Vaccination requirements to obtain permanent residence or Green Card in the United States

Applicants for Green Card Must Meet Vaccination Requirements

As part of the application process for permanent residence or a Green Card, it is mandatory for applicants to be vaccinated against certain diseases. This requirement is set by the immigration authorities to prevent the spread of preventable diseases.

All individuals seeking United States Permanent Residence Green Card must fulfill a series of examinations and medical requirements.

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The National Immigration Law states that individuals who fail to provide proof of vaccination against preventable diseases will be deemed inadmissible.

This means that if you are not vaccinated, you will not be eligible to adjust your immigration status or receive permanent residence.

14 Vaccinations Required for Green Card

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stipulates the mandatory vaccinations for obtaining a permanent residence card.

However, it is important to note that this list from the CDC is subject to change over time, so it is crucial to stay informed.

The required vaccines in 2023 are:

1. Diphtheria
2. Tetanus
3. Whooping cough
4. Polio
5. Measles
6. Mumps
7. Rubella
8. Rotavirus
9. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
10. Hepatitis A
11. Hepatitis B
12. Meningococcal disease
13. Chickenpox
14. Pneumococcal disease
15. Influenza
16. COVID-19

What if I Have Already Been Vaccinated?

If you have already received any of the mandatory vaccinations in your country of origin or in the United States, you do not need to get vaccinated again. However, you must present evidence of vaccination to the authorized doctor during the medical examination.

It is crucial to have all vaccination certificates at the time of the examination.

“Acceptable immunization documentation must come from an immunization record, either a personal immunization record or a copy of a medical chart with entries made by a physician or other appropriate medical personnel,” indicates the CDC.

If your vaccination certificates are in a language other than English, you must provide a reliable translation.

Can I Prove Vaccination with a Laboratory Analysis if I Lost My Certificates?

If you do not have the vaccination certificates, you can demonstrate vaccination through a laboratory confirmation.

However, laboratory evidence is only acceptable for the following diseases:

• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Poliomyelitis
• Chickenpox

What if I Have a Medical Condition that Prevents Vaccination?

If you have a medical condition that prevents you from receiving any of the required vaccinations, a civilian doctor will need to inform the Form I-693.

The CDC determines the contraindications for vaccines.

Ultimately, it is the licensed physician who will determine if you have a condition that prevents you from receiving any of the vaccinations required to obtain the Green Card. Pregnant women should also consult with an authorized doctor regarding the vaccinations they should receive.

Consequences of Refusing Mandatory Vaccinations

If you refuse to receive the vaccinations required for immigration purposes, as mandated by the immigration laws of the United States, your application for a Green Card may be denied.