Immigration

Here at Buncombe County Health Center we understand that many people seeking adjustment of status are overwhelmed and confused while going thorough the process of changing their status in our country. We understand that you have worked very hard to save the money necessary to complete this process. We also understand that many people seeking a change of status are traveling long distances to us for their exams. We want to make the process of completing your medical examination as easy as possible.

The I693 medical examination must be conducted by a civil surgeon who has been designated by the Federal Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Buncombe County Health Center is a designated Civil Surgeon Site.

• When you come to your medical examination appointment, you need to bring your passport, or other form of government issued photo identification, and any written documentation that you may have of your vaccination history. If you do not have any vaccination documentation, please do not worry we will assist you in updating your immunization record during your visit.
  
  
• Unless you have tested positive to the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) previously and have official, documented written proof of this and a follow up chest x-ray, you will be required to have a TST (required for anyone 2 years of age and up). This required test means that you must follow up with us or one of our North Carolina Health Departments 48 hours after this test is given to you.
  
  
• If you are unable to submit all your vaccination records at the time of the exam, or if you have never had certain vaccines, the Civil Surgeon site can administer them to you.
  Important: Do not try to fulfill your vaccination requirements before you meet with the Civil Surgeon, in case it is not medically appropriate for you to have one or more of the required vaccines.
  
  

Please refer to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website, by clicking on the following link, Frequently Asked Questions on Form I-693

For more information on the topics listed below, you can visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website, which provides the most current information on the specific medical examination requirements (physical exam, TB testing, serologic (blood) testing, and vaccinations), and other important information.

Medical Exam

• Why are medical exams needed?
  
• Who has to have a medical exam?
  
• What if I am pregnant?
  
• What are the vaccination requirements?
  
• What if vaccinations are against my religious beliefs or moral convictions?
  
• What happens after the medical exam?

Doctors/Civil Surgeons/Panel Physicians

• Who gives the medical exam?
  
• How do I find a designated Civil Surgeon in my area of the United States?
  
• How do I find a Panel Physician if I am applying from overseas?
  
• Who pays for the medical exam?
  
• Designated Civil Surgeons

Forms and Paperwork

• What forms are needed?
  
• Is anything else needed?

After the Medical Exam

• What happens after the medical exam?
  
• What is a "medical waiver" and what does it do?
  
• What are "medical grounds of inadmissibility"?
  
• Are all physical or mental disorders considered "medical-related grounds of ineligibility"?
  
• What if I have a physical or mental disorder with associated harmful behavior?
  
• What if I am found inadmissible on medical grounds?
  
• What is a "communicable disease of public health significance"?
  
• What if I test positive for HIV?
  
• How do Civil Surgeons and Panel Physicians determine drug abuse or addictions?

Buncombe County Health Center
35 Woodfin Street
Asheville, NC 28801
Telephone (828) 250-5203
We hope to see you soon