A civil surgeon is a physician designated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to perform immigration medical examinations for eligible applicants in the United States. The physician reviews medical history, conducts the required examination, evaluates screening tests and vaccination records, and completes Form I-693.
For individuals applying for a green card through adjustment of status, understanding the civil surgeon’s role can help prevent confusion, missing documentation and unnecessary appointment delays.
At Lab On Demand in Indianapolis, Indiana, we help patients navigate immigration medical examination services and related laboratory testing requirements.
What is a USCIS-designated civil surgeon?
A civil surgeon is a licensed physician who has received authorization from USCIS to conduct immigration medical examinations.
Despite the title, a civil surgeon does not necessarily perform surgery. The designation refers to the physician’s specific responsibilities under immigration medical examination requirements.
Civil surgeons must follow the CDC’s Technical Instructions when evaluating applicants and documenting medical findings.
Their responsibilities include:
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Reviewing relevant medical history
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Performing the required physical and mental health assessment
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Evaluating communicable disease screening requirements
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Reviewing vaccination records and applicable requirements
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Ordering or reviewing additional testing when indicated
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Completing and certifying Form I-693
Not every licensed physician is authorized to complete Form I-693.
Applicants can verify a physician’s designation using the official USCIS Find a Civil Surgeon tool.
Limited exceptions apply to certain military physicians and qualifying health department arrangements.
Why can’t my regular doctor complete my immigration medical exam?
Your primary care physician may know your medical history, medications and previous treatments.
However, a physician’s regular medical license does not automatically authorize them to perform immigration medical examinations.
Your family doctor can complete the examination if they also have the appropriate USCIS civil surgeon designation.
Otherwise, you generally need to schedule the examination with a designated civil surgeon.
Your regular healthcare provider may still help by supplying medical records, vaccination documentation and treatment histories.
An immigration medical examination is also different from a comprehensive annual physical. It focuses on specific health-related immigration requirements rather than serving as a substitute for routine primary care.
What happens during an immigration medical examination?
Although individual appointments may differ, the civil surgeon generally evaluates several areas.
1. Medical history review
The physician or authorized clinical staff reviews relevant medical history, which may include:
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Previous illnesses and hospitalizations
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Chronic medical conditions
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Past tuberculosis diagnosis or treatment
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Relevant mental health history
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Medication and substance-use history
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Previous medical examinations and available records
Applicants should answer medical-history questions accurately and bring relevant documentation when available.
2. Required physical examination
The civil surgeon performs an examination according to the CDC Technical Instructions.
This includes evaluating physical and mental health findings relevant to the immigration examination.
The purpose is to identify conditions that may require documentation, additional evaluation or classification under immigration medical requirements.
3. Communicable disease screening
Depending on the applicant’s age, history and applicable CDC instructions, screening may involve:
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Tuberculosis testing
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Syphilis testing
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Gonorrhea testing
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Additional evaluation when clinically or legally required
Not every applicant requires the same combination of tests.
A positive screening result does not automatically establish that an applicant is ineligible for adjustment of status. The civil surgeon must follow the applicable CDC instructions to determine whether further evaluation or treatment is necessary.
4. Vaccination record review
The civil surgeon reviews the applicant’s available vaccination records and determines which vaccination requirements apply.
Requirements depend on factors such as age, documented vaccination history, evidence of immunity and applicable CDC instructions.
Some applicants may already have acceptable documentation. Others may need additional vaccines or assessment.
The CDC provides specific vaccination instructions for civil surgeons.
5. Additional testing or medical referrals
Sometimes the physician needs more information before completing the examination.
For example, additional evaluation may be required after certain tuberculosis screening results or when medical findings need clarification.
The civil surgeon determines the necessary next steps under the applicable instructions.
What should you bring to your civil surgeon appointment?
Preparing documentation in advance can make the appointment process more efficient.
Depending on the office’s requirements, useful items may include:
- A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport.
- Available vaccination records, including records from outside the United States.
- Relevant medical reports and treatment documentation.
- Previous tuberculosis screening or treatment records, if applicable.
- A list of current medications and important medical conditions.
- Any documents or forms specifically requested by the examining office.
Ask the office whether translated vaccination records are required and whether the appointment includes all necessary testing.
Do not assume that laboratory testing completed elsewhere will automatically be accepted.
Who completes and signs Form I-693?
The designated civil surgeon is responsible for completing and certifying the medical examination findings on Form I-693.
