As a part of the green card process, applicants must do a routine medical exam. The medical screening is meant to protect the health of the United States population. The exam ensures applicants have all required vaccinations and will not spread communicable diseases. Beginning October 1, 2021, the government will require COVID-19 vaccinations for all green card applicants. This is in addition to the list of several other already required vaccinations. Applicants who complete their medical exam on or after October 1, 2021 must complete the COVID-19 vaccine series. They must provide physical documentation of vaccination. Applicants who complete the medical exam prior to October 1, 2021 do not need to show proof of vaccination.
As a part of the exam, the doctor will review the applicant’s documentation to make sure the applicant has received all appropriate doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Self-reported vaccine doses without written documentation will not be accepted.
Waivers are available in limited circumstances. For example, applicants who are too young to receive the vaccine, have a medical contraindication to the vaccine, or who do not have access to one of the approved COVID-19 vaccines in their countries may obtain a waiver. Individuals may apply for a waiver based on religious or moral convictions with USCIS.