Immigrants to the United States are required to have a medical examination as part of the application process. The immigration civil surgeon will assess the applicant’s health and determine whether they are eligible for immigration. The examination includes a physical exam, a review of the applicant’s medical history, and vaccinations.
How to find an immigration civil surgeon:
- The first step in finding an immigration civil surgeon is to contact the USCIS office that serves your area. They will be able to provide you with a list of approved doctors in your area. You can also find a list of civil surgeons on the USCIS website.
- Once you have a list of potential doctors, you can narrow down your search by considering factors such as location, price, and specialty. For example, if you need a doctor who specializes in mental health evaluations, you will want to look for a civil surgeon who has experience in that specific area.
- Once you have found a few potential doctors, you can schedule an appointment to meet with them and discuss your needs. After meeting with the doctor, you will be able to decide whether or not they are the right fit for you.
What to expect from your appointment with the immigration civil surgeon:
- At your appointment with the immigration civil surgeon, you will be asked to provide biometrics ( fingerprints and a photograph). The civil surgeon will also review your medical history and vaccination records.
- You may be asked to have additional vaccinations, depending on the results of your review. The civil surgeon will also perform a physical examination, which may include a chest x-ray and/or blood tests.
- After the examination, the civil surgeon will determine whether you are medically eligible for immigration to the United States.
- If you are found to be ineligible, the civil surgeon will provide you with a list of recommended treatments.
- Once you have completed the recommended treatments, you can schedule another appointment with the civil surgeon for re-examination.
How to prepare for your appointment with the immigration civil surgeon:
- It is important to be prepared for your appointment with the immigration civil surgeon.
- You will need to provide proof of your identity, such as a passport or driver’s license.
- You will also need to provide proof of your current address. The civil surgeon will need to see the original documents, so make sure to bring them with you to your appointment.
- If you have any medical conditions that require treatment, you will need to bring a list of your medications with you as well.
- In addition, you will need to bring any vaccination records that you have. The civil surgeon will use this information to determine if you are eligible for a green card.
What happens after your appointment with the immigration civil surgeon:
- After you have seen the civil surgeon and had your required tests, the civil surgeon will provide you with a form to take to USCIS. The form is called an I-693, and it is sealed in an envelope.
- Never open the envelope immediately after you get it. USCIS is responsible for opening the envelope and review the results of your examination to make sure that you meet the vaccination requirements.
- You will need to submit the I-693 form when you file for adjustment of status or when you apply for certain benefits, like a work permit or travel document. If you have been vaccinated, the civil surgeon will list the vaccinations on the I-693 form.
- If you have not been vaccinated, the civil surgeon will list the vaccinations that you need on the I-693 form.
- Sometimes, people need more than one shot of a vaccine to be considered protected against a disease. The civil surgeon will list the number of shots needed for each vaccine on the I-693 form.
- For example, if you need two shots of the measles vaccine, it will say “2” next to “MMR” on the I-693 form. Make sure that you get all of the vaccinations that are listed on your I-693 form before you file your adjustment of status application.
How often do you need to see the immigration civil surgeon:
According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, you need to see a civil surgeon “if you are applying for adjustment of status to permanent residence or seeking refugee or asylee status.”
- If you are applying for a green card, you will need to have a medical examination within 30 days of filing your application.
- If you are applying for refugee status, you will need to have a medical examination within 45 days of filing your application. Asylum applicants must also have a medical examination, but there is no time limit specified.
- After your medical examination, the civil surgeon will give you Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination, and Vaccination Record.
- You will need to submit this form with your application. Some applicants for adjustment of status may be exempt from the medical examination requirement, including children under 14 years of age, pregnant women, and people who have already had a medical examination within the past year.
Endnote:
The civil surgeon will determine if you are inadmissible to the United States on medical grounds. You will need to have a medical examination even if you already had one abroad within the last year.
