When those who have immigrant status are required to adjust it or those who are non-immigrants still request for “V” non-immigrant status then such individuals are required to go through what is called an Immigration Medical Examination. For immigrants they have to apply for adjustment of status in Form I-485 and those who are non-immigrants have to do so in Form I 539.
WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE FOR THE IMMIGRATION MEDICAL EXAM
As you must be aware an immigration medical exam is mandatory for an individual, if the same is applying for a change of status in the United States of America. In order to have this done the same must be conducted by a doctor, or what is called an Immigration Doctor. These doctors must be specially approved by the USCIS, or the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. These immigration doctors are called Civil Surgeons by USCIS and are required to undergo some regulatory checks before they can take on the mantle of serving as USCIS Doctors.
FOR IMMIGRANTS WHO RESIDE INSIDE THE UNITED STATES:
For those immigrant aspirants who reside inside the United States a physician approved by USCIS – a doctor duly trained and qualified to administer the tests can conduct the examination.
FOR IMMIGRANTS WHO STAY OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY:
Those individuals who stay outside the country are required to conduct the examination by physicians who are appointed by the U S Department of State. These immigration doctors are also called ‘panel physicians’. For those who wish to find out more about these doctors can log on to the Department of State website, in order to find a specific doctor near the immigrant’s location.
ARE THE FEES THAT AN APPLICANT HAS TO PAY FOR THE IMMIGRATION MEDICAL DECIDED BY THE USCIS?
No. The fees are not decided by USCIS. Instead, each Civil Surgeon can fix up his or her own fees for various tests and vaccinations that make up the Immigration Medical Examination. Rates therefore, can vary from doctor to doctor.
WHAT IS THE MEDICAL FORM THAT HAS TO BE COMPLETED?
For applying to take the medical examination the applicant has to print out and carry with him the latest form relevant – the Form I 693. The PART 1 of the form has to be filled out – the form should be filled out but care should be taken that it is not signed, until the applicant is instructed by the Civil Surgeon that it can be done.
