Applying for a green card in the United States involves several crucial steps, one of which is undergoing an immigration medical examination. This Doctor Examination is a mandatory requirement by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to ensure public health and safety. It must be conducted by a USCIS-designated physician, known as a civil surgeon. These designated doctors are authorized to perform the necessary medical evaluations for most green card applicants within the U.S.
It’s important to note that military physicians at military treatment facilities within the United States are also authorized as blanket designated civil surgeons for U.S. veterans, military members, and their dependents. Additionally, refugee applicants and certain adjustment of status applicants might find blanket designated civil surgeons through their local health departments, although these may not appear on the official USCIS list. These blanket designations allow doctors to perform the full immigration medical examination or specific parts of it. For detailed information, you can refer to the USCIS Policy Manual, Part C – Civil Surgeon Designation and Revocation.
Immigration medical examinations conducted outside the U.S. and its territories follow a different process. These examinations must be performed by panel physicians, who are appointed by the Department of State. Panel physicians are distinct from civil surgeons and are responsible for conducting immigration medical examinations for visa processing at U.S. Embassies or consulates abroad. They are not authorized to perform examinations for applicants applying for adjustment of status within the United States with USCIS.
What to Bring to Your Doctor Examination
To ensure a smooth and efficient doctor examination, it’s essential to bring the necessary documents and records with you to your appointment with the civil surgeon. Being prepared can help streamline the process and avoid potential delays. Here’s a checklist of what you should bring:
- Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record: It’s crucial to bring the official Form I-693. You can download and start filling out your portion of the form beforehand, but do not sign it until instructed by the civil surgeon.
- Government-issued photo identification: A valid passport or driver’s license serves as acceptable photo identification. Applicants who are 14 years old or younger can provide identification that includes their name, date and place of birth, and parents’ full names, such as a birth certificate (with an English translation) or an affidavit.
- Vaccination or immunization records: Bring any records you have of past vaccinations. This includes records for vaccines such as DT, DTP, DTaP, Td, Tdap, OPV, IPV, MMR, Hib, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, varicella, pneumococcal influenza, rotavirus, meningococcal disease, and COVID-19. Accurate vaccination records can help determine which, if any, additional vaccinations you may need.
- Health insurance card: While not always essential for coverage, it’s wise to bring your health insurance card. Inquire with the civil surgeon’s office whether they accept your insurance plan for immigration medical examinations. Keep in mind that many health insurance plans may not cover all aspects of this particular examination.
- Payment: Confirm with the civil surgeon’s office about the accepted forms of payment prior to your appointment. It’s advisable to call a few civil surgeons in your area to compare the costs of the immigration medical examination, as prices can vary significantly.
What to Expect During Your Doctor Examination
The immigration medical examination is a comprehensive assessment of your health status. During the doctor examination, the civil surgeon will review your medical history and conduct a thorough physical examination. This process is designed to ensure you meet the health requirements for immigration to the United States.
The civil surgeon will ask you detailed questions about your medical history, including any past illnesses, surgeries, and current health conditions. Be prepared to provide accurate and complete information. The physical examination will assess your overall health and look for any conditions that may be relevant to immigration requirements.
As part of the doctor examination, the civil surgeon is required to test for specific communicable diseases. These tests, mandated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), typically include screening for tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea, with the specific tests varying based on age and other factors. The CDC provides detailed Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons, which outline all requirements for the immigration medical examination.
After completing the immigration medical examination, the civil surgeon will fill out Form I-693. They will then seal the completed form in an envelope, which you will submit directly to USCIS. It is crucial that you request a copy of the completed Form I-693 for your personal records before the civil surgeon seals the envelope. USCIS will not accept the form if the envelope appears to have been opened or tampered with. For comprehensive details about Form I-693, please visit the official USCIS website at uscis.gov/i-693.
Reporting Concerns Regarding Your Doctor Examination
While most immigration medical examinations are conducted professionally and without issue, it’s important to know how to address any concerns you might have. If you experience any issues with a civil surgeon’s behavior or actions during your doctor examination, you have avenues for reporting these concerns.
For concerns related to a civil surgeon’s conduct or ethical practices, you should contact your state medical board. State medical boards are responsible for licensing and regulating physicians, and they can investigate complaints about doctor conduct. You can find contact information for your state medical board through the Federation of State Medical Boards website.
If your concerns relate specifically to the immigration medical examination process itself or issues with Form I-693, you should contact the USCIS Contact Center. USCIS can address questions and concerns about the immigration medical examination requirements and procedures. Ensuring a fair and proper doctor examination process is important, and these resources are available to address any issues that may arise.
