Form I-910 And The New Application Process For Civil Surgeons In The US

15 Feb 2014

Effective 11^th March 2014, a new process will be implemented by USCIS to accept and arbitrate applications for the designation of civil surgeon in the US at the National Benefits Center. As per the changed process, a formal application has to be filed at a USCIS Lockbox by physicians who seek the designation of civil surgeon in the US. Centralizing the application process of civil surgeons will:

• Improve the process of application intake;
• Enhance the managing and tracking ability of civil surgeon applications for USCIS;
• Promote uniformity and consistency in USCIS decisions on matters related to civil surgeons; and
• Improve overall integrity and efficiency of the program.

As soon as centralization becomes effective, the Application for Civil Surgeon Designation, Form I-910, has to be completed by physicians seeking the designation of civil surgeon in the US, and need to pay an application fee of $615. Provisions of 2010 Fee rule of USCIS will be implemented by this new application form and process, and present civil surgeons will not be affected by it. Before 11^th March 2014, potential civil surgeons in the US must not file the form.

Earlier, the designation of civil surgeon in US has been a local process at the field office or district with jurisdiction over the office location of the potential civil surgeon. The new policy on US civil surgeons:

• Outlines the necessary professional qualifications for the designation of civil surgeon in the US;
• Clarifies and reaffirms the responsibilities, purpose and role of civil surgeons;
• Describes the application requirements for the designation of civil surgeon;
• Consolidated guidance is provided on blanket civil surgeon designation;
• Defines the process for adjudicating the applications of civil surgeons;
• Provides guidance on civil surgeon list maintenance; and
• Reaffirms the ability of USCIS to revoke the designation of civil surgeon and explains the grounds of revocation.

USCIS also published, on 28^th January 2014, the section of Policy Manual with complete and updated policy guidance about health-related waivers and inadmissibility grounds.