A panel physician is a medical doctor officially authorized by a government agency to perform a required medical examination for immigration purposes. This health screening is a standard part of the visa or green card application process. The physician ensures applicants meet the public health standards established by the receiving country, preventing the spread of certain diseases. The examination results are a legally recognized component of the overall immigration application.
Official Designation and Authority
A panel physician is distinct from a general practitioner because they are vetted and formally appointed by governmental authorities, granting them unique legal authority. For applicants outside the United States, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) or the local U.S. Embassy selects and authorizes these physicians to conduct examinations for immigrant visa applicants. These doctors follow the specific instructions and protocols set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The authority of the panel physician is tied to the applicant’s admissibility. A different designation, the “civil surgeon,” performs the same examination for applicants already inside the United States who are adjusting their status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In both cases, the physician’s findings determine if an applicant has a health-related condition that would make them ineligible for entry. This process ensures the examinations are standardized and legally recognized by immigration agencies.
Scope of the Required Medical Exam
The medical examination identifies health-related grounds for inadmissibility, focusing on conditions that could pose a threat to public health or safety. A primary focus is screening for communicable diseases of public health significance, which currently includes active tuberculosis, syphilis, and untreated gonorrhea. The physician conducts a physical examination, reviews the applicant’s medical history, and orders specific laboratory tests, such as a blood test for syphilis for applicants aged 15 and older.
The examination also includes a mandatory review of vaccination records to ensure compliance with requirements. If documentation is incomplete, the panel physician determines which missing vaccinations are medically appropriate and administers them. The doctor also evaluates the applicant for physical or mental disorders associated with harmful behavior, as well as for drug abuse or addiction issues. The physician records all findings on a specific form (e.g., Form DS-2054 or Form I-693), which is submitted to the government agency.
Locating and Scheduling the Appointment
Applicants must use only a physician from the official, authorized list to ensure the examination results are valid. For those applying from outside the U.S., the list of approved panel physicians is found on the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate website. Individuals applying within the United States for an adjustment of status must use the USCIS “Find a Civil Surgeon” tool on the agency’s official website.
Once an authorized physician is selected, the applicant should schedule the appointment and gather necessary documents, including valid photo identification and a complete history of vaccinations. Following the examination, the physician completes the required medical form and seals it in an envelope. The applicant must not open this sealed envelope, as it must be submitted unopened to the immigration authorities.