USCIS Ends COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Green Card Applicants: What You Need to Know
Starting January 22, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will no longer require applicants for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident (green card) status to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. This significant change removes COVID-19 vaccination documentation from the requirements outlined in Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, and signals a new approach to vaccination-related criteria in immigration processes.
Consult a Houston immigration lawyer to discuss the implications of the policy shift, what it means for adjustment of status applicants, and practical guidance for navigating the new rules.
What Is Form I-693 and Why Has COVID-19 Vaccination Been Required?
Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, is a key document in the adjustment of status process. It serves to demonstrate that an applicant is free from any health conditions that would make them inadmissible to the United States under public health grounds. The form, completed by a USCIS-authorized civil surgeon, includes a review of the applicant’s medical history, a physical examination, and documentation of required vaccinations.
The COVID-19 vaccination was added to the list of required vaccinations for Form I-693 in October 2021, reflecting public health guidance during the pandemic. Applicants were required to provide proof of vaccination or seek an exemption under specific circumstances. USCIS’s new rule waiving the COVID-19 vaccination requirement marks a departure from this approach.
Key Changes Under the New Policy
1. No COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
As of January 22, 2025, applicants will no longer need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on Form I-693. This means:
- Civil surgeons will not need to assess or record the applicant’s COVID-19 vaccination status during the medical examination.
- Applicants who previously could have faced Requests for Evidence (RFEs), Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs), or denials due to missing COVID-19 vaccination documentation will no longer be penalized.
2. No RFEs or Denials for Missing COVID-19 Documentation
USCIS will no longer issue RFEs or NOIDs related to the absence of COVID-19 vaccination documentation in adjustment of status applications. Additionally, applications will not be denied based on an applicant’s failure to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
3. All Other Vaccination Requirements Remain in Place
While the COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required, other vaccination requirements under Form I-693 remain in effect. Applicants must still provide proof of vaccination against diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and others specified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Why Is USCIS Making This Change?
The decision to remove the COVID-19 vaccination requirement reflects evolving public health priorities. As the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, vaccination requirements specific to COVID-19 are being reconsidered across various policies. By eliminating this requirement, USCIS aims to simplify the adjustment of status process for applicants while aligning with updated public health guidance.
Implications for Green Card Applicants
Easier Adjustment of Status Process
The removal of the COVID-19 vaccination requirement eliminates a potential obstacle for adjustment of status applicants. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who faced difficulties accessing the vaccine, had medical contraindications, or objected to the vaccine on religious or moral grounds.
No Impact on Pending Applications
The new rule applies retroactively to pending adjustment of status applications. USCIS will not issue RFEs, NOIDs, or denials related to COVID-19 vaccination documentation for applications submitted before January 22, 2025.
Civil Surgeon Examinations
Civil surgeons conducting medical examinations for Form I-693 will no longer assess or record COVID-19 vaccination status. This change reduces the administrative burden on civil surgeons and simplifies the medical exam process for applicants.
Practical Tips for Applicants
1. Schedule Your Medical Exam Early
Although the COVID-19 vaccination requirement has been waived, applicants should not delay their Form I-693 medical examination. Ensure that you meet all remaining vaccination requirements and submit your medical exam in a timely manner to avoid delays in your application.
2. Confirm the New Policy with Your Civil Surgeon
Civil surgeons may need time to adjust to the new policy. Verify that your chosen USCIS-authorized civil surgeon is aware of the updated rules and does not request COVID-19 vaccination documentation as part of the examination.
3. Ensure Compliance with Other Vaccination Requirements
While COVID-19 vaccination documentation is no longer required, applicants must still comply with all other vaccination requirements. Review the CDC’s list of required vaccines to ensure you meet the criteria.
4. Monitor Updates from USCIS
While this rule is set to take effect on January 22, 2025, applicants should stay informed about any additional changes or guidance issued by USCIS regarding the adjustment of status process.
Common Questions About the New Policy
Does This Policy Apply to All Applicants?
Yes, this policy applies to all adjustment of status applicants required to submit Form I-693 as part of their green card application process.
Will USCIS Revisit Previously Denied Applications?
The policy does not include provisions for reopening or reconsidering applications denied prior to January 22, 2025, due to a lack of COVID-19 vaccination documentation. However, applicants who were denied for this reason may wish to consult with an immigration attorney to explore their options.
What Happens if I Submitted Form I-693 Before the Effective Date?
If you submitted your Form I-693 before January 22, 2025, and it lacked COVID-19 vaccination documentation, USCIS will not issue an RFE, NOID, or denial based on this omission.
Contact BBA Immigration
The USCIS decision to eliminate the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for green card applicants represents a significant policy shift, simplifying the adjustment of status process for applicants while reflecting the changing landscape of public health priorities. This change ensures that applicants will no longer face delays or denials related to COVID-19 vaccination documentation, streamlining the path to lawful permanent residency.
If you have questions about how this new policy affects your adjustment of status application or need assistance navigating the immigration process, contact BBA Immigration Law Firm. Our experienced attorneys can help ensure your application complies with USCIS requirements and is processed without unnecessary delays. Contact us today for professional guidance.
Source:
uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-waives-covid-19-vaccination-requirement-for-adjustment-of-status-applicants
