Vaccination & Immunization Requirements

Immigration Physicals With a Civil Surgeon in Fremont

In order to obtain a green card or “adjustment of status,” the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) requires you to undergo an immigration physical, which includes a physical exam, a blood test, and vaccinations if needed. This page contains information about the basic vaccination requirements maintained for immigrations and individuals seeking adjustment of status in the United States.

For immigration physicals in the U.S., individuals seeking adjustment of status must see a civil surgeon. A civil surgeon is a physician who has been designated by the USCIS. These individuals are qualified to assess whether or not an individual meets vaccination requirements in the U.S.

Vaccination Requirements

These are the vaccinations required by immigration law in the U.S. for foreign nationals who apply for immigration visas or who seek to adjust their status to that of permanent resident:

• Haemophilus influenza type B
• Hepatitis B
• Measles
• Mumps
• Pertussis
• Polio
• Rubella
• Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids
• Any other vaccine-preventable diseases that the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices recommends

What Is the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP)?

The ACIP is a committee that serves an advisory role to the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) / Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The role of this advisory committee is to recommend immunizations for U.S. citizens. The CDC is the body that publishes the Technical Instructions for the Medical Examination of Aliens in the United States.

During your appointment with a civil surgeon at Washington Township Medical Foundation, your doctor will look over your vaccination records. If your records show omissions for necessary vaccinations, your doctor can provide them during the appointment, or you can choose to follow up with your personal doctor. You will, however, need to return to the civil surgeon’s office once your