USCIS to Begin Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination | Joseph & Hall P.C.

On September 14, 2021, USCIS introduced that immigrant candidates can be required to be absolutely vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19 for approval of their Type I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination File. Most candidates submitting for adjustment of standing to turn into lawful everlasting residents are required to submit a Type I-693.  This new requirement will go into impact on October 1, 2021.

No particular model of vaccine is required, though the CDC lists Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Janssen (also referred to as Johnson & Johnson) as doable choices. The applicant should full the collection of vaccinations previous to their medical examination. Pfizer-BioNTech requires two doses administered 21 days aside, Moderna requires two doses administered 28 days aside, and Janssen solely requires a single dose.

USCIS has famous that blanket waivers could also be granted for the next circumstances:

• The person will not be on the acceptable age to obtain the vaccine (at present lower than 12 years outdated).
• Pre-existing medical situations counsel the vaccine shouldn’t be administered.
• The vaccine will not be routinely out there the place the civil surgeon practices; or
• Limits in vaccine provide would trigger vital delay for the applicant to obtain the vaccination.

Moreover, a person could apply for a waiver from the vaccine attributable to spiritual beliefs or ethical convictions by submitting a Type I-691, Software for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility.

When you have questions on whether or not you’ll be required to get the vaccination as a part of your immigration course of, please schedule a session with our workplace in the present day.