COVID VACCINE REQUIREMENT FOR MEDICAL EXAMS

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that, as of October 1, 2021, immigrants subject to the requirement of a medical examination must complete a COVID-19 vaccine series and provide documentation of vaccination. This applies to all medical exams signed on or after October 1, 2021. For exams completed on or after October 1, 2021, applicants must provide proof of vaccination in the form of a record or medical chart with notes from appropriate medical personnel. Self-reported vaccinations will not be accepted as proof of vaccination. 

There are blanket waivers to the vaccination requirement in the following circumstances: 

1. If an applicant is too young to receive the vaccine; 

2. If an applicant has a medical contraindication to the vaccine; 

3. If an applicant resides in an area where the applicant does not have access to an 

     approved vaccine or the supply is so low that it would cause an unreasonable delay in 

    the applicant’s application;

Applicants can apply for an individual waiver based on religious or moral objections. If an applicant seeks an individual waiver, the applicant needs to file a Form I-601. To obtain a waiver of the vaccination requirement, an applicant must establish the following: 

1. The applicant must be opposed to all vaccines in any form; 

2. The applicant’s objection must be based on religious or moral beliefs; and 

3. The applicant’s religious belief or moral conviction must be sincere. 

These waivers are also subject to an officer’s discretion, which means that prior to granting a waiver, in addition to considering the above-listed requirements, the officer will determine if the waiver should be granted as a matter of discretion.