COVID-19 Vaccination Required for Immigrant Visa Applicants, Fiancé(e) Visa Applicants, and Some Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants
By: Dayna Lally, Esq.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of State announced that all immigrant visa applicants, fiancé(e) visa applicants, and some nonimmigrant visa applicants are required to receive a full COVID-19 vaccine series.[i]
Additionally, individuals submitting a Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, when filing for a green card from within the United States must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.[ii]
Self-reported vaccine doses do not signify proper proof.[iii] A USCIS designated civil surgeon’s review of the vaccination documentation requires:
- A vaccination record;
- Copy of a medical chart with physician entries; or
- Review by appropriate medical personnel.[iv]
If a sealed medical was completed before October 1, 2021, and remains valid, a green card applicant is not required to have the vaccine.[v]
According to the AILA Client Practice Advisory:
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.[vi]
USCIS Medical Exam
If you would like to know more about the USCIS medical exam, contact Lally Immigration Services, LLC at [email protected]. Consultation fees apply.
Disclaimer: This blog article is provided by Lally Immigration Services, LLC for informational and marketing purposes. This article does not constitute legal advice nor does it establish an attorney-client relationship. No reader should act, or refrain from acting, on the basis of any information presented in this article, or elsewhere on this website, without seeking the advice of appropriate legal counsel, or other professional counsel, licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. Lally Immigration Services, LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability with respect to any actions taken, or not taken, based on any content of this article or website. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Last Reviewed/Updated: 10/06/2021
[i] See: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/changes-to-vaccination-requirements-for-immigrant-visa-applicants.html (accessed on October 6, 2021).
[ii] See AILA COVID-19 Vaccine: Client Practice Advisory
[iii] Id.
[iv] Id.
[v] Id.
[vi] Id.
