If you are preparing a U.S. visa or green card application in 2026, you might be wondering whether you need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. The short answer is no—the COVID-19 vaccination is no longer a requirement for U.S. immigration medical exams. This is a significant shift from the policy that was in place from October 2021 through early 2025. As of July 2026, you can complete your immigration medical exam and submit your Form I-693 without any COVID-19 vaccination documentation.
Key Rule: Effective January 22, 2025, USCIS waived the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for all adjustment of status applicants. The CDC followed suit on March 11, 2025, removing the requirement from the Technical Instructions for all immigrant visa applicants. You do not need to provide any proof of COVID-19 vaccination for your immigration medical exam or visa application in 2026.
Official Policy Change: COVID-19 Vaccine No Longer Required
On January 22, 2025, USCIS officially announced it was waiving any and all requirements that adjustment of status applicants present documentation of COVID-19 vaccination on Form I-693. This means USCIS will not issue Requests for Evidence (RFEs), Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs), or deny applications based on a lack of COVID-19 vaccination proof. The CDC officially updated its Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons and Panel Physicians on March 11, 2025, formally removing COVID-19 from the list of required vaccines for immigration purposes.
If you are applying for a green card through adjustment of status (Form I-485) or through consular processing abroad, you can now proceed with your medical exam without worrying about COVID-19 vaccination documentation. The civil surgeon or panel physician will not require it, and USCIS will not ask for it.
What Vaccines Are Still Required for Your Immigration Medical Exam?
While COVID-19 is no longer required, the standard list of other vaccinations for U.S. immigration remains in effect. The specific vaccines you need depend on your age, but the core list generally includes:
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) – required for individuals born in 1957 or later.
- Tdap/Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) – required for all ages, with a Tdap booster within the last 10 years for adults.
- Polio (IPV) – required for all age groups.
- Varicella (Chickenpox) – required for children and adults.
- Hepatitis B – required for adults up to age 59.
- Hepatitis A – required for children up to age 18.
- Influenza – seasonal requirement (during flu season, typically September 1 to March 31).
- Pneumococcal – required for adults born before 1956.
- Meningococcal – required for adolescents and young adults.
- Rotavirus – required for young children.
- Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) – required for young children.
The civil surgeon or panel physician will determine which vaccines are age-appropriate for you based on the CDC's Technical Instructions. If you have vaccination records from another country, they can be accepted as long as they include your full name, date of birth, vaccine name, and complete date of administration.
How to Obtain Proof of Required Vaccinations
Even though you do not need proof of COVID-19 vaccination, you will still need to provide documentation for the vaccines listed above. Here is how to get that proof:
- Check your personal records. Look for your childhood vaccination records—often called a "shot record"—from your pediatrician or school.
- Contact your doctor or health department. Request your official immunization records from your primary care physician or your state's immunization registry.
- Bring international records. USCIS and civil surgeons accept official vaccination records from other countries. If they are not in English, you must provide a certified translation.
- Get a titer test. If you have no records, the civil surgeon can order a blood test to check for immunity to diseases like measles, mumps, and rubella.
- Receive vaccines during the exam. The civil surgeon can administer any required vaccines you are missing on the day of your exam. You are only required to receive the first dose of each age-appropriate vaccine to complete the form.
Not having your vaccination history is not an obstacle to completing your immigration medical exam. The civil surgeon will work with you to ensure you meet the requirements.
Travel Requirements: A Separate Issue
It is important to distinguish between immigration medical exam requirements and travel entry requirements. The COVID-19 vaccine is no longer required for immigration purposes, but travel rules are subject to change. As of July 2026, some travel restrictions may still apply for non-U.S. citizens entering the country. Always check the current travel advisory on the CDC and U.S. Department of State websites before your trip.
For the DS-260 visa application, you can answer "no" to the COVID-19 vaccination question and explain that you will meet the vaccination requirements at the medical exam—which no longer includes COVID-19.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine for a U.S. visa in 2026?
A: No. As of January 22, 2025, the COVID-19 vaccine is no longer required for immigration medical exams.
Q: What if I already have a COVID-19 vaccination record—should I bring it to my medical exam?
A: It is not required, but it will not hurt to bring it. The civil surgeon will simply note that it is no longer a required vaccine.
Q: Will USCIS reject my application if I don't have a COVID-19 vaccine?
A: No. USCIS will not reject your application for missing the COVID-19 vaccine, nor will they send a Request for Evidence (RFE) about it.
Q: I'm applying from outside the U.S. Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine for my visa interview?
A: No. The panel physician will not require proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
Q: What vaccines are still required for the immigration medical exam?
A: Required vaccines include MMR, Tdap, polio, varicella, hepatitis B, influenza (during flu season), and others depending on your age.
Q: I heard about a COVID-19 test for travel. Is that the same as the visa requirement?
A: No. The COVID-19 vaccine requirement for immigration is separate from any travel testing or vaccination requirements that may be in place for entering the U.S. Check current travel advisories before your trip.
Q: Where can I find the official announcement about this change?
A: The official announcement was made by USCIS on January 22, 2025. You can find the current requirements on the official USCIS and CDC websites.