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 USCIS medical doctor, officially known as a civil surgeon, designated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These designated physicians are vital to the immigration process, ensuring public health and safety.
USCIS authorizes specific doctors, termed civil surgeons, to perform these mandatory medical exams for the majority of green card applicants seeking adjustment of status. For U.S. veterans, active military personnel, and their dependents, military physicians at military treatment facilities within the U.S. are also authorized as blanket designated civil surgeons. Furthermore, certain adjustment of status applicants may only need the vaccination portion of the medical exam completed. Refugee applicants may find assistance at their local health department, where health department blanket designated civil surgeons are authorized to conduct full or partial immigration medical examinations. It’s important to note that these blanket designated civil surgeons might not appear on the standard USCIS list of civil surgeons but are fully authorized. For comprehensive information on blanket designated civil surgeons, refer to the USCIS Policy Manual, Part C – Civil Surgeon Designation and Revocation.
It’s crucial to differentiate between civil surgeons and panel physicians. Immigration medical examinations required outside of the U.S. and its territories must be performed by panel physicians, who are appointed by the Department of State. Panel physicians handle medical exams for visa processing at U.S. Embassies or Consulates abroad and are not authorized to conduct exams for applicants applying for adjustment of status within the United States with USCIS.
Preparing for Your Examination with a USCIS Medical Doctor
To ensure a smooth and efficient medical examination, it’s essential to bring the necessary documents with you. Here’s what you should bring to your appointment with a USCIS medical doctor (civil surgeon):
- Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record: This is the official form your civil surgeon will use to document your medical examination results. Ensure you have the most recent version downloaded and, if possible, partially filled out the applicant information section.
- Government-issued Photo Identification: A valid passport or driver’s license is required for identification purposes. Applicants who are 14 years old or younger can bring identification that verifies their name, date and place of birth, and 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 Record: Providing your vaccination records will help expedite the process and confirm your immunization history. Acceptable records include those 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. If you are missing any required vaccinations, the civil surgeon can administer them during your visit.
- Health Insurance Card: While not always necessary for payment, it’s advisable to bring your health insurance card and inquire if the civil surgeon accepts your plan for immigration medical examinations. Be aware that many health insurance plans may not cover all aspects of the immigration medical examination.
- Payment: Confirm with the civil surgeon’s office beforehand about their accepted forms of payment. The cost of immigration medical examinations can vary significantly, sometimes by several hundred dollars between different civil surgeons. Calling a few offices to compare prices can be a helpful step in managing expenses.
What Happens During Your Immigration Medical Exam?
The immigration medical examination conducted by a USCIS medical doctor involves a thorough review of your medical history and a comprehensive physical examination.
The civil surgeon will meticulously go through your medical history and perform a physical examination to assess your overall health status. In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, the examination includes tests for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea, with specific tests varying based on your age. The CDC provides detailed requirements for the immigration medical examination in their Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons | CDC. These guidelines ensure that all examinations are standardized and meet public health requirements.
Following the examination, the civil surgeon will complete Form I-693, officially documenting the results. This completed form will then be sealed in an envelope, which you are responsible for submitting to USCIS. Before the envelope is sealed, always request a personal copy of the completed Form I-693 for your records. It is critical that you do not open or tamper with the sealed envelope containing Form I-693, as USCIS will reject any form received in an opened or altered envelope.
For complete details about Form I-693 and the immigration medical examination process, please visit uscis.gov/i-693.
Addressing Concerns Regarding Your Civil Surgeon
While most experiences with Uscis Medical Doctors are positive and professional, it’s important to know how to address any concerns that may arise.
If you have any concerns about the conduct or actions of a civil surgeon, you should contact your state medical board. This board is responsible for overseeing medical professionals within the state and can address issues related to professional behavior. For any concerns specifically related to the immigration medical examination itself or Form I-693, you can contact the USCIS Contact Center for assistance and clarification.
By understanding the role of USCIS medical doctors and the process of the immigration medical examination, you can navigate this step of your green card application with greater confidence and preparedness.
