A new policy from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires all foreigners applying for a U.S. green card must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. The new rule goes into effect on October 1, 2021. Those who refuse to be vaccinated will be considered inadmissible to the U.S., with the exception of limited exemptions, per the policy.

An official vaccination record or other qualifying proof of vaccination is required. No self-reported doses that are undocumented by a doctor or other medical personnel are accepted. The Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Johnson and Johnson vaccines are the only providers approved for proof of vaccination. Other vaccine providers will be accepted as approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

The COVID-19 vaccination is the latest requirement for green card applicants. Other vaccines required include tetanus, measles, polio, influenza, and several others.

The vaccine requirement is waived for those who are too young to receive the vaccine, along with those with pre-existing conditions where the vaccine is not recommended. Individuals from some countries with low to no vaccine supply available are also waived.

Individuals who choose not to be vaccinated for religious or moral grounds can submit a request of exemption to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, those who claim immunity due to having contracted COVID-19 do not qualify for an exemption.

If you have questions about the application process for a Green Card or other immigration-related issues, contact us at ILBSG. We work with you to ensure you get the right advice.

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