What If You Don’t Have Vaccination Records for USCIS?

What If You Don’t Have Vaccination Records for USCIS?

For individuals applying for a green card or adjustment of status in the United States, completing the immigration medical exam is a required step. A key component of this process is demonstrating compliance with vaccination requirements established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

However, many applicants face a common concern: what happens if you don’t have your vaccination records? Fortunately, lacking documentation does not prevent you from completing the process. With the guidance of a qualified civil surgeon, there are clear and effective ways to meet all requirements.

Why Vaccination Records Matter for USCIS

Vaccination compliance is part of the health-related admissibility criteria enforced by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. The goal is to protect public health by ensuring that applicants are immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Your vaccination history is documented in Form I-693, which must be completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon and submitted as part of your application.

What Happens If You Don’t Have Vaccination Records?

If you cannot provide official vaccination records, you still have several options. The civil surgeon will determine the appropriate course of action based on your situation.

1. Receiving Missing Vaccines

The most common solution is to receive the required vaccines during your immigration medical exam. This ensures full compliance with CDC guidelines.

Vaccines commonly required include:

• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)

• Hepatitis B

• Varicella (chickenpox)

• Influenza (seasonal)

• Polio

• Tetanus (TB or Tdap)

Receiving vaccines at the time of your exam is safe, efficient, and widely accepted.

2. Blood Tests (Titers) to Prove Immunity

In some cases, you may not need to repeat vaccinations. A blood test—known as a titer—can determine whether you already have immunity to certain diseases.

If immunity is confirmed, the civil surgeon can document this in Form I-693, eliminating the need for additional vaccines.

3. Verbal History Is Not Sufficient

It is important to note that simply stating you received vaccines in the past is not enough. USCIS requires documented proof or medical verification through titers or re-vaccination.

4. Medical or Religious Waivers

In limited cases, applicants may qualify for a vaccination waiver. These may apply if:

• A vaccine is medically contraindicated

• The vaccine is not age-appropriate

• There are sincerely held religious or moral objections (you will need a waiver for this option)

Waivers must be properly documented and are subject to approval by USCIS.

Will Missing Records Delay Your Application?

Not having vaccination records does not automatically delay your application—provided you address the issue during your medical exam. Delays typically occur when:

• Required vaccines are not completed

• Documentation is incomplete

• The medical form is submitted incorrectly

Working with an experienced civil surgeon helps ensure that your vaccination requirements are resolved efficiently.

How to Prepare If You Don’t Have Records

To streamline your appointment and avoid unnecessary costs or delays:

• Inform the clinic in advance that you do not have records

• Be prepared to receive vaccines if needed

• Ask about titer testing options

• Bring any partial or unofficial documentation you may have

Preparation allows the civil surgeon to determine the best approach for your case.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants without vaccination records should be aware of common pitfalls:

• Delaying the medical exam due to missing documents

• Assuming prior vaccinations will be accepted without proof

• Not completing required vaccines during the visit

• Failing to follow up on additional testing if needed

Taking proactive steps can prevent complications in your immigration process.

Final Thoughts

Not having vaccination records is a common situation—and one that can be easily managed with the right approach. USCIS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide clear guidelines to ensure applicants can still meet vaccination requirements through revaccination, immunity testing, or approved waivers.

By working with a qualified civil surgeon and completing your Form I-693 accurately, you can move forward confidently without unnecessary delays. Lumberton Internal Medicine Group is a USCIS-designated civil surgeon clinic serving Lumberton, NC and the surrounding areas, and we are experienced in completing Form I-693 correctly and according to USCIS requirements.