Yes, You Can Change Civil Surgeons

There is no USCIS rule that prevents you from changing civil surgeons. If you are dissatisfied with your current provider, concerned about their accuracy, or have discovered that their designation has lapsed, you are free to seek a different civil surgeon.

However, changing civil surgeons is not a simple transfer of records. A new civil surgeon must perform a complete, independent examination — they cannot simply review or adopt the work of a previous provider.

What Must Be Repeated

When you change civil surgeons, the following components of the immigration medical exam must be performed again by the new provider.

• Complete physical examination by the new civil surgeon
• All required laboratory tests (TB/IGRA, syphilis, gonorrhea)
• Review and documentation of vaccination records
• Completion and sealing of a new Form I-693

What May Carry Over

Vaccines you have already received and properly documented may be credited by the new civil surgeon. Bring all vaccination records — including records from your previous civil surgeon's office — to your new appointment.

The new civil surgeon will review your records and determine which vaccines satisfy USCIS requirements and which, if any, still need to be administered.

Cost Implications

Changing civil surgeons means paying for a new complete examination. If you have already paid for an exam at your previous provider, you will need to pay again at the new provider.

Some clinics may offer partial refunds if you have not yet received all services, but this depends on the clinic's policies. Contact your previous provider to understand their refund policy before switching.

When Changing Civil Surgeons Makes Sense

Despite the cost and inconvenience, changing civil surgeons is sometimes the right decision.

• Your current civil surgeon's USCIS designation has lapsed
• You have serious concerns about the accuracy of the completed form
• Your civil surgeon has made errors that resulted in an RFE
• Your civil surgeon is unresponsive or unable to complete the process in a timely manner
• You have moved to a different geographic area