COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for I-693 Medicals

Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that, effective October 1, 2021, the COVID-19 vaccination will be added to the list of required vaccinations for foreign nationals applying for permanent residency in the United States (i.e., a green card). The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) now has updated its policy guidance to reflect this mandate issued by the CDC.

Overview of COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

Per the new policy guidance, a report of medical examination and vaccination record (form I-693) signed by a civil surgeon on or after 01.Oct.2021, must include details of the foreign national’s COVID-19 vaccination record. As with other vaccinations required on the I-693, the civil surgeon must verify the COVID-19 vaccination status of the foreign national.

If the individual is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the civil surgeon will note the date/s the vaccination was administered on the form I-693. If not fully vaccinated, the civil surgeon may indicate that the individual is eligible for a blanket waiver from the USCIS based on the vaccine’s not being 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. If none of these conditions apply, the applicant may submit an individual waiver request with the USCIS based on religious or moral conviction objection to the vaccine.

Conclusion

Given the tremendous risk posed by COVID-19, and the proven efficacy and safety of the available vaccines, it is hardly surprising that the CDC has made this vaccine mandatory by adding it to the I-693 medical report for foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency. If any additional requirements are announced, such information will be posted on MurthyDotCom.

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