It has been 18 months since the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted and changed our world. The pandemic and its protocols continue to have an impact on our everyday lives affecting citizens and immigrants alike. Recently, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a policy essentially mandating the vaccine for green card applicants.
Typically, most green card applicants are required to submit a medical report (Form I-693) confirming that they are not disqualified for a green card based on any health-related grounds. Starting October 1, 2021, USCIS will require green card applicants to be fully vaccinated in accordance with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) August 2021 updated guidelines. Individuals may request an exemption where the vaccine is not:
· age-appropriate
· advisable due to a medical condition
· readily available in civil surgeon’s area or where a limited supply would cause significant delay for the applicant.
Also, a waiver based on religious or moral grounds may also be requested by filing Form I-601 Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility. Please click here for more information on this USCIS policy update.
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