Welcome to the Law Offices of Sabrina Li where our legal team is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal guidance for all of your immigration needs.  Immigration medical exams are an essential step in immigration cases. Understanding the medical exam process is crucial for your immigration journey in this article, we will explain how to find a civil doctor, what form you need to complete with your doctor, what you need to bring to your appointment, and important tips. Now, let’s get started!

Understanding the Immigration Medical Examination Process

Step 1. Finding a Certified Civil Surgeon

To find a civil surgeon, please visit the USCIS website and click on “Tools” in the main menu bar at the top. Next, from the dropdown menu, click on “USCIS Tools and Resources.” After, scroll down to “Locators” and click on the “Find a Doctor” tab. Lastly, type in your home address in the search bar, any language you prefer spoken, and the gender of the doctor you prefer, then click “Search.” It is important to select a USCIS designated civil surgeon through the above outlined steps because USCIS will only accept medical examinations conducted by civil surgeons.

Step 2. Scheduling the Medical Examination

Now that you have a list of the civil surgeons near you, scroll down the list and select a surgeon you like. Then, call the civil surgeon using the phone number next to their name, in blue. Fees for this exam are established by the civil surgeon, so they may vary depending on the physician you choose. Calling the civil surgeon you are interested in ahead of time is important because prices can vary by several hundred dollars and in doing so you will learn whether this doctor accepts your health insurance.  

Before going to the appointment, there are a few things you must bring. First, bring Form I-693, which is a report that will need to be completed by you and your civil surgeon. To access this form, please visit the USCIS website, click on “Forms” from the menu list at the top of the website, click on “All Forms” at the bottom left, and lastly, scroll down until you see “Form I-693” and click on it. On this page, you will see a download option for this form, please click on this option and print. Don’t forget to sign this form, keeping in mind that any unsigned form will be rejected by USCIS, the government agency that manages immigration applications. Next, bring your government issued photo identification, vaccination or immunization records, health insurance cards, and a form of payment.  

Step 3. Routine Checks and Vaccinations

During the medical exam, the civil doctor will review your medical history and conduct a physical examination. Therefore, it is important to bring your vaccination and immunization records. To find the list of vaccinations that civil surgeons will look for, please visit the USCIS website, click on “Tools” in the top menu bar, and scroll down to “USCIS Tools and Resources.” Next, scroll down to “Find a Doctor” and click. Then, on the left menu bar, select “Vaccination Requirements.” Scroll down to “Background” which will provide a list of the vaccinations that are required. The civil surgeon will test for communicable diseases including tuberculosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea.  

If you have received prior vaccinations, the civil surgeon will review your vaccination records to see if proof of those vaccinations is appropriate for your age category, therefore, excusing you from receiving that vaccination again. Therefore, taking with you any documentation of previous vaccinations is crucial.  

If you are pregnant, the civil surgeon knows how to evaluate the vaccines you can receive while you are pregnant. If a required vaccine cannot be safely administered, the civil doctor will provide this information in the Form I-693. If it is medically safe for you to receive a vaccine while you are pregnant, but you prefer to wait until after your pregnancy, you can delay the completion of your medical examination, however, doing so can delay the green card process.  

Step 4. Receiving and Submitting the Examination Results

After completing this exam, the civil surgeon will give you the results of the completed Form I-693 in a sealed envelope. Remember to sign this form before it is sealed. If Form I-693 is not in a sealed envelope, you should return it to the civil surgeon because it will not be accepted by USCIS. At the Law Offices of Sabrina Li, we guide our clients on how to correctly submit these reports, ensuring that the immigration process is smooth and accurate.

‍Common Health Factors Leading to Green Card Denial

1. Communicable Diseases of Public Health Significance

Examples of diseases that could lead to a green card denial include Gonorrhea, Hansen’s Disease at the infectious stage, syphilis at the infectious stage, and active Class A tuberculosis.  

2. Lack of Required Vaccinations

Having the required vaccinations is important because if the vaccination chart on Form I-693 is incomplete, USCIS will not accept the form. Missing or incomplete vaccination records will slow down your immigration journey. To view the required vaccinations, please visit the USCIS website. Then, click on “Tools” in the menu bar and select “USCIS Tools and Resources.” Scroll down to “Find a Doctor.” From the left menu bar, select “Vaccination Requirements.” Scroll down to “Background” where a list of mandatory vaccinations is included.  

3. Having a Physical or Mental Disorder with Harmful Behavior

If an applicant has a current physical or mental disorder with harmful behavior, they are inadmissible. Also, if an applicant has past physical or mental disorders with harmful behavior that is likely to recur or cause additional harmful behavior, they are also inadmissible.  

4. Substance Abuse or Addiction

Applicants who are classified by civil surgeons as current drug abusers or addicts of a controlled substance, are inadmissible and ineligible for a green card. Alcohol use disorders are treated as physical or mental disorders, so an applicant is inadmissible if they have a current associated harmful behavior or past associated harmful behavior that is likely to recur.  

During the medical examination, the civil surgeon will determine if the applicant has a Class A or Class B condition that might impact admissibility. Class A conditions are medical conditions that make an applicant inadmissible. These conditions include communicable diseases that have a public health impact, failure to show documentation evidencing you have received required vaccinations, present or past physical or mental disorders with harmful behaviors, and drug abuse or addiction. Class B conditions also include physical or mental conditions, and disabilities that are serious or permanent. Although these conditions may not make an applicant inadmissible, they can require extensive medical treatment or significantly intervene with the applicant’s ability to care for themselves.  

Your American Dream, Our Commitment

If you are experiencing any of the issues mentioned above, please get in touch with the Law Offices of Sabrina Li to arrange a consultation. Our team of professionals will assist you in addressing these concerns. By partnering with us, you can have peace of mind knowing that your case is being handled by experts, ensuring that these potential obstacles are properly addressed to keep your immigration process on track.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I need to repeat vaccinations if I’ve received them in another country?

A. Your civil surgeon will review your vaccination records during your medical exam to determine whether the documentation of previous vaccines is appropriate for your age category.  

Q. Are pregnant women required to receive vaccinations, such as the COVID-19 vaccine?

A. The civil surgeon will evaluate pregnant women to determine which vaccines they need to receive. If a vaccine cannot be safely given, the civil surgeon will note this on Form I-693.  

Q. What if I refuse a vaccine due to concerns about its safety?

A. Communicate to your civil surgeon which vaccines you do not wish to receive and provide the reasons. Note that waivers may be available for vaccination requirements; please contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Q. Can I apply for a waiver if I have a medical condition that makes me inadmissible?

A. Waivers for communicable diseases may be available. At the Law Offices of Sabrina Li, our expert legal team specializes in navigating waiver cases with precision and care. Please contact our office for further assistance.

Q. Can I request a vaccine waiver based on religious or moral beliefs?

A. For persons for whom complying with the vaccination requirement would be contrary to their moral or religious beliefs, a waiver can be requested. Please contact our office for further assistance.

Conclusion

Medical examinations are essential for your immigration process. If you encounter any issues due to your medical examination, please do not hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Sabrina Li. Our legal team is committed to providing personalized legal services tailored to each client's unique needs. Trust us to handle the complexities of your case with the attention and expertise it requires, so you can focus on building your future in the United States. For more information, please contact us at (213) 375- 8096 or via email at info@sabrinali.law.