Physical exam required for work visa

[Hero]

I just read that often a physical exam is required to obtain a work visa. What health problems would disqualify you? For example, if a guy had a BMI of 27.4 and was prehypertensive, would they reject his visa application?

[tre]

I just read that often a physical exam is required to obtain a work visa. What health problems would disqualify you? For example, if a guy had a BMI of 27.4 and was prehypertensive, would they reject his visa application?

It probably depends on the country. When I was in Singapore, the doctor in SG would NOT approve my physical exam because my BP was 169/108. I spent 2 weeks doing EVERYTHING I could to get it down (supplements, going on long walks, dieting, drinking lots of water, trying to relax, etc). He finally approved my physical exam the 2nd time when my BP was at 150/101. I went on to get my Employment Pass/ Work Visa. HOWEVER, I was not taking BP meds and never had. I believe that I could have taken them and then passed the physical exam the first time. I just didn't know I was Hypertensive until I was in Singapore and they took my BP at the doctors office. I was reasonably fit and lean when I was in Singapore, so not sure about the BMI. They seemed to only care about my BP level...

[HouseMD]

Depends on the country. Usually the medical exam is looking for things more along the lines of HIV, tuberculosis, cancer, etc. Things that will either kill you or are potentially fatal infections that can be spread to the community. If you post specific countries, some of us might be able to be more specific as to what the requirements are, in case you are concerned.

[Hero]

I just read that often a physical exam is required to obtain a work visa. What health problems would disqualify you? For example, if a guy had a BMI of 27.4 and was prehypertensive, would they reject his visa application?

It probably depends on the country. When I was in Singapore, the doctor in SG would NOT approve my physical exam because my BP was 169/108. I spent 2 weeks doing EVERYTHING I could to get it down (supplements, going on long walks, dieting, drinking lots of water, trying to relax, etc). He finally approved my physical exam the 2nd time when my BP was at 150/101. I went on to get my Employment Pass/ Work Visa. HOWEVER, I was not taking BP meds and never had. I believe that I could have taken them and then passed the physical exam the first time. I just didn't know I was Hypertensive until I was in Singapore and they took my BP at the doctors office. I was reasonably fit and lean when I was in Singapore, so not sure about the BMI. They seemed to only care about my BP level...

Wow, 150/101 is still high. I guess they're not so strict after all.

[tre]

I just read that often a physical exam is required to obtain a work visa. What health problems would disqualify you? For example, if a guy had a BMI of 27.4 and was prehypertensive, would they reject his visa application?

It probably depends on the country. When I was in Singapore, the doctor in SG would NOT approve my physical exam because my BP was 169/108. I spent 2 weeks doing EVERYTHING I could to get it down (supplements, going on long walks, dieting, drinking lots of water, trying to relax, etc). He finally approved my physical exam the 2nd time when my BP was at 150/101. I went on to get my Employment Pass/ Work Visa. HOWEVER, I was not taking BP meds and never had. I believe that I could have taken them and then passed the physical exam the first time. I just didn't know I was Hypertensive until I was in Singapore and they took my BP at the doctors office. I was reasonably fit and lean when I was in Singapore, so not sure about the BMI. They seemed to only care about my BP level...

Wow, 150/101 is still high. I guess they're not so strict after all.

That was in Singapore...it may be different in other countries. Funny thing is that it went up to 180/120 shortly after I returned to the USA. My Hypertension is mostly stress-related. I'm now on BP meds for it so that I don't have a stroke....

[HouseMD]

I just read that often a physical exam is required to obtain a work visa. What health problems would disqualify you? For example, if a guy had a BMI of 27.4 and was prehypertensive, would they reject his visa application?

It probably depends on the country. When I was in Singapore, the doctor in SG would NOT approve my physical exam because my BP was 169/108. I spent 2 weeks doing EVERYTHING I could to get it down (supplements, going on long walks, dieting, drinking lots of water, trying to relax, etc). He finally approved my physical exam the 2nd time when my BP was at 150/101. I went on to get my Employment Pass/ Work Visa. HOWEVER, I was not taking BP meds and never had. I believe that I could have taken them and then passed the physical exam the first time. I just didn't know I was Hypertensive until I was in Singapore and they took my BP at the doctors office. I was reasonably fit and lean when I was in Singapore, so not sure about the BMI. They seemed to only care about my BP level...

Wow, 150/101 is still high. I guess they're not so strict after all.

169/108 will wreck your kidneys and heart, that's crazy. I'd really try your best to get your BP under control in any way you can, at least down to 140/90. Trust me, kidneys are awesome things you don't want to lose.

[tre]

169/108 will wreck your kidneys and heart, that's crazy. I'd really try your best to get your BP under control in any way you can, at least down to 140/90. Trust me, kidneys are awesome things you don't want to lose.

Yeah, I had no idea I was hypertensive. I had probably been that way for a while and had just gotten used to the heart and head pounding, headaches, dizziness, etc.. I went to a Cardio Specialist and I do have some MINOR heart damage (hardening), but nothing too bad. My kidneys are fine thankfully.

I have a new job offer coming up in March or April of next year. My goal is to be completely healthy as I can be by then. That is my #1 goal right now.

That quote by the Dalai Lama has a lot of meaning to me as I was that guy that sacrificed health for $$. In the end I lost that $$ and lost my health as well. Now, I have to gain both back. This is much harder to do concurrently...