If you are applying for a green card in the United States, undergoing an immigration medical examination is a mandatory step. This examination must be conducted by a physician specifically designated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These designated doctors are known as civil surgeons. USCIS authorizes these civil surgeons to perform the necessary 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. In certain cases, refugee applicants can visit health departments to find health department blanket designated civil surgeons. It’s important to note that these blanket designated civil surgeons might not appear on the standard USCIS list, but they are authorized to perform all or part of the required examination. For detailed information, refer to the USCIS Policy Manual, Part C, concerning Civil Surgeon Designation and Revocation.
Immigration medical examinations conducted outside of the U.S. must be performed by panel physicians, who are appointed by the Department of State. Panel physicians are distinct from civil surgeons. They handle immigration medical exams for visa processing at U.S. Embassies or Consulates abroad and cannot conduct exams for individuals applying for adjustment of status within the U.S. through USCIS.
Preparing for Your Immigration Medical Examination
To ensure a smooth process, bring the following items to your medical appointment with the immigration medical doctor near you:
- Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record: Download and complete Form I-693 prior to your appointment.
- Government-issued photo identification: A valid passport or driver’s license is required. Applicants 14 years and younger can provide identification showing name, date and place of birth, and parents’ full names, such as a birth certificate with English translation or an affidavit.
- Vaccination or immunization records: Include 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: Inquire if the civil surgeon accepts your health insurance for immigration medical examinations, as many plans may not cover all costs.
- Payment: Confirm acceptable payment methods with the civil surgeon’s office. Prices for immigration medical examinations can vary, so contacting a few “Immigration Medical Doctors Near Me” to compare costs is advisable.
What Happens During the Medical Exam?
The immigration medical examination with your civil surgeon will include a thorough review of your medical history and a physical examination.
The civil surgeon will perform a comprehensive assessment, starting with a detailed review of your medical history and followed by a physical examination. In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, the civil surgeon will also conduct tests for communicable diseases, including tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea, based on your age and specific requirements. The CDC provides detailed guidelines for these examinations in the 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 for submission 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 Form I-693 if the envelope has been opened or tampered with.
For complete details, please visit uscis.gov/i-693.
Addressing Concerns
If you encounter any issues with 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, contact the USCIS Contact Center for assistance.
