The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new guidelines mandating all green card applicants receive vaccination(s) against Covid-19. The new mandate applies to all green card applicants — both those applying for permanent residence while abroad or already in the U.S. Green card applicants who do not show evidence of Covid-19 vaccination will be deemed inadmissible to the U.S.
Are you applying for a green card? Contact Attorney Eric Price today. He has the experience and expertise to guide you seamlessly through the process — from filing the application and submitting the fee to ensuring you have all required evidence, including vaccination status. Contact Attorney Eric Price today at 1.855.662.2772 for a free case consultation.
Why Was This Change Implemented?
This change was implemented as a way to curb the transmission of the global health pandemic, Covid-19. As part of the change, the CDC will now classify Covid-19 as a “Class A Inadmissible Condition.” Since the U.S Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) now recommends Covid-19 vaccination for the age-appropriate, general U.S. population, Covid-19 vaccination is now required for applicants for refugee or immigrant status.
Getting Vaccinated
Getting vaccinated against Covid-19 is quite simple — and free. Most local pharmacies, including CVS, are offering the Covid-19 vaccine, so are most local health departments, hospitals, and doctor’s offices. A good start to finding a vaccine location near you is Googling ’Covid-19 vaccine near me’ or speaking with your primary care doctor.
How To Show Proof Of Vaccination
So, you’ve got the vaccine, now what? In order to show proof of vaccination, you must submit:
- An Official Vaccination Record
- A Medical Chart With Physician Entries Pertaining To Vaccination
- Appropriate Medical Personnel Attestation
The CDC guidelines state that the designated civil surgeon in charge of performing the medical examination necessary for the approval of green card status must confirm the applicant has received all doses of the Covid-19 vaccine by reviewing their personal medical history and vaccine documentation. If the Covid-19 vaccine is readily available, it is also possible for the designated surgeon or panel physician who performs the medical exam to vaccinate partially-vaccinated applicants during their exam.
Form I-693
Form I-693 is documentation that all green card applicants must fill out certifying their health status. In an attempt to not bring communicable diseases and conditions to the United States, USCIS has the right to deny green card status to any applicants who have a communicable disease or who are not vaccinated against communicable diseases, including Polio, Influenza, Hepatitis A and B, and now Covid-19. The validity period of I-693 forms was recently extended from two to four years as the court system deals with a massive backlog from Covid-19-induced closures and delays
Next Steps
Some resources to take your next steps include:
Contact Attorney Eric Price Today!
Working with an immigration attorney is one of the best investments you can make into your future in America. An experienced and skilled attorney will be by your side through the entire process — making sure you don’t miss a beat or fail to submit the required information that could jeopardize your case. Attorney Eric Price is dedicated to changing the lives of immigrants across the U.S., reuniting families across the country. Contact us today to learn more.
COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement FAQs
Covid-19 vaccination is a hot and often polarizing topic. Below you will find facts and answers to commonly asked questions about the vaccine.
Who Is Affected By This Change?
All immigrants applying for permanent or refugee status in the United States will be required to show proof of vaccination against Covid-19.
Are there Vaccine Exemptions?
The CDC approves the following exemptions to its Covid-19 vaccination policies for green card applicants:
- The applicant is too young to receive the vaccine.
- The applicant has a medical contraindication to the vaccine.
- The applicant does not have access to one of the CDC-approved vaccines.
- The applicant has applied for a waiver of the vaccine requirement for religious or moral purposes.
What If I’ve Already Been Infected With COVID-19?
Even if you’ve already contracted Covid-19, you must still be vaccinated before you can receive permanent status in the United States. USCIS will not accept a lab test that shows natural immunity from a prior Covid-19 infection.
What If I Test Negative For COVID-19?
Testing negative for Covid-19 is also not sufficient to satisfy the CDC’s Covid-19 vaccine requirement — the only way to meet this requirement is to get vaccinated or submit a valid exemption that is approved.
Which Vaccines Are Acceptable?
The CDC requires a World Health Organization (WHO) or U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved vaccine, including:
- Pfizer
- Moderna
- Johnson & Johnson
What If I Applied For A Green Card Before October 1, 2021?
The new requirement applies only to medical examinations done on or after October 1, 2021. If you’re unsure whether you need to submit proof of Covid-19 vaccination to USCIS, contact an immigration attorney. Your attorney will give you invaluable guidance and make sure you are meeting all USCIS requirements
