The CDC has added COVID-19 to the list of vaccinations required of applicants seeking U.S. lawful permanent residence. The requirement, which will be effective beginning October 1, will apply to applicants seeking adjustment of status from within the U.S. and those applying for immigrant visas at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
Applicants must complete the COVID-19 vaccine series and provide documentation of vaccination to the civil surgeon in person before completion of the required medical examination. If an applicant has not completed the vaccine series, the U.S. civil surgeon or panel physician performing the medical exam will be permitted to administer the vaccine to the applicant, but the medical examination cannot be completed until the full vaccine series has been administered.
Waivers will be available in certain cases, including those who cannot receive the vaccine due to age, contraindication, or in cases where the vaccine is not routinely available. Applicants may also request a waiver based on religious or moral grounds but United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will determine whether this type of waiver will be granted in a given case. Applicants who refuse the vaccine and are not otherwise eligible for or granted a waiver will be inadmissible to the United States.