This is just a reminder that applicants who submit Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, on or after October 1, 2021, must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Most applicants filing for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or an immigrant visa application with Department of State (DOS) must submit Form I-693 completed by a designated civil surgeon. Certain other applicants may also be required to submit Form I-693.

If the Form I-693 is completed before October 1, 2021, and remains valid, the applicant will not be required to have the vaccine.

The civil surgeon must physically inspect and confirm the documents proving the applicant received the COVID-19 vaccine. Review of vaccination documentation requires:

• A vaccination record;
• Copy of a medical chart with physician entries; or
• Review by appropriate medical personnel.
• Self-reported vaccine doses do not constitute proper proof.

The Form I-693 must be completed by the civil surgeon and must document the doses and the formulation of the vaccine.

Blanket exceptions to the vaccine requirements include:

• Applicants who are too young to receive the vaccine,
• Applicants who have a medical contraindication to the vaccine, and
• Foreign nationals who live in an area where approved vaccines are “not routinely available.”