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 physician specifically authorized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These designated doctors are known as civil surgeons. If you are searching for a “Medical Doctor Near Me” for your immigration medical exam, it’s essential to understand who civil surgeons are and how to find one.
USCIS designates certain physicians as civil surgeons to perform the required immigration medical examinations for green card applicants. For U.S. veterans, military personnel, and their dependents, military physicians at military treatment facilities within the U.S. are also authorized. Additionally, blanket designated civil surgeons, often found at local health departments, can perform vaccinations or even full exams for certain applicants, particularly refugees. It’s important to note that these blanket designated civil surgeons may not appear on the standard USCIS list of civil surgeons. You can find more detailed information about blanket designated civil surgeons in the USCIS Policy Manual, Part C – Civil Surgeon Designation and Revocation.
For immigration medical examinations required outside the U.S. and its territories, the process involves panel physicians, not civil surgeons. Panel physicians are appointed by the Department of State and conduct exams for visa processing at U.S. Embassies or Consulates abroad. They are not authorized to perform exams for individuals applying for adjustment of status within the United States.
Preparing for Your Medical Examination: What to Bring to Your Medical Doctor
When you schedule your appointment with a civil surgeon after searching for a “medical doctor near me”, ensure you bring all necessary documents to your examination. Being well-prepared will streamline the process. Here’s what you typically need to bring:
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Form I-693: Bring the Form I-693, officially titled “Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record,” completely unfilled out. The civil surgeon will complete this form for you.
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Government-Issued Photo Identification: A valid passport or driver’s license is essential. If you are 14 years old or younger, bring identification that verifies your name, date and place of birth, and your parents’ full names. Acceptable forms include a birth certificate (with a certified English translation if necessary) or an affidavit.
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Vaccination Records: Provide a comprehensive vaccination or immunization record. This should include documentation 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 records will help the civil surgeon assess your vaccination status and determine if any additional vaccinations are needed.
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Health Insurance Card: Inquire with the civil surgeon’s office whether they accept your health insurance for immigration medical examinations. Be aware that many health insurance plans might not cover all aspects of this specific examination.
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Payment: Confirm with the civil surgeon’s office about their accepted payment methods. It’s advisable to contact several civil surgeons near you to compare the costs for the immigration medical examination, as prices can vary significantly.
What Happens During the Immigration Medical Exam at Your Local Doctor’s Office
During your immigration medical examination with the “medical doctor near me” you have chosen, you can expect a thorough review of your health history and a physical examination.
The civil surgeon will conduct a detailed examination, including a review of your medical history and a physical assessment. In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, the civil surgeon will also perform tests for communicable diseases like tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea, depending on your age and specific health profile. The CDC provides the detailed requirements for the immigration medical examination in the Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons | CDC.
After completing the immigration medical examination, the civil surgeon will fill out Form I-693 and officially seal it in an envelope, which you will then submit to USCIS. Before the envelope is sealed, ensure you receive a copy of the completed Form I-693 for your personal records. USCIS will not accept the form if the envelope has been opened or shows any signs of tampering.
For comprehensive details about Form I-693, please visit uscis.gov/i-693.
Addressing Concerns and Reporting Issues
If you encounter any problems or have concerns regarding a civil surgeon’s conduct or actions during your search for a “medical doctor near me”, you can report them. Contact your state medical board to report concerns about a civil surgeon’s behavior. For any issues related specifically to the immigration medical examination or Form I-693, you should contact the USCIS Contact Center directly.
Finding a qualified “medical doctor near me” who is a designated civil surgeon is a critical step in your green card application process. By understanding the role of civil surgeons, preparing the necessary documents, and knowing what to expect during the examination, you can navigate this requirement effectively and ensure a smoother immigration journey.
