Immigration Medical: Civil Surgeons, Costs, and Vaccinations

The process to become a U.S. permanent resident  is filled with various procedural steps, one of which the mandatory immigration medical examination. This examination is designed to ensure that all applicants meet the health standards deemed necessary for living in the United States. This page goes into this process, the role of USCIS-authorized civil surgeons, the cost implications, and the essential vaccinations required for a U.S. green card.

1. The Role of USCIS-Authorized Civil Surgeons

When it comes to the immigration medical examination, not just any healthcare provider will do. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) mandates that only authorized civil surgeons are qualified to conduct this specialized examination. This stringent requirement ensures that the examination is conducted in accordance with the standards set by USCIS, thus guaranteeing its acceptability. Using for a designated civil surgeon is mandatory and validates your medical examination for immigration purposes.

2. Medical Exam Costs

A common question among applicants pertains to the cost of the immigration medical examination. It’s important to understand that USCIS does not have a fixed fee for this examination, allowing civil surgeons to set their own prices. This variance in costs underscores the importance of consulting with your chosen medical professional in advance. Gaining clarity on the fees involved will help you budget appropriately for this essential step in your residency application process.

3. How to Find a Civil Surgeon

Thankfully, locating a USCIS-authorized civil surgeon has been made straightforward through the USCIS’s locator tool. This valuable resource assists applicants in finding a qualified civil surgeon in their vicinity, thus streamlining the process of scheduling the immigration medical examination. You can access the USCIS locator tool here.

4. What to Expect During the Examination

Preparing for your examination is key. Upon scheduling your appointment, you’ll be required to bring the latest version of Form I-693 to your appointment, ensuring you’ve completed Part 1 (but not signed it yet). The civil surgeon will then guide you through the process, filling out the form, conducting the examination, and ultimately providing you with a sealed copy for USCIS review. It’s crucial to request a personal copy for your records. Remember, DO NOT open the sealed envelope – any tampering or breaking of the seal will result in USCIS rejecting the form.

5. Vaccination Requirements

Part of the examination is the assessment of your vaccination history. USCIS mandates protection against certain diseases, including Mumps, Measles, Rubella, and COVID-19, among others. Ensuring you meet these vaccination requirements is not optional but a critical element of your application for legal permanent residency.

6. The Impact of Vaccination Decisions

It’s worth noting that refusing the required vaccinations could jeopardize your application for legal permanent residency. For a comprehensive understanding of these vaccination prerequisites, it’s advisable to visit the USCIS Vaccination Requirements page.

Conclusion

The immigration medical examination is a manadtory step towards U.S. permanent residency. By selecting a USCIS-authorized civil surgeon, understanding the costs involved, preparing for the examination, and complying with the vaccination requirements, you position yourself for a successful application. Remember, this examination is not just a formality but a mandatory step of the U.S. immigration process, ensuring that all applicants meet the necessary health standards for residency.

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Citations

• USCIS: Designated Civil Surgeon
• CDC Immigrant Vaccine Requirements
• USCIS Vaccination Requirements
• USCIS Form I-693 Report of Medical Examination