Refugee Health Provider Resources

Refugee Health

Minnesota Civil Surgeons

A brief overview of the role of the civil surgeon and a list of USCIS-designated medical providers in Minnesota who can sign off on the I-693 medical exam.

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Minnesota Civil Surgeons (PDF)
Updated 12/2018

On this page:
Understanding the Role of the Civil Surgeon
Validity of the I-693 Form
For Immigrants
For Refugees
Tuberculosis Screening
Vaccinations
More Information
Minnesota Civil Surgeons List

Understanding the Role of the Civil Surgeon and Adjustment of Status for Refugees

Immigrants who have been in the U.S. for one year may complete medical evaluations to adjust their status and obtain a "Green Card" or Legal Permanent Residence status. The medical evaluation requirements are different for refugees and immigrants, so it is important to first determine whether the individual is designated as a refugee or an immigrant. In most cases your patient will know their designation. If they do not know, ask to see their “I-94” card. As a general rule, a refugee will have the word "refugee" printed on their I-94 card. For all applicants, USCIS Form I-693 must be completed, signed, and submitted in a sealed envelope.

The exam needs to be completed by a civil surgeon (a physician officially designated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or USCIS) or their designee. For applicants with refugee status only, the medical director of local public health in participating counties is also authorized to complete the form.

USCIS: 1-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record

Validity of the I-693 Form

The applicant must file the I-693 with USCIS within 60 days of signature. The form, then, is valid for a period of up to two years, while the USCIS adjudicates the application. Forms that are submitted after 60 days of signature or completed incorrectly are invalid and the application will be rejected.

Civil surgeons are encouraged to write the signature date on the outside of the envelope of sealed copy of I-693 to facilitate the client or lawyer in correct processing. Consider providing client with an extra (unsealed) copy for their records.

Validity of Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (Form I-693)

For Immigrants (including asylees and parolees)

A complete medical examination including immunizations is required.
The exam must be completed by a civil surgeon (a physician officially designated by USCIS) or their designee.

For Refugees

For refugees who arrived to the U.S. with a Class A condition (note: this is unusual), the entire medical exam is required, including any necessary vaccinations. In this case, a civil surgeon or their designee must complete the exam.
For refugees who arrived to the U.S. without a Class A condition, only immunizations need to be reviewed and updated. In this case, a civil surgeon or their designee or the medical director of local public health in participating counties must complete the exam.
Refugees who only need to submit the vaccination record should submit the entire Form I-693, but only need to complete the following sections:
- Part 1: Information About You
- Part 2: Applicant's Statement, Contact Information, Certification, and Signature
- Part 3: Interpreter Contact Information, Certification, and Signature
- Part 4: Applicant's Identification Information
- Part 6: Civil Surgeon's Contact Information, Certification, and Signature
- Part 9: Vaccination Record

CONSIDERATIONS FROM TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS

Tuberculosis Screening

Tuberculosis screening applies to all non-refugee immigrants (and refugees who arrived with a Class A waiver). Per September 2018 Technical Instructions, all applicants 2 years or older MUST have an IGRA TB test (not a TST). Positive IGRAs, applicants with known HIV infection, and those with signs or symptoms of TB disease must have a chest x-ray. Those applicants with a positive IGRA for whom active TB disease is ruled out have latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Civil surgeons should report LTBI diagnoses to the Minnesota Department of Health within 30 days of I-693 completion, using the Minnesota Latent TB Infection (LTBI) Reporting Form (PDF). While a release of information is not needed, patients should be informed of this referral.

MDH: Tuberculosis (TB)

Vaccinations

All applicants must meet vaccination requirements for the list of diseases designated by the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control for adjustment of status purposes. This is a subset of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidelines, and ACIP guidance should be followed regarding age, dosage, timing, and contraindications. As completion of a vaccine series often requires several months, the series may not be complete at the time of I-693 completion. Applicants are required to receive from the civil surgeon at least one dose of each age-appropriate vaccine listed in Table 1 for which the applicant is not currently up to date. Applicants should be encouraged to follow up with a primary health care provider to complete the series.

