USCIS COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement
USCIS added the COVID-19 vaccine to the required immigration vaccine schedule. All eligible immigration medical exam applicants must show documentation of COVID-19 vaccination or receive the vaccine at their appointment.
The specific series required depends on the vaccine brand and current USCIS guidance, which is updated periodically to reflect CDC and ACIP recommendations. Civil Surgeons are required to follow the most current USCIS Technical Instructions when completing Form I-693.
Stay Current: COVID-19 vaccine requirements are updated periodically by USCIS. Our Civil Surgeons stay current with all USCIS Technical Instruction updates — confirm current requirements at your appointment.
Which COVID-19 Vaccines Are Accepted?
USCIS accepts FDA-authorized or FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines, as well as vaccines authorized by the WHO Emergency Use Listing. Vaccines received outside the U.S. may be accepted if they are on the WHO Emergency Use Listing.
Accepted COVID-19 vaccines include:
Pfizer-BioNTech
(Comirnaty)AcceptedFDA-approved. Preferred primary series option.
Moderna
(Spikevax)AcceptedFDA-approved. Preferred primary series option.
Novavax
(Nuvaxovid)AcceptedFDA-authorized. Protein subunit vaccine; an option for those who prefer a non-mRNA vaccine.
Johnson & Johnson (Janssen)
(Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine)Accepted — Not PreferredFDA-authorized. Note: J&J is no longer recommended as a preferred option per CDC guidance. Discuss with your Civil Surgeon.
Vaccines received outside the U.S. may be accepted if they appear on the WHO Emergency Use Listing. Bring your international vaccination records to your appointment — our Civil Surgeon will review them and determine whether they satisfy the USCIS requirement.
How Many Doses Are Required?
The number of doses required depends on the vaccine brand and your vaccination history. Primary series requirements are as follows:
COVID-19 Primary Series — Dose Requirements
Booster Requirements May Change
USCIS requirements for COVID-19 boosters and updated vaccines change as CDC guidance evolves. Confirm the current requirement with your Civil Surgeon at your appointment.
Proving Prior COVID-19 Vaccination
To receive credit for COVID-19 vaccines you have already received, you must present acceptable documentation at your appointment. Acceptable forms of proof include:
CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Card
The white card issued at the time of vaccination. This is the most common and widely accepted form of proof.
Digital Vaccination Record
State health department app or portal (e.g., California SMART Health Card, MyTurn). Download or print your digital record before your appointment.
Vaccination Records from Your Healthcare Provider
A printed immunization record from your doctor, urgent care clinic, or pharmacy. Most providers can generate this quickly upon request.
International Vaccination Records
Records from outside the U.S. are accepted if the vaccine received is on the WHO Emergency Use Listing. Bring your original records even if they are in another language.
Tip: Keep your COVID-19 vaccination card in a safe place with your other immigration documents. If you lost your card, contact your vaccination provider or check your state's immunization registry.
What If You Are Not Yet Vaccinated?
If you have not received the COVID-19 vaccine, our clinic can administer it at your immigration medical exam appointment. The cost is included in our all-inclusive flat fee.
If you need a multi-dose primary series, you will need follow-up appointments for subsequent doses. Form I-693 will be completed and sealed once your vaccination series is finished.
Exam Appointment
Dose 1Complete your full immigration medical exam. Receive your first COVID-19 vaccine dose if needed.
Follow-Up Visit
Dose 2 (if required)Return for your second dose if your vaccine brand requires a two-dose primary series (Pfizer, Moderna, or Novavax).
Form I-693 Completed
Sealed & ReadyOnce your vaccination series is complete, your Civil Surgeon seals Form I-693 and it is ready to submit to USCIS.
All required vaccines administered at your appointment are included in our all-inclusive flat fee. There are no surprise charges for COVID-19 or any other USCIS-required vaccine.
Medical Waivers for COVID-19 Vaccine
A medical contraindication waiver may be available if you have a documented medical condition that makes the COVID-19 vaccine unsafe for you. The Civil Surgeon documents the waiver on Form I-693 with supporting clinical justification. USCIS reviews all waiver requests.
Common contraindications that may qualify for a waiver include:
Severe Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)
A documented history of anaphylaxis to a prior COVID-19 vaccine dose or to a known vaccine component may qualify as a contraindication.
Certain Immunocompromising Conditions
Some immunocompromising conditions may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The Civil Surgeon will review your medical history and supporting documentation.
Discuss With Your Civil Surgeon: If you believe you have a medical contraindication to the COVID-19 vaccine, discuss it with our Civil Surgeon at your appointment. We will evaluate your situation and document the appropriate findings on Form I-693.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Articles
Medical & Legal Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. COVID-19 vaccine requirements, USCIS policies, and ACIP recommendations may change without notice. Always consult a USCIS-designated Civil Surgeon and a qualified immigration attorney for guidance specific to your individual case.