Applicants for U.S. Permanent Residence must now provide proof that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19

Under a new regulation that goes into effect on October 1, 2021, all applicants for U.S. permanent residence (green cards) must prove that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

In most cases, applicants who file for adjustment of status (Form I-485) in the U.S. or who file an immigrant visa application with the U.S. Department of State will have to submit Form I-693 which has been completed by a designated civil surgeon (a doctor).  The new regulation will require that all applicants submitting an I-693 on or after October 1, 2021 also submit proof that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19.  In order to complete the I-693, the doctor will have to physically inspect the applicant’s documentation to confirm that the applicant has in fact received the vaccine.  Review of this documentation will require each applicant to provide the doctor with:

• A vaccination record;
  
• A copy of their medical chart with entries by the physician; OR
  
• Review by appropriate medical personnel.

It should be noted that there are also blanket EXCEPTIONS to the proof of vaccination requirement which include:

• Applicants who are too young to receive the COVID-19 vaccine;
  
• Applicants who have a medical contraindication to the vaccine and cannot receive it for some medically related reason; or
  
• Applicants who live in an area where approved COVID-19 vaccines are not routinely available.

If you have questions about this blog post or need assistance with your U.S. Immigration case, contact attorney Sean D. Hummel at (954) 395-3111 or email: sean@hummelaw.com