The form documents the relevant examination, screening results and vaccination assessment.
The applicant also has sections and signatures to complete according to USCIS instructions.
An examination appointment does not always mean the completed report will be available immediately.
The office may need to receive laboratory results, review additional documentation or arrange required follow-up before the form can be finalized.
For more information, see the official USCIS Form I-693 page.
If additional information is outstanding, ask the office what remains incomplete and when the report may be ready.
What happens after the civil surgeon completes Form I-693?
After the examination and required documentation are complete, the civil surgeon prepares the report according to USCIS requirements.
Applicants generally receive the completed Form I-693 in a sealed envelope for submission to USCIS.
Do not open the sealed envelope intended for USCIS.
Ask the office for any copies available for your personal records and follow the current USCIS filing instructions for your particular application.
Because immigration filing procedures and form requirements can change, confirm the applicable instructions before submitting your paperwork.
Does the civil surgeon decide whether you receive a green card?
No.
The civil surgeon documents the medical findings required for the immigration examination.
USCIS determines eligibility for adjustment of status and makes the immigration decision.
Completing an immigration medical examination does not guarantee approval of a green card application.
Medical offices can explain the examination process and related documentation, but immigration eligibility and filing strategy may require guidance from a qualified immigration attorney.
What is the difference between a civil surgeon and a panel physician?
Both perform immigration-related medical examinations, but they generally serve different application processes.
| Civil surgeon | Panel physician |
|---|---|
| Designated by USCIS | Designated through the U.S. Department of State |
| Generally conducts examinations in the United States | Conducts examinations outside the United States |
| Commonly serves adjustment-of-status applicants | Commonly serves immigrant visa applicants undergoing consular processing |
| Uses Form I-693 where applicable | Uses the applicable overseas medical examination documentation |
Applicants should follow the medical examination instructions for their specific immigration pathway.
Frequently asked questions about civil surgeons
Can any doctor perform an immigration medical exam?
Generally, no. For a standard adjustment-of-status examination, the physician must have the appropriate USCIS civil surgeon designation. Limited exceptions apply.
How do I find a civil surgeon near Indianapolis?
Use the official USCIS civil surgeon locator and confirm the physician’s designation before scheduling.
Does the civil surgeon perform all required laboratory tests?
The civil surgeon is responsible for ensuring that required examination procedures and testing are completed according to the applicable CDC instructions. Ask the office how laboratory testing is arranged.
Can I use vaccination records from another country?
Potentially, yes. The civil surgeon reviews the documentation for acceptability under CDC requirements. Reliable written records and translations may be necessary.
What if my tuberculosis blood test is positive?
A positive tuberculosis blood test generally requires further evaluation under the CDC Technical Instructions. It does not by itself establish active tuberculosis or determine the outcome of an immigration application.
How long does an immigration medical exam take?
The appointment length and time required to finalize Form I-693 depend on the examination, laboratory results, vaccination documentation and any necessary follow-up.
Ask the office about its current scheduling and processing procedures.
Can the civil surgeon guarantee my green card approval?
No. The civil surgeon reports medical findings, while USCIS decides the immigration application.
Immigration medical examinations in Indianapolis and Central Indiana
Lab On Demand provides immigration medical examination and related laboratory testing services in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Our Indianapolis location welcomes appointment inquiries from applicants traveling from surrounding Central Indiana communities, including:
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Carmel
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Fishers
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Noblesville
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Westfield
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Zionsville
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Lawrence
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Greenwood
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Southport
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Beech Grove
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Plainfield
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Avon
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Brownsburg
These are surrounding communities from which applicants may travel to Indianapolis, not additional Lab On Demand locations.
Whether you are preparing for an initial immigration medical examination, gathering vaccination documentation or following up on an existing report, confirm the appropriate appointment type with our office.
Immigration testing and preventive laboratory services
In addition to immigration medical examination services, Lab On Demand provides laboratory testing options related to preventive health, metabolic wellness, cardiovascular risk and longevity-focused care.
These are separate services. Tests offered for general wellness are not automatically required for Form I-693.
Request an immigration medical appointment at Lab On Demand
Preparing for your immigration medical examination?
Visit our Immigration Medical Exam Services page to learn more about the process.
Lab On Demand | Indianapolis, Indiana
Our goal is to help applicants understand the medical examination process and prepare the appropriate documentation.