For individuals seeking to adjust their status and obtain a green card in the United States, undergoing an immigration medical examination is a mandatory step. This crucial examination must be conducted by a physician specifically designated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These designated doctors are known as civil surgeons, and they play a vital role in ensuring public health and safety within the immigration process. In essence, when you need an immigration medical exam for your green card application, you will be seeing a Surgeon Doctor authorized by USCIS.
USCIS grants the designation of civil surgeon to qualified doctors to perform these immigration medical exams. It’s also important to note that military physicians within U.S. military treatment facilities can act as blanket designated civil surgeons for U.S. veterans, active military personnel, and their eligible dependents. Furthermore, certain adjustment of status applicants might only need the vaccination portion of the exam, and refugee applicants may find health department blanket designated civil surgeons through their local health departments. These blanket designated civil surgeons might not appear on the standard USCIS list, but they are authorized to carry out all or part of the required examination. For a deeper understanding of blanket designated civil surgeons, you can refer to the USCIS Policy Manual, Part C – Civil Surgeon Designation and Revocation.
It’s critical to differentiate between civil surgeons and panel physicians. While civil surgeons operate within the U.S. for green card applicants adjusting status domestically, panel physicians are appointed by the Department of State and are located outside the United States. Panel physicians conduct immigration medical examinations for individuals applying for visas at a U.S. Embassy or consulate abroad. Therefore, panel physicians cannot perform the medical exam for applicants already in the U.S. seeking adjustment of status.
Preparing for Your Examination with the Civil Surgeon Doctor
To ensure a smooth and efficient medical examination, it is essential to bring the necessary documents and information to your appointment with the civil surgeon doctor. Being well-prepared can help expedite the process and avoid any unnecessary delays in your green card application.
Here’s what you should bring to your medical examination:
- Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record: This is a critical form that the civil surgeon will complete. Make sure to download and bring the most recent version of Form I-693.
- Government-issued photo identification: A valid passport or driver’s license is required for identification purposes. Applicants who are 14 years old or younger should bring identification that includes their name, date and place of birth, and parents’ full names. Acceptable forms of identification for this age group include a birth certificate (with a certified English translation if necessary) or an affidavit.
- Vaccination or immunization records: Bring any records you have of past vaccinations. This includes records for vaccines like DT, DTP, DTaP, Td, Tdap, OPV, IPV, MMR, Hib, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, varicella, pneumococcal influenza, rotavirus, meningococcal disease, and COVID-19. Having these records will help the civil surgeon determine which, if any, vaccinations you may still need.
- Health insurance card: While not always necessary for coverage, it is advisable to bring your health insurance card. Inquire with the civil surgeon’s office beforehand if they accept your insurance plan for immigration medical examinations. Be aware that many health insurance plans may not cover all aspects of this specific examination.
- Payment: Payment is required for the medical examination. Contact the civil surgeon’s office to understand their accepted forms of payment. It is also recommended to call several civil surgeons in your area to inquire about their fees for the immigration medical examination, as prices can vary considerably.
What Happens During Your Civil Surgeon Doctor Examination
The immigration medical examination with a civil surgeon doctor is a comprehensive process designed to assess your health status and ensure you meet the health requirements for immigration to the United States. The examination involves several key components to ensure thoroughness.
During the exam, the civil surgeon will:
- Review your medical history: You will be asked detailed questions about your past medical conditions, treatments, hospitalizations, and any relevant health issues. Be prepared to provide accurate and complete information.
- Conduct a physical examination: A complete physical examination will be performed to assess your overall health. This typically includes checking vital signs, examining various body systems, and evaluating your physical condition.
- Screen for communicable diseases: In accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the civil surgeon will conduct tests for certain communicable diseases. These tests may include screening for tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea, depending on your age and specific CDC requirements. The CDC provides detailed instructions for civil surgeons in their Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons | CDC.
After completing the immigration medical examination, the civil surgeon doctor will fill out Form I-693. They will then seal the completed form in an envelope and provide it to you for submission to USCIS along with your green card application. Crucially, ensure you receive a copy of the completed Form I-693 for your personal records before the civil surgeon seals the envelope. USCIS will not accept Form I-693 if the sealed envelope has been opened or tampered with in any way.
For comprehensive information regarding Form I-693 and the immigration medical examination, please visit uscis.gov/i-693.
Addressing Concerns Regarding Your Civil Surgeon Doctor
While most experiences with civil surgeon doctors are professional and satisfactory, it’s important to know how to address any concerns that may arise.
If you have any concerns about the behavior or actions of a civil surgeon, you should contact your state medical board. State medical boards are responsible for licensing and regulating physicians and can address issues related to professional conduct.
For concerns specifically related to the immigration medical examination itself or Form I-693, you can contact the USCIS Contact Center. USCIS can address questions and concerns about the process and requirements of the immigration medical examination.
In Conclusion
Navigating the immigration process can be complex, and understanding the role of the civil surgeon doctor in your green card application is vital. By being prepared for your medical examination and knowing what to expect, you can contribute to a smoother and more efficient process. Remember to gather all necessary documents, understand the examination procedures, and know where to seek assistance if you have any concerns. Working with a designated surgeon doctor is a key step towards fulfilling the health requirements for your U.S. immigration journey.
