# U.S. Visa Vaccination Requirements (2025) Find out what vaccinations you need to immigrate to the United States ## Latest Updates for 2025 **Important Policy Changes:** - As of January 22, 2025, the COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for immigration medical exams - [Form I-693](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/form-i-693-medical-exam-explained) must be submitted together with your green card application (Form I-485) - USCIS may [reject applications](https://www.boundless.com/blog/uscis-mandates-form-i-693-submission-with-green-card-applications/) submitted without medical exam results ## Required Vaccinations for U.S. Immigration The following vaccinations are required when applying to immigrate to the United States: - Mumps, Measles, and Rubella (MMR) - Polio - Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids - Pertussis - Haemophilus influenzae type B - Hepatitis B - Seasonal flu vaccine (only if your appointment is during the yearly flu season of October 1 to March 31) ## Understanding the Medical Examination Process ### Inside the United States - Work with a USCIS-designated civil surgeon - Submit Form I-693 with your green card application - Receive required vaccinations during your exam ### Outside the United States - Visit a U.S. Department of State-authorized panel physician - Check specific requirements with your local U.S. embassy - Complete vaccination requirements before your visa interview ## Common Questions About Vaccination Requirements ### Who Determines Required Vaccines? The vaccinations that are required are determined by the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP), which recommends immunizations for the general U.S. population. The ACIP also recommends new vaccines for the general U.S. population, and the CDC will assess whether these vaccines should be required for immigration purposes on a regular and on an as-needed basis according to specific criteria set by CDC. ### How Do They Decide Which Vaccines are Required for Immigration Purposes? Some of the required vaccines are specifically listed in the Immigration and Nationality Act. These include mumps, measles, rubella, polio, tetanus and diphtheria toxoids, pertussis, Haemophilus influenza type B, and hepatitis B. In addition to these, the statute also requires that an individual receive any other vaccinations recommended by the ACIP. CDC uses the following criteria in determining which of these recommended vaccines should be required for immigration purposes: 1. The vaccine must be age-appropriate as recommended by the ACIP for the general U.S. population, and 2. At least one of the following: - The vaccine must protect against a disease that has the potential to cause an outbreak; or - The vaccine must protect against a disease eliminated in the United States, or is in the process of being eliminated in the United States. ### How Do I Know Which Vaccines are Required? The physician who carries out your medical exam can provide information on which vaccines you require. They must review all your vaccination records and, if the documentation appears valid, record the vaccination history and vaccines given during the medical exam on [Form I-693](https://www.uscis.gov/i-693) (Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record). You can find the physician’s information by contacting the U.S. embassy or consulate you will interview at or by checking their website. You can then contact the physician and ask them about your specific requirements. ### Do I Have to Receive All the Vaccines on the Vaccination List? No. You only need age-appropriate vaccines. Your examining physician will review your vaccination history and determine which vaccines you require. ### What About Previous Vaccinations? Bring documentation of previous vaccinations to your medical exam. Valid proof of prior vaccinations will be accepted and recorded on Form I-693. The physician will review your vaccination records during your medical exam to see whether you have proof of earlier vaccinations against vaccine-preventable diseases that are appropriate for your age category. It is important that you take any written vaccination documents you might have to the physician when you have your immigration medical examination. If you lack any vaccinations required for your age category, the physician will administer the vaccines as needed. You can also choose to obtain the required vaccines from your private healthcare provider. However, you must return to the physician with the proof that you have received the missing vaccines. If you’d prefer to use a private healthcare provider, make sure that you get the vaccines before the medical exam and bring proof of this to the physician. This will likely cause less delay to your visa application. ### Can I Get Vaccinated Before the Medical Examination? Often, if you don’t have proof of a vaccination, it can be quicker to get vaccinated before your medical examination. However, make sure that you contact the physician that will carry out your medical examination and check what proof or paperwork they require. ### Do I Need a Seasonal Flu Vaccine? Yes, you require a seasonal flu vaccine if your medical appointment occurs during flu season. Flu season starts on October 1 and ends on March 31 each year. ### Who Pays for the Vaccinations? The applicant is responsible for all costs associated with the medical examination and the vaccines that are required. ### Can I Be Denied a Visa if I Refuse to Get Vaccinated? It is possible that unless the applicant has moral or religious objections to vaccinations, their refusal to take any of the required vaccines could cause a potential denial of their visa application.