COVID-19 VACCINE ADVISORY-ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS APPLICATIONS AND USCIS

Authored by:

Shama Merchant Poonja Headshot

CEO & Managing Attorney

Shama Merchant Poonja

As a first generation American, Ms. Poonja is committed to the field of immigration law. Since 2013, Ms. Poonja has been representing corporate and individual clients on a wide variety of business and family immigration law matters.

Reviewed by:

Sejal Parikh Headshot

Senior Attorney

Sejal Parikh

Ms. Parikh’s experience in business immigration includes representing employers of all sizes in various industry verticals, from Fortune 500 multinational corporations to emerging growth companies, startups, and large consulting companies. She provides expertise across a wide range of employment-based cases, focusing on both nonimmigrant and immigrant petitions.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements for Adjustment of Status Applicants-USCIS

Individuals submitting Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, on or after October 1, 2021, must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Most applicants filing for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or an immigrant visa application with Department of State (DOS) must submit Form I-693 completed by a designated civil surgeon. Certain other applicants may also be required to submit Form I-693. If the Form I-693 is completed before October 1, 2021, and remains valid, the applicant will not be required to have the vaccine.

The civil surgeon must physically inspect and confirm the documents proving the applicant received the COVID-19 vaccine. Review of vaccination documentation will require:

A vaccination record,

Copy of a medical chart with physician entries, or Revie by appropriate medical personnel.

Self-reported vaccine doses will not signify proper proof. Additionally, the Form I-693 must be completed by the civil surgeon and must document the doses and the formulation of the vaccine. Blanket exceptions to the vaccine requirements include: Applicants who are too young to receive the vaccine, Individuals who have a medical contraindication to the vaccine, or Foreign nationals who live in an area where approved vaccines are “not routinely available.”

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements for Air Passengers to the United States

All foreign travelers are required to provide proof of being fully vaccinated (with very limited exceptions that may differ from those enumerated above) before boarding a plane to the United States.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our office at 650-499-5187 or ffarequest@fleischut.com.

Disclaimer

The information on this website is for general information purposes only and does not constitute solicitation or provision of legal advice. Viewing information on this website and/or contacting Naya Law Group, PC does not establish an attorney-client relationship. This blog should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice for any individual case or situation from an attorney licensed or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction.