Applying for a green card in the United States involves several important steps, and one crucial requirement is undergoing an immigration medical examination. This examination must be conducted by a Medical Doctor specifically designated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These designated medical doctors, known as civil surgeons, are authorized to perform the necessary medical evaluations for most green card applicants. It’s important to understand who these medical doctors are and how to find one to ensure your application process goes smoothly.
USCIS designates certain medical doctors as civil surgeons to conduct these immigration medical exams. In addition to civilian medical doctors, military physicians also serve as blanket designated civil surgeons. This means they are authorized to perform immigration medical examinations at military treatment facilities within the U.S. for U.S. veterans, active members of the U.S. military, and their eligible dependents. Furthermore, some green card applicants might only need the vaccination portion of the medical exam. Refugee applicants may be able to visit local health departments where blanket designated civil surgeons are often available. It’s worth noting that these blanket designated civil surgeons, while authorized, might not always appear on the public USCIS list of civil surgeons. For more detailed information about blanket designated civil surgeons, refer to the USCIS Policy Manual, specifically Part C – Civil Surgeon Designation and Revocation.
It’s also critical to differentiate between civil surgeons and panel physicians. While civil surgeons operate within the United States for adjustment of status applicants, panel physicians are medical doctors appointed by the Department of State and are located outside the U.S. Panel physicians conduct immigration medical examinations for individuals applying for visas at a U.S. Embassy or consulate abroad. They are not authorized to perform exams for those seeking adjustment of status within the United States.
Preparing for Your Medical Examination with a Civil Surgeon
To ensure your medical examination with a designated medical doctor is efficient, come prepared with the following items:
- Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record: Ensure you have the most recent version of Form I-693 downloaded and, if possible, partially filled out the applicant information section.
- Government-issued Photo Identification: Bring a valid photo ID such as a passport or driver’s license. Applicants who are 14 years old or younger can bring identification that verifies their name, birth date and place, and their parents’ full names. Acceptable forms of identification for this age group include a birth certificate (accompanied by a certified English translation if necessary) or an affidavit.
- Vaccination or Immunization Records: Provide any records of vaccinations or immunizations you have received. This includes vaccines for diseases 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 readily available can streamline the examination process.
- Health Insurance Card: Inquire with the civil surgeon’s office whether they accept your health insurance for immigration medical examinations. Be aware that many health insurance plans may not fully 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’ offices to compare the costs of the immigration medical examination, as prices can vary significantly.
What to Expect During the Medical Exam
The immigration medical examination performed by a civil surgeon involves a comprehensive review of your medical history and a thorough physical examination.
The medical doctor will meticulously go through your medical history and conduct a physical examination. As mandated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the civil surgeon will also perform tests to screen for communicable diseases like tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea, with testing requirements varying based on age. The detailed requirements for the immigration medical examination are outlined by the CDC in their Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons | CDC. These instructions ensure that all examinations are consistent and meet public health standards.
After the examination, the civil surgeon will complete Form I-693 and officially seal it in an envelope, which you will then submit to USCIS. Before the envelope is sealed, always request a personal copy of the completed Form I-693 for your records. USCIS will not accept Form I-693 if the sealed envelope has been opened or tampered with, so it’s crucial to keep it secure and unopened.
For complete details about Form I-693 and the medical examination process, please visit uscis.gov/i-693.
Addressing Concerns Regarding Your Civil Surgeon
If you encounter any issues or have concerns about the conduct or actions of a civil surgeon, you have avenues for reporting these concerns. You can contact your state medical board to report any unprofessional behavior or ethical violations. For concerns specifically related to the immigration medical examination itself or Form I-693, you should contact the USCIS Contact Center directly. USCIS provides resources to address questions and resolve issues that may arise during the immigration medical examination process.
