UCO Medical Clinic: Green Card Vaccination & I-693 Exam Requirements

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ReURED VACINATION FOR A N APLICT FOR green card and Have to pass I693 Immigration ex

Green Card Vaccine Requirements and I-693 Immigration Medical Exam Vaccinations Explained

The I-693 immigration medical exam documents whether an applicant meets public health vaccination requirements required for most green card applicants and records the civil surgeon’s findings. This article explains which vaccines USCIS expects on Form I-693, why those immunizations matter for admissibility, and how the civil surgeon documents vaccination history to protect both individual and public health. Many applicants worry about missing records, pregnancy, or recent policy changes; this guide provides practical, step-by-step solutions and clear decision points to resolve those issues. You will learn the required vaccine list, age-based schedules, how to complete I-693 correctly, exemptions and pregnancy deferrals, preparation checklists, and the latest 2024–2025 policy updates. Throughout, we use plain language, authoritative context, and actionable checklists so you can prepare for your immigration medical exam with confidence.

What Are the Required Vaccinations for Green Card Applicants?

Required vaccinations for green card applicants are the immunizations that USCIS and CDC technical instructions list as necessary to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases and to meet admissibility standards. These vaccines reduce the risk of outbreaks in congregate settings and protect individual applicants from severe illness, which is why civil surgeons confirm them on Form I-693. Understanding the named vaccines and dose schedules helps applicants present correct evidence or receive catch-up doses before final adjudication. The list below gives the concise set of vaccines USCIS typically requires, organized for quick reference and to serve as a featured-snippet style summary for applicants preparing documentation.

The vaccines USCIS commonly requires:

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): Required to show immunity or vaccination to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella.
Polio (IPV/OPV): Required for applicants beginning in infancy through adulthood, with age-specific dosing.
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): Adults and adolescents must have a booster as specified.
Hepatitis B: Series required for many age groups unless serologic immunity is proven.
Varicella (chickenpox): Proof of vaccination or immunity is acceptable.
Influenza: Seasonal requirement applies when influenza is circulating or as specified by guidance.

This concise vaccine list clarifies which immunizations appear most often on the I-693 and prepares applicants for documentation or catch-up vaccination strategies.

Which Vaccines Does USCIS Require for the I-693 Form?

USCIS requires specific vaccines listed in CDC technical instructions that prevent diseases with significant public health impact; the civil surgeon records either vaccination dates, acceptable medical evidence of immunity, or documents a medical deferral. Each vaccine has a recommended schedule—MMR typically requires two doses spaced at least four weeks apart, Hepatitis B requires a multi-dose series, and Tdap is a one-time adult booster with subsequent Td boosters as needed. Live vaccines, such as MMR and Varicella, have contraindications in pregnancy; in those cases, civil surgeons document deferral and plan postpartum vaccination. Serologic testing can sometimes substitute for written vaccination records if antibody titres demonstrate immunity.

Understanding these options lets applicants choose the fastest, safest path to meet requirements—either by presenting records, providing lab evidence, or receiving catch-up doses under civil surgeon supervision. Knowing how each vaccine is documented on Form I-693 reduces errors that could delay green card processing.

How Do Vaccine Requirements Vary by Age Group?

Vaccine requirements vary by age because immunization schedules change across infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood; civil surgeons apply age-appropriate schedules and accept catch-up regimens when records are incomplete. For infants and young children, multiple-dose series (for example, polio and Hepatitis B) are common and must follow minimum intervals; adolescents should show Tdap and HPV where applicable, while adults need evidence of primary series or documented immunity for MMR, varicella, and hepatitis B. Seniors may only need boosters or serologic proof depending on prior history.

Catch-up schedules permit missing doses to be administered safely and quickly under standard intervals, and civil surgeons note additional vaccine appointments on I-693 if completion is pending. This age-aware approach helps applicants identify which records to prioritize and which vaccines they can receive at the exam.

Intro to required-vaccine table: The table below summarizes each vaccine with typical age ranges, dose guidance, and key USCIS/CDC notes to help applicants plan documentation or catch-up immunizations.

