Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Required for Immigration?
Yes. As of 2026, COVID-19 vaccination remains a USCIS requirement for immigration medical exams. USCIS follows the vaccine recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which continues to include COVID-19 vaccination on the recommended schedule.
The COVID-19 vaccine requirement applies to all immigration applicants who are age-eligible per ACIP recommendations. Applicants who have not completed the required COVID-19 vaccine series must do so as part of their immigration medical exam, unless a medical waiver applies.
Important: USCIS vaccine requirements are subject to change based on ACIP guidance. Always confirm current requirements with your Civil Surgeon before your appointment.
Which COVID-19 Vaccines Does USCIS Accept?
USCIS accepts COVID-19 vaccines that have received FDA approval or Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and are recommended by ACIP. As of 2026, the following vaccines are on the USCIS-approved list:
Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty)
Type: mRNA
Primary series: 2-dose primary series
FDA-approved; ACIP recommended
Moderna (Spikevax)
Type: mRNA
Primary series: 2-dose primary series
FDA-approved; ACIP recommended
Janssen / Johnson & Johnson
Type: Viral vector
Primary series: 1-dose primary series
FDA-authorized; ACIP recommended
Novavax (Nuvaxovid)
Type: Protein subunit
Primary series: 2-dose primary series
FDA-authorized; ACIP recommended
Vaccines not on this list — including Sinovac (CoronaVac), Covaxin (Bharat Biotech), Sputnik V, and others — are not accepted by USCIS, even if they are approved in other countries.
How Many Doses Are Required?
USCIS requires completion of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series as recommended by ACIP. The number of doses depends on the vaccine received:
If you have only received one dose of a two-dose series, you will need to complete the series before your Form I-693 can be finalized. Our clinic can administer the remaining dose(s) at your appointment or a follow-up visit.
What Documentation Do You Need?
To document your COVID-19 vaccination history, bring one or more of the following to your appointment:
Tip: If you received your COVID-19 vaccine in California, you can access your records through the California Immunization Registry (CAIR) at cairweb.org or through your healthcare provider's patient portal.
What If You Received a Vaccine Not on the USCIS-Approved List?
If you received a COVID-19 vaccine that is not on the USCIS-approved list — such as Sinovac (CoronaVac), Covaxin, Sputnik V, or AstraZeneca — you may need to receive an additional USCIS-approved vaccine series.
The specific requirements depend on which unapproved vaccine you received and how many doses. Your Civil Surgeon will evaluate your vaccination documentation and advise you on the minimum number of additional doses required to meet USCIS standards.
Important: Do not assume that a vaccine approved in your home country is accepted by USCIS. Only vaccines on the USCIS-approved list count toward the immigration vaccine requirement. Bring all vaccination documentation to your appointment so the Civil Surgeon can make an accurate determination.
Medical Waivers and Contraindications
USCIS allows medical waivers for the COVID-19 vaccine in limited circumstances. A medical waiver may be granted if:
Documented medical contraindication
A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose or to a vaccine component is a recognized contraindication. Documentation from your treating physician is required.
Precaution recognized by ACIP
Certain medical conditions may qualify as precautions under ACIP guidance. Your Civil Surgeon will evaluate your specific situation.
Vaccine not available
In rare circumstances where an approved COVID-19 vaccine is not available, a waiver may be granted. This is uncommon given current vaccine availability.
Religious exemptions are not recognized by USCIS for immigration vaccine requirements. Only medical contraindications and precautions documented by a physician are eligible for waivers.
Booster Requirements
USCIS booster requirements follow current ACIP guidance. As of 2026, USCIS requires the updated COVID-19 booster dose for age-eligible applicants per the current ACIP schedule.
Booster requirements are age-dependent and may vary based on the applicant's health status and prior vaccination history. Your Civil Surgeon will review your specific vaccination record and advise you on whether a booster is required for your immigration medical exam.
Not Sure What You Need?
Bring all your vaccination records to your appointment. Our Civil Surgeon will review your history and tell you exactly which COVID-19 vaccine doses, if any, are still required.
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Medical & Legal Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. USCIS vaccine requirements follow ACIP guidance and are subject to change without notice. Always consult a USCIS-designated Civil Surgeon and a qualified immigration attorney for guidance specific to your individual case.