Find a USCIS Civil Surgeon Near You
A civil surgeon is a doctor USCIS authorizes to complete your Form I-693 green card medical exam. Below you can see what a civil surgeon does, how to find one near you, and how the exam works. Most applicants get an appointment the same week.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Matthias Kochmann, Civil Surgeon Last updated June 3, 2026
What is a USCIS civil surgeon?
A civil surgeon is a doctor that USCIS has authorized to perform the immigration medical exam (Form I-693). A regular doctor or urgent care clinic cannot complete the I-693. Only a USCIS civil surgeon can examine you, record your vaccinations, and seal the form, which is what makes the exam valid for your green card.
What a civil surgeon does for your I-693
Your civil surgeon reviews your vaccination records, does a physical exam, screens for the conditions USCIS requires, and completes and seals Form I-693. You hand that sealed envelope to USCIS unopened. At US Medical Exams the records review happens online first, so your in-person visit is short and you leave with a sealed I-693 that is ready to file.
How to find a civil surgeon near you
If you're in the San Francisco Bay Area, start online with us and we'll book you with one of our USCIS civil surgeons, usually the same week. Anywhere else in the country, the official USCIS civil surgeon locator will help you find a designated civil surgeon near you.
How much does the exam cost?
Our price for the I-693 exam is $399. That covers the online records review, the in-person physical exam, and your sealed I-693 certification. You see our price up front before you book.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Online records review | Free |
| Physical exam and sealed I-693 certification | $399 |
The $399 covers our service only. Any vaccines or lab tests you need depend on your case, and the pharmacy or lab bills those separately.
How it works
- 1 Start online Create your case and upload your existing vaccine and medical records. A civil surgeon reviews them, usually within 24 hours.
- 2 Complete anything missing Get any vaccines you still need at a pharmacy, or a quick lab titer to prove immunity, then upload the documents the same day.
- 3 See your civil surgeon Meet your USCIS civil surgeon for a short in-person physical and the required screenings.
- 4 Get your sealed I-693 Leave with your completed, sealed Form I-693, ready to submit to USCIS.
Common questions about civil surgeons
What is a Civil Surgeon?
A U.S. Civil Surgeon is a physician designated by USCIS to conduct medical examinations for immigrants seeking adjustment of status. They assess applicants for communicable diseases, vaccination status, physical and mental disorders, and substance abuse. The role was formalized in 1979 and ensures public safety and compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
What does the I-693 medical exam test for?
The I-693 medical exam tests for six different things: Infectious Diseases (e.g. Tuberculosis, Syphilis); Vaccination Status (e.g. Polio, Tetanus); Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders; Physical Examination; Drug and Alcohol Screening; and Other Health Conditions that might pose a public health threat.
