A civil surgeon is a physician officially designated by USCIS to conduct required medical examinations (Form I-693) for individuals applying for immigration benefits. The fastest way to find one is to search USCIS's free Civil Surgeon Locator by your address, city, state, or ZIP code. The database updates weekly, ensuring you find an active designated surgeon. If you lack internet access, call USCIS directly at 1-800-375-5283 for the same information.
Official resources:
- Read the official guidance from Uscis — Use this primary source to verify the official guidance.
- Read the official guidance from Uscis — Use this primary source to verify the official guidance.
Table of Contents
- Use the Official Search Tool
- Phone Option if You Don't Have Internet
- Why USCIS Designation Is Non-Negotiable
- What to Expect at Your Appointment
- What the Examination Will Cover
- Frequently Asked Questions
Use the Official Search Tool
uscis's Civil Surgeon Locator is a free searchable database designed to help applicants find designated civil surgeons in their area. Enter your location and the tool returns nearby physicians with their addresses and phone numbers so you can contact them directly.
Since the database updates weekly, verify that your chosen civil surgeon remains listed as you approach your appointment date. Call ahead to confirm their hours and how soon they can schedule your exam.
Phone Option if You Don't Have Internet
If you don't have internet access, call the USCIS Contact Center toll-free at 1-800-375-5283 to locate a civil surgeon by phone. USCIS staff can provide names, addresses, and phone numbers for designated civil surgeons in your region. This method takes slightly longer than the online tool but connects you to verified USCIS-approved doctors without requiring a computer or smartphone.
Why USCIS Designation Is Non-Negotiable
Only physicians officially designated by USCIS may legally conduct immigration medical examinations and complete Form I-693. Using an unapproved doctor invalidates the entire examination and may delay your application by weeks or months while you reschedule with a designated surgeon. This requirement ensures all immigration medical exams meet federal standards and are properly documented. Do not attempt to use a personal doctor unless you have confirmed they appear on the USCIS Civil Surgeon Locator.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
The civil surgeon must complete Form I-693 in your presence, sign it, and return it to you in a sealed envelope. Refuse any exam that is not returned sealed, unsigned, or incomplete, as these are not valid for immigration purposes. As of November 1, 2023, USCIS updated Form I-693 policy so that examinations completed and signed on or after that date do not expire, eliminating the previous 60-day validity period. This means your medical exam remains valid indefinitely once the civil surgeon signs it.
What the Examination Will Cover
Civil surgeons follow CDC Technical Instructions and evaluate you for communicable diseases, vaccination status, harmful behavior disorders, and drug abuse history. The exam may include a review of your medical history, a physical examination, and verification of your vaccination records. The civil surgeon's role is to assess whether you pose a public health risk or have conditions that would make you ineligible under immigration law—not to diagnose or treat medical conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after my civil surgeon signs Form I-693 is it still valid for my application?
As of November 1, 2023, the form does not expire. It remains valid indefinitely once the civil surgeon completes and signs it.
What if my personal doctor is not on the USCIS Civil Surgeon Locator?
Only USCIS-designated civil surgeons can legally conduct immigration medical exams. An exam by a non-designated doctor is invalid and will not be accepted, even if the doctor is licensed and experienced.
Can I use the online locator tool if I don't have a ZIP code, only a city and state?
Yes. The USCIS Civil Surgeon Locator accepts city and state as search criteria, as well as address and ZIP code.