Vaccine	Age Range / Doses	USCIS Requirement / Notes
MMR (Measles/Mumps/Rubella)	Two doses, beginning at 12 months; second dose ≥4 weeks after first	Accepts dated vaccination records or serologic proof of immunity; live vaccine contraindicated in pregnancy
Polio (IPV/OPV)	Doses starting at 2 months; age-based schedule or catch-up series for older children/adults	Documented doses or acceptable catch-up; recent updates require documenting polio for applicants ≥2 months
Tdap (Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis)	Single adolescent/adult booster, then Td boosters per schedule	One documented Tdap dose for adolescents/adults required; booster documentation noted on I-693
Hepatitis B	Multi-dose series (0, 1, 6 months typical)	Accepts completed series or serologic proof of immunity (anti-HBs)
Varicella	Two doses, typically childhood series	Accepts documented vaccination or serologic immunity; live vaccine deferred in pregnancy
Influenza	Seasonal dosing annually when recommended	Required during active seasonal guidance; civil surgeons follow current CDC/USCIS advisories

How to Complete the I-693 Immigration Medical Exam and Vaccination Record?

Completing Form I-693 requires coordination between the applicant and a USCIS-designated civil surgeon, who performs the medical exam, reviews vaccination records, orders any required tests, and signs Form I-693 to certify findings. The civil surgeon fills medical history, physical exam findings, and vaccination entries; applicants must ensure dates and vaccine types are accurate so the civil surgeon can certify admissibility for public health reasons. Accurate completion prevents delays or requests for additional evidence during immigration adjudication.

Common errors include missing vaccine dates, illegible records, or unsigned forms; avoiding these mistakes requires preparing documentation and understanding which sections the civil surgeon completes versus those the applicant provides. Below is a step-by-step checklist to guide the typical I-693 workflow for featured-snippet clarity.

Schedule with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and confirm required documentation to bring.
Bring original vaccination records, prior medical records, and photo ID to the appointment for review.
Undergo the medical evaluation including history, physical exam, and any required laboratory tests or chest X-ray if indicated.
Receive any indicated vaccines or referrals for catch-up immunizations; the civil surgeon records administered vaccines.
Civil surgeon completes and signs Form I-693 and provides signed form(s) to the applicant or sends to USCIS as instructed.

This numbered workflow outlines the practical steps applicants should follow to complete the medical exam and ensure Form I-693 is ready for immigration processing. Common pitfalls include unsigned forms and incomplete vaccine dates, so review the completed I-693 before leaving the clinic to confirm all required fields are filled.

What Is the Role of the Civil Surgeon in the I-693 Exam?

A civil surgeon is an authorized medical provider who evaluates applicants against USCIS public health standards: they perform the physical exam, review immunization history, order laboratory testing when necessary, and determine whether medical conditions or vaccine contraindications exist. The civil surgeon documents findings on Form I-693, signs the form to certify completion, and advises on catch-up vaccination schedules. They must follow CDC technical instructions to translate clinical findings into the administrative entries USCIS requires.

Confirming a provider’s civil surgeon designation and asking about experience with I-693 procedures reduces surprises at the appointment. The surgeon’s role extends to documenting medical deferrals, recommending postpartum vaccinations when appropriate, and explaining serology options if records are missing, thereby guiding applicants toward timely completion of eligibility requirements.

What Documents and Records Should You Bring to Your Exam?

Bringing correct documents speeds the exam and improves accuracy: applicants should bring official vaccination records (immunization cards), any prior medical records that include dated vaccinations, government-issued photo ID, and documentation of pregnancy when applicable. If vaccine records are unavailable, bring any laboratory test results showing immunity (e.g., measles IgG), and prepare written requests or contacts for prior providers when possible.

When records are missing, civil surgeons may recommend serologic testing or provide catch-up vaccines per CDC guidance; documenting these steps on I-693 shows proactive compliance. Organizing records in chronological order and summarizing missing dates helps the civil surgeon complete the I-693 accurately and reduces the risk of USCIS follow-up requests.

