The USCIS issued a policy update on September 14, 2021 pertaining to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for medical examinations required by the USCIS. 

This update requires applicants subject to the immigration medical examination to complete the COVID-19 vaccine series (one or two doses, depending on the vaccine) and provide documentation of vaccination to the civil surgeon before completion of the immigration medical examination. This requirement is effective from October 1, 2021, and applies prospectively to all Forms I-693 (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record)  signed by the civil surgeons on or after that date. The USCIS has indicated that it is working to update Form I-693 and the form instructions to incorporate this new requirement.

USCIS may grant blanket waivers to the COVID-19 vaccine requirement under the following circumstances:

• Not age-appropriate;
• Contraindicated due to a medical condition;
• Not routinely available where the civil surgeon practices; or
• Limited in supply and would cause significant delay to receive the vaccination.
• Additionally, individuals not vaccinated based on religious beliefs or moral convictions may apply for a waiver by completing Form I-601 (Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility). 

At this time, the list of vaccines that are acceptable for the above purpose is not available. We expect the list to be published in the coming weeks. This USCIS Policy update is available here.