QUESTION 1: I am an applicant for the Green Card and need to undergo the Immigration Medical Examination. I have already received vaccinations in the past – do I still need additional vaccines?
Answer: Not necessarily. During the Green Card Medical Examination, the USCIS-approved Civil Surgeon will review your vaccination records to determine whether you already meet the vaccination requirements for your age group.
It is strongly recommended that you carry all available written vaccination records to your appointment. These records help the Civil Surgeon confirm whether you are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases required by USCIS.
If certain required vaccines are missing or incomplete based on your age category, the Civil Surgeon may administer the necessary vaccines during the exam. Alternatively, you may obtain the vaccines from your personal healthcare provider. However, you must provide proof of vaccination to the Civil Surgeon, as only a USCIS-authorized Civil Surgeon can complete and sign Form I-693.
QUESTION 2: Do immigrants need to take all vaccines listed by the CDC, or only those relevant to their age group?
Only vaccines that are appropriate for your age group are required. The vaccination requirements are determined according to guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Civil Surgeon will evaluate your medical history and confirm which vaccines are applicable. Some vaccines listed in the CDC schedule are intended only for specific age groups and may not be required for everyone.
If a vaccine is not age-appropriate, the Civil Surgeon will indicate this clearly on Form I-693.
QUESTION 3: What are the vaccination requirements for the USCIS Immigration Medical Examination?
Vaccination requirements for immigration medical examinations are based on CDC guidelines, which were updated from July 1, 2008 onwards. These requirements ensure that applicants are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases before approval of adjustment of status or issuance of a Green Card.
The Civil Surgeon reviews each applicant’s medical history and vaccination records to determine which vaccines are required. Some vaccines may not be necessary depending on age, medical history, or other health factors.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to receive all age-appropriate vaccines that can be administered at the time of the Immigration Medical Examination.
QUESTION 4: Do all vaccine doses need to be completed before applying for Adjustment of Status or a Green Card?
Not always. Some vaccines require multiple doses with a mandatory time gap between each dose. If you have already started the vaccination series but cannot complete all doses before the Immigration Medical Examination due to required medical intervals, you may still proceed with your application.
In such cases, a waiver may be applicable because it is medically impossible to complete all doses within the required time frame.
QUESTION 5: What if a required vaccine is not currently available?
If a vaccine is temporarily unavailable, you may ask your Civil Surgeon whether another healthcare provider or pharmacy has the vaccine in stock. Once the vaccine is administered, ensure you obtain proper documentation and submit it to the Civil Surgeon so the vaccination record can be completed on Form I-693.
The CDC monitors vaccine availability globally. If there is a confirmed shortage, USCIS may issue guidance regarding how applicants and Civil Surgeons should proceed.
QUESTION 6: Will Form I-693 be accepted if the vaccination chart is incomplete?
No. Each required vaccine row must contain at least one appropriate entry. If vaccination information is missing or incomplete, USCIS may return Form I-693, which could delay your immigration process.
