Logan Reed
The vaccination requirements for immigrants seeking entry into the US have been a dynamic issue, with policies evolving over time. As of March 11, 2025, the CDC removed the COVID-19 vaccination from the list of mandatory immunizations for immigrants. However, prior to this date, there were specific requirements for COVID-19 vaccination proof for non-citizen, non-immigrant air travelers. The CDC, in collaboration with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), determines the necessary vaccines for immigration, focusing on age-appropriate immunizations and diseases eliminated or being eliminated in the US. Immigrant visa applicants must undergo a medical exam and provide proof of certain vaccinations, with civil surgeons or panel physicians assessing their medical condition and vaccination status. Refugees, unlike immigrants, are generally not required to receive vaccinations before entering the US, but they may receive them through various programs. The vaccination requirements for US immigration aim to protect public health and ensure the safety of incoming individuals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are immigrants required to be vaccinated? | Yes, immigrants are required to be vaccinated. |
| Who is exempt from vaccination requirements? | Refugees are not required to receive vaccinations before arrival in the U.S. U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are exempt from vaccination requirements. |
| What happens if a required vaccine is unavailable? | If a vaccine is unavailable, a civil surgeon or panel physician may indicate this on the medical exam form, and a blanket waiver may be granted through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). |
| What vaccines are required? | The CDC determines which vaccines are required for immigration purposes. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) requires certain vaccines, such as Hepatitis B and meningococcal. The CDC may also require additional vaccines in the interest of public health. |
| Are there any special considerations for pregnant women? | Yes, if a vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy, an immigrant may delay their medical examination until after pregnancy. |
| Are there any COVID-19 vaccination requirements? | As of January 20, 2025, applicants are not required to submit documentation of having received the COVID-19 vaccination for pending applications. |
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What You'll Learn
- Refugees are not required to be vaccinated before entering the US
- The CDC decides which vaccines are required for immigration
- The COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for immigrants
- Immigrants must submit vaccination records before their medical examination
- Civil surgeons conduct medical screenings and vaccinations for immigrants
Refugees are not required to be vaccinated before entering the US
Vaccinations are required for immigrants applying for a visa. Panel physicians who conduct medical examinations of immigrant visa applicants are required to verify that they have met the vaccination requirements or that it is medically inappropriate for them to receive one or more of the listed vaccinations. Immigrant visa applicants should have their vaccination records available for the panel physician's review at the time of the immigrant medical examination.
For refugees applying for adjustment of status, health department physicians may complete only the vaccination record portion of Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, as blanket-designated civil surgeons. Refugees may have received vaccines before their displacement, from programs run by countries of asylum (depending on healthcare access), through vaccination programs and initiatives in refugee camps, or during the overseas health assessment as part of the Vaccination Program for US-Bound Refugees.
At the first domestic health visit, clinicians should review all available vaccine records, perform any necessary testing, and update or revaccinate as appropriate. Checking for laboratory evidence of immunity (i.e. antibody levels) is an acceptable alternative to vaccination when previous vaccinations or disease exposure are likely.
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The CDC decides which vaccines are required for immigration
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) decides which vaccines are required for immigration. The CDC publishes the vaccination requirements and medical examination instructions, including a detailed table listing all the necessary vaccines. The CDC's criteria for determining which vaccines are required for immigration are based on recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The ACIP advises the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the CDC on immunizations for the general US population.
The CDC assesses whether new vaccines recommended by the ACIP should be required for immigration on a regular and as-needed basis. The CDC's criteria for selecting these vaccines include the following:
- The vaccine must be age-appropriate as recommended by the ACIP for the general US population.
- The vaccine must protect against a disease that has been eliminated or is in the process of being eliminated in the US.
- The vaccine must protect against a disease that has the potential to cause an outbreak.
Some vaccines are expressly required by statute, such as the Hepatitis B vaccine, which is listed in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The CDC requires immigrants to receive additional vaccines, such as the meningococcal vaccine. If an applicant has not received the required vaccines and they are age-appropriate and medically appropriate, the applicant is deemed inadmissible.
It is important to note that the CDC's requirements are subject to change. For example, the COVID-19 vaccination was previously required for immigration medical examinations but was removed from the list of required vaccinations in March 2025. Similarly, the zoster vaccine was removed from the list of required vaccines for immigration purposes in December 2009.
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The COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for immigrants
The United States has specific vaccination requirements for immigrants seeking adjustment of status or applying for immigrant visas. These requirements are outlined by the CDC and include vaccines such as Hepatitis B and Meningococcal. Previously, COVID-19 vaccination was also mandated for immigrants, but this is no longer the case as of January 20, 2025.
