Applying for a green card in the United States involves several steps, and one crucial requirement is undergoing an immigration medical examination. This examination must be conducted by a Doctor specifically authorized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These designated doctors are known as civil surgeons. USCIS appoints these doctors to ensure that green card applicants meet the necessary health standards.
Certain medical professionals are also authorized to perform these examinations under specific circumstances. Military physicians, for instance, are designated as military blanket civil surgeons. They can conduct immigration medical exams at military treatment facilities within the U.S. for veterans, military personnel, and their dependents. Additionally, some adjustment of status applicants may only need the vaccination part of the medical exam. Refugee applicants might be able to visit local health departments where health department blanket designated civil surgeons are available. It’s important to note that these blanket designated civil surgeons may not appear on the USCIS’s official list of civil surgeons, but they are authorized to perform the entire examination or parts of it. For detailed information on blanket designated civil surgeons, you can refer to the USCIS Policy Manual, specifically Part C – Civil Surgeon Designation and Revocation.
It’s also critical to distinguish civil surgeons from panel physicians. Immigration medical examinations conducted outside the U.S. and its territories must be performed by panel physicians. These doctors are appointed by the Department of State and are responsible for conducting immigration medical examinations for visa processing at U.S. Embassies or consulates abroad. Panel physicians cannot perform examinations for applicants adjusting status within the United States with USCIS. Therefore, if you are applying for a green card within the U.S., you need to find a designated civil surgeon, not a panel physician.
Preparing for Your Medical Examination with the Doctor
When you schedule your medical examination with a civil surgeon, proper preparation is essential to ensure a smooth process. Knowing what to bring and what to expect during the exam can help alleviate any anxiety and streamline your appointment.
What to Bring to Your Doctor’s Appointment
To ensure your medical examination proceeds without delays, gather the following items to bring to your appointment with the civil surgeon:
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Form I-693: Make sure to bring the Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. While the civil surgeon will complete this form, having it ready can expedite the process.
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Government-issued photo identification: You must present a valid government-issued photo ID. This could be a passport or driver’s license. For applicants who are 14 years old or younger, acceptable identification includes documents showing your name, date and place of birth, and parents’ full names. A birth certificate (with a certified English translation if necessary) or an affidavit can serve as valid forms of identification for younger applicants.
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Vaccination or immunization records: Bring any records of your vaccinations or immunizations. This includes records 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. Having these records readily available will help the doctor assess your vaccination status efficiently.
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Health insurance card: It is advisable to bring your health insurance card. Inquire with the civil surgeon’s office beforehand if they accept your health insurance plan for immigration medical examinations. Keep in mind that many health insurance plans may not cover all aspects of this specific examination.
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Payment: Payment is required for the medical examination. Confirm with the civil surgeon’s office about their accepted forms of payment. It’s a good idea to contact several civil surgeons to compare their fees for the immigration medical examination as prices can differ significantly.
What to Expect During the Doctor’s Exam
The immigration medical examination performed by the civil surgeon is a comprehensive assessment of your health. It involves a detailed review of your medical history and a thorough physical examination.
During the examination, the doctor will:
- Review your medical history: Be prepared to discuss your past and present medical conditions, any medications you are currently taking, and any previous hospitalizations or surgeries.
- Conduct a physical examination: The civil surgeon will perform a physical examination to assess your overall health status.
- Test for communicable diseases: As mandated by 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 guidelines for immigration medical examinations in their Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons | CDC.
After completing the immigration medical examination, the civil surgeon will fill out Form I-693. They will then seal the form in an envelope, which you will need to submit to USCIS along with your green card application. 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 tampered with. For complete details regarding Form I-693, visit uscis.gov/i-693.
Addressing Concerns with Your Civil Surgeon Doctor
In most cases, the medical examination process is straightforward. However, if you encounter any issues or have concerns about a civil surgeon’s conduct or actions, it is important to know how to report them.
If your concerns relate to the civil surgeon’s professional behavior, you should contact your state medical board. State medical boards are responsible for licensing and regulating doctors within their respective states and can address concerns about professional conduct.
For concerns specifically related to the immigration medical examination process or Form I-693, you can contact the USCIS Contact Center. USCIS can address questions and issues related to the immigration medical examination requirements and procedures.
By understanding the role of a civil surgeon and preparing adequately for your medical examination, you can navigate this crucial step of your green card application process effectively. Remember to choose a USCIS-designated doctor and ensure you bring all necessary documents to your appointment.
