Hepatitis B Vaccine Requirement for Immigration

The hepatitis B vaccine is required for all immigration applicants who do not have documentation of a complete hepatitis B vaccination series or laboratory evidence of immunity. USCIS follows the ACIP immunization schedule, which recommends hepatitis B vaccination for all individuals who have not previously been vaccinated. The requirement applies to applicants of all ages, though the specific schedule may vary.

The Standard Three-Dose Series

The standard hepatitis B vaccine series consists of three doses: an initial dose, a second dose one month later, and a third dose five months after the second dose (for a total of six months). All three doses are required to complete the series and satisfy the USCIS vaccination requirement.

If you have received one or two doses of the hepatitis B vaccine but not the complete series, you will need to complete the remaining doses. You do not need to restart the series — you can continue from where you left off.

Accelerated Hepatitis B Vaccination Schedules

For applicants who need to complete the hepatitis B series more quickly, an accelerated schedule is available. The Engerix-B vaccine can be administered on a 0, 1, and 2-month schedule, with a booster at 12 months. The Heplisav-B vaccine requires only two doses administered one month apart and may be an option for eligible adults. Our civil surgeon will advise you on the most appropriate schedule for your situation.

Titer Testing as an Alternative

If you believe you may already be immune to hepatitis B — for example, because you were vaccinated as a child but have no records — a hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) titer test can demonstrate immunity. If your titer result shows adequate immunity (typically defined as anti-HBs ≥10 mIU/mL), the vaccination requirement is satisfied without re-vaccination. Our office can arrange titer testing as part of your immigration medical examination.

Planning Ahead for the Hepatitis B Series

Because the standard hepatitis B series takes six months to complete, applicants who are missing the vaccine should plan ahead. If you are beginning the immigration process, starting the hepatitis B series as early as possible — even before your formal immigration medical exam — can prevent delays. Bring documentation of any doses already received to your appointment.