Quick Summary: Vaccinations and U.S. Immigrant Visas
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are vaccinations required for a U.S. immigrant visa? | Yes, this is a mandatory U.S. government requirement |
| Who determines the vaccine list? | CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) per ACIP recommendations |
| Where are vaccines administered? | At DOS-designated panel physician clinics |
| Which visa types require vaccination? | Immigrant visas only (CR-1, K-1, EB-3, EB-5, etc.); not required for nonimmigrant visas |
| Is COVID-19 still required? | No: CDC removed the COVID-19 vaccine requirement effective March 11, 2025 |
| Are there exemptions? | Yes: medical contraindication, age-inappropriateness, vaccine unavailability, religious/moral objection |
| Should I bring prior vaccination records? | Yes, bring all previous vaccination documentation to the medical exam |
The U.S. government requires immigrant visa applicants to meet specific health standards. One component of these standards is the vaccination requirement. But what exactly does an intending immigrant need to do to meet these requirements?
The Process: Medical Examination and Vaccinations
The process of fulfilling the vaccination requirement is part of the medical examination that all immigrant visa applicants must undergo. This examination is conducted by a panel physician authorized at a clinic that is under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State. Here’s an overview of the process:
- Scheduling the Medical Examination: Once an immigrant visa applicant is notified of their interview date, they must schedule a medical examination. Depending on the processing post, this should be done before the interview.
- Review of Medical History and Vaccination Records: The panel physician will review the immigrant visa applicant’s medical history and vaccination records. It is essential to bring vaccination records to the examination. If the records are incomplete or missing, additional vaccinations may be required.
- Administration of Required Vaccines: During the examination, the panel physician will administer any required vaccines that the applicant has not already received, The list of required vaccines is based on recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) (https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/) and is updated periodically.
- Medical Examination Report: After the examination, the panel physician will complete a medical examination report, which includes the vaccination record. This report is then submitted to the U.S. Consulate or Embassy as part of the visa application process,
Required Vaccines
The specific vaccines required for immigrant visa applicants are determined by age, and include the following:
– Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
– Polio
– Tetanus and Diphtheria toxoids
– Pertussis
– Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
– Hepatitis A
– Hepatitis B
– Rotavirus
– Meningococcal disease
– Varicella (chickenpox)
– Pneumococcal disease
– Influenza (flu season only)
– COVID-19 (applicants need to have received a COVID-19 vaccination within the past 12 months to qualify)
Exceptions and Waivers
While the vaccination requirement is comprehensive, there are exceptions and waivers available under certain circumstances:
- Medical Contraindications: If an applicant has a medical condition that contraindicates vaccination, such as a severe allergy, it is possible that a waiver may be available.
- Not Age Appropriate: Some vaccines may not be appropriate for applicants based on their age. For instance, certain vaccines are not administered to infants or elderly individuals.
- Vaccine Availability: In some cases, vaccines may not be available in the immigrant visa applicant’s country. The physician will note this and a waiver may be available,
- Religious or Moral Beliefs: Waivers can also be requested based on sincere religious or moral beliefs against vaccination of all kinds. These waivers require a detailed application process which can articulate the applicant’s beliefs in such a way as to result in a granted moral exemption to the vaccine requirement.
Importance of the Vaccine Requirement
The vaccine requirement is an important part of an immigrant visa application. It is not possible to immigrate to the United States without navigating this process one way or another. Not taking these requirements into account can result in delay or denial of the immigrant visa application. Applicants are encouraged to think about how the vaccine requirement will impact their case in advance to avoid delays.
While many applicants will already have all of the required vaccines for their immigrant visa application, others will need to receive further vaccination. This is particularly true now that the COVID-19 vaccine must have been administered to applicants in the past 12 months to remain valid for immigration purposes. Some applicants may not be able to receive vaccines for medical, logistical or moral reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vaccines are required for a U.S. immigrant visa?
Required vaccines include (by age): MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Polio, Tetanus and Diphtheria, Pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, Meningococcal, Varicella, Pneumococcal and seasonal Influenza. COVID-19 is no longer required as of March 11, 2025. The specific vaccines needed depend on the applicant’s age and prior vaccination history.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine still required for a U.S. immigrant visa?
No. Effective March 11, 2025, the CDC officially removed the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for all U.S. immigrant visa applicants. Panel physicians no longer assess COVID-19 vaccination status and U.S. Embassies and Consulates no longer refuse immigrant visas based on COVID-19 vaccination documentation. If your visa was previously refused solely for lack of COVID-19 vaccination proof, you may request a new medical examination at no charge.
What happens if I am missing some required vaccines at the immigration medical exam?
If you are missing required vaccines, the panel physician may administer them during the immigration medical examination appointment. However if required vaccines are not received and no valid exemption applies, the immigrant visa application may be delayed or refused. To avoid delays, bring a complete vaccination record to the examination so the physician can identify exactly which vaccines, if any, still need to be administered.
Where is the immigration medical exam conducted in Vietnam and the Philippines?
In Vietnam, the immigration medical examination must be performed at clinics designated by the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City. Standard hospitals and clinics are not accepted. In the Philippines, St. Luke’s Extension Clinic (SLEC) at BGC Taguig and SM Megamall Mandaluyong is the designated facility. Always verify the current list of approved clinics at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website before scheduling.
Are previous vaccination records still valid and should I bring them to the exam?
Yes. Prior vaccination records remain valid and should be brought to the immigration medical examination. The panel physician will review your prior immunization history to determine which vaccines you have already received and which, if any, still need to be administered. Without records, some vaccines may need to be re-administered. Bring all available medical documentation to help the process proceed as efficiently as possible.
For more information, contact us at info@enterlinepartners.com and speak with a U.S. immigration attorney in Ho Chi Minh City, Manila and Taipei.
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Copyright 2024. This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This article may be changed with or without notice. The opinions expressed in this article are those of Enterline and Partners only.
