What does this exemption mean for applicants?
For adjustment of status applicants, this change is a significant relief. Previously, presenting proof of vaccination against COVID-19 was a essential part of the immigration process.
Previously, it was mandatory to present the vaccination card Photo:iStock
The agency required applicants to include documentation showing that they had received the COVID-19 vaccine as part of your medical exam. However, as of this new directive, this documentation is no longer mandatory.
This change means that applicants will not need to worry about not meeting this specific requirementwhich facilitates adjustment of status process and reduces administrative burden for both applicants and USCIS officers.
With the elimination of this requirement, the Green card applicants will no longer be penalized for not having received the COVID-19 vaccine. Besides, USCIS will not issue Requests for Evidence (RFE) nor Notifications of Intent to Deny (NOID) related to lack of vaccination documentation.
This is good news for those who, for various reasons, were unable to receive the vaccine or could not provide proof of it.
On the other hand, they clarified that, although this requirement is no longer mandatory, the rest of the adjustment of status process is not affected.
The applicants They must still comply with other immigration requirementsincluding medical examinations and the presentation of other relevant documents. However, this change simplifies the loading of documentation for many applicants.
