As part of the process of obtaining a green card while inside the United States, the intending immigrant must submit USCIS Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record completed by a designated civil surgeon. One of the many requirements is proof of vaccination against COVID-19. We discuss the required medical examination and the COVID-19 vaccination requirement here.
Is vaccination against COVID-19 required for a green card?
If you are filing for a green card through adjustment of status on USCIS Form I-485, you are required to also submit USCIS Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. Any USCIS Form I-693 completed on or after October 1, 2021, must also be accompanied by proof of vaccination against COVID-19. If your For, I-693 was completed before October 1, 2021, and remains valid, you will not be required to have the COVID-19 vaccination.
How does immigration verify COVID-19 vaccination?
As part of the USCIS Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, the civil surgeon performing the examination will require:
- Your vaccination record,
- A copy of your medical chart with physician entries, or
- Review by appropriate medical personnel.
Can I self-report COVID-19 vaccination?
You cannot self-report a COVID-19 vaccination or complete Form I-693 on your own. USCIS will only accept Form I-693 completed by a civil surgeon who will document the doses and the formulation of the vaccine.
Are there any exceptions to the COVID-19 vaccination?
The following are blanket exceptions to the COVID-19 vaccine requirements:
- 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.”
How do I find a doctor to perform my immigration medical exam and what should I expect?
How do I prepare for my immigrant visa medical exam?
Additional Outside Resources
- I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
- I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
- Find a Civil Surgeon
We Can Help!
Don’t know where to start? The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik Immigration Law have hundreds of 5-star client reviews and more than 30+ years of experience helping foreign nationals to obtain US permanent residence (green cards). We always start with a case assessment and offer several levels of legal services to fit your needs.
