In a significant update for U.S. immigration applicants, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially removed the COVID-19 vaccine requirement from its immigration medical examination process, effective January 22, 2025. This change simplifies the medical requirements for permanent residence applications while maintaining other vaccination protocols. If you’re applying for a green card, it’s important to understand what this policy shift means for your immigration journey.
Key Changes to COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
The removal of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate brings several crucial updates to the immigration process:
No COVID-19 Vaccine Documentation Required: USCIS will no longer request COVID-19 vaccination records on Form I-693, which is the medical examination form for green card applicants.
No Additional Evidence Needed: Applicants will not be asked to provide evidence of their COVID-19 vaccination status.
No Denials for Missing COVID-19 Vaccine Records: Applications will not be denied due to a lack of COVID-19 vaccination documentation.
Waiver of Previous COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements: The previous requirement for COVID-19 vaccination has been officially waived, bringing relief to many applicants.
While this change removes the COVID-19 vaccine from the equation, other vaccination requirements for permanent residency remain unchanged. Applicants will still need to meet the standard vaccination protocols that include vaccines like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), among others recommended by U.S. public health authorities.
Medical Examination Updates
Although the COVID-19 vaccination requirement has been lifted, the immigration medical examination process continues with some necessary adjustments:
No COVID-19 Vaccine Verification: Civil surgeons are no longer required to verify COVID-19 vaccination status.
Form I-693 Adjustments: Sections of Form I-693 related to COVID-19 vaccines can now be left blank.
No Need to Include Previous COVID-19 Vaccine Documentation: Applicants who have prior COVID-19 vaccine records do not need to submit them.
Vaccination Requirements
While the COVID-19 vaccine is no longer a requirement for U.S. permanent residence applications, USCIS still mandates other standard vaccinations, including those for diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, and other illnesses recommended by U.S. public health authorities. Applicants should ensure they are up to date with these vaccines as part of their medical examination process.
Application Process Changes
The policy change affects different types of green card applications, including Adjustment of Status, Consular Processing, and Refugee applications. Here’s how the removal of the COVID-19 vaccine requirement impacts these processes:
For Adjustment of Status (Form I-485):
Submit your medical exam with your Form I-485.
Work with a USCIS-authorized civil surgeon in the United States.
No need to provide COVID-19 vaccination proof.
No explanation required for the absence of COVID-19 vaccine documentation.
For Consular Processing:
Schedule your exam with an authorized panel physician in your home country.
Panel physicians will follow updated guidelines that exclude COVID-19 vaccine checks.
The embassy will adjust its requirements to reflect this policy change.
For Refugees:
Health department physicians can complete your vaccination record.
Special provisions apply for refugee adjustment of status.
Quick Reference Guide
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key points:
The change is immediate and applies to all new applications.
If you’ve already submitted your application, no further action is needed.
Previous COVID-19 vaccine requirements are no longer enforced.
Other vaccination requirements, such as MMR, remain in effect.
As immigration policies can change frequently, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest updates to ensure your green card application reflects the most current requirements. At Canero Fadul Reis Law, we are here to guide you through every step of your immigration process, helping you navigate the complexities with confidence.
Stay Updated with Canero Fadul Reis Law
For more information on how this policy change affects your green card application, or if you need assistance with your immigration process, contact us today. We’re here to ensure your application is complete and compliant with the latest USCIS guidelines.
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