In a significant policy shift, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the elimination of COVID-19 vaccination documentation requirements for adjustment of status applicants, effective January 22, 2025. This change marks the end of a policy that had been in place since Fall 2021, reflecting evolving approaches to public health measures in immigration procedures.

Key Changes in Policy

The new policy introduces several important modifications to the adjustment of status process:

• Form I-693 (Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record) no longer requires COVID-19 vaccination documentation
• USCIS will not issue Requests for Evidence (RFE) related to COVID-19 vaccination status
• Notices of Intent to Deny (NOID) will not be issued based on COVID-19 vaccination documentation
• Applications cannot be denied solely due to lack of COVID-19 vaccination records

Historical Context

When initially implemented in Fall 2021, the COVID-19 vaccination requirement was introduced as part of the standard medical examination process for green card applicants. This requirement reflected the public health priorities during the height of the pandemic, joining the list of required vaccinations for immigration purposes.

Impact on Current and Future Applicants

This policy change affects multiple groups:

Current Applicants

• Those with pending applications need not respond to previous COVID-19 vaccination queries
• Existing applications will be processed without requiring COVID-19 vaccination documentation
• No additional documentation needed for previously submitted applications

Future Applicants

• May proceed with medical examinations without COVID-19 vaccination
• Retain choice regarding COVID-19 vaccination
• Can focus on meeting other standard medical requirements

Civil Surgeons

• No longer required to verify COVID-19 vaccination status
• Can complete Form I-693 without COVID-19 vaccination documentation
• Must continue checking other required vaccinations

Continuing Requirements

While the COVID-19 vaccination requirement has been removed, it's important to note that:

• All other standard vaccination requirements remain in effect
• The basic medical examination process continues unchanged
• Other health-related immigration requirements stay in place

Implications for Immigration Process

This policy change streamlines the adjustment of status process by:

• Reducing documentation requirements
• Simplifying medical examination procedures
• Providing more flexibility for applicants
• Decreasing potential delays related to vaccination documentation

Professional Recommendations

Immigration experts advise:

For Pending Applications

• No need to proactively submit COVID-19 vaccination documentation
• Continue monitoring application status through normal channels
• Maintain focus on other application requirements

For New Applications

• Proceed with medical examinations as scheduled
• Ensure compliance with all other vaccination requirements
• Keep records of any previously received COVID-19 vaccinations for personal reference

Looking Forward

This policy change represents a significant shift in USCIS's approach to public health requirements in immigration processing. It reflects broader changes in how COVID-19 is being managed at the administrative level while maintaining other essential health screening measures.

Conclusion

The removal of the COVID-19 vaccination requirement marks an important evolution in immigration policy, providing greater flexibility for adjustment of status applicants while maintaining other necessary health and safety protocols. This change streamlines the application process while preserving the fundamental goal of ensuring public health safety through immigration medical examinations.

For the most current information and specific guidance, applicants should consult with immigration professionals and refer to official USCIS communications regarding their individual case