Civil surgeon Examination in Adjustment of Status Applications
When applying for adjustment of status, all foreign nationals must undergo a medical examination with an approved civil surgeon to determine that he or she is not inadmissible to the United States on public health grounds. For details on what constitutes inadmissibility on health-related grounds, click here. Inadmissibility grounds can include: substance abuse, communicable diseases or mental disorders.
First, the applicant should find a USCIS-approved doctor nearby. The doctor will exam the applicant and perform a series of tests. The doctor may want to see the applicant’s vaccination records to determine whether he or she is up to date or whether booster shots or vaccinations are required. In some instances, applicants may be able to request a waiver of the vaccination requirement if it goes against his or her moral or religious beliefs. Approval of the waiver is discretionary.
Medical exam results are valid for one year from the date of issuance. They can be submitted with the adjustment of status application or at the final green card interview. While most people submit the exam results with the initial application for adjustment of status, there is a risk that the medical exam expires by the final interview. In this case, you may need to get another exam done prior to attending the final USCIS interview.