Medical examinations are needed for adjustment of status cases (Form I-485). The medical examination must be conducted by a medical doctor who has been designated by USCIS as a civil surgeon.
Note: You cannot go to your personal doctor to have a medical exam for immigration purposes unless your doctor is a designated civil surgeon.
If you are applying for a visa outside of the United States, the Department of State will instruct you to have a medical exam conducted by a Panel Physician overseas prior to receiving your visa.
The medical exam has to be done by a doctor specifically approved for doing immigration physicals. If you live in the Greater Tampa Bay area, I recommend
Dr. Karen Juarez, D.O.
USCIS Designated Civil Surgeon
6601 Memorial Highway, Suite 200
Tampa, FL 33615
For Appointment Scheduling: (813) 433-1708
For areas outside the Tampa Bay area, here is the link on the USCIS website where you can locate the nearest approved doctor in your area:
https://my.uscis.gov/findadoctor
Or you can call call the National Customer Service Center at 1 (800) 375-5283.
After you have selected English or Spanish as your language of choice for the message,
choose #5 for medical examinations from the list of six automated options.
You will be asked to key in your zip code to help determine the list of designated civil surgeons close to you. Have pencil and paper ready to record the names of the civil surgeons provided.
Please refer to the USCIS webpage regarding vaccination requirements.
Currently, the COVID-19 vaccine is still required for green card applicants by USCIS as part of the immigration medical examination process. Applicants need to complete the COVID-19 vaccine series and provide documentation of vaccination to the civil surgeon before the completion of their medical examination. This requirement aligns with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines and is part of the broader vaccination criteria set for immigrants to ensure public health safety.
It’s important to note that this requirement is in addition to other vaccine-preventable diseases recommended by the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) and assessed during the immigration medical examination. If an applicant lacks any required vaccinations for their age category, the civil surgeon will administer the vaccines as needed. However, individuals may receive necessary vaccines from their private healthcare providers but must return to the civil surgeon with proof of vaccination.
Exceptions to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement can be made under specific conditions, such as when the vaccine is not age-appropriate, contraindicated due to a medical condition, not routinely available where the civil surgeon practices, or if its limited supply would cause significant delays for the applicant. Additionally, individuals may apply for individual waivers based on religious beliefs or moral convictions.
For the most current information and specific details about the vaccination requirements and potential waivers, it’s best to refer directly to the USCIS and CDC guidelines.
Revision Date: April 2024.