Green card applicants must complete a medical exam and get their vaccines updated as part of the application process. But is a COVID-19 vaccine going to be required? Starting October 1, the answer is “yes.” The CDC has issued updated guidance to the doctors who perform immigration medical exams (called “Civil Surgeons.”) Under the new guidance, after the full FDA approval of a COVID-19 vaccine, applicants for green cards will need to complete the 2-dose, 3-week vaccine schedule before the medical exam can be completed. This guidance takes effect on October 1, 2021.

The vaccine is still required even if the applicant had a COVID-19 infection.

For more information, the official CDC guidance is available at this link. If you have any questions about the medical exam requirements for green card applicants, please contact the Civil Surgeon you hire to perform the exam. Clients of Gorton Law can always call their case manager or attorney with questions at (617) 902-0100.