COVID-19 Vaccine Required For Most Green Card Applicants

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued an order on August 25, 2021 which requires most green card applicants to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and be fully vaccinated. Otherwise, they will be considered inadmissible to the U.S.

The order takes effect on October 1, 2021, and applies to both persons applying for adjustment of status in the U.S. and to those seeking immigrant visas abroad at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Some people may have received a COVID-19 vaccine that is not currently authorized in the U.S. Limited data are available on the safety or efficacy of receiving a COVID vaccine currently authorized in the U.S. after receipt of a non-FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine. However, in some circumstances people who received a COVID-19 vaccine not currently authorized in the U.S. may be offered revaccination with an FDA-authorized vaccine.

A green card applicant must obtain a COVID-19 vaccine even if they claim immunity to the disease based on a prior infection.

Reminder: For international airline passengers ages 2 years and older, the CDC requires a negative COVID test or evidence of recent recovery in order to travel to the US.

Section 212(a)(1)(A)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act states that, in order to be found admissible to the United States as permanent residents, foreign nationals must demonstrate proof that they are vaccinated against vaccine-preventable diseases, including, “any… vaccinations against vaccine-preventable diseases recommended by the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices.” Upon having received such a recommendation, the CDC has announced that the COVID-19 vaccine is included in the list of those required under this section of the INA.

How to Show that You Are Fully Vaccinated
Green Card Applicants need to show the physician at their immigration medical examination that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Acceptable forms of proof include the following:

Disclaimer: This newsletter is not intended to establish an attorney-client relationship. All information contained in this newsletter is generalized. Any reliance on information contained herein is taken at your own risk.