Finding an Authorized Doctor
When you apply for a green card (adjustment of status) in the United States, you usually need to have a medical examination. The exam must be done by a doctor who is authorized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS designates certain doctors (also known as civil surgeons) to perform the medical exam required for most Green Card applicants. Military physicians are authorized to perform immigration medical exams at a military treatment facility within the United States for U.S. veterans, members of the U.S. military and designated dependents.
Immigration medical examinations performed outside the United States and its territories must be done by a panel physician. Panel physicians are different from civil surgeons. Panel physicians are designated by the Department of State and provide immigration medical examinations required as part of visa processing at a U.S. Embassy or consulate abroad.
What to Bring to the Exam
Bring the following to your medical exam:
Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
Government-issued photo identification, such as a valid passport or driver’s license. If you are 14 years old or younger, bring identification that shows your name, date and place of birth and parent’s full name. Possible forms of identification include your birth certificate (with an English translation) or an affidavit.
Vaccination or immunization record (such as DT, DTP, DTaP, Td, Tdap, OPV, IPV, MMR, Hib, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, varicella, pneumococcal influenza, rotavirus and meningococcal disease)
Medical insurance card (check with the doctor’s office to make sure the office accepts your medical plan)
Payment (check with the doctor’s office about acceptable forms of payment). It is also a good idea to call a few doctors to find out how much they charge for the exam. Prices can vary by a few hundred dollars.
During the Exam
The medical examination entails a review of your medical history and a physical examination.
The doctor will complete a comprehensive examination that will include a review of your medical history and a physical examination. The doctor will also test for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea.
After the exam, the doctor will complete Form I-693 and seal the form in an envelope for you to submit to USCIS. Make sure you get a copy of the completed Form I-693 for your personal records before the doctor seals the envelope. USCIS will not accept the form if the envelope has been opened or altered.
For full details, please go to uscis.gov/i-693.
Reporting a Problem
If you have any concerns regarding a doctor’s behavior or actions, contact your state medical board. If you have concerns regarding the immigration medical exam or the I-693, make an appointment with your local USCIS field office.
