Find an Authorized Doctor - USCIS (.gov)
Key Takeaways
- USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) highlights its Spanish resource “Encontrar un Médico Autorizado” to locate designated civil surgeons for required Form I-693 medical exams.
- The tool helps applicants for adjustment of status (Form I-485) in the U.S. find nearby doctors; fees are set by providers, not USCIS.
- Form I-693s signed by a civil surgeon on or after Nov. 1, 2023, are valid indefinitely; those signed earlier generally remain valid for two years. The prior “60‑day signature” filing rule has been permanently eliminated.
- Applicants outside the U.S. must use Department of State–designated panel physicians, not USCIS civil surgeons.
- Using an authorized doctor and submitting a properly sealed I-693 can prevent Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and processing delays.
A Spanish guide for a critical step in the immigration process
USCIS is promoting its Spanish-language page “Encontrar un Médico Autorizado,” a tool that helps immigrants in the United States find civil surgeons authorized to perform the immigration medical exam. That exam is documented on Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, and is required for most applicants seeking a green card through adjustment of status. For many, especially Spanish speakers navigating complex requirements, a clear path to a qualified doctor can mean fewer mistakes—and fewer costly delays.
Who needs a civil surgeon—and who doesn’t
Civil surgeons are doctors designated by USCIS to conduct the medical exam for applicants inside the U.S. By contrast, applicants processing immigrant visas abroad must see panel physicians designated by the Department of State. The Spanish tool allows searches by location and other filters, helping applicants identify nearby, authorized providers. Applicants should confirm the doctor’s authorization, bring government-issued ID and vaccination records, and ensure the doctor completes and seals the I-693—do not open the sealed envelope before filing. Fees for the exam and required tests or vaccines are set by each provider; USCIS does not regulate pricing.
Timing rules that now favor applicants
Current policy eases timing concerns for many. Form I-693s signed by a civil surgeon on or after Nov. 1, 2023, are valid indefinitely for USCIS purposes, while earlier-signed forms generally remain valid for two years from the surgeon’s signature. USCIS has also permanently removed the former “60-day” rule that required the civil surgeon’s signature to be dated no more than 60 days before filing the underlying application. For applicants, this means more flexibility to complete medicals without risking expiration—and fewer RFEs that stall green card adjudications. In practical terms: book an authorized doctor, keep copies of everything, and submit the sealed I-693 when requested or with your I-485 if advised.
Source: Original Article