing Is Not Required for Immigration

Because HIV is no longer a ground of inadmissibility, HIV testing is not a required component of the immigration medical examination. You are not required to disclose your HIV status, and the civil surgeon is not required to test for HIV as part of the standard Form I-693 examination.

Your Overall Health Is Still Evaluated

While HIV status does not affect your immigration eligibility, your overall health is still evaluated as part of the standard immigration medical examination. The civil surgeon will conduct a physical examination and review your medical history.

If you are living with HIV and receiving treatment, you may wish to bring documentation of your care. This is not required but can be helpful for the civil surgeon to have a complete picture of your health.

Confidentiality of Health Information

All health information disclosed during your immigration medical examination is handled with strict confidentiality. You are not required to disclose your HIV status, but if you choose to do so, that information will be treated with the same professionalism and respect as all other medical information.