What is a Civil Surgeon?
A civil surgeon is a physician authorized by USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) to perform immigration medical examinations. Only doctors with this designation can complete Form I-693, which is required for most adjustment of status (green card) applications.
USCIS requires Form I-693 as part of your permanent residence application. The exam must be performed by a designated civil surgeon and includes a physical examination, vaccination review, tuberculosis (TB) test, and syphilis test.
Not just any doctor can perform this exam. It must be a USCIS-designated civil surgeon.
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By clicking the button below, you will be redirected to the official USCIS website (my.uscis.gov), operated by the United States federal government. J. Lee & Associates Law Group is not responsible for the content, availability, or accuracy of information on external websites. The information you enter on the USCIS website is not shared with our firm. If you need help finding a civil surgeon or have questions, call us at (770) 609-9396.
Search for a USCIS Designated Civil Surgeon
Click the button to open the official USCIS tool to find a civil surgeon near you.
Find a Civil Surgeon on USCISOfficial link: my.uscis.gov/findadoctor
What to Expect from the Medical Exam
Schedule Your Appointment
Call the civil surgeon and schedule an appointment. Ask about costs and what documents to bring.
Bring Your Documents
Bring Form I-693, your vaccination records, a photo ID, and any relevant medical history.
Doctor Examines You
The civil surgeon will perform a physical exam, review your vaccinations, and order necessary lab tests (TB, syphilis).
Sealed Results
The doctor will complete Form I-693, place it in a sealed envelope, and give it to you.
Do NOT Open the Envelope
The sealed envelope is for USCIS. Do not open it. Give it to your attorney or submit it with your I-485 application unopened.
What Does the Exam Cover?
Physical Examination
The civil surgeon will perform a general physical examination to verify that you do not have medical conditions that are inadmissible under immigration law.
Vaccination Review
The doctor will verify that you have the vaccinations required by USCIS. If you are missing any, they can be administered during your appointment (additional cost).
USCIS Required Vaccinations:
- •MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- •Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
- •Varicella (Chickenpox)
- •Influenza (during flu season)
- •COVID-19
- •Hepatitis B
- •Polio
Tuberculosis (TB) Test
You will receive a TB test, either a skin test (PPD/Mantoux) or a blood test (IGRA/QuantiFERON). If the result is positive, you may need a chest X-ray. The skin test requires a second visit 48 to 72 hours later to read the result.
Syphilis Test & Mental Health Screening
A blood sample will be taken for the syphilis test. The doctor will also perform a basic mental health screening as part of the immigration exam. This is a general review, not a detailed psychological examination.
Medical Exam Costs
$150 - $400
Typical cost of I-693 medical exam (varies by doctor and location)
Not Covered
Health insurance generally does not cover the I-693 immigration exam
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Additional costs if you need vaccinations, chest X-ray, or additional tests. Some doctors offer payment plans.
Important Tips
Call ahead to confirm I-693 availability
Not all civil surgeons have immediate availability. Call ahead to schedule your appointment and ask if they have Form I-693 and the necessary vaccines in stock.
Bring ALL your vaccination records
Bringing your complete vaccination records can save you money. If you do not have proof of prior vaccinations, the doctor will have to administer them again (additional cost). Look for records from your home country, school records, or vaccination booklet.
The exam is valid for 2 years
Since 2021, USCIS changed the validity of the I-693 exam from 60 days to 2 years from the date of the doctor's signature. This gives you more time to file your adjustment of status application (I-485). However, do not wait too long; talk to your attorney about the best time to get the exam.
File I-693 with your I-485 application
The completed Form I-693 is filed with your adjustment of status application (Form I-485). You can also submit it later if USCIS requests it through an RFE (Request for Evidence). Give the sealed envelope to your attorney to include in your application package.
Georgia Civil Surgeons
There are many designated civil surgeons in the metro Atlanta area and throughout the state of Georgia. You can find them using the official USCIS tool above. Simply enter your zip code or city and the tool will show you the nearest authorized doctors.
Our immigration attorneys regularly work with civil surgeons in the Norcross, Duluth, Lawrenceville, and Atlanta area. If you need a recommendation for a reliable doctor, call us at (770) 609-9396 and we will gladly provide you with options.
Need Help with Your Immigration Medical Exam?
Our immigration attorneys will guide you through the entire process: from finding a civil surgeon to filing Form I-693 with your adjustment of status application.
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