The immigration medical examination can be confusing to a lot of people.  There is also pressure to get all the paperwork done in time and accurately to submit to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  If you are an immigrant living in the United States and are looking to change your status or obtain a green card most likely you will be required to undergo a physical examination by a designated civil surgeon.   Please note if you are K or non-immigrant visa holder and already had a physical examination overseas by a panel physician and have complied with USCIS filings as required, you may not need a new medical examination in the United States.  However, you may still have to comply with the vaccination requirements and see a civil surgeon. For immigrant applicants seeking to become lawful permanent residents of the U.S. (which is what this article will focus on) you will need to see a civil surgeon to perform a complete medical examination with required laboratory tests and vaccinations to submit form I-693 to USCIS.

What you need to know about the immigration medical examination

Civil surgeons conduct examinations within the United States for immigrant aliens seeking benefits.  That includes those applying for a green card or adjustment of status. Only a medical doctor authorized and designated by USCIS can legally perform these physicals.   Civil surgeons must perform the immigration medical examination according to the Technical Instructions for the Medical Examinations of Aliens in the United States (Technical Instructions or TIs).  If you are in the United States and are seeking adjustment to your status and want to obtain certain immigration benefits you most likely will need a medical examination from a civil surgeon.  The examination involves a complete medical history and physical examination, and review of your laboratory results. You will be tested for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, syphilis and gonorrhea and your vaccination records will be reviewed for completeness. When you are medically cleared the Immigration Medical Form I-693 will be completed for you to submit to USCIS.

How to Prepare for your USCIS immigration medical examination

Preparing ahead for your immigration physical is very important, as well as making sure that you go to a certified physician that is authorized and designated to complete your examination by USCIS and who will properly complete the immigration Form  I-693. Generally the process takes 2-3 visits if you can be cleared medically and do not require additional laboratory work or tests.

Prior to going to your immigration physical please bring the following:

• Form I-693 which can be provided to you at the office If you do not already have it (Do not sign the form until directed to do so by the civil surgeon)
• Valid government issued photo I.D. (i.e valid unexpired driver’s license or passport)
• If an applicant is 14 y.o. or younger, identification that shows name and place of birth and parent’s full name such as a birth certificate (please translate any foreign birth certificates to English) or bring an affidavit
• Vaccination and immunization record.  This is not necessary, but if you have your records please bring them with you or fax them or email them to our office.  For those who do not have records do not try to fulfill your vaccination requirements prior to being evaluated by the civil surgeon
• If you need translation please bring a family member or friend with you that understands your language and English

What does the immigration medical examination involve?

The job of the civil surgeon is to make sure that the applicant does not have certain medical conditions that can cause delay or cause rejection of his or her application to change their status during the immigration medical examination process. The civil surgeon will evaluate you to certify that you the applicant is admissible.  In other words, that you do not have a medical condition that would cause you to be inadmissible or unable to meet the requirements of USCIS to change your status or obtain a green card. There are certain health related grounds that would make an applicant inadmissible. These include applicants that have:

• Communicable disease of public health significance (i.e. syphilis, gonorrhea, tuberculosis etc..)
• Physical or mental disorder with harmful behavior
• Addiction to drugs or abuse of drugs
• Failure to show proof of required vaccinations (applies only to lawful permanent residents)

For a complete and confidential evaluation please contact us at our office in College Point Queens or visit our website NY Civil Surgeon

Forms:  Our office has the I-693 form below.  After completing your medical examination and all testing & laboratory results are entered, applicant (if applicable applicant’s translator) and civil surgeon will sign the I-693 Form.  Applicant will receive a sealed I-693 Form that says DO NOT OPEN. FOR USCIS USE ONLY and a copy of the examination results inside.

• I-693 Form

Randolph Rosarion M.D.

USCIS  designated Civil Surgeon

120-10 15th Ave

College Point, New York 11356

Phone:  718-939-9020 or 718-701-5949

email:  rosarion@msn.com