The doctor is NOT your friend. Your I-693 Medical Exam is NOT confidential or privileged.
When you go to a USCIS-approved doctor for the service of USCIS medical exam, remember that–for the purposes of the USCIS exam–the doctor works for the US government, not for you. Anything that you tell the doctor could be communicated to the US government. The doctor cannot violate medical ethics by communicating information about you to other parties aside from USCIS, but for the purpose of the exam, you are consenting to the doctor sharing all information with USCIS.
What does this mean? It means that you should NOT ask the doctor questions, such as “I smoked marijuana last year. Is that a problem?” Or, “What do you mean by having a issue that makes me violent? I have had many physical fights with my brother, even this year, is that a problem?” Or, “I’ve never told anyone that I am suicidal. Do I need to tell you?” These are all important issues and questions, but they are issues that you should NOT discuss with the USCIS doctor. Go to another doctor or therapist for a confidential, protected meeting.
My advice to clients is to review Form I-693 (at this link) before you go to your USCIS medical exam. Get familiar with what you may be asked, and take some time to think about truthful answers that won’t be problematic. If you are worried about ANY issue on Form I-693, speak with your immigration attorney about your questions before you to go the Medical Exam.
It is important to note that USCIS doctors in the US generally will not share information directly with the USCIS. The doctor will give you the report, and if you decide not to submit it to USCIS, it is very likely that USCIS will never receive it. However, if you are getting a green card through an embassy or consulate outside the US, you will be scheduled for a medical exam with a US government doctor who will directly send the results to the US embassy/consulate. You will have no option to cancel the report–the US government will get it and any information, such as “I smoked marijuana last month” will be used against you.
If you need to talk to an experienced immigration attorney. We’ve helped hundreds of people traverse the complicated immigration and citizenship process. We would love to help you as well. Call (617-744-7919) or email hello@cambridgeimmigrationlaw.com to get in touch.
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