COVID-19 Vaccines Mandatory for Green Card Applicants
From October 1, 2021, lawful permanent residence applicants must show proof of a full dose of the COVID-19 vaccination as part of their Green Card application.
Section 212(a)(1)(A)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act requires Green Card applicants to demonstrate proof that they are vaccinated against vaccine-preventable diseases. Following an announcement from the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), the COVID-19 vaccine has now been included on the list of mandatory vaccines. The requirement applies to foreign nationals filing an application to adjust their status within the US and to those filing an immigrant visa application overseas.
Applicants must provide documentary evidence at their medical examination. This would be either an official vaccination record or a copy of their medical chart with written documentation from a physician or qualified medical professional demonstrating proof of vaccination.
Exemptions may be available for certain applicants due to:
- Age
- Vaccine availability for those living in areas where vaccines are not readily available.
- Religious or moral grounds
- Safety and risk of adverse reaction to the vaccine
Individuals would need to submit a waiver request for an exemption to USCIS.
Proof of immunity to COVID-19 does not qualify as an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine requirements.
Need assistance?
NNU Immigration are dedicated US immigration and nationality attorneys. If you have a query about a Green Card application, contact us.
This article does not constitute direct legal advice and is for informational purposes only.
Author
Founder & Principal Attorney Nita Nicole Upadhye is a recognized leader in the field of US business immigration law, (The Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, Who's Who Legal and AILA) and an experienced and trusted advisor to large multinational corporates through to SMEs. She provides strategic immigration advice and specialist application support to corporations and professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, artists, actors and athletes from across the globe to meet their US-bound talent mobility needs.
Nita is an active public speaker, thought leader, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.
