If you're applying for a green card, you’ll need to complete an immigration medical exam as part of the process. This requirement often leads to one very common question:
“Can I just go to my regular doctor for this?”
It seems like a logical choice — after all, your primary care doctor knows your medical history. But when it comes to USCIS requirements, the rules are very specific. Not every licensed doctor is authorized to perform immigration medical exams. While your family doctor may be highly qualified, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) only accepts medical exam results completed by authorized physicians. These designated doctors are known as civil surgeons.
That’s because immigration medical exams follow strict federal guidelines that go beyond a typical physical. USCIS wants to ensure all applicants meet the public health standards required for legal permanent residency.
What Is a Civil Surgeon?
A civil surgeon is a doctor who has been specifically authorized by USCIS to perform immigration medical examinations. These physicians are trained and approved to follow USCIS protocols, complete the required Form I-693, and identify any health conditions that could affect your immigration eligibility.
Why Your Regular Doctor Doesn’t Qualify
Even if your regular doctor is board-certified and has been treating you for years, they likely aren’t a designated civil surgeon unless they've gone through USCIS’s approval process.
Some key reasons why your regular doctor may not qualify:
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Not on the USCIS civil surgeon list
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Not trained in the specific requirements of immigration medicals
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Unable to complete and sign Form I-693 correctly
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No access to updated immigration health guidelines
Using a non-authorized doctor can lead to delays or even rejection of your immigration paperwork.
What Happens During the Immigration Medical Exam?
A USCIS-approved civil surgeon will:
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Review your vaccination history
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Test for communicable diseases (like tuberculosis)
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Conduct a physical and mental health evaluation
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Complete and seal Form I-693 in an envelope for submission to USCIS
This process ensures your medical records are properly documented and compliant with immigration regulations.
How to Find a USCIS-Approved Civil Surgeon
You can’t afford mistakes in your immigration process. The best way to avoid delays is to book your exam with a clinic that specializes in immigration medicals.
Lumberton Internal Medicine Group is an experienced provider of USCIS medical exams.
Our doctors are authorized civil surgeons, and we walk you through every step — from vaccinations to paperwork.
📞 Ready to schedule your exam?
Call us now 910-272-8800 to get started.
Find out why you need a USCIS-approved civil surgeon.
Choosing the right doctor can make all the difference. Don’t risk your green card by going to the wrong provider. Trust a certified civil surgeon who understands the USCIS requirements — and helps you get through the process smoothly.