If you are applying for Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, a crucial step in the process is often undergoing an immigration medical examination. This exam ensures you meet the health requirements for becoming a lawful permanent resident. It’s important to understand the role of doctors, specifically civil surgeons, in this process.
To get started with your medical exam, you’ll need to find a designated physician, known as a civil surgeon. These are doctors authorized by USCIS to perform immigration medical exams. To locate one, you can use the myUSCIS Find a Civil Surgeon tool. For further assistance, the USCIS Contact Center is also available at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833 for those with hearing or speech disabilities). Remember, these medical examinations for adjustment of status are conducted within the United States by designated civil surgeons.
It’s worth noting a recent important update: effective January 22, 2025, USCIS has waived the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for adjustment of status applicants. This means you are no longer required to provide documentation of COVID-19 vaccination as part of your Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. USCIS will not issue any Requests for Evidence (RFE), Notices of Intent to Deny (NOID), or deny applications based on the absence of COVID-19 vaccination proof.
Immigration Medical Examination Fees and Costs
When planning for your immigration medical exam, be aware of the fees involved. USCIS does not regulate the fees charged by civil surgeons. Therefore, costs can vary. It’s advisable to contact several local civil surgeons to compare their fees. When you call, it’s also important to ask if they accept health insurance for the immigration medical examination.
Keep in mind that:
- Fees differ among various doctors and civil surgeons.
- Many doctors performing civil surgeon duties do not accept health insurance.
- Even if a doctor accepts insurance, it might not cover all aspects of the immigration medical examination.
To better understand potential costs, you can visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Understanding costs in advance webpage for information on obtaining cost estimates for medical services.
Completing Your Medical Forms with Your Doctor
Before your appointment with the civil surgeon, download and print the most recent version of Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. Complete Part 1 of the form before your visit, but do not sign it until your civil surgeon instructs you to do so during your examination. The civil surgeon will use Form I-693 to record the findings of your immigration medical examination. Make sure to bring any personal medical records you have, especially your vaccination records, to your appointment.
After the examination, the civil surgeon will complete, sign, and seal Form I-693 along with any supporting documents in a sealed envelope. You are required to submit this sealed envelope to USCIS according to the instructions provided with Form I-693.
IMPORTANT: Do not break the seal or open the envelope containing your Form I-693. USCIS will reject Form I-693 if it is not submitted in a sealed envelope or if there are any signs of tampering with the envelope.
For more detailed information on the responsibilities and requirements for civil surgeons performing immigration medical exams, you can refer to the Designated Civil Surgeons page on the USCIS website. This resource provides comprehensive instructions for doctors and clarifies what is expected during the immigration medical examination process.
