If you are applying for a Green Card from within the United States, your immigration medical exam is not something you can complete with any doctor. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires that this exam be performed exclusively by a physician it has specifically authorized—known as a civil surgeon. Using the wrong doctor means USCIS will reject your medical form, delaying your case and costing you time and money. Since December 2, 2024, you generally must submit your completed Form I-693 together with your Form I-485; failing to do so can result in a rejection of your entire application. This guide walks you through exactly how to find a civil surgeon who is authorized to perform your exam, what to look for when comparing providers, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that lead to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or denial.
Key Rule: Only a physician listed on the official USCIS Find a Civil Surgeon tool is authorized to complete your immigration medical exam. Your regular primary care physician cannot perform this exam, even if they are a licensed U.S. doctor. The exam must be conducted in person—telemedicine is not permitted.
What Is a Civil Surgeon and Why Can't I Use My Regular Doctor?
A civil surgeon is a licensed physician who has been officially designated by USCIS to perform immigration medical examinations within the United States. This designation is not automatic—physicians must apply through USCIS using Form I-910 and meet specific requirements set by the CDC.
Your regular doctor, even if board-certified and experienced, cannot complete Form I-693 unless they hold this specific USCIS designation. The civil surgeon's role is not to treat you but to assess whether you have any health conditions that would make you inadmissible to the United States on health-related grounds, and to document those findings on the official form.
Step-by-Step: How to Find a USCIS-Designated Civil Surgeon Near You
Finding an authorized civil surgeon is straightforward if you use the correct official channels. Do not rely on general online directories or word-of-mouth recommendations alone—only the USCIS locator guarantees that the physician is currently designated.
- Go to the official USCIS "Find a Civil Surgeon" tool. Navigate to the USCIS website and use the dedicated locator page at uscis.gov/tools/find-a-civil-surgeon. This is the only authoritative source for the current list of designated physicians.
- Enter your address, city, state, or ZIP code. The tool will generate a list of all designated civil surgeons in your area, sorted by distance. Most metropolitan areas have several providers to choose from.
- Review the list and select potential candidates. The search results will display the physician's name, clinic address, and contact information. Note that the list is updated weekly, so always check the tool close to your scheduling date.
- Call multiple civil surgeons to compare. Fees are not regulated by USCIS and can vary significantly—by several hundred dollars. Ask about the total cost, what it includes, and whether they accept your health insurance.
- Confirm their designation status. When you call, verify that the physician is still a designated civil surgeon. Authorization can change, and the online list is the only definitive source.
- Schedule your appointment. Once you have selected a civil surgeon, book your exam. Be prepared for the possibility of two visits: one for the exam and lab work, and a second to pick up the sealed envelope.
What to Bring to Your Civil Surgeon Appointment
Arriving unprepared is one of the most common reasons for delays. The civil surgeon cannot complete your exam without specific documentation. USCIS provides a clear checklist of what you must bring.
- Form I-693 – Download the most recent edition from the USCIS website. Complete Part 1 but do not sign it until the civil surgeon instructs you to do so. An unsigned form will be rejected.
- Government-issued photo identification – A valid passport, driver's license, or other official ID. For minors under 14, bring a birth certificate (with English translation if needed) or an affidavit showing name, date and place of birth, and parent's full name.
- Complete vaccination or immunization records – Bring official documentation of all vaccines you have received. If records are not in English, you must provide a certified translation.
- Health insurance card – Ask the civil surgeon's office if they accept your plan. Many do not cover immigration exams, and insurance may not cover all portions.
- Payment – Confirm acceptable forms of payment (cash, credit card, check) with the office beforehand.
Comparing Civil Surgeons: Fees, Services, and What to Ask Before Booking
Since USCIS does not regulate civil surgeon fees, costs can vary widely. Taking the time to compare providers can save you hundreds of dollars and ensure you know exactly what is included.
| Question to Ask | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| What is the total cost of the exam? | Fees range from $200 to $500+ for the exam alone. Ask if this includes lab tests and vaccine administration. |
| Does this fee include all required lab tests? | Tests for tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea are mandatory and often billed separately. |
| What is the cost of vaccines I may need? | If you are missing required vaccines, the civil surgeon will administer them during the exam. Costs per shot can range from $20 to $150. |
| Do you accept my health insurance? | Many civil surgeons do not accept insurance for immigration exams, and even if they do, coverage may be limited. |
| How long does it take to get the completed Form I-693? | Lab results typically take 2 to 7 days. You may need to return to pick up the sealed envelope. |
| Are you currently a designated civil surgeon? | Confirm their status is current. Designations can change, and only a currently designated physician can sign your form. |
Common Mistakes That Lead to Visa Delays or Rejection
Even after you find a civil surgeon, errors in the process can derail your application. Below are the most frequent mistakes applicants make—and how to avoid them.
- Using a doctor who is not a USCIS-designated civil surgeon. This is the most critical error. Your regular doctor cannot complete Form I-693. Always verify the physician's status using the official USCIS locator.
- Opening the sealed envelope. After the civil surgeon completes Form I-693, they will seal it in an envelope. Do not break the seal—USCIS will reject an opened or altered envelope.
- Failing to bring complete vaccination records. If you do not have your immunization records, the civil surgeon will treat you as unvaccinated and administer all required vaccines, adding significant cost and time.
- Not signing Form I-693 correctly. Complete Part 1 but do not sign the form until the civil surgeon tells you to. Signing too early or forgetting to sign can lead to rejection.
- Scheduling the exam too early. The civil surgeon's signature must be within the required timeframe relative to your filing date. For exams completed on or after November 1, 2023, USCIS generally treats them as valid indefinitely, but the signature must be no more than 60 days old at the time of filing unless the indefinite validity rule applies.
- Assuming telemedicine is allowed. The CDC explicitly prohibits civil surgeons from performing immigration medical exams via telemedicine. The physical examination must be conducted in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I find a civil surgeon near me?
A: Use the official USCIS Find a Civil Surgeon tool at uscis.gov/tools/find-a-civil-surgeon. Enter your address, city, state, or ZIP code to see a list of designated physicians in your area. You can also call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 for assistance.
Q: Can my regular doctor perform the immigration medical exam?
A: No. Only a USCIS-designated civil surgeon can complete Form I-693 for applicants adjusting status from within the United States. Your primary care physician cannot sign the form unless they hold the designation.
Q: How much does the civil surgeon exam cost?
A: Fees are not regulated by USCIS and vary by physician. The exam typically costs between $200 and $500, plus additional charges for required lab tests and any vaccines you may need. Call several civil surgeons to compare prices before booking.
Q: What if I don't have my vaccination records?
A: If you do not have official vaccination records, the civil surgeon will treat you as unvaccinated and administer all required vaccines during the exam. You may also undergo blood tests (titers) to prove immunity for certain diseases.
Q: Can the immigration medical exam be done via telemedicine?
A: No. The CDC explicitly prohibits civil surgeons from performing immigration medical examinations using telemedicine. The physical examination must be conducted in person.
Q: What is the difference between a civil surgeon and a panel physician?
A: A civil surgeon is designated by USCIS and performs exams for applicants adjusting status from within the United States. A panel physician is appointed by the Department of State and performs exams for applicants applying for immigrant visas from outside the U.S. (consular processing).
Q: How long is Form I-693 valid after the civil surgeon signs it?
A: For exams completed on or after November 1, 2023, USCIS generally treats properly completed Forms I-693 as valid indefinitely. However, the civil surgeon's signature must be no more than 60 days old at the time you file Form I-485, unless the indefinite validity rule applies.