Click below for a list of our Civil Surgeons and the clinic location(s) available for your immigration medical exam.
Please note: the 1st visit in an “intake” appointment where your records will be reviewed, and necessary blood work drawn. This must be booked online (using links below) to ensure an Immigration Specialist is available for you.
The 2nd visit to complete your paperwork will be scheduled by the team after your blood work is reviewed at a time that works for you!
Civil Surgeons in Illinois
What is a Civil Surgeon?
A civil surgeon is a licensed medical doctor authorized by the U.S. government to conduct medical examinations of individuals seeking to apply for certain immigration benefits, such as permanent residency or a visa, in the United States.
Finding a Designated Civil Surgeon
To perform an immigration physical, a doctor must be a U.S. licensed medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO). These doctors must also be designated as a Civil Surgeon by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Civil surgeons are authorized to perform immigration physicals, which include a medical history review, physical examination, and any necessary laboratory testing, such as tuberculosis screening and blood tests. They are responsible for completing the required forms and providing any necessary vaccinations. It is important to note that not all doctors can perform immigration physicals, only those who meet the above criteria and are certified by USCIS.
Responsibilities of a Civil Surgeon
The responsibilities of a civil surgeon include:
Conducting medical examinations: A civil surgeon is responsible for conducting medical examinations of individuals seeking immigration benefits, including a review of the individual's medical history, physical examination, and testing for certain communicable diseases.
Completing medical forms: The civil surgeon is responsible for completing the necessary medical forms required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the immigration benefit sought by the applicant.
Administering vaccinations: The civil surgeon is responsible for administering any necessary vaccinations to the applicant.
Referring individuals for treatment: If a medical condition is identified during the examination, the civil surgeon is responsible for referring the individual for appropriate treatment.
Maintaining medical records: The civil surgeon is responsible for maintaining accurate and complete medical records of the examinations conducted.
Following USCIS guidelines: The civil surgeon is responsible for following the guidelines and regulations set forth by USCIS for conducting immigration physicals.
Protecting public health: The civil surgeon plays a vital role in protecting public health by ensuring that individuals seeking immigration benefits do not have infectious diseases that could pose a risk to the health of the U.S. population.
Overall, the civil surgeon is responsible for conducting a thorough medical examination and completing the necessary forms to determine if an individual is medically eligible to enter and reside in the United States.
What You’ll Need During Your Visit to a Civil Surgeon
What you need to bring
• Government-issued photo identification
• All available vaccine and medical records
• Payment for all exams
• Translator, if needed
• Children under 14 must have a copy of their birth certificate showing their parents’ names, birth location, and date of birth.
What Happens During the Immigration Exam
An immigration medical exam consists of two visits:
1st Visit: At this visit (the “intake”), your medical records and vaccination records will be reviewed (if you don’t have them, don’t worry, we will assist you with the following steps!, and necessary bloodwork for 3 infectious diseases will be drawn.
These are:
- Quantiferon Blood Test: a screening test for Tuberculosis that is mandated for all persons over the age of 2 years old
- RPR Blood Test: a screening test for Syphilis
- Gonorrhea Urine Test: a screening test for Gonorrhea
An Immigration Specialist will review your vaccination records. If you do not have your records, you may receive the vaccinations required (from our clinic or a local immunization clinic) or be tested for vaccine immunity by having a blood test called an “immune titer.”
2nd visit: At this visit (the “completion”), you will be seen by one of our Civil Surgeons.
At this appointment, your Civil Surgeon will review your test results and complete all paperwork relating to your medical exam, including form I-693.
You will receive a sealed copy of your I-693 federal form, which you will send to USCIS, and a separate copy for your records.