Trevor James
The United States has specific vaccination requirements for immigrants and refugees. While US-bound refugees are not required to receive vaccinations before arrival, immigrants are subject to vaccination requirements. These requirements are set by the CDC and include certain vaccines such as Hepatitis B and Meningococcal. Immigrant visa applicants must undergo a medical examination and provide proof of vaccination or medical contraindications. Failure to meet these requirements can result in inadmissibility or delays in the visa application process. The COVID-19 vaccination was previously required but has since been removed from the list of mandatory vaccinations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who needs to be vaccinated? | Immigrant visa applicants |
| Who doesn't need to be vaccinated? | Refugees |
| Who pays for the vaccination? | The applicant |
| Can you refuse vaccination? | Yes, but your application for legal status may be affected |
| What happens if you don't have proof of vaccination? | The law states that the vaccines must be given at the time of the medical exam |
| What happens if you can't be vaccinated for medical reasons? | The civil surgeon should indicate this on the Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (Form I-693) |
| What happens if you're pregnant? | You may be able to delay the completion of your immigration medical examination until after your pregnancy |
| What happens if you don't have an SSN or state-issued ID? | You cannot be denied a vaccination on these grounds |
| What about the COVID-19 vaccine? | Immigrants are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a WHO-approved vaccine unless granted a waiver |
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What You'll Learn
- The US requires immigrant visa applicants to obtain certain vaccinations before the issuance of a visa
- Applicants must submit documentation of specific vaccinations, including Hepatitis B and meningococcal
- Civil surgeons determine whether an immigrant meets vaccination requirements
- Refugees are not required to receive vaccinations before arrival, but they are offered through the Vaccination Program for US-bound Refugees
- Immigrants are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a WHO-approved vaccine
The US requires immigrant visa applicants to obtain certain vaccinations before the issuance of a visa
The United States requires immigrant visa applicants to obtain certain vaccinations before the issuance of a visa. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has outlined vaccination requirements for immigrants, which include submitting documentation of specific vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes a list of required vaccines, and immigrant applicants must undergo a medical examination to verify their vaccination status.
The CDC, in collaboration with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), determines the vaccination criteria for immigration. The ACIP is a group of 15 experts who provide guidance on vaccination for adults and children in the US based on the latest scientific research. The CDC's vaccination requirements for immigrants are regularly updated to align with ACIP recommendations and protect public health.
The specific vaccinations mandated for immigrant visa applicants can vary over time as the CDC and ACIP update their criteria. For example, as of December 14, 2009, human papillomavirus (HPV) and zoster vaccines were no longer required for immigrant applicants. However, the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and CDC guidelines have expressly required certain vaccinations, such as Hepatitis B and meningococcal vaccines.
Additionally, in recent years, COVID-19 vaccination records have become a mandatory requirement for immigrants undergoing medical examinations. The USCIS has announced that applicants must submit their COVID-19 vaccination records before completing immigration medical examinations, both in the US and overseas. This requirement aims to protect public health and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
It is important to note that US-bound refugees are not subject to the same vaccination requirements as immigrants before their arrival in the country. Refugees may receive vaccines through various programs or during their overseas health assessment. However, upon arrival, they are assisted in scheduling follow-up visits to complete their vaccinations in accordance with ACIP recommendations.
The vaccination requirements for immigrants are designed to safeguard public health and ensure that individuals entering the country are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases. These requirements are subject to change as medical knowledge and recommendations evolve, always aiming to protect the health and well-being of both immigrants and the existing US population.
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Applicants must submit documentation of specific vaccinations, including Hepatitis B and meningococcal
The United States has specific vaccination requirements for immigrants. Immigrant visa applicants must obtain certain vaccinations before the issuance of an immigrant visa. Panel physicians are required to verify that immigrant visa applicants have met the vaccination requirements. If an applicant does not have proof of receiving the required vaccines, they must be given at the time of the medical exam.
The vaccination requirements are determined by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which is a group of 15 experts on vaccination. The ACIP provides guidance to the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The CDC publishes the vaccination requirements and immigration medical examination instructions, which civil surgeons are required to follow.
The specific vaccinations required for immigrants include Hepatitis B and meningococcal. Applicants must submit documentation of receiving these vaccinations. If an applicant has not received these vaccinations and they are age-appropriate and medically appropriate, the applicant has a Class A medical condition and is inadmissible. The term "not medically appropriate" applies to vaccinations that are not required based on the applicant's age or that cannot be administered due to a medical contraindication.
It is important to note that applicants are responsible for paying the appropriate fee for all vaccinations. The fees may vary by civil surgeon, so it is recommended to call several local civil surgeons to compare fees. Additionally, applicants can choose to delay their immigration medical examination if they want to wait to receive certain vaccines until after their pregnancy. However, this may delay the processing of their application for adjustment of status.
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Civil surgeons determine whether an immigrant meets vaccination requirements
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regulations require that all immigrant applicants receive a medical exam. During the exam, applicants are required to show proof that they have received certain vaccines. If an applicant does not have proof of having received the required vaccines, the law states that the vaccines must be given at the time of the medical exam.
The Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) is an advisory committee to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that recommends immunizations for the general U.S. population. Starting December 14, 2009, when the ACIP recommends new vaccines for the general U.S. population, CDC assesses whether these vaccines should be required for immigration purposes on a regular and as-needed basis according to specific criteria set by CDC. CDC is responsible for publishing the Technical Instructions for the Medical Examination of Aliens in the United States. These documents set the requirements for the immigrant medical examination and are binding on civil surgeons.
The civil surgeon will review an immigrant's vaccination records at the time of their immigration medical examination to see whether they have proof of earlier vaccinations against vaccine-preventable diseases that are appropriate for their age category. It is important that the immigrant takes any written vaccination documentation they may have to the civil surgeon when they have their immigration medical examination. If the immigrant lacks any vaccinations required for their age category, the civil surgeon will administer the vaccines as needed. Alternatively, the immigrant can also choose to obtain the required vaccines from their private healthcare provider. However, because only a civil surgeon is authorized to complete the vaccination assessment on Form I-693, they must return to the civil surgeon with proof that they have received the missing vaccines.
If an immigrant has a medical condition that prevents them from receiving a vaccine that is appropriate for their age, the civil surgeon will annotate Form I-693 accordingly and mark the vaccine as contraindicated. A contraindication is a condition that prevents someone from receiving a particular vaccine. CDC lists in its Technical Instructions what is considered a contraindication. It is up to the civil surgeon to determine whether an immigrant has such a condition that prevents them from receiving a particular vaccine at the time of the immigration medical examination.
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Refugees are not required to receive vaccinations before arrival, but they are offered through the Vaccination Program for US-bound Refugees
Refugees are not mandated to receive vaccinations before entering the United States. However, they are offered some vaccines through the Vaccination Program for US-bound Refugees. This program was established to protect the health of refugees, prevent travel delays due to disease outbreaks, and facilitate their swift integration into schools upon arrival in the US.
The Vaccination Program for US-bound Refugees is a critical initiative that ensures refugees have access to essential vaccinations before their arrival in the US. While it is not a mandatory requirement, offering vaccinations through this program helps to safeguard the health and well-being of refugees as they embark on their new lives in the country.
US-bound refugees may have received vaccinations prior to their displacement or during their time in refugee camps, depending on healthcare access. However, it is not uncommon for many refugees to arrive in the US without being fully up to date with the recommended immunizations outlined by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This is where the Vaccination Program for US-bound Refugees plays a crucial role, filling in the gaps and ensuring that refugees receive the necessary vaccinations before their arrival.
The program also helps to prevent potential travel delays that could arise due to disease outbreaks. By administering vaccines in advance, the program reduces the risk of refugees being detained or delayed during their journey to the US. This aspect of the program is particularly significant, as it helps to streamline the refugee resettlement process, minimizing any additional challenges or obstacles that could arise due to medical concerns.
Lastly, the Vaccination Program for US-bound Refugees facilitates the swift integration of refugees into schools upon their arrival. By ensuring that refugees have received the necessary vaccinations, the program helps to expedite the process of enrolling refugee children in educational institutions, enabling them to access educational opportunities without unnecessary delays.
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Immigrants are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a WHO-approved vaccine
The United States has vaccination requirements for immigrants applying for visas or residency. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mandate that all immigrant applicants receive a medical exam. During the exam, applicants must show proof of certain vaccines. If an applicant does not have proof of vaccination, they must receive the necessary vaccines at the time of the medical exam.
The CDC publishes the vaccination requirements and medical examination instructions, including a list of all required vaccines. The list of required vaccines is informed by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a group of 15 experts who provide guidance on which vaccines should be administered to adults and children in the US. The ACIP's recommendations are based on the most accurate and up-to-date science.
As of October 1, 2021, applicants subject to the immigration medical examination must submit COVID-19 vaccination records before the completion of the examination. Immigrants applying to become lawful permanent residents or those subject to a mandatory medical examination for immigration purposes are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a vaccine approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) unless granted a waiver by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
It is important to note that US-bound refugees are not required to receive vaccinations before their arrival in the US. Refugees may have received vaccines before their displacement or during their time in refugee camps. However, in settings with vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks, refugees may be required to receive specific immunizations before travelling to the US.
The cost of vaccinations is the responsibility of the applicant, and they should inquire about the price before the immigration medical examination. Applicants cannot be forced to pay for the vaccinations, and their immigration status or ability to become a US citizen will not be negatively affected if they choose not to receive the vaccines.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the US requires immigrants to be vaccinated before entering the country. However, this does not apply to refugees, who are not required to be vaccinated before arrival.
If an immigrant has a medical condition that prevents them from receiving a particular vaccine, a civil surgeon will annotate the Form I-693 accordingly and mark the vaccine as contraindicated.
If an immigrant does not have proof of vaccination, they will be required to receive the necessary vaccines at the time of their medical exam.
The immigrant is responsible for paying the appropriate fee for all vaccinations. These fees are paid directly to the civil surgeon administering the vaccinations.
The required vaccinations are determined by the CDC and include vaccines such as Hepatitis B and Meningococcal. The COVID-19 vaccine was previously required but has since been removed from the list.
