COVID-19 Vaccine To Be Required for I-693 Medical Exams for Green Card Applicants

Starting October 1, 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State will require COVID-19 vaccinations for all applicants applying for refugee or lawful permanent residence (with a few exceptions). All permanent residency applicants who receive their medical examination from a Civil Surgeon or Panel Physician on or after October 1, 2021, must complete the COVID-19 vaccine series and provide documentation of vaccination.

Effective for I-693 Medical Exams Starting October 1, 2021

This change will impact anyone who completes Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, on or after October 1, 2021. If Form I-693 is completed before October 1, 2021, and remains valid (see our article on I-693 validity terms), the COVID-19 vaccine will not be required.

According to the new CDC guidance, the Civil Surgeon must physically inspect and confirm the applicant’s documentation that they have received all appropriate doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination documentation will be in the form of a vaccination record, copy of a medical chart with physician entries, or by appropriate medical personnel. Self-reported vaccine doses without written documentation will not be accepted. A COVID-19 test will not be accepted. The I-693 form will then have to be completed by the Civil Surgeon and document the COVID-19 formulation and the number of doses given.

Waivers and Exceptions

CDC provides for a few waivers and exceptions. Waivers are available for applicants who are too young to receive the vaccine, have a medical contraindication to the vaccine, or who do not have access to one of the approved COVID-19 vaccines in their countries. In addition, individuals may request an individual waiver based on religious or moral convictions with USCIS.

Conclusion

We also remind our readers that there may be additional COVID-19 requirements to travel to the U.S., including having to show a negative COVID-19 test obtained within 3 days of departure, or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 3 months, before boarding a flight to the United States (see CDC order; please ensure this information is accurate as of the date of travel).

Our office will continue to monitor and report developments on this and related topics. Please do not hesitate to contact us or consider our consultation options.  Also, please subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to ensure that you obtain this and related immigration-related news and announcements.