Vaccination Requirements for Green Card Applicants: What You Need to Know

Completing a medical exam and receiving the required vaccinations is a key step in applying for a US Green Card. The US government specifies which vaccines are necessary and outlines who can administer them. Follow these guidelines closely to ensure a smooth application process and meet all health requirements.

Required Essential Vaccinations

The U.S. government maintains a list of vaccines that the immigrant should get before applying for a Green Card. These vaccines include but are not limited to the following-

  • mumps,
  • measles,
  • rubella,
  • poliomyelitis,
  • tetanus,
  • diphtheria,
  • pertussis, and
  • hepatitis A and B.

There are also some additional vaccines that should be considered by healthcare professionals. These include the following-

  • rotavirus,
  • meningococcal disease,
  • varicella,
  • pneumococcal disease, and
  • seasonal influenza.

Make sure to obtain these vaccinations before your immigration medical exam, as failure to provide proof may delay or complicate your application process. Moreover, vaccination issues and requirements should be discussed with an approved USCIS doctor.

Criteria for vaccinations

When receiving immigration benefits, the vaccinations must comply with ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) guidelines. So, you will have to go through the regimen set forth by ACIP in order to meet the Green Card immunization requirements for the United States.

Some vaccines require only one dose, while others require multiple doses, so you can catch up on them over time. However, the whole series should be finished later, except for COVID-19, which must be done during the medical exam

Where to get vaccinations?

Those outside the U.S. shall visit a Panel Physician appointed specifically by an embassy or consulate in the United States to obtain all the necessary vaccines. The physician can then give him the DS-3025 form, evidencing the administration of the vaccines.

Those inside the U.S. must meet Civil Surgeons designated by USCIS, who will check their records and immunization status to qualify them. After the individual has completed the vaccines, the Civil Surgeon will give him/her a sealed envelope with Form I-693, which is to be signed in their presence and submitted to USCIS as part of the Green Card application.

What if you have certificates for some vaccines?

You won’t need to repeat any doses if you’re already vaccinated. Your physician will just fill out your complete immunization history on Form I-693 or DS-3025. These vaccines may also be from your regular physician, but vaccination assessment and validation by a civil surgeon is required for Green Card processing.

Proving Your Vaccination Status for a Green Card

Proving Your Vaccination Status For a Green Card To prove that you have received all the required vaccinations necessary for obtaining a Green Card, you should present your medical records or an international vaccination document. The U.S. Government only accepts documented proof; oral statements are only sufficient if they are confirmed by a licensed doctor or medical professional with proper written verification.

Vaccination Waivers for Green Card Applicants

Certain individuals may qualify for vaccination waivers when applying for a Green Card. These exemptions apply to specific medical, non-medical, or adoption-related situations.

  • Medical Exemptions:These include medical conditions referred to by a doctor and determine that the vaccine is inappropriate due to the patient’s age, presents medical risks (e.g., allergy, previous reactions), or insufficient time between doses. Such a patient may then receive an exemption. Also, a vaccine will be marked as an exemption if it is unavailable during the applicant’s time of application, such as in the case of the flu shot.
  • Non-Medical Exemptions:Some applicants can apply for religious or moral exemption. However, it is not granted by the doctor but by USCIS. Consequently, a vaccination record would remain incomplete if vaccinations are not taken for non-medical reasons and, as a result, may hinder entry into the U.S.
  • Adopted Children:Children less than 10 years of age, adopted from abroad, are not subject to vaccination requirements so long as they fall under a Hague Convention adoption or into a certain category of international adoption.

In all cases, proper documentation and records are essential to confirm eligibility for exemptions.

Reviewed your vaccination records for the Green Card process.

At Green Card Medical NY, we offer comprehensive assistance with vaccination reviews for your Green Card application. If any required vaccines are missing, we will administer them to ensure you meet USCIS health standards.

Our team is here to guide you through every step, providing expert care and attention to detail. You can find out more or book an appointment by getting in touch with us today! We are happy to help you make your Green Card medical exam hassle-free and smooth.