USCIS Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination for Immigration Medical Exams Beginning October 1, 2021

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced on September 14th, 2021, that, effective Oct. 1, 2021, applicants who are required to complete an immigration medical examination must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before the civil surgeon can complete and sign Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.

This new requirement will apply prospectively to all Forms I-693 signed by the civil surgeons on or after that date.  USCIS is working to update its current Form I-693 and the form instructions to incorporate this new requirement.

Individuals applying to become lawful permanent residents (a/k/a “green card” holders), along with certain other applicants, are required to complete immigration medical examinations to show they are free from any conditions that would render them inadmissible under the health-related grounds. Only physicians designated by USCIS as civil surgeons may perform immigration medicals.   

Individuals may also apply for individual waivers based on religious beliefs or moral convictions by submitting Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility.

For more information, see the USCIS policy alert: USCIS COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement Policy Alert.