Covid-19 is considered a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) and as such, the vaccine is required for U.S. visa applicants. The requirement applies to individuals from all countries. Refugees and non-immigrant visa applicants, including K-visa applicants, are not required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as part of the immigration medical examination.

Individuals can receive vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The full series must be completed, if applicable, for the requirement to be considered complete. The requirement is effective October 1, 2021.

A few categories of individuals have a possible exemption from the requirement, including:

  • Individuals from countries where vaccine availability is not routinely available qualify for a blanket waiver. However, the Department of State (DOS) suggests individuals receive their vaccination as quickly as possible to ensure a smooth process for their visa application.
  • Individuals who are not age-appropriate to receive the vaccine are exempt. It is important to note that several vaccines are undergoing emergency review for approval of children from age 5, which may soon be granted.
  • If receiving the vaccine creates a possible negative health effect, called a ‘contraindication’, the specifics must be clearly documented and submitted. Individuals with contraindication should not be vaccinated.
  • Exemptions based on religious or moral grounds can be applied for with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The applicant is required to submit their waiver request to USCIS, who will determine if the waiver is granted. It is not up to the panel physician to approve or disapprove of the waiver application.

Individuals who have Covid symptoms should be tested as soon as possible. They should also postpone any scheduled immigrant visa medical examination until they have completed the required isolation or recovery requirements including a minimum 10-day isolation period, at minimum. Individuals who have had close contact with someone with Covid should also be tested and defer their immigrant visa medical examination until the minimum 10-day isolation period has passed for the individual with the confirmed Covid case. Individuals who do not show any symptoms of Covid will be evaluated at their immigrant visa medical examination, as determined by the physician completing the exam.

If you have questions about the immigrant visa medical examination or any other immigration-related topic, contact us at ILBSG. We work with you to ensure you get the right advice.

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