The Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued an order on August 25, 2021 which requires most green card applicants to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and be fully vaccinated. Otherwise, they will be considered inadmissible to the U.S.
The order takes effect on October 1, 2021, and applies to both persons applying for adjustment of status in the U.S. and to those seeking immigrant visas abroad at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.
Some people may have received a COVID-19 vaccine that is not currently authorized in the U.S. Limited data are available on the safety or efficacy of receiving a COVID vaccine currently authorized in the U.S. after receipt of a non-FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine. However, in some circumstances people who received a COVID-19 vaccine not currently authorized in the U.S. may be offered revaccination with an FDA-authorized vaccine.
A green card applicant must obtain a COVID-19 vaccine even if they claim immunity to the disease based on a prior infection.
Reminder: For international airline passengers ages 2 years and older, the CDC requires a negative COVID test or evidence of recent recovery in order to travel to the US.