Disclaimer: the information presented here is for educational purposes only, and should not be taken as medical or legal advice. AVFCA strongly recommends hiring an immigration lawyer to submit your green card application, and getting assistance from AVFCA if you are looking to understand the vaccination requirements and exemption options. AVFCA has successfully helped hundreds of Green Card applicants with this process.
The vaccination requirements for green card applicants are part of the medical examination process to ensure that individuals immigrating to the United States do not pose a public health risk. These medical requirements and exemptions are governed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Green card applicants must show proof of full age appropriate vaccination (aka multiple doses) against Mumps, Measles, Rubella, Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type B, Hepatitis B and COVID-19, or have a valid exemption.
Exemptions from vaccination requirements can be granted under specific circumstances:
Medical Exemptions are given by a medical doctor if a vaccine is not medically appropriate for the green card applicant due to a contraindication or precaution (e.g., allergy to a vaccine component, immune system disorders) and the civil surgeon certifies the exemption. Alternatively, if the vaccine is not appropriate for the applicant’s age, it is not required.
Blanket Waivers are given if a vaccine is not routinely available in the country where the applicant is being examined or if the applicant has insufficient time between doses to complete the vaccination series before the immigration medical examination. For the latter, the doses must be given at the appropriate time.
Applicants can apply for a Religious Beliefs or Moral Convictions Exemption by submitting Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, along with detailed documentation explaining the belief and how it conflicts with vaccination.
Vaccination is a critical component of the green card medical examination, in which a USCIS-designated civil surgeon reviews the applicant’s medical history, conducts a physical examination, and verifies vaccination records. Exemptions are available for medical reasons, religious beliefs, or moral convictions, but they require thorough documentation to ensure compliance with USCIS regulations. If you would like a consultation to help with green card vaccine requirements and exemptions, please email Christina directly (christina@avoiceforchoice.org), before you submit your green card application (if possible).