Immigration Medical Exam Vaccines: A Simple Guide
If you are applying for a green card or adjustment of status, completing the USCIS Immigration Medical Exam (Form I-693) is a required step. One part of this exam that often causes confusion is vaccinations. Many applicants worry they may be missing vaccines or are unsure what documents to bring.
The good news is that the vaccination process is usually simple and manageable, especially when you know what USCIS requires. This article explains the vaccination requirements in a friendly, easy-to-understand way so you can feel confident before your immigration medical exam.
Why Vaccinations Are Required for the Immigration Medical Exam
USCIS require vaccinations as part of the immigration medical exam to protect public health in the United States. The vaccination rules are based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and apply to most applicants seeking permanent residence.
These requirements are not meant to be complicated, but missing vaccines or incomplete records can delay your immigration case. That’s why understanding what is needed ahead of time is so important.
What Vaccines Are Required for Form I-693?
The exact vaccines required depend on your age, medical history, and current CDC guidelines. During your immigration medical exam, the civil surgeon will review your vaccination records and determine which vaccines are required for you.
Some of the most commonly required vaccines include:
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Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
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Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap)
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Varicella (Chickenpox)
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Influenza (Flu) – required during flu season
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Hepatitis B
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Polio
Not everyone needs every vaccine. The civil surgeon will decide which ones apply to you based on USCIS and CDC requirements.
What If You Don’t Have Your Vaccine Records?
If you do not have vaccination records, don’t panic. This is very common. In many cases, vaccines can be given during your immigration medical exam, or blood tests may be used to show immunity to certain diseases.
The most important thing is to be honest about what records you have and bring any documentation you can find, even if it is incomplete.
Can Vaccines Be Given at the Medical Exam?
Yes. Many civil surgeon clinics can provide required vaccines during the immigration medical exam. This helps applicants complete the process more quickly and avoid delays caused by missing vaccinations.
Receiving vaccines at your appointment is safe and common, and the civil surgeon will document everything correctly on Form I-693.
What Happens If You Are Missing Required Vaccines?
If required vaccines are missing and not properly documented, USCIS may delay your case or request additional information. This is one of the most common reasons USCIS questions or rejects Form I-693.
Completing your vaccines correctly during the medical exam helps ensure your form is complete and ready for submission.
Do Children and Older Adults Have Different Requirements?
Yes. Vaccine requirements vary by age. Children, adults, and older applicants may have different vaccine requirements based on CDC guidelines. The civil surgeon will review these requirements carefully to make sure the correct vaccines are documented for each age group.
Helpful Tips Before Your Immigration Medical Exam
Before your appointment, try to:
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Bring any vaccination records you have
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Write down vaccines you remember receiving
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Ask questions if you are unsure about requirements
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Schedule your exam early to avoid delays
Preparing ahead of time makes the process much smoother.
Final Thoughts
Vaccinations are a required component of the USCIS Immigration Medical Exam (Form I-693) and play an important role in ensuring a complete and accurate medical evaluation. While the requirements may seem complex at first, most applicants can meet them without difficulty when they are properly informed and prepared.
At Lumberton Internal Medicine Group, a USCIS civil surgeon–approved clinic, we assist applicants by reviewing vaccination records, identifying required vaccines based on current CDC and USCIS guidelines, and ensuring that all information is accurately documented on Form I-693. Our goal is to help applicants complete the immigration medical exam correctly and avoid unnecessary delays related to missing or incomplete vaccination documentation.
If you are preparing for your immigration medical exam, understanding vaccination requirements in advance and choosing a qualified civil surgeon can help your application proceed smoothly and with confidence.
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