Applying for a green card in the United States involves several crucial steps, and one of the most important is undergoing an immigration medical examination. This exam must be conducted by a USCIS doctor, officially known as a civil surgeon, who is designated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These designated Uscis Doctors play a vital role in ensuring public health and safety within the U.S.
USCIS authorizes specific physicians, termed civil surgeons, to perform these mandatory immigration medical examinations for the majority of green card applicants seeking adjustment of status. It’s important to note that military physicians at military treatment facilities within the U.S. are also authorized as blanket designated civil surgeons for U.S. veterans, military personnel, and their dependents. Furthermore, refugee applicants may find blanket designated civil surgeons at local health departments. These blanket designated civil surgeons may not appear on the standard USCIS list but are fully authorized to carry out the required medical examinations, or specific parts of them. For detailed information on blanket designated civil surgeons, you can refer to the USCIS Policy Manual, Part C – Civil Surgeon Designation and Revocation.
Immigration medical examinations needed for visa processing outside the U.S. are conducted by panel physicians, not civil surgeons. Panel physicians are appointed by the Department of State and are crucial for the immigrant visa process at U.S. Embassies or consulates abroad. They are not authorized to perform examinations for individuals applying for adjustment of status within the United States through USCIS.
Preparing for Your Examination with USCIS Doctors
To ensure your medical examination with uscis doctors goes smoothly, it’s essential to bring the necessary documents and information. Here’s what you should have ready:
- Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record: You can download and start filling out Form I-693 prior to your appointment, but do not sign it until instructed by the civil surgeon.
- Government-issued photo identification: A valid passport or driver’s license is required. For children 14 years and younger, bring identification showing 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 records for vaccinations like DT, DTP, DTaP, Td, Tdap, OPV, IPV, MMR, Hib, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, varicella, pneumococcal influenza, rotavirus, meningococcal disease, and COVID-19.
- Health insurance card: Inquire if the civil surgeon accepts your health insurance for immigration medical examinations. Be aware that many health insurance plans may not cover all aspects of this exam.
- Payment: Confirm with the civil surgeon’s office the acceptable payment methods. It’s advisable to contact several uscis doctors to compare prices for the immigration medical examination, as costs can vary significantly.
Alt text: Form I-693 example, the official USCIS form for the Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, essential for immigration medical exams.
What Happens During the USCIS Medical Examination?
The immigration medical examination by uscis doctors involves a detailed review of your medical history and a thorough physical examination.
During your visit, the civil surgeon will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including reviewing your medical history and performing a physical examination. Depending on your age, the civil surgeon will also conduct tests for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea, as mandated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC provides detailed requirements for the immigration medical examination in their Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons | CDC.
After the examination, the civil surgeon will complete Form I-693 and seal it in an envelope for you to submit directly to USCIS. Before the envelope is sealed, ensure you receive a copy of the completed Form I-693 for your personal records. USCIS will reject the form if the envelope is opened or tampered with.
For complete details about Form I-693, please visit uscis.gov/i-693.
Alt text: A civil surgeon carefully examines a patient during an immigration medical examination, highlighting the thorough physical assessment involved in the process.
Addressing Concerns Regarding USCIS Doctors
If you encounter any issues with a civil surgeon’s conduct or actions, you should contact your state medical board to report your concerns. For any concerns specifically related to the immigration medical examination itself or Form I-693, you can reach out to the USCIS Contact Center for assistance.
Understanding the role of uscis doctors and the immigration medical examination process is crucial for a successful green card application. By being well-prepared and knowing what to expect, you can navigate this step with greater confidence.
