2025 USCIS I-693 Vaccination Requirements for Green Card Applicants
By Yukhanan Benjamin, MD, PhD, Civil Surgeon
Preparing for the USCIS immigration medical exam can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re unsure which vaccines you need for Form I-693. This clear, practical guide walks you through the vaccination requirements for green card applicants in 2025 so you can arrive at your appointment confident and ready. The I-693 exam evaluates overall health and documented immunizations. Many applicants ask which vaccines are required, what to do if records are missing, and how medical or religious exemptions work. Below we explain required vaccines, age-based rules, options for missing records, waiver criteria, and what to expect at UCO Medical Clinic.
What Vaccines Are Required for the USCIS Immigration Medical Exam I-693 in 2025?
The USCIS requires specific vaccines for green card applicants to protect individual and public health. Knowing these requirements ahead of time helps avoid delays in your immigration process.
Which Vaccines Are Universally Required for All Green Card Applicants?
All applicants should be prepared to receive or document the following vaccines:
- MMR Vaccine: Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella — all highly contagious viral illnesses.
- Tdap Vaccine: Covers tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).
- Polio Vaccine: Prevents poliomyelitis, a serious viral disease that can cause paralysis.
- Varicella Vaccine: Protects against chickenpox; required for anyone without documented immunity.
- Hepatitis B Vaccine: Required for certain ages and risk groups.
- Influenza Vaccine: Required annually for applicants 6 months and older during flu season (typically October 1 through March 31).
- Pneumococcal Vaccine (PCV20/21): Required for children and applicants aged 65 and older.
- Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine: Required for teens aged 11-16 and certain other risk categories.
Missing required vaccines or documentation can delay adjudication or hold up your green card process. Make sure your records are up to date before the exam whenever possible.
How Have Recent Policy Changes Affected Vaccine Requirements?
USCIS updated its vaccine guidance to align with CDC recommendations. Key changes to watch for include:
- Expanded Vaccine List: Additions reflect current public health priorities.
- Documentation Expectations: Applicants must show proof of immunization — clinic records, official vaccine cards, or equivalent documentation are accepted.
Staying updated on these changes helps prevent surprises at your medical exam.
How Do Age-Specific USCIS Vaccination Requirements Affect Green Card Applicants?
Vaccine requirements differ by age. Below are the common age-based expectations to help you plan.
What Are the Vaccination Requirements for Infants and Children?
Young children follow a routine vaccination schedule that differs from adults. Important vaccines for this group include:
- Hepatitis B: Typically given shortly after birth.
- DTPa (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis): Standard for children under seven.
- Varicella (Chickenpox): Prevents chickenpox in early childhood; required for anyone without documented immunity.
- Polio Vaccine: Part of the routine childhood series.
- MMR Vaccine: Given in childhood per the recommended schedule.
- Pneumococcal Vaccine: Recommended for children as part of routine immunization.
Keeping children on schedule reduces the chance of delays during the immigration medical review.
Which Vaccines Are Needed for Adults and Seniors During the Immigration Exam?
Adults and older adults have some distinct requirements and recommendations:
- Influenza Vaccine: Required annually during flu season for anyone 6 months and older.
- Pneumococcal Vaccine (PCV20/21): Required for adults aged 65 and older.
- Shingles Vaccine: Recommended for older adults but not required by USCIS.
- Tdap Vaccine: Required for adults as part of routine immunization.
Confirm which vaccines apply to your age group before your appointment to avoid unexpected injections or repeat visits.
What Are the Options for Applicants with Missing Vaccine Records or Immunity Concerns?
If you don’t have complete vaccination records or you’re unsure about immunity, there are practical steps you can take to meet USCIS requirements.
How Can Lost Vaccine Records Be Addressed for the I-693 Exam?
If your records are lost or incomplete, try these options:
- Contact Previous Providers: Request records from past clinics, hospitals, or public health departments.
- Request Official Replacements: Ask providers for formal documentation of administered vaccines.
