Effective Jan. 22, 2025, USCIS is waiving any and all requirements that applicants for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident present documentation on their Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, that they received the COVID-19 vaccination. USCIS will not issue any Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny related to proving a COVID-19 vaccination. USCIS will not deny any adjustment of status application based on the applicant’s failure to present documentation that they received the COVID-19 vaccination.
USCIS released the above announcement on January 22, 2025, announcing that effective immediately the COVID-19 vaccination requirement will bee waived for anyone applying for adjustment of status to obtain legal permanent residency (a green card) in the United States. Specifically it states that an application will not be denied for the applicant not being vaccinated for COVID-19 nor will they issue a Request for Evidence on cases where the applicant’s Form I-693 Medical Examination indicates they did not receive the vaccine. The other vaccination requirements remain in place and are still required.
Neither the USCIS website nor the Department of State website have been updated with any information regarding whether the COVID-19 vaccination will be waived for visa applicants applying through a US Consulate abroad. The announcement only mentions “adjustment of status” applicants, which are applicants that are applying from inside the United States. Many applicants apply abroad and consular process, which is a separate process that is similar but not the same as adjustment of status.
