If you are applying for a Green Card, or adjustment of status, within the United States, a crucial step in your application process is undergoing an immigration medical examination. This examination isn’t just any routine check-up; it must be conducted by a physician specifically designated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These designated doctors are known as civil surgeons. Finding the right civil surgeon is essential to ensure your medical examination meets all USCIS requirements.
USCIS officially designates certain doctors as civil surgeons to perform these immigration medical exams for most 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 as blanket designated civil surgeons. In specific situations, like for refugee applicants, some health departments have blanket designated civil surgeons who can perform the entire exam or parts of it, and these may not appear on the standard USCIS list. For more detailed information on blanket designated civil surgeons, you can refer to the USCIS Policy Manual, Part C – Civil Surgeon Designation and Revocation.
It’s important to note the distinction between civil surgeons and panel physicians. Panel physicians are appointed by the Department of State and conduct immigration medical examinations outside the United States for visa processing at U.S. Embassies or Consulates. Panel physicians cannot perform the required examination for adjustment of status applicants in the U.S. who need to Find A Doctor within the country.
Preparing for Your Civil Surgeon Appointment
To ensure your medical examination goes smoothly, it’s important to be well-prepared for your appointment with the civil surgeon. Here’s what you should bring with you:
- Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record: This is a mandatory form that the civil surgeon will complete. Make sure to download and bring the latest version of Form I-693.
- Government-issued photo identification: A valid passport or driver’s license is essential for identification. Applicants who are 14 years old or younger can bring identification that verifies their name, date and place of birth, and their parents’ full names, such as a birth certificate with an English translation or an affidavit.
- Vaccination or immunization records: Bring any records you have of vaccinations, including but not limited to: 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 vaccinations you may still need.
- Health insurance card: Inquire with the civil surgeon’s office if they accept your health insurance for immigration medical examinations. Be aware that many health insurance plans may not 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 multiple civil surgeons to compare their fees for the immigration medical examination, as prices can vary significantly. This step in finding a doctor can save you a considerable amount of money.
What to Expect During the Medical Exam
The immigration medical examination performed by a civil surgeon is a comprehensive assessment of your health. It includes:
- Medical History Review: The civil surgeon will review your past medical history to understand your overall health status.
- Physical Examination: You will undergo a thorough physical examination.
- Communicable Disease Testing: Depending on your age, the civil surgeon will conduct tests for communicable diseases like 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 provide it to you in a sealed envelope to be submitted 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.
Addressing Concerns
If you encounter any issues with a civil surgeon’s conduct, you can report your concerns to your state medical board. For any concerns specifically related to the immigration medical examination or Form I-693, you should contact the USCIS Contact Center directly.
