Introduction

If you are applying to immigrate to the United States, one important step is to have a medical exam done by a civil surgeon. A civil surgeon is a special doctor approved by the U.S. government to perform medical exams for immigration purposes. This exam helps make sure you meet the health requirements needed to enter or stay in the country. Knowing what a civil surgeon does and when you need to see one can make your immigration process smoother.

Understanding the Role of a Civil Surgeon

A civil surgeon is a licensed doctor who has been authorized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to perform medical exams on people applying for certain immigration benefits, like a green card. These doctors follow strict rules set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to check your health.

During the exam, the civil surgeon will:

• Ask about your medical history, including past illnesses, surgeries, and any ongoing health problems.
• Perform a physical and mental health check.
• Test for certain diseases like tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea.
• Review your vaccination records and give you any needed vaccines.

The civil surgeon’s job is to find out if you have any health conditions that might affect your immigration status or public health. If you have any serious health issues, the civil surgeon will note them, but they do not provide treatment. You will need to get treatment separately if needed. After the exam, the civil surgeon fills out a special form (Form I-693) that you will submit to USCIS as part of your application.

When Do You Need a Civil Surgeon?

You need to see a civil surgeon when you are applying for certain immigration benefits that require a medical exam. This includes people applying for:

• Adjustment of status (getting a green card while in the U.S.)
• Certain types of visas that require a medical check
• Other immigration benefits where a health exam is required by USCIS

The medical exam helps USCIS decide if you are medically fit to enter or stay in the U.S. It checks for communicable diseases and ensures you have required vaccinations. You should prepare for the exam by bringing your vaccination records and any medical documents you have. The civil surgeon will guide you through the process and let you know what tests or vaccines you need.

How to Find a Civil Surgeon Near You

Here’s a detailed guide to help you locate one easily:

• Use the Official USCIS Civil Surgeon Locator Tool:
  The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides an online tool to find civil surgeons authorized to perform immigration medical exams. You can enter your address, city, state, or ZIP code to see a list of nearby doctors. This tool ensures the doctors listed are currently designated by USCIS and qualified to do the exam. It’s the most reliable and up-to-date source to find a civil surgeon.
• Call the USCIS Contact Center:
  If you prefer, you can call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY: 1-800-767-1833) to get help finding a civil surgeon near you. This is helpful if you don’t have internet access or want to ask questions directly. 
• Check State or Local Health Departments:
  Some states or local health departments publish lists of civil surgeons approved in their area. For example, Minnesota’s Department of Health offers a county-by-county list. Checking your local health department website can give you additional options.
• Verify the Doctor’s Status:
  Before making an appointment, confirm that the doctor is still a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. Doctors can lose their designation, so it’s good to double-check on the USCIS website or by calling their office.
• Consider Other Factors:
  When choosing a civil surgeon, think about location, office hours, language spoken, and fees. Medical exam fees are not covered by insurance and can vary widely, so call ahead to ask about costs and payment methods. Also, some civil surgeons may speak your language or have staff who do, which can make the process easier.
• Schedule Your Appointment Early:
  Civil surgeons can have busy schedules, so book your appointment well in advance to avoid delays in your immigration process.

Preparing for Your Appointment

Getting ready for your medical exam can help everything go smoothly. Here’s what you need to do before your appointment:

• Gather Important Documents:
  Bring a government-issued photo ID like your passport, driver’s license, or state ID. Also, bring your vaccination or immunization records, copies of any past medical tests like chest X-rays, and a summary of your medical history. If you have ongoing health issues, bring a letter from your regular doctor explaining your treatment.
• Bring Form I-693 (if applying within the U.S.):
  This form, called the “Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record,” is where the civil surgeon will record your exam results. It’s best to download the latest version from the USCIS website and bring it with you. Fill out your part but don’t sign it until the doctor tells you to.
• If Applying from Outside the U.S.:
  Bring your green card interview appointment letter from the National Visa Center (NVC). The civil surgeon will not perform the exam without this document.
• Check Payment Options:
  Find out how much the exam costs and what payment methods the office accepts. The exam fee is usually not covered by insurance, so be prepared to pay out of pocket.
• Follow Health Tips Before the Exam:
  Avoid alcohol, smoking, heavy meals, or strenuous exercise before your appointment, as these can affect test results. Stay well hydrated to make blood and urine tests easier.
• Arrive on Time:
  The civil surgeon reserves time for your exam, so be punctual or arrive early. Showing up late or missing the appointment can cause delays and extra fees.
• Be Honest and Ready to Answer Questions:
  The doctor will ask about your medical history, current medications, and any health concerns. Answer truthfully to avoid problems with your application.

By preparing well, you help the civil surgeon complete your exam efficiently, which helps keep your immigration process on track.

After the Exam

Once your medical exam is finished, the civil surgeon will complete a form called Form I-693, which records your exam results and vaccination history. The doctor will either give you this form in a sealed envelope or send it directly to the U.S. government. If you receive the sealed envelope, do not open it. You must bring it unopened to your immigration interview or submit it with your application, as opening it can make the form invalid.

If the civil surgeon finds any health issues that need further tests or treatment, they will refer you to another doctor or health department. You must complete any follow-up care before the civil surgeon can officially sign and seal your Form I-693.

Your medical exam results are usually valid for 12 months. If you do not complete your immigration process within that time, you may need to have another exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can my regular doctor perform the immigration medical exam?
  No. Only doctors designated by USCIS as civil surgeons (if you are in the U.S.) or panel physicians (if you are applying from abroad) can perform the immigration medical exam.
• What if there are no civil surgeons near me?
  You can use the USCIS online locator tool or contact USCIS for help finding the closest civil surgeon. Sometimes, traveling a bit farther is necessary.
• How do I know if a doctor is still a civil surgeon?
  Always check the official USCIS Civil Surgeon Locator online or call USCIS to confirm the doctor’s current status.
• What if I need a doctor who speaks my language?
  The USCIS locator tool allows you to filter doctors by languages spoken. Calling the office ahead can also help confirm language availability.
• How much does the medical exam cost?
  Costs vary widely by location and provider, typically ranging from $100 to $500. The exam is usually not covered by insurance, so be prepared to pay out of pocket.
• What should I do if I get a Request for Evidence (RFE) after submitting Form I-693?
  An RFE means USCIS needs more information or corrected forms. Respond promptly with the requested documents to avoid delays.

Conclusion

Finding and visiting a designated civil surgeon is a key step in your immigration journey. These doctors ensure you meet health requirements set by the U.S. government. Use official USCIS tools to find a qualified civil surgeon near you, prepare well for your appointment, and follow all instructions carefully after your exam. By doing so, you help your immigration process move forward smoothly and avoid unnecessary delays. Always keep your medical exam documents safe and sealed until you submit them to USCIS or bring them to your interview. Planning ahead and staying informed will make this important step easier and less stressful.