CDC: Vaccination Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons

To avoid high out-of-pocket expenses, applicants with insurance may go to their own primary clinic to complete or update immunizations prior to contacting a civil surgeon. For uninsured applicants, immunizations may be available at lower cost at the local public health agency in the county in which they reside. NOTE: Prices may vary among clinics.

Free or Low-Cost Shots for Children
Information on how to determine if your child can get free or low-cost immunizations.
Vaccination Clinics Serving Uninsured and Underinsured Adults
Search for clinics with free vaccine for qualifying uninsured and underinsured adults. For adults (19 years and older), immunizations may be available at low-cost at the local public health agency in the county in which they reside or in other participating clinics.

For More Information

Download the complete Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Find a Doctor who is authorized by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
CDC offers guidance on:

Additional guidance is available from the MDH Refugee Health Program at 651-201-5414

Minnesota Civil Surgeons List

Administrative fees for completing the I-693 form are not covered by insurance and vary between civil surgeons. Please check with the clinic for details.

Dakota County

Agency

Civil Surgeon

Address/Phone

Services Offered

DAKOTA COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Dr. Stiffman

Dakota County Western Service Center
14955 Galaxie Ave.
Apple Valley, MN 55124

952-891-7500

Review and process paperwork for I-693 for refugees who live in Dakota County, including vaccinations if needed.
Processing takes 2-4 weeks after required immunizations received.
Must call for an appointment.

MD PHYSICALS, INC.

Dr. Partida-Ruesga

14135 Cedar Ave. #300
Apple Valley, MN 55124

952-431-9655

Full I-693 medical exam
Review and process paperwork for I-693 for refugees, including vaccinations if needed.

Hennepin County

Agency	Civil Surgeon	Address/Phone	Services Offered
AA PHYSICIANS	Dr. Axelrod	6545 France Ave. S Suite 125 Edina, MN 55435 952-846-7446	Full I-693 medical exam Review and process paperwork for I-693 for refugees, including vaccinations if needed.
AM PHYSICIANS	Dr. Bacaner Dr. Mirman	4201 Excelsior Blvd. St. Louis Park, MN 55416 952-564-3882	Full I-693 medical exam Review and process paperwork for I-693 for refugees, including vaccinations if needed. Same day appointments; call before coming.
AMERICAN IMMIGRATIONS OF TWIN CITIES MEDICAL CENTER	Dr. Green Dr. Oldenburg	3264 W Lake St. Minneapolis, MN 55416 612-285-9996	Full I-693 medical exam Review and process paperwork for I-693 for refugees, including vaccinations if needed. For vaccination assessment, paperwork completed same day; all other paperwork returned within 2-3 days. Appointments generally available within 2 days.
BOYNTON HEALTH SERVICE	Dr. Park Dr. Risdahl	410 Church St. SE Minneapolis, MN 55455 612-625-3222	Full I-693 medical exam Review and process paperwork for I-693 for refugees, including vaccinations if needed. Practice is limited to University of Minnesota students, faculty, staff, and their dependents 12 years of age and older.
CENTRAL AVENUE CLINIC- NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTHSOURCE	Dr. Price-Isuk	2610 Central Ave NE Minneapolis, MN 55418 612-781-6816	Full I-693 medical exam
COMMUNITY-UNIVERSITY HEALTH CARE CENTER (CUHCC)	Dr. Borowsky Dr. Reif	2001 Bloomington Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55404 612-301-3433	Full I-693 medical exam Review and process paperwork for I-693 for refugees, including vaccinations if needed. Walk-ins accepted before 4 pm. Clinic accepts insurance.
CROWN MEDICAL CENTER	Dr. Nguyen Dr. Onyekaba	100 E. Franklin Ave. S Minneapolis, MN 55403 1925 First Ave. S Minneapolis, MN 55403 6901 78th Ave. N Ste. 103, Section B Brooklyn Park, MN 55445 612-871-2644 763-566-8700	Full I-693 medical exam Review and process paperwork for I-693 for refugees, including vaccination if needed. Walk-ins accepted before 4pm.
FREEMONT CLINIC- NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTHSOURCE	Dr. Vint	3300 Freemont Ave. N Minneapolis, MN 55412 612-588-9411	Full I-693 medical exam Review and process paperwork for I-693 for refugees, including vaccinations if needed.
HENNEPIN COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER PEDIATRICS	Dr. Maroushek	701 Park Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55415 612-873-6963	Full I-693 medical exam only Pediatric patients younger than 19 years old only.
HENNEPIN COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH CLINIC	Dr. Tsukayama	525 Portland Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55415 612-543-5555	Full I-693 medical exam only Call to schedule exam and assess immunization needs.
ODAM MEDICAL GROUP	Dr. Larbi-Odam	920 East 28th St. Suite LL40 Minneapolis, MN 55407 612-871-2312	Full I-693 medical exam Review and process paperwork for I-693 refugees, including vaccination if needed.
SHERIDAN NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTHSOURCE	Dr. Benzie Dr. Bresette	342 13th Ave. NE Minneapolis, MN 55413 612-362-4111	Full I-693 medical exam Review and process paperwork for I-693 for refugees, including vaccinations if needed.
V KARE CLINIC	Dr. Hussain	11209 Commerce Drive N Champlin, MN 55316 763-323-6564	Full I-693 medical exam only For vaccination assessment, paperwork completes same day; all other paperwork returned within 2-3 days.

