Encontrar un Médico Autorizado - USCIS (.gov)
Key Takeaways
- USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) provides a searchable tool to find authorized civil surgeons in the United States and panel physicians abroad to complete required immigration medical exams.
- The immigration medical exam (Form I-693 for adjustment of status) must be completed by a designated civil surgeon in the U.S. or a panel physician overseas; exams done by unauthorized providers are generally not accepted.
- Medical exams are required for most adjustment-of-status applicants (green card seekers) and immigrant visa applicants; missing, incorrect, or expired medical reports can delay or jeopardize an application.
- Applicants should gather vaccination records, medical history, and identification before the appointment; civil surgeons typically charge separate fees and USCIS does not set those prices.
What the USCIS tool does
USCIS offers an online "Find a Doctor" feature that lists civil surgeons and panel physicians authorized to perform immigration medical examinations. A civil surgeon is a physician designated by USCIS to complete Form I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) for applicants adjusting status to lawful permanent resident in the United States; a panel physician is designated by the U.S. Department of State to perform medical exams for immigrant visa applicants at U.S. consulates abroad. These designations matter because USCIS and DOS will accept only exams performed by authorized doctors on the official forms.
Who must get the exam and practical steps
The medical exam is typically required for adjustment-of-status applicants filing Form I-485 (green card) and for immigrant visa applicants overseas. The exam screens for communicable diseases, required vaccinations, and certain medical conditions that could affect admissibility under U.S. immigration law. Applicants should bring photo ID, vaccination records, and a list of medications and medical history to the appointment. Civil surgeons generally charge separate fees for the exam and vaccinations; USCIS does not control those fees, so shop or ask about costs in advance.
Timing and consequences
Form I-693 completed by a civil surgeon is generally valid for two years from the civil surgeon’s signature, but applicants should check current USCIS guidance for exceptions. If an immigration medical exam is missing, incomplete, or performed by an unauthorized provider, USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE), delay processing, or in some cases deny the application. For people navigating adjustment of status or immigrant visa processing, scheduling the medical exam early and using the USCIS "Find a Doctor" tool can prevent common delays and unexpected costs.
Source: Original Article