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What Are the Vaccine Exemptions and Special Considerations for Green Card Applicants?

Vaccine exemptions and special considerations cover temporary deferrals (commonly for pregnancy), permanent medical contraindications, and scenarios where religious or moral objections may be raised; USCIS evaluates these carefully because exemptions can affect admissibility. Medical contraindications require documented clinical evidence from a physician and are recorded by the civil surgeon; temporary deferrals such as pregnancy usually result in a timeline to complete immunizations postpartum. Religious or moral objections are considered in limited circumstances and may require additional documentation or follow-up.

Knowing how each exemption is documented and its likely effect on green card processing helps applicants plan: medical exemptions typically call for precise clinical notes, while temporary deferrals require a plan for future vaccination. Understanding these distinctions reduces anxiety and clarifies next steps when full vaccination is not immediately possible.

Which Vaccines Are Deferred or Exempted During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, live vaccines (for example, MMR and varicella) are typically deferred because of theoretical risks to the fetus, while inactivated vaccines like Tdap and influenza are often recommended in pregnancy when indicated. Civil surgeons document pregnancy and defer live vaccines on Form I-693, and they provide guidance for scheduling postpartum immunizations. When deferring a vaccine, the civil surgeon will note the reason and advise on timing for completion after delivery to meet USCIS vaccination requirements.

This approach balances maternal-fetal safety with immigration requirements; knowing which vaccines are safe during pregnancy (for instance, Tdap and seasonal influenza) helps applicants receive essential protection while deferring non-urgent live vaccines until it is safe to administer them after childbirth.

How Do Medical Contraindications and Religious Exemptions Work?

Medical contraindications require clinical evidence such as physician notes, test results, or documented allergic reactions that justify withholding a vaccine; civil surgeons follow CDC criteria to determine whether a contraindication is valid and document it on Form I-693. Religious or moral exemptions are handled differently—some providers will document the objection and civil surgeons may note the applicant’s statement, but USCIS retains authority to request further evidence or make final decisions about admissibility.

When an exemption is granted or noted, USCIS may request follow-up, require future vaccination, or adjudicate based on the overall medical evidence, so applicants should be prepared to provide clear documentation and to follow recommended catch-up plans whenever possible.

How to Prepare for Your Green Card Immigration Medical Exam?

Preparing for the immigration medical exam reduces surprises, speeds completion, and minimizes the chance of USCIS requesting additional evidence; preparation includes organizing vaccination records, understanding which vaccines you may need, and choosing a USCIS-approved civil surgeon. A clear checklist and advance questions for the clinic ensure the appointment covers required items like serologic testing, chest x-rays for applicants with TB risk, and immediate vaccination if catch-up doses are necessary. Preparation also includes budgeting for potential costs and confirming language access or translation services if needed.

Use the checklist below to prepare for the exam and to communicate clearly with the civil surgeon’s office before your appointment.

Gather official vaccination records including childhood and adult immunization cards.
Bring government-issued photo identification and any prior immigration medical forms if applicable.
Prepare a list of past medical conditions, allergies, and pregnancy documentation if relevant.
Confirm appointment policies such as fees, whether vaccines are available on-site, and language services.

Preparing this information helps the civil surgeon complete Form I-693 efficiently and prevents delays caused by incomplete documentation. After organizing records and questions, schedule your exam with an approved civil surgeon and confirm what the clinic requires on arrival.

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How to Find a USCIS-Approved Civil Surgeon Near You?

To find a USCIS-approved civil surgeon, use official provider locators or contact local public health clinics and community health centers to verify civil surgeon status and experience with Form I-693. When evaluating clinics, ask whether they perform immigration exams regularly, whether they provide vaccines on site or require referrals, what languages are available, and whether they offer flexible scheduling for catch-up series. Consider community clinics for lower-cost options or when language and cultural services are needed.

Asking these questions ensures you select a provider who understands both the clinical and administrative aspects of the I-693 process, reducing the likelihood of incomplete forms or unsigned reports that can delay immigration decisions.

