COVID-19 Vaccination Required for Immigration Medical Examination

COVID-19 vaccination required for immigration medical examination. Individuals submitting Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, on or after October 1, 2021, must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Most applications for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or an immigration visa application with the Department of State (DOS) must submit Form I-693 completed by a designated civil surgeon. Certain other applicants may also be required to submit Form I-693.

If the applicant’s Form I-693 is completed before October 1, 2021, and remains valid, the applicant will not be required to have the vaccine.

Documents Proving The Applicant Received The COVID-19 Vaccine Must Be Inspected And Confirmed

The civil surgeon must physically inspect and confirm the documents proving the applicant received the COVID-19 vaccine. Review of vaccination documentation will require:

• A vaccination record,
• Copy of a medical chart with physician entries,
• Review by appropriate medical personal.

Self-Reported Vaccine Doses Will Not Signify Proper Proof

Self-reported vaccine doses will not signify proper proof. Additionally, the applicant’s Form I-693 must be completed by the civil surgeon and must document the doses and the formulation of the vaccine.

Blanket exceptions to the vaccine requirements include:

• Applicants who are too young to receive the vaccine,
• Individuals who have a medical contraindication to the vaccine, or
• Foreign nationals who live in an area where approved vaccines are “not routinely available”.

Individuals may also request a waiver of the vaccine requirement based on religious or moral convictions.

All passengers arriving in the United States by air are required to show a negative COVID-19 test obtained within three days of departure or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past three months.

Questions About COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements for Immigrants?

For more information on COVID-19 vaccination required for immigration, please contact immigration attorney Jessie M. Thomas.

Printable Flyer. COVID-19 Client Practice Advisory

View online, download, or print and share with others