USCIS Waives COVID-19 Vaccination Documentation Requirement for Adjustment of Status Applicants

Effective January 22, 2025

In a significant update for immigration applicants, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that, effective January 22, 2025, the agency will no longer require applicants for adjustment of status to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination on their Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.

What This Means for Applicants

Previously, as part of the adjustment of status process, applicants were required to include documentation that verified they had received the COVID-19 vaccine. This requirement was intended to help ensure public health and safety. However, USCIS has now officially waived this requirement.

Key points include:

• No More COVID-19 Vaccine Proof:
  Applicants do not need to present any documentation regarding COVID-19 vaccination when filing their adjustment of status application. The change applies solely to COVID-19 vaccination; all other vaccination requirements remain in effect.

• No RFEs or NOIDs:
  USCIS will not issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) for the lack of documentation of COVID-19 vaccination. This means that an adjustment of status application cannot be negatively impacted or denied solely because the applicant did not present such documentation.

For those in the midst of the adjustment of status process, this development is a welcome change that simplifies the application process. Applicants can now submit their Form I-485 without the concern of sourcing, verifying, and submitting COVID-19 vaccination records. This change is particularly beneficial for those who may have difficulty obtaining the necessary documentation or who have personal or medical reasons for not being vaccinated against COVID-19.

For more information on this update and how it might affect your case, please feel free to contact our office. We’re here to help you navigate these changes and guide you through the immigration process.

Stay informed and stay safe!

For further updates, follow our blog or contact our immigration law experts at Mack Immigration, LLC.