U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that, effective Oct. 1, 2021, applicants subject to the immigration medical examination must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before the civil surgeon can complete an immigration medical examination and sign Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. We are updating our policy guidance in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Aug. 17, 2021 update to the Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons. That update requires applicants subject to the immigration medical examination to complete the COVID-19 vaccine series (one or two doses, depending on the vaccine) and provide documentation of vaccination to the civil surgeon before completion of the immigration medical examination. This requirement is effective Oct. 1, 2021, and applies prospectively to all Forms I-693 signed by the civil surgeons on or after that date. We are working on updating Form I-693 and the form instructions to incorporate this new requirement. In general, individuals applying to become a lawful permanent resident, and other applicants as deemed necessary, must undergo an immigration medical examination to show they are free from any conditions that would render them inadmissible under the health-related grounds. USCIS designates eligible physicians as civil surgeons to perform this immigration medical examination for applicants within the United States and to document the results of the immigration medical examination on the Form I-693. USCIS may grant blanket waivers if the COVID-19 vaccine is: Not age-appropriate;Contraindicated due to a medical condition;Not routinely available where the civil surgeon practices; orLimited in supply and would cause significant delay for the applicant to receive the vaccination. Individuals may also apply for individual waivers based on religious beliefs or moral convictions by submitting Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility. Back to all posts Share this post:
Michael Freeman The team at Borders - specifically Devika and Jenny - were an extraordinary support in navigating the Permanent Residency process. They were responsive and easily available, and incredibly detailed and thorough in their work. I strongly recommend them for anyone navigating the immigration process, and feel so grateful for their expertise and kindness that made a tricky process feel smooth.
Khalil Ahmad I have had a great experience with Borders Law firm through out my son's citizenship and my wife's PR application. Devika, John Yoon, and Brendan are well knowledgeable and always gave the best advice. John Yoon, I can't thank you enough he made sure all the paper work is in order and dealing with 3 different department at the same time at he tail end of my wife's PR application, always there to answer my questions even after hours. John was just wonderful though out I have had a great experience with Borders Law Firm and I would strongly recommend this firm.
Suresh Bhoopathy I wish to express my sincere appreciation with the services we received from your law firm. Borders Law Firm provided us with an amazing, valuable resource and experience. I have worked with couple of law firms in the past but the experience with your firm was professional and personal. Frankly speaking, Devika and Phing were available whenever I needed legal help and crisp / precise with the entire process. I have nothing but good things to say about our experience with your firm. Thanks a ton for the best services and continue your great service. Suresh Bhoopathy
Teresa F. Borders Law Firm is my far the best experience I have had. After consulting and meeting with other immigration lawyers, I really felt confident with this firm. I have worked with Jenny Mao over the past year and I am happy to say that she has helped me out immensely and I am extreme grateful for not only her professionalism, but for her hard work and determination. I highly reccomend Borders Law Firm. From my experience, they are the best in the GTA.