- Complete a Vaccination History Form: Provide a detailed history that the civil surgeon can review and, when appropriate, corroborate.
Collecting as much documentation as possible ahead of the exam speeds the process and helps avoid unnecessary repeat vaccines.
When Are Titer Tests Recommended to Prove Immunity?
Titer (antibody) tests check whether you already have immunity to certain diseases. These are useful when:
- Records Are Unavailable: A titer can prove immunity if written records can’t be found.
- Vaccination History Is Unclear: If you’re unsure which vaccines you received, titers provide objective evidence of protection.
Your civil surgeon can advise which titers are appropriate and interpret the results for USCIS documentation.
What Medical Waivers and Exemptions Exist for USCIS Vaccination Requirements?
Some applicants qualify for medical waivers or other exemptions when vaccines would cause harm or conflict with sincere beliefs.
Which Medical Conditions Qualify for Vaccine Waivers?
Medical waivers may be appropriate for applicants with conditions such as:
- Severe Allergies: Documented anaphylactic reactions to vaccine components.
- Immunocompromised Conditions: Health states that make certain vaccines unsafe.
A civil surgeon will evaluate your medical history and supporting documentation to determine eligibility for a waiver.
Are Religious or Moral Exemptions Accepted for the I-693 Exam?
USCIS permits religious or moral exemptions in certain cases. Applicants seeking these exemptions should:
- Provide a Written Statement: Explain sincerely held beliefs and why vaccinations are refused.
- Discuss the Case with a Civil Surgeon: Review how an exemption might affect the medical exam and the immigration timeline.
Understanding the exemption process helps you decide the best path forward while preserving your application’s integrity.
How Is the I-693 Medical Exam Process Conducted at UCO Medical Clinic in Hallandale Beach?
At UCO Medical Clinic, we aim to make the I-693 exam thorough, clear, and as stress-free as possible so applicants meet USCIS health standards without unnecessary delays.
What Should Applicants Bring and Expect During Their Exam Appointment?
Bring the following to your appointment:
- Government-issued ID: For identity verification.
- Vaccination Records: Any official documentation you have.
- Medical History: A list of current conditions, medications, and past treatments.
The exam typically includes a physical assessment and a review of vaccination history; additional tests or vaccines may be recommended based on findings.
How Does UCO Medical Clinic Handle Documentation and Sealed Envelopes?
We follow USCIS procedures carefully. After your exam we will:
- Prepare Sealed Envelopes: Containing the completed I-693 form and supporting medical records, sealed per USCIS rules.
- Give Clear Instructions: Explain how to submit the sealed envelope to USCIS or include it with your immigration paperwork.
Our goal is to make documentation straightforward so your file arrives complete and compliant.
Where and How Can Applicants Schedule Their USCIS Medical Exam and Vaccinations in Hallandale Beach?
Scheduling your USCIS exam and any needed vaccines at UCO Medical Clinic is simple — we offer coordinated care so you can complete requirements in one visit when possible.
Why Choose UCO Medical Clinic as Your USCIS Civil Surgeon?
Applicants choose UCO Medical Clinic because we provide:
- Local Expertise: Familiarity with USCIS and local public health expectations for Hallandale Beach residents.
- Comprehensive Services: Vaccines, testing, and the I-693 exam under one roof.
- Patient-Focused Care: Clear explanations, compassion, and steady support through the process.
Working with a local civil surgeon reduces uncertainty and helps keep your immigration timeline on track.
What Are the Costs and Payment Options for the I-693 Exam and Vaccines?
We keep fees transparent. Typical costs include:
- Exam Fee: Typically around $250, which covers the medical evaluation and completion of Form I-693.
- Vaccination Costs: Vary by vaccine, generally between $20 and $150 each.
Understanding the vaccine requirements and having a plan for missing records or exemptions will help you move through the I-693 process with less stress. UCO Medical Clinic is here to guide you every step of the way — providing clear answers, thorough care, and secure handling of your medical documentation so your immigration process proceeds smoothly.
