COVID-19 Vaccination Required for Immigration Medical Examinations

Immigrants wishing to reside in the United States must pass the Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (Form I-693). The I-693 exam and process requires various government forms and medical tests to be completed and submitted to USCIS by a USCIS civil surgeon. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, effective October 1st, 2021:

“Applicants subject to the immigration medical examination must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before the civil surgeon can complete an immigration medical examination and sign Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. (…)

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. (…)

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.”

If you have questions or concerns about how the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for immigration medical examinations might affect your case, please contact Smith Knudson to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.