If you are applying for a Green Card, officially known as Adjustment of Status, within the United States, a crucial step in your application process is undergoing an immigration medical examination. This examination must be conducted by a physician specifically designated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), known as a civil surgeon. USCIS appoints certain doctors to act as civil surgeons, authorized to perform these required medical exams for most Green Card applicants. Military doctors also hold a blanket designation as civil surgeons, allowing them to conduct these exams at military treatment facilities within the U.S. for veterans, military personnel, and their dependents. Furthermore, 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 blanket designated civil surgeons are available. It’s important to note that these blanket designated civil surgeons may not appear on the standard USCIS list but are still authorized to perform all or parts of the examination. For detailed information on blanket designated civil surgeons, refer to the USCIS Policy Manual, Part C – Civil Surgeon Designation and Revocation.
For immigration medical examinations required outside of the U.S. and its territories, these must be performed by panel physicians, who are distinct from civil surgeons. Panel physicians are appointed by the Department of State. They conduct immigration medical examinations for visa processing at U.S. Embassies or Consulates abroad and are not authorized to perform exams for applicants adjusting status within the U.S. through USCIS.
What to Take With You to Your Civil Surgeon Appointment
When you go for your immigration medical examination, ensure you bring the following items to your appointment with the civil surgeon:
- Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record: Make sure you have the latest version of Form I-693 downloaded and, if possible, partially completed the applicant information section.
- Government-issued Photo Identification: This could be a valid passport or a driver’s license. Applicants who are 14 years old or younger can provide identification that includes their name, date and place of birth, and both parents’ full names. Acceptable forms include a birth certificate (with a certified English translation if necessary) or an affidavit.
- Vaccination or Immunization Records: Bring any records you have of past vaccinations. 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 can help streamline the vaccination process during your exam.
- 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 examination.
- Payment: Confirm with the civil surgeon’s office about their accepted payment methods. It’s advisable to contact several civil surgeons to compare the costs for the immigration medical examination, as prices can vary significantly.
A sample image of Form I-693, demonstrating the official USCIS form required for the immigration medical examination, emphasizing its importance for applicants to familiarize themselves with this document.
What Happens During the Medical Examination?
The immigration medical examination with a civil surgeon involves a thorough review of your medical history and a comprehensive physical examination.
The civil surgeon will conduct a detailed examination that includes going over your medical history and performing a physical exam. In line with the requirements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the civil surgeon will also conduct tests for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea, depending on your age. The CDC provides the detailed requirements for the immigration medical examination in their 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 for you to submit directly to USCIS. Before the civil surgeon seals the envelope, make sure to request a personal copy of the completed Form I-693 for your records. USCIS will not accept Form I-693 if the envelope is opened or shows any signs of tampering.
For complete details about Form I-693 and the immigration medical examination process, please visit uscis.gov/i-693.
A visual representation of a civil surgeon conducting a medical examination, highlighting the professional and clinical setting of the required immigration medical process for Green Card applicants.
Reporting Concerns or Issues
If you have any concerns about a civil surgeon’s conduct or actions, you should contact your state medical board. For any issues or concerns specifically related to the immigration medical examination or Form I-693, you can contact the USCIS Contact Center for assistance.
