USCIS Immigration News

As of October 1, 2021, individuals applying through USCIS who are subject to the immigration medical examination must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

This update requires applicants subject to the immigration medical examination to complete the COVID-19 vaccine series (one or two doses, depending on the vaccine) and provide documentation of vaccination to the civil surgeon before completion of the immigration medical examination. This requirement is effective Oct. 1, 2021, and applies prospectively to all Forms I-693 signed by the civil surgeons on or after that date.

In general, individuals applying to become a lawful permanent resident, and other applicants as deemed necessary, must undergo an immigration medical examination to show they are free from any conditions that would render them inadmissible under the health-related grounds. USCIS designates eligible physicians as civil surgeons to perform this immigration medical examination for applicants within the United States and to document the results of the immigration medical examination on the Form I-693.

USCIS may grant blanket waivers if the COVID-19 vaccine is:

·         Not age-appropriate;

·         Contraindicated due to a medical condition;

·         Not routinely available where the civil surgeon practices; or

·         Limited in supply and would cause significant delay for the applicant to receive the vaccination.