Applying for a green card, or Adjustment of Status, in the United States involves several important steps, and one crucial requirement is undergoing an immigration medical examination. This exam must be conducted by a physician specifically designated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), known as a civil surgeon. These designated doctors are authorized to perform the necessary medical evaluations for most green card applicants.
It’s important to understand who is qualified to perform this exam and what the process entails. Let’s break down what you need to know about the civil surgeon exam.
Who Can Perform Your Immigration Medical Exam?
Generally, your immigration medical exam for a green card application must be completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. USCIS maintains a list of these doctors to ensure the exams meet specific requirements.
However, there are a few exceptions:
- Military Physicians: U.S. military physicians at military treatment facilities within the U.S. are authorized to perform immigration medical exams for U.S. veterans, active military personnel, and their designated dependents. These physicians act as “military blanket designated civil surgeons.”
- Health Department Civil Surgeons: Refugee applicants and potentially other adjustment of status applicants may be able to visit local health departments. These departments sometimes have “blanket designated civil surgeons.” It’s important to note that these health department surgeons may not appear on the standard USCIS civil surgeon search tool, but they are still authorized to conduct the exam, or parts of it, as needed. For detailed information on blanket designated civil surgeons, you can refer to the USCIS Policy Manual, Part C – Civil Surgeon Designation and Revocation.
- Panel Physicians (Outside the U.S.): If you are undergoing immigration medical examinations outside of the United States and its territories, the examination must be performed by a panel physician. These physicians are appointed by the U.S. Department of State, not USCIS. Panel physicians handle medical exams for visa processing at U.S. Embassies or Consulates abroad and are not authorized to conduct exams for applicants applying for Adjustment of Status within the United States.
Preparing for Your Civil Surgeon Exam
To ensure your civil surgeon exam goes smoothly, come prepared with the following items:
What to Bring
- Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record: Download and complete as much of Form I-693 as you can before your appointment.
- Government-Issued Photo Identification: Bring a valid passport or driver’s license. For children 14 years old and younger, acceptable identification includes a birth certificate (with an English translation if necessary) or an affidavit containing the child’s name, date and place of birth, and parents’ full names.
- Vaccination/Immunization Records: Provide records of your vaccinations, including but not limited to: DT, DTP, DTaP, Td, Tdap, OPV, IPV, MMR, Hib, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, varicella, pneumococcal influenza, rotavirus, meningococcal disease, and COVID-19 vaccinations.
- Health Insurance Card (Optional): While it’s good to have your health insurance card, be aware that many insurance plans do not cover the full cost of the immigration medical examination. It’s wise to inquire if the civil surgeon accepts your insurance, but plan for potential out-of-pocket expenses.
- Payment: Contact the civil surgeon’s office beforehand to understand their accepted forms of payment and the examination cost. Prices can vary significantly between civil surgeons, sometimes by several hundred dollars, so it may be beneficial to call a few offices to compare costs.
During the Exam
The civil surgeon exam is designed to assess your overall health and screen for any conditions that could be relevant to U.S. immigration law.
The examination process typically includes:
- Medical History Review: The civil surgeon will ask you about your medical history and any past or current health issues.
- Physical Examination: You will undergo a physical examination.
- Communicable Disease Testing: Depending on your age and CDC guidelines, you will be tested for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea. The specific requirements are outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in their Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons | CDC.
After the examination, the civil surgeon will complete Form I-693 and provide it to you in a sealed envelope to submit to USCIS. Crucially, ensure you receive a copy of your completed Form I-693 for your personal records before the envelope is sealed. USCIS will not accept the form if the envelope is opened or appears to have been tampered with.
For complete details on Form I-693, visit uscis.gov/i-693.
Reporting Concerns About a Civil Surgeon
If you encounter any issues or have concerns about a civil surgeon’s conduct or actions, you should contact your state medical board. For concerns specifically related to the immigration medical examination process or Form I-693 itself, reach out to the USCIS Contact Center.
Understanding the civil surgeon exam is a key part of your green card application process. By being prepared and knowing what to expect, you can navigate this step with greater ease and confidence.
