U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reminded green card applicants that they must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to complete the required immigration medical examination.

Key Points:

  • Beginning Oct. 1, applicants who require an immigration medical examination must be fully vaccinated before a qualifying physician can complete the exam and sign Form I-693.
  • Applicants must provide vaccination documentation to the physician before completing the immigration medical examination.
  • USCIS may grant waivers to applicants who are “not age-appropriate” to receive a vaccination; have a “contraindication due to a medical condition” indicating an adverse reaction to the vaccination; or who undergo the exam in a jurisdiction where the vaccinations are “not routinely available” or are “limited in supply.” Applicants may also request a waiver on moral or religious grounds.

Additional Information: USCIS is updating its policy manual in line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s announcement in late August.

BAL Analysis: Employers and employees should contact their BAL professional with any questions about the new requirement. BAL continues to review and monitor the new vaccination requirement and will provide additional information ahead of the Oct. 1 implementation date.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.