I-693 Immigration Medical Exam: TB, Drug Abuse, and Vaccination Requirements

Form I-693 also includes assessment of drug addiction/abuse, tuberculosis (TB), and vaccination requirements [15]. Once the USCIS deems an applicant eligible for a waiver, applications are processed.

Refugee policy implications of US immigration medical screenings: a new era of inadmissibility on health-related grounds, MK Hong, 2017

What to Expect During the Immigration Physical and Vaccination Process?

Expect a structured clinical workflow: the civil surgeon will take medical history, perform a physical exam, screen for TB and other required conditions, review vaccination records, order serology if needed, and administer indicated vaccines unless contraindicated. If catch-up vaccines are administered, the surgeon will observe for short-term reactions and record each dose’s date and lot number on Form I-693. Depending on findings, the surgeon may provide referrals, schedule follow-up vaccinations, or complete the form with documented deferrals.

Understanding this sequence reduces anxiety—applicants should plan for a visit that may take longer than a routine physical and bring time for observation after vaccinations if given.

What Are the Latest Updates on Green Card Vaccination Requirements for 2025?

Recent policy updates through 2024–2025 have clarified which vaccines are required and removed older requirements; staying current avoids unnecessary vaccinations and ensures compliance with the latest USCIS and CDC technical guidance. Notably, policy revisions in early 2025 removed specific COVID-19 vaccine requirements for most immigration medical exams, while polio vaccination guidance was updated in 2024 to emphasize documentation for applicants aged two months and older. Applicants should follow official CDC/USCIS guidance and consult civil surgeons about how these updates affect their individual cases.

The EAV table below summarizes key policy changes, effective dates, and practical implications so applicants can quickly see how updates affect documentation and exam planning.

Policy Update	Effective Date / Who it Affects	Practical Implication
COVID-19 vaccine requirement removal	January 2025 / Most applicants	COVID-19 vaccination is no longer universally required; prior COVID-19 vaccinations remain valid evidence but are not mandatory for admission in many cases
Polio vaccine requirement clarification	2024 / Applicants ≥2 months	Polio documentation is emphasized; applicants should provide dated doses or receive catch-up testing/vaccination
Seasonal influenza guidance	Ongoing seasonal updates	Influenza vaccination applies during active influenza seasons per CDC guidance and is documented when required

How Has the COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Changed as of January 2025?

As of January 2025, the COVID-19 vaccine requirement for many immigration medical exams was removed, meaning applicants are not universally required to show COVID-19 immunization for I-693 completion in most scenarios. Applicants who previously received COVID-19 vaccines may still present those records as evidence of overall health protection, but lacking COVID-19 vaccination will not automatically prevent Form I-693 completion where the requirement has been lifted. Civil surgeons will follow current CDC/USCIS advisories and document vaccinations or absence thereof appropriately.

This change reduces a common confusion point for applicants who underwent prior vaccination or who were waiting to meet a COVID-specific requirement; consult your civil surgeon for how local implementation applies to your case.

What Are the New Polio Vaccine Requirements for Green Card Applicants?

Polio vaccine guidance updated in 2024 clarified documentation expectations for applicants aged two months and older, emphasizing that polio doses must be recorded or catch-up vaccination must be given according to age-appropriate intervals. Civil surgeons will verify dates and doses; if records are missing, they may administer appropriate polio vaccine doses or advise on catch-up schedules. For applicants from regions with different vaccine practices, serology is not typically used for polio—documented doses are preferred.

Understanding this polio-focused clarification ensures applicants gather any available childhood records, request records from prior providers when possible, and plan for catch-up immunizations if necessary to meet I-693 requirements.

What Are Common Questions About Green Card Vaccinations and the I-693 Exam?

Applicants frequently ask whether they can receive a green card without all vaccines and how to handle missing vaccination records; clear answers and practical options help resolve most cases. USCIS allows medical contraindications and documents temporary deferrals, but complete exemptions are limited and must be supported by clinical or other admissible evidence. Missing records can often be addressed through serologic testing, documented catch-up vaccination, or obtaining past records from providers or home-country clinics.

