Applying for a Green Card in the United States involves several steps, and one crucial requirement is undergoing an immigration medical examination. This exam must be conducted by a physician specifically designated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These designated physicians are known as civil surgeons. If you are looking for Medical Doctors In My Area to fulfill this requirement, it’s essential to understand who civil surgeons are and how to find them.
USCIS authorizes certain medical doctors in your area, referred to as civil surgeons, to perform these mandatory immigration medical examinations 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 as blanket designated civil surgeons. Furthermore, some adjustment of status applicants may only need the vaccination part of the exam, and refugee applicants might be able to visit health departments with blanket designated civil surgeons. It’s important to note that these blanket designated civil surgeons might not appear on the USCIS’s official list of civil surgeons. For detailed information, you can refer to the USCIS Policy Manual, specifically Part C – Civil Surgeon Designation and Revocation.
Immigration medical exams outside the U.S. must be performed by panel physicians appointed by the Department of State. Remember, panel physicians are different from civil surgeons and cannot conduct exams for those applying for adjustment of status with USCIS within the United States. They are for visa processing at U.S. Embassies or Consulates abroad.
Preparing for Your Medical Examination with Medical Doctors in My Area
When you schedule your medical examination with medical doctors in your area who are designated civil surgeons, ensure you bring the following items to your appointment:
- Form I-693: Make sure to bring the I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record form.
- Photo ID: A government-issued photo identification, such as a valid passport or driver’s license is necessary. For children 14 years and younger, bring identification showing name, date and place of birth, and parents’ full names, like a birth certificate with English translation or an affidavit.
- Vaccination Records: Bring your vaccination or immunization records. 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.
- Health Insurance Card: Inquire if the civil surgeon accepts your health insurance for immigration medical examinations. Keep in mind many plans may not cover all parts of this exam.
- Payment: Confirm acceptable payment methods with the civil surgeon’s office. It’s advisable to call a few medical doctors in your area who are civil surgeons to compare prices, as they can vary significantly.
Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.
What Happens During the Medical Exam with Medical Doctors in My Area?
During your immigration medical examination with medical doctors in my area, the civil surgeon will review your medical history and conduct a physical examination.
This comprehensive examination includes a review of your medical history and a physical exam. Depending on your age, the civil surgeon will also conduct tests for communicable diseases like tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea, as mandated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC provides the requirements for the immigration medical examination 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 to submit to USCIS. Before the envelope is sealed, ensure you receive a copy of your completed Form I-693 for your records. USCIS will reject the form if the envelope is opened or tampered with.
For complete details, please visit uscis.gov/i-693.
Civil surgeon reviewing a patient’s medical history during an immigration medical examination.
Addressing Concerns with Medical Doctors in My Area and Reporting Issues
If you encounter any concerns regarding the behavior or actions of medical doctors in my area acting as civil surgeons, you should contact your state medical board. For concerns specifically about the immigration medical examination or Form I-693, contact the USCIS Contact Center.
Finding qualified medical doctors in my area who are designated civil surgeons is a critical step in your Green Card application process. By understanding the requirements and knowing where to look, you can navigate this process more smoothly and ensure you meet all necessary medical requirements.
