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. To ensure the integrity of this process, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) mandates that these exams are conducted by specific doctors known as civil surgeons. These physicians are officially designated by USCIS to perform the necessary medical evaluations for most green card applicants.
For U.S. veterans, active military personnel, and their dependents, military physicians at military treatment facilities within the U.S. are authorized as blanket designated civil surgeons. Furthermore, refugee applicants may find designated civil surgeons at their local health departments, also under blanket designations. It’s important to note that while these blanket designated civil surgeons are fully authorized to conduct immigration medical exams, they may not appear on the standard USCIS online search tool for civil surgeons. For a deeper understanding of 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. Panel physicians are appointed by the Department of State and are responsible for conducting immigration medical examinations outside of the United States and its territories. They are essential for visa processing at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad but cannot perform exams for individuals applying for adjustment of status within the U.S. with USCIS.
Preparing for Your Civil Surgeon Examination: What to Bring
To ensure a smooth and efficient medical examination, it’s essential to bring the following items to your appointment with the civil surgeon:
- Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record: Download and complete as much of Form I-693 as you can before your appointment.
- Government-issued Photo Identification: A valid passport or driver’s license is required. Applicants who are 14 years old or younger can bring identification that includes their name, date and place of birth, and parents’ full names, such as a birth certificate (with a certified English translation) or affidavit.
- Vaccination or Immunization Records: Provide documentation of your vaccination history, including 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.
- Health Insurance Card (Optional): Inquire with the civil surgeon’s office whether they accept your health insurance for immigration medical examinations. Be aware that many health insurance plans may not fully cover all aspects of this specific examination.
- Payment: Confirm with the civil surgeon’s office about their accepted payment methods. It’s advisable to contact several civil surgeons in your area to compare their fees for the immigration medical examination, as prices can vary significantly.
Understanding What Happens During the Examination
The immigration medical examination is designed to assess your overall health and screen for any conditions that may be relevant to U.S. immigration law. The examination process typically involves:
- Review of Medical History: The civil surgeon will ask you detailed questions about your past medical conditions, treatments, and any medications you are currently taking.
- Physical Examination: A comprehensive physical examination will be conducted to evaluate your current health status.
In addition to the medical history and physical exam, the civil surgeon is required to perform specific tests for communicable diseases, as mandated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These tests may include screening for tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea, depending on your age and CDC guidelines. You can find detailed information about these requirements in the Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons | CDC.
Once the immigration medical examination is complete, the civil surgeon will finalize Form I-693 and provide it to you in a sealed envelope, ready for submission to USCIS. Crucially, ensure you receive a copy of the completed Form I-693 for your personal records before the envelope is sealed. USCIS will reject the form if the envelope appears to have been opened or tampered with.
For complete details regarding Form I-693 and the immigration medical examination process, please visit uscis.gov/i-693.
Addressing Concerns or Issues
If you encounter any issues or have concerns regarding the conduct or actions of a civil surgeon, you should contact your state medical board to report your concerns. For any questions or issues specifically related to the immigration medical examination or Form I-693, you can reach out to the USCIS Contact Center for assistance.