The list below outlines typical options for applicants who face record gaps or need alternative proof.

Obtain prior vaccination records by contacting previous providers, schools, or national immunization registries when possible.
Request serologic testing to document immunity for certain vaccines, where accepted by the civil surgeon.
Receive catch-up vaccinations administered by the civil surgeon according to CDC catch-up schedules when records are absent.

These options often resolve documentation gaps within a practical time frame; the civil surgeon will document the chosen approach on I-693 and advise on timelines and potential costs.

Can You Get a Green Card Without All Required Vaccines?

You may still pursue a green card if certain vaccines are deferred or medically contraindicated, but exemptions and deferrals must be properly documented. Permanent medical contraindications, temporary deferrals (such as pregnancy), and certain religious or moral objections have differing impacts: medical contraindications usually require physician documentation and do not automatically prevent admissibility, while temporary deferrals require a plan to complete vaccination later. USCIS may request additional evidence, and unresolved vaccination requirements can delay adjudication until resolved.

Understanding which exemptions apply and how they are recorded helps applicants communicate with civil surgeons and respond to any USCIS requests efficiently, minimizing delays in the overall immigration timeline.

How to Handle Missing Vaccination Records for Your Immigration Exam?

When vaccination records are missing, applicants have three primary options: obtain records from prior providers or home-country health authorities, provide serologic proof of immunity for vaccines where accepted, or receive catch-up vaccinations documented by the civil surgeon. Each option has trade-offs: obtaining records may take time, serologic testing has lab costs and applies only to some vaccines, and catch-up vaccinations may require multiple visits. Civil surgeons document the chosen approach on I-693 and will schedule follow-up if additional doses are required to complete a series.

Selecting the fastest option depends on individual circumstances; civil surgeons can recommend the most practical route based on available evidence, timeline, and medical considerations.

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Conclusion

Understanding the green card vaccine requirements and the I-693 immigration medical exam is crucial for a smooth application process. By ensuring compliance with the necessary vaccinations, applicants can protect their health and meet USCIS standards effectively. We encourage you to consult with a USCIS-approved civil surgeon to clarify any questions and prepare your documentation accurately. Take the next step in your immigration journey by exploring our resources and connecting with qualified professionals today.

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UCO Medical Clinic: Green Card Vaccination & I-693 Exam Requirements

Comprehensive Medical Care

At UCO Medical Clinic, our goal is to improve patients’ access to medical care and to help the underinsured save money.

ReURED VACINATION FOR A N APLICT FOR green card and Have to pass I693 Immigration ex

Green Card Vaccine Requirements and I-693 Immigration Medical Exam Vaccinations Explained

What Are the Required Vaccinations for Green Card Applicants?

Which Vaccines Does USCIS Require for the I-693 Form?

How Do Vaccine Requirements Vary by Age Group?

How to Complete the I-693 Immigration Medical Exam and Vaccination Record?

What Is the Role of the Civil Surgeon in the I-693 Exam?

What Documents and Records Should You Bring to Your Exam?

What Are the Vaccine Exemptions and Special Considerations for Green Card Applicants?

Which Vaccines Are Deferred or Exempted During Pregnancy?

How Do Medical Contraindications and Religious Exemptions Work?

How to Prepare for Your Green Card Immigration Medical Exam?

How to Find a USCIS-Approved Civil Surgeon Near You?

What to Expect During the Immigration Physical and Vaccination Process?

What Are the Latest Updates on Green Card Vaccination Requirements for 2025?

How Has the COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Changed as of January 2025?

What Are the New Polio Vaccine Requirements for Green Card Applicants?

What Are Common Questions About Green Card Vaccinations and the I-693 Exam?

Can You Get a Green Card Without All Required Vaccines?

How to Handle Missing Vaccination Records for Your Immigration Exam?

Conclusion

Share Us:

Stay on top of your health!

Call to schedule your appointment!