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 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, and understanding their role is key to a smooth application process.
USCIS entrusts the responsibility of performing these immigration medical exams to civil surgeons. These are not just any doctors, but those who have been officially authorized by USCIS. For U.S. veterans, active military personnel, and their dependents, military physicians at military treatment facilities within the U.S. also serve as designated civil surgeons under a blanket authorization. It’s worth noting that for some adjustment of status applicants, only the vaccination part of the medical examination is necessary. Refugee applicants might find designated civil surgeons at their local health departments, operating under a health department blanket designation. Importantly, these blanket designated civil surgeons might not appear on the standard USCIS list, yet they are fully authorized to conduct all or parts of the required examination. For a deeper understanding of blanket designated civil surgeons, you can consult the USCIS Policy Manual, Part C – Civil Surgeon Designation and Revocation.
It’s crucial to differentiate civil surgeons from panel physicians. While civil surgeons operate within the United States for green card applicants already in the country (adjusting status), panel physicians are appointed by the Department of State and conduct immigration medical examinations outside the U.S. for visa applicants at U.S. Embassies or consulates. Panel physicians cannot perform exams for those applying for adjustment of status within the United States.
Preparing for Your Visit to a Civil Surgeon: What to Bring and Expect
To ensure your medical examination with a civil surgeon is as efficient and effective as possible, coming prepared is essential. Here’s what you need to bring to your appointment:
Essential Documents for Your Medical Examination
- Form I-693: Make sure to bring the Form I-693, officially titled “Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.” While you may complete some sections, the civil surgeon will primarily use this form to document your examination results.
- Government-Issued Photo ID: A valid passport or driver’s license serves as proper identification. For children 14 years and younger, bring identification that verifies their name, birth date and place, and parents’ full names. This could be a birth certificate (accompanied by an English translation if necessary) or an affidavit.
- Vaccination Records: Present any vaccination or immunization records you have. This includes records for vaccines like 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 ready can streamline the vaccination assessment process.
- Health Insurance Card: Inquire with the civil surgeon’s office if they accept your health insurance for immigration medical examinations. Be aware that many insurance plans might 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 several civil surgeons to compare their fees for the immigration medical examination, as prices can vary significantly.
What Happens During the Medical Exam?
The immigration medical examination involves a thorough review of your medical history and a physical examination. The civil surgeon will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including:
- Medical History Review: You’ll be asked about your past and current health conditions.
- Physical Examination: A standard physical exam will be performed.
- Communicable Disease Testing: Depending on your age, the civil surgeon will test 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 officially seal it in an envelope for you to 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 forms if the envelope has been opened or tampered with. For complete details about Form I-693, visit uscis.gov/i-693.
Addressing Concerns or Issues with a Civil Surgeon
While most experiences with civil surgeons are professional, it’s important to know how to report concerns. If you have any issues regarding a civil surgeon’s conduct or actions, you should contact your state medical board. For concerns specifically about the immigration medical examination or Form I-693, reach out to the USCIS Contact Center.
Finding the right civil surgeon and understanding the medical examination process is a vital part of your green card application. By being well-prepared and informed, you can navigate this step with confidence.
