Green Card Applicants to Be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19

There’s a new requirement for green card applicants starting next week on October 1. You will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before entering the United States. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has already begun checking for proof.

A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after completing two-dose Moderna or Pfizer injections or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson. If you haven’t received your vaccine yet, you should know that Moderna or Pfizer injections require you to wait a few weeks before you get the second round. If you’ve only had one injection at the time of your medical exam, there’s no need to worry! You’re able to return once you meet the requirement.

The USCIS accepts various forms of proof, including:

• An official vaccine card showing when you received the injections
• Copies of your medical records indicating you received the vaccine
• Name or manufacturer information if applicable and available

The USCIS will not accept lab tests showing natural immunity from infection or fake COVID-19 documents.

This is a new process for everyone. If you need legal help for permanent residency with these recent changes, give us a call. There are few exemptions from these new requirements unless you live in a country with a limited supply of vaccines, have a medical condition, or submitted a waiver to protect your religious rights. The USCIS has the right to deny your application for refusing the vaccine.

As of September 20, Pfizer confirmed the vaccine works in kids ages 5 to 11. The F.D.A. is set to give approval soon, but people ages 12 and older can receive it as of right now. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are approved for those 18+. Consult with an immigration lawyer for help with the green card process and an overview of your vaccine options as an immigrant.