Organ Transplant Is Not a Ground of Inadmissibility

Having received an organ transplant — whether a kidney, liver, heart, lung, or any other organ — is not a ground of inadmissibility under U.S. immigration law. Your transplant history will not prevent you from obtaining a green card. The medical grounds of inadmissibility are limited to communicable diseases of public health significance, failure to have required vaccinations, physical or mental disorders with associated harmful behavior, and drug abuse or addiction.

Immunosuppressant Medications and Live Vaccine Contraindications

Most organ transplant recipients take immunosuppressant medications to prevent rejection. Common examples include tacrolimus, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisone. These medications suppress the immune system, which means that live attenuated vaccines are generally contraindicated.

The live vaccines required for immigration include MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and varicella (chickenpox). If you are on immunosuppressant therapy, these vaccines may be medically contraindicated for you.

Medical Waiver Process for Contraindicated Vaccines

If a required vaccine is medically contraindicated due to your immunosuppressant medications, the civil surgeon can document this on Form I-693 as a medical contraindication. This is a standard process and does not negatively affect your immigration application. USCIS accepts medical contraindications as a valid reason for not receiving a required vaccine. You will need documentation from your transplant physician confirming your immunosuppressant regimen.

Documentation to Bring

Bring the following documentation to your immigration medical exam:

• A complete list of all current medications, including immunosuppressants
• A letter or summary from your transplant physician confirming your transplant history and current medication regimen
• Your vaccination records
• Any records of vaccines received before your transplant