Koochiching County

Agency

Civil Surgeon

Address/Phone

Services Offered

ESSENTIA HEALTH

Dr. Helleloid

2501 Keenan Drive
International Falls, MN 56649

218-283-9431

I-693 medical exams available on Tuesdays.

Lyon County

Agency

Civil Surgeon

Address/Phone

Services Offered

AFFILIATED COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTERS-MARSHALL

Dr. Kremer

Dr. Odland

1521 Carlson St.
Marshall, MN 56258

507-532-1114

Full I-693 medical exam
Review and process paperwork for I-693 for refugees, including vaccinations if needed.

Olmsted County

Agency

Civil Surgeon

Address/Phone

Services Offered

MAYO CLINIC- PREVENTIVE MEDICINE DIVISION

Dr. Cowl

Dr. Hagen

Dr. Molella

Dr. Swift

200 First St.
Rochester, MN 55904

507-284-4340

Full I-693 medical exam

OLMSTED COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH

Dr. Molella

2100 Campus Drive SE
Suite 100
Rochester, MN 55904

507-328-7500

Full I-693 medical exam
Refugees only

Ramsey County

Agency	Civil Surgeon	Address/Phone	Services Offered
CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL HEALTH	Dr. Perelman	451 N Dunlap St. St. Paul, MN 55104 952-967-7201	Full I-693 medical exam Review and process paperwork for I-693 for refugees.
CENTRAL MEDICAL CLINIC	Dr. Morales	393 N Dunlap St. LL34 St. Paul, MN 55104 651-644-6002	Full I-693 medical exam Review and process paperwork for I-693 for refugees, including vaccinations if needed.
COMPLETE HOME HEALTH SERVICES	Dr. Nomo-Ongolo	Silver Lake Plaza Building 4001 Stinson Blvd. NE Suite 332 St. Anthony, MN 55421 612-788-2273	Full I-693 medical exam Call to schedule exam and assessment of immunization needs.
EZY URGENT CARE	Dr. Perelman	1001 Johnson Parkway Suite A17 St. Paul, MN 55106 651-646-0028	Full I-693 medical exam Review and process paperwork for I-693 for refugees.
HEALTHEAST ROSELAWN CLINIC	Dr. Everson	1983 Sloan Place Suite 1 St. Paul, MN 55117 651-326-5700	Full I-693 medical exam Review and process paperwork for I-693 for refugees, including vaccinations if needed.
WEST SIDE COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES	Dr. Benfield Dr. Nesvig	153 Cesar Chavez St. St. Paul, MN 55107 651-222-1816	Full I-693 medical exam Review and process paperwork for I-693 for refugees, including vaccinations if needed.