COVID-19 VACCINE: Do I still need it to get a green card?

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Are you applying for a green card or immigrant visa? Want to know whether the COVID-19 vaccine is required to immigrate to the United States?

Then this is just the right video for you. In this video you will learn all about the COVID-19 vaccination requirement from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), as well as other useful information regarding the Form I-693, Medical Examination and religious exemptions to the vaccination requirement. This information is being provided to help you understand the medical examination requirements and prevent the issuance of a Request for Evidence.

Did You know? Last year, USCIS announced the COVID-19 vaccination requirement which impacted all adjustment of status applications and medical examinations, filed on or after October 1, 2021.

If you want to know more just keep on watching.

Overview

What are the COVID-19 vaccination requirements?

Effective October 1, 2021, USCIS announced that applicants for adjustment of status subject to the immigration medical examination must complete the COVID-19 vaccination series before their civil surgeon can complete and sign the Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.

This means that if you submit your Form I-693 medical examination on or after October 1, 2021, you are required to complete the entire COVID-19 vaccine series (1 or 2 doses depending on formulation) and submit evidence of vaccination to your civil surgeon. During your medical examination appointment, your civil surgeon will inspect your vaccination record to make sure you have all of the necessary vaccinations, and discuss your vaccination history with you before signing the I-693 medical examination.

If you submitted your Form I-693 before October 1, 2021, then are not required to complete the COVID-19 vaccine series in order to obtain your adjustment of status.

Can I self-report my vaccinations?

No. You cannot self-report your vaccination record. Your physician must provide your complete vaccination history including the name of each vaccine, date each vaccine was taken, and signed verification that you have received each required vaccine. If you have not taken a required vaccine, the civil surgeon will need to administer the vaccination during your medical examination appointment, otherwise your Form I-693 will be incomplete and rejected by USCIS.

What if I do not want to take the COVID-19 vaccine?

Those who fall under any of the below categories may seek a blanket waiver of the vaccination requirement from USCIS:

  • If the vaccine is not age-appropriate;
  • If the individual is contraindicated due to a medical condition;
  • If the vaccine is not routinely available where the civil surgeon practices; or
  • The vaccine is limited in supply and would cause significant delay for the applicant to receive the vaccination.

Those who oppose taking the COVID-19 vaccine based on religious beliefs or moral convictions may apply for an individual waiver by submitting Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, paying the required filing fee of $930, and submitting documentary evidence of the religious exemption criteria.

In general, to qualify for a waiver based on religious belief or moral conviction you must demonstrate that (1) you are opposed to all vaccinations in all forms (2) your objection to vaccination must be based on religious beliefs or moral convictions, and (3) your religious belief must be sincere and adhered to in subjective good faith.

For more information about how to apply for a waiver of the COVID-19 vaccination requirement based on grounds or religious beliefs or moral convictions, please click here.

Noncitizens traveling to the United States must still be fully vaccinated against COVID-19

As a reminder, noncitizen nonimmigrants seeking to enter the United States by air are still required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States from a foreign country.

If you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you will NOT be allowed to board a flight to the United States, unless you meet the criteria for an exception under the Proclamation and CDC’s Amended Order.

Want to know more? Schedule your consultation by texting 619-483-4549 or calling us at 619-819-9204. We look forward to helping you.