Applying for a green card in the United States involves several important steps, and one crucial requirement is undergoing an immigration medical examination. This exam must be conducted by a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) designated doctor, known as a civil surgeon. If you’re searching for “Immigration Medical Exam Doctors Near Me,” it’s essential to understand who these doctors are and how to find a qualified one for your needs.
Understanding the Immigration Medical Exam and Civil Surgeons
The immigration medical exam is a mandatory part of the green card application process, ensuring that individuals adjusting status in the U.S. meet certain health standards. This examination is documented on Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. USCIS designates specific doctors, called civil surgeons, to perform these exams within the United States. These doctors have been authorized to assess your health status according to USCIS guidelines.
It’s important to note that while most civil surgeons are found on the official USCIS list, there are exceptions. Military physicians at military treatment facilities can act as blanket designated civil surgeons for U.S. veterans, military members, and their dependents. Additionally, health department blanket designated civil surgeons may be available, especially for refugee applicants, and might not appear on the standard USCIS list. For detailed information on blanket designated civil surgeons, you can refer to the USCIS Policy Manual, Part C.
For immigration medical examinations needed for visas outside the U.S., the process is different. These exams are performed by panel physicians appointed by the Department of State, not civil surgeons. Panel physicians conduct exams for visa processing at U.S. embassies or consulates abroad and cannot perform exams for those applying for adjustment of status within the United States.
How to Find “Immigration Medical Exam Doctors Near Me” – Locating a Civil Surgeon
Finding a designated civil surgeon is a critical step. USCIS provides a tool to help you locate civil surgeons in your area. The most reliable way to find “immigration medical exam doctors near me” is to use the USCIS website’sFind a Doctor tool. This tool allows you to search for civil surgeons by zip code.
When searching, ensure you are looking for “civil surgeons” and not “panel physicians,” as they serve different purposes in the immigration process. It’s also advisable to call a few civil surgeon offices near you to inquire about their fees, accepted payment methods, and appointment availability. Prices for immigration medical exams can vary, sometimes significantly, so comparing costs can be beneficial.
Preparing for Your Immigration Medical Exam
Once you have located a civil surgeon and scheduled your appointment, it’s important to be prepared. Gather the following documents to bring to your medical examination:
- Form I-693: Bring the blank form with you; the civil surgeon will complete it.
- Government-issued photo identification: A valid passport or driver’s license is acceptable. For children 14 and younger, a birth certificate (with English translation) or affidavit is sufficient.
- 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 insurance for immigration medical exams, although many plans may not fully cover it.
- Payment: Confirm acceptable payment methods with the civil surgeon’s office beforehand.
What Happens During the Immigration Medical Exam?
During the examination, the civil surgeon will review your medical history and conduct a physical examination. This comprehensive exam includes tests for communicable diseases like tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea, as required by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), depending on your age. The CDC provides detailed guidelines for these exams in their Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons.
After the examination, the civil surgeon will complete Form I-693 and provide it to you in a sealed envelope to submit 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 is opened or tampered with. For complete details about Form I-693, visit uscis.gov/i-693.
Reporting Issues or Concerns
If you encounter any problems or have concerns about a civil surgeon’s conduct, you can report them. For concerns about a civil surgeon’s behavior, contact your state medical board. If your concerns relate to the immigration medical examination process or Form I-693 itself, reach out to the USCIS Contact Center.
Finding qualified “immigration medical exam doctors near me” is a vital step in your green card application process. By understanding the role of civil surgeons, knowing where to find them, and preparing adequately for your exam, you can navigate this requirement smoothly and confidently.
