Searching for "immigration exam doctor in Houston" returns plenty of results, but not all of them can help. For the I-693 exam you need a specific kind of doctor: a civil surgeon. Here is what that means, how to check it and what to ask before you pay.
What is a civil surgeon?
A licensed physician officially designated by USCIS to perform immigration medical exams inside the United States. The designation comes from USCIS, not from the state or a medical board, and it can be revoked. A doctor without it can treat you for anything else, but their signature on Form I-693 is not valid.
What do they do, and what don't they do?
They do:
- Review your medical history and vaccination records.
- Perform the physical exam and order the tests the CDC requires, such as tuberculosis and, depending on age, syphilis and gonorrhea.
- Give or refer you for any missing vaccines.
- Complete, sign and hand you Form I-693 in a sealed envelope.
They don't:
- Decide whether your green card is approved; USCIS does.
- Give legal advice or prepare your I-485. That is your attorney's or accredited representative's job.
- "Fix" results or skip required tests.
How can I check that a doctor is designated?
USCIS has an official civil surgeon locator. Open the USCIS Find a Doctor tool, enter your ZIP code (for example, 77092) and check that the doctor's name appears. If a clinic says it has a civil surgeon, ask for the doctor's name and look it up there.
What should I ask before booking?
- What is the total cost? USCIS does not set the price. Ask what is included and what is extra (tests, vaccines, X-ray).
- Do you give vaccines at the clinic? That saves you a trip elsewhere.
- How many days do results take? Some tests take a few days, so the form is usually not ready the same day.
- Can I be seen in Spanish? Understanding every history question avoids mistakes.
- Do you use the current edition of the form? Since July 2025 USCIS only accepts the 01/20/25 edition.
Red flags
- They offer the form without an exam or without tests.
- They cannot tell you the name of the doctor who signs.
- They guarantee your case will be approved.
When is the best time for the exam?
Since December 2024, Form I-693 must be filed together with Form I-485. The best time is when your package is almost complete, so you do not have to repeat steps.
Civil surgeon at Clínica Hispana Mangum
At our clinic at 2912 Mangum Rd, Suite A, the I-693 immigration medical exam is performed by the clinic's medical team with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon, with care in Spanish or English. We also do blood tests and give vaccines on site. For a step-by-step look at the visit, read our I-693 exam guide. Call (832) 834-5507; we are open every day from 9 AM to 9 PM.
Sources: USCIS: Find a Doctor · USCIS: Form I-693 · USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 8, Part B
