If you’re applying for a green card through adjustment of status (Form I-485) inside the United States, your medical examination must be completed by a USCIS-designated Civil Surgeon. This isn’t optional, and it isn’t interchangeable with a regular family doctor — USCIS maintains a specific list of physicians authorized to perform the I-693 examination and issue the sealed envelope USCIS will accept.
Why USCIS requires a Civil Surgeon
Civil Surgeons complete USCIS-specific training on the agency’s Technical Instructions for the Medical Examination of Aliens Seeking Adjustment of Status. They follow the CDC’s Vaccination Schedule for Civil Surgeons and use standardized forms so the examining physician’s findings can be reviewed consistently across the country.
How to find a Civil Surgeon
USCIS publishes an official directory at my.uscis.gov/findadoctor. Search by ZIP code, then call to confirm pricing and availability — designated physicians set their own fees.
What if I’m outside the US?
Applicants going through consular processing use a Panel Physician, not a Civil Surgeon, and complete Form DS-2054 instead of I-693. See our I-693 vs DS-2054 guide.
Ready to schedule? You can find a civil surgeon near you through our directory.