COVID Vaccine No Longer Required for Green Card Applicants

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will waive COVID-19 vaccination requirements for immigrants applying for lawful permanent resident status.

In an alert issued Jan. 22, 2025, USCIS said it will not issue any Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny related COVID-19 vaccination status.

“USCIS will not deny any adjustment of status application based on the applicant’s failure to present documentation that they received the COVID-19 vaccination,” the alert noted.

The U.S. has required COVID-19 vaccines for permanent U.S. immigration since Oct. 1, 2021 (along with other required immunizations such as measles, mumps, and rubella).

Some waivers were available, including for medical conditions.

Those applying for green cards were required to present proof of a COVID-19 vaccination on Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.