Required vaccines for an immigration medical exam include MMR, varicella, influenza, hepatitis A and B, meningococcal, pneumococcal, and Tdap, among others. The exact vaccines you need depend on your age, vaccination history, and current CDC guidelines. During the immigration medical exam, a USCIS-designated civil surgeon verifies that all required immunizations are complete before submitting Form I-693.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Vaccine requirements may change periodically. Consult a USCIS-designated civil surgeon or licensed physician for guidance specific to your situation.
Required Vaccines for the Immigration Medical Exam and Green Card Application
USCIS requires green card applicants to receive all age-appropriate vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Depending on your age and medical history, this may include influenza, hepatitis A and B, MMR, varicella, Tdap, COVID-19, and other vaccines.
The current vaccine requirements include:
| Vaccine | Age Group |
| Influenza (Flu) | 6 months and older (seasonal) |
| Hepatitis A | All ages (2-dose series) |
| Hepatitis B | All ages (3-dose series) |
| MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) | 12 months and older |
| Varicella (Chickenpox) | 12 months and older (if no prior infection) |
| Pneumococcal | 65+ and high-risk groups |
| Meningococcal | 11–18 years and high-risk groups |
| Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) | All ages |
| HPV (Human Papillomavirus) | Ages 11–26 |
| COVID-19 | 6 months and older |
| Rotavirus | Infants |
| Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) | Under 5 years |
| Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) | All ages |
Vaccine requirements are subject to change. Always confirm current requirements with your civil surgeon before your appointment.
How Vaccine Verification Works During the Immigration Medical Exam
During your immigration medical exam, the civil surgeon reviews your vaccination records, identifies missing immunizations, administers required vaccines if necessary, and documents everything on Form I-693.
The vaccine verification process typically includes the following steps:
1. Review of Vaccination Records
Bring all available vaccination records to your appointment. Records from other countries are generally accepted and can be reviewed by the civil surgeon.
2. Identification of Missing Vaccines
If required vaccines are missing or cannot be documented, the civil surgeon will determine which immunizations must be administered.
3. Administration of Required Vaccines
Many civil surgeons provide vaccines on-site. In some cases, you may be referred to a pharmacy or another healthcare provider.
4. Completion of Form I-693
Once all vaccine requirements have been met or appropriately documented, the civil surgeon completes and seals Form I-693 for submission to USCIS.
What Happens If You Don’t Have Vaccination Records?
If you cannot provide vaccination records, the civil surgeon may assume you have not received the required vaccines. Additional vaccinations may be necessary.
For certain diseases, such as chickenpox, blood testing may be used to demonstrate immunity instead of receiving another vaccine.
Immigration Medical Exam Vaccine Waivers and Exemptions Explained
USCIS allows vaccine waivers only in limited circumstances, including medical contraindications, age-based exemptions, and approved religious or moral objections.
Not every applicant is required to receive every vaccine. Depending on your circumstances, certain immunizations may qualify for an exemption.
Common waiver situations include:
- Medical contraindications such as documented allergies or health conditions that make a vaccine unsafe.
- Religious or moral objections that meet USCIS waiver requirements.
- Age-related exemptions when a vaccine is not recommended for your age group.
Applicants requesting a religious or moral exemption typically must submit Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility.
The civil surgeon must properly document all approved exemptions on Form I-693.
How Much Do Vaccines Cost for an Immigration Medical Exam?
Vaccine costs are usually separate from the immigration medical exam fee. Depending on the number of vaccines needed, applicants may spend anywhere from $100 to $500 or more.
Most civil surgeons charge separately for vaccines, which means your total immigration medical exam cost may be higher if you are missing several required immunizations.
Common vaccine costs include:
- Hepatitis A or B vaccines: $50–$100 per dose
- MMR vaccine: $80–$120 per dose
- Influenza vaccine: $20–$50 per dose
- COVID-19 vaccine: Often available at no cost through pharmacies or public programs
Some medical offices also charge vaccine administration fees. Always request a full cost estimate before scheduling your appointment.
At Weibo Medical Care in Brooklyn, NY, we provide USCIS immigration medical exams and can help determine which vaccines you need before your appointment. Call (718) 301-0587 to schedule.
How to Prepare for Your Immigration Medical Exam and Required Vaccinations
Preparing your documents, vaccination records, and insurance information ahead of time can help prevent delays and reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Before Your Appointment
Gather all vaccination documentation, including:
- Original vaccine records
- Digital immunization records
- Foreign vaccination records
- Certified translations if available
You should also verify whether your health insurance covers recommended vaccines.
If you need several vaccines or a multi-dose series, ask the medical office whether additional appointments may be required.
What to Bring on Exam Day
Bring:
- Government-issued photo identification
- Vaccination records
- Immigration paperwork if requested
- Insurance information
Wear loose-fitting or short-sleeved clothing to make vaccine administration easier.
What to Expect After Receiving Vaccines
Most vaccine side effects are mild and temporary.
Common reactions include:
- Arm soreness
- Mild redness
- Fatigue
- Low-grade fever
These symptoms typically resolve within one or two days.
Once all vaccine requirements have been satisfied, the civil surgeon will seal Form I-693. Do not open the sealed envelope before submitting it to USCIS.
Schedule Your Immigration Medical Exam and Vaccine Review in Brooklyn, NY
If you are applying for a green card or adjusting your immigration status, you must complete your immigration medical examination with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon.
Weibo Medical Care serves Brooklyn’s diverse immigrant community and assists patients through every step of the immigration medical exam process, including vaccine verification, Form I-693 completion, and follow-up immunizations.
Weibo Medical Care
849 53rd St, 7th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11220
Phone: (718) 301-0587
Hours: Monday–Sunday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Learn more about the USCIS immigration medical exam process and what to expect before your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Immigration Medical Exam Vaccines
What vaccines are required for the immigration medical exam?
USCIS requires all ACIP-recommended vaccines that are medically appropriate and age-appropriate. Depending on your age, this may include influenza, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, MMR, varicella, Tdap, HPV, COVID-19, pneumococcal, and meningococcal vaccines.
Can I use foreign vaccination records for my immigration medical exam?
Yes. Vaccination records from other countries are generally accepted and reviewed by the civil surgeon. If records are incomplete or unavailable, additional vaccines or blood tests may be necessary.
What happens if I refuse a required vaccine?
Without a qualifying waiver or medical exemption, refusing a required vaccine may prevent the civil surgeon from completing Form I-693, which can delay or negatively affect your immigration application.
Do I have to pay separately for immigration exam vaccines?
In most cases, yes. Vaccines are billed separately from the immigration medical exam fee. Costs vary depending on the number of vaccines required.
How long does it take to complete all required vaccines?
Many applicants complete the vaccine portion during a single visit. However, some vaccines require multiple doses over several months. Your civil surgeon will advise you on the timeline based on your vaccination history and immigration deadlines.