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Civil Surgeon Near You

Locate an authorized doctor to complete your immigration medical examination quickly and securely.

USCIS Civil Surgeon

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Finding a USCIS-Designated Civil Surgeon

If you are filing Form I‑485 to adjust your status and apply for a Green Card, USCIS generally requires you to complete an immigration medical examination. In some cases, applicants may only need to complete the vaccination portion of the exam, depending on their immigration category and prior medical history.

This immigration medical examination must be completed by a doctor officially authorized by USCIS, known as a civil surgeon. Only USCIS‑designated civil surgeons are permitted to conduct the exam and complete Form I‑693 for most Green Card applicants.

USCIS also recognizes military physicians as designated civil surgeons when they perform immigration medical exams at U.S. military treatment facilities. This applies to U.S. veterans, active‑duty service members, and eligible dependents.

For refugees adjusting status, vaccination requirements may be completed through a state or local health department. USCIS grants these departments a blanket civil surgeon designation, allowing them to complete vaccination assessments for refugee applicants. Additional details are outlined in the USCIS Policy Manual (Part C – Civil Surgeon Designation and Revocation).

What to Bring to Your Immigration Medical Examination

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Form I‑693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
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Government‑issued photo ID , such as a valid passport or driver’s license

Applicants under 14 years old should bring identification showing name, date and place of birth, and parent’s full name (such as a birth certificate with English translation or a supporting affidavit)

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Vaccination or immunization records, including any available documentation for required vaccines
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Health insurance card, if applicable

Ask the civil surgeon’s office in advance whether your insurance is accepted, as many plans do not cover all parts of the immigration medical exam

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Payment for the exam

Fees vary by clinic, so it’s recommended to confirm accepted payment methods and total costs before your appointment

During the Immigration Medical Examination

The immigration medical exam includes a review of your medical history and a physical examination conducted by the civil surgeon.

As required by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the civil surgeon may also conduct tests for certain communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea, depending on your age and medical guidelines. These requirements are outlined in the CDC’s Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons, which USCIS follows.

Important: Once the examination is complete, the civil surgeon will complete Form I-693 and place it in a sealed envelope for submission to USCIS. Before the envelope is sealed, you should request a copy of the completed form for your personal records.

USCIS will not accept Form I-693 if the sealed envelope has been opened, damaged, or altered.
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FAQs - Immigration Medical Examination & Civil Surgeon

Who needs to complete an immigration medical examination? More Info
Most applicants filing Form I‑485 to adjust status and apply for a Green Card must complete an immigration medical examination, unless USCIS instructs otherwise.
Can some applicants complete only the vaccination portion of the exam? More Info
Yes. In certain cases, USCIS may require only the vaccination assessment, depending on the applicant’s immigration category and prior medical history.
Who is authorized to perform the immigration medical examination? More Info
The exam must be completed by a USCIS‑designated civil surgeon. Only doctors officially authorized by USCIS can conduct the exam and complete Form I‑693.
Are military physicians allowed to perform immigration medical exams? More Info
Yes. Military physicians designated by USCIS may perform immigration medical exams at U.S. military treatment facilities for U.S. veterans, active‑duty members, and eligible dependents.
Can refugees complete vaccination requirements at a health department? More Info
Yes. Refugees adjusting status may complete vaccination requirements at state or local health departments, which USCIS recognizes under a blanket civil surgeon designation.
What documents should I bring to my immigration medical exam? More Info
You should bring Form I‑693, a government‑issued photo ID, vaccination records, and any USCIS instructions. Applicants under 14 should bring identity documents showing birth and parent details.
Should I bring insurance and payment to the appointment? More Info
Yes. Bring your health insurance card if you have one but confirm acceptance in advance. Many insurance plans do not cover the full exam, so be prepared for out‑of‑pocket payment.
What happens during the immigration medical examination? More Info
The exam includes a medical history review and a physical examination. The civil surgeon may also order required tests based on CDC guidelines.
What medical tests are required during the exam? More Info
Testing certain communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea, may be required depending on age and CDC Technical Instructions followed by USCIS.
What happens after the immigration medical exam is completed? More Info
After completion, the civil surgeon fills out Form I‑693 and places it in a sealed envelope for USCIS submission. The envelope must remain unopened, and applicants should keep a copy of their records.