The CDC has announced that starting October 1, 2021, individuals applying for U.S. lawful permanent residence (a green card) must now obtain a Covid vaccine, if eligible, as part of the medical examination requirement.

Green card applicants must complete the COVID-19 vaccine series, and provide documentation of their vaccination to the civil surgeon before completing the required medical examination. The entire vaccine series (1 or 2 doses) must be completed beforehand. Laboratory tests for COVID-19 immunity will not be accepted in lieu of the vaccine. Green card applicants will be required to receive the vaccine series regardless of evidence of immunity or COVID-19 infection. Lack of a COVID-19 vaccination would make an applicant Class A, Inadmissible, and as result ineligible for a green card.

According to a CDC Pandemic Alter Notification, “[a]ll applicants who receive their medical examination from a Civil Surgeon or Panel Physician on or after October 1, 2021 will be subject to this requirement and are encouraged to complete a COVID-19 vaccine series as soon as possible.”