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DOS Guidance on COVID Vaccine Requirement for All Immigrant Visa Applicants

Effective October 1, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Technical Instructions for panel physicians requires all immigrant visa applicants to receive a full COVID-19 vaccine series as part of their medical exam prior to being issued a visa. This is a CDC requirement that applies to all immigrant visa applicants, including adoptees.

The Department of State encourages all immigrant visa applicants to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary delays in their visa processing. If the medical exam is completed prior to October 1 and is valid, the vaccine will not be required. If the medical exam is completed on or after October 1, 2021, or expires before the applicant travels, the immigrant visa applicant will be required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC requires the COVID-19 vaccine to be approved through either the World Health Organization (WHO) or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Source: U. S. Department of State

  • Neil S. Dornbaum
    Partner

    Neil Dornbaum is among the most active and distinguished immigration attorneys in New Jersey. Prior to joining the firm, Neil was a partner at Dornbaum & Peregoy, where he dedicated his practice for over 30 years to immigration and ...

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