On January 22, 2025, the USCIS announced that officers would no longer deny adjustment of status applications based on an applicant's failure to provide documentation of receiving the COVID-19 vaccination. This change was reflected in the CDC's Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons, which removed the COVID-19 vaccination from the list of required vaccinations for immigration purposes.
As a result, applicants subject to immigrant vaccination requirements are not obligated to submit proof of completing the COVID-19 vaccination series for any applications pending on or after January 20, 2025. This shift in policy brings relief to immigrants who were previously required to provide vaccination records before their immigration medical examinations could be considered complete.
It is important to note that while the COVID-19 vaccination is no longer a mandatory requirement for immigrants, other standard vaccination mandates remain in place. Immigrant visa applicants must still obtain certain vaccinations, as outlined by United States immigration law, prior to receiving their immigrant visas. Panel physicians conducting medical examinations are tasked with verifying that immigrant visa applicants have fulfilled these vaccination requirements or determining if an exception applies due to medical inappropriateness.
The relaxation of COVID-19 vaccination requirements for immigrants aligns with broader changes in the United States. As of May 12, 2023, non-immigrant travelers to the United States are also exempt from the mandate of being fully vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccine before entering the country via air, land, or ferry.
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Immigrants must submit vaccination records before their medical examination
The United States has specific vaccination requirements for immigrants seeking to enter the country. Immigrant visa applicants must obtain certain vaccinations before their visa is issued. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes the vaccination requirements and medical examination instructions, which are binding on civil surgeons. The CDC also determines which vaccines are required for immigration purposes, based on specific criteria.
Immigrants must submit their vaccination records before their medical examination. Panel physicians who conduct these medical examinations are required to verify that immigrant visa applicants have met the vaccination requirements. If an applicant does not have a vaccination record, the panel physician will work with them to determine which vaccinations they need to meet the requirement. Applicants should consult their regular healthcare provider to obtain a copy of their immunization record, if available.
Form I-693, the Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, is used to record the results of the medical examination, including the vaccination assessment. The civil surgeon will review the applicant's vaccination records and administer any necessary vaccines. Refugees applying for adjustment of status must submit a partial Form I-693, which includes the vaccination record portion.
It is important to note that the COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for immigration purposes as of January 20, 2025. Additionally, if receiving a particular vaccine is not medically appropriate, the civil surgeon should indicate this on Form I-693, and USCIS will waive that vaccine requirement.
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Civil surgeons conduct medical screenings and vaccinations for immigrants
Civil surgeons play a crucial role in ensuring that immigrants meet the necessary vaccination requirements for entry into the United States. They conduct medical screenings and provide vaccinations to immigrants, following guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
The CDC publishes the Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons, which outlines the vaccination requirements and medical examination instructions that civil surgeons must adhere to. These instructions are designed to ensure that immigrants are properly vaccinated to protect their health and that of the community.
When evaluating an immigrant, a civil surgeon will review their vaccination records and verify if they have received the required vaccinations. If an immigrant has not received the necessary vaccinations, the civil surgeon will administer them, ensuring that the vaccines are medically appropriate for the individual. The surgeon will also assess any contraindications or precautions that might impact the administration of vaccines, as outlined in the ACIP immunization schedules.
After administering the necessary vaccinations, the civil surgeon completes Form I-693, the Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. This form is then provided to the immigrant in a sealed envelope, which they present to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The form includes the vaccination history and a record of any vaccines given during the medical examination.
It is important to note that the vaccination requirements may vary depending on the immigrant's status. Refugees, for example, are not required to receive vaccinations before entering the United States but must meet vaccination requirements when applying for adjustment to permanent resident status. Additionally, as of March 11, 2025, the COVID-19 vaccination is no longer a mandatory requirement for immigration purposes.
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Frequently asked questions
No, United States immigration law requires immigrant visa applicants to obtain certain vaccinations prior to the issuance of an immigrant visa. However, if a required vaccine is not available, a blanket waiver may be granted through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
The vaccination requirements for immigrants entering the US are determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC requires immigrants to receive vaccines that protect against diseases that have been eliminated or are in the process of being eliminated in the United States, such as Hepatitis B and Meningococcal.
Yes, there are some exceptions to the vaccination requirements for immigrants. Refugees, for example, are not required to receive vaccinations before arriving in the United States. Additionally, if a vaccine is not medically appropriate for an individual, a civil surgeon can indicate this on the Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, and the vaccination requirement can be waived.
