Streamlining Immigration Health Checks with Vaccination-Only Services
If you're planning to move to the US, you'll need an Immigration Medical Exam (IME). This exam ensures the health of both immigrants and Americans by checking for medical conditions that could pose public health risks.
IMEs are conducted by specialized doctors or panel physicians who adhere to strict guidelines, ensuring consistency across all examinations.
Typically, an IME includes a physical exam, tuberculosis test, and vaccination check. However, some applicants may only require a vaccine check to ensure they have all necessary immunizations for their health and the protection of their new communities.
Not everyone is eligible for the quick vaccine check. To determine if you qualify, consult your immigration lawyer or contact USCIS directly. The Civil Surgeon cannot make this determination for you.
Now, let's discuss the I-693 form. This crucial document is required by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for certain applicants during the immigration process. It's essentially a health clearance letter from a doctor or panel physician, helping USCIS determine your eligibility for a green card.
If you've already undergone an overseas immigration medical exam by a panel physician or civil surgeon, the IME medical exam and vaccination record report will advise you to get the quick vaccine check.
Here's the lowdown on US immigration regulations: If you're a non-citizen applying for an immigrant visa from abroad or seeking lawful permanent residency while in the US, you'll need one or more vaccines to protect against diseases such as COVID-19, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, hepatitis A and B, flu, pneumonia, meningitis, Haemophilus influenzae type B, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
Now, let's dive into the Vaccine-Only Service. This service, offered by civil surgeons, caters to those who only need vaccines for immigration purposes. These USCIS-authorized surgeons administer and approve vaccines required for green card applications and other immigration matters. From COVID-19 to tetanus shots, they ensure applicants are up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations, helping them navigate the complex immigration system with confidence.
Who's eligible for the Vaccine-Only Service?
According to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 207, refugees applying to change their status in the US may qualify. Additionally, certain nonimmigrant visa holders—like K-1 fiancé(e)s, K-3 spouses, and K-2 children of K-1 fiancé(e)s—can also access this service.
Here's a quick overview of the vaccination-only service:
Who Can Use It?
K-4 child of a K-3 spouse
V-1 spouse
V-3 child of an unmarried V-2 holder
V-2 child of a V-1 spouse
Important Note:
Not all applicants are eligible for this streamlined service. Be sure to check with your immigration lawyer or USCIS directly to confirm your eligibility. The Civil Surgeon cannot make this determination for you.
What's in It for You?
Convenience: Get required vaccinations without a full medical exam, simplifying the immigration process.
Time Savings: Vaccinations typically take 20-30 minutes, depending on your vaccination history and required shots. This is significantly faster than traditional IMEs, which can last 1-3 hours, including physical exams, TB tests, waiting time, and paperwork.
Cost-Effective: The vaccination-only service is often more affordable than traditional IMEs.
How to Get It?
Visit the official website of your local health department or USCIS to find authorized physicians or civil surgeons offering vaccination-only services.
Remember to bring your government-issued ID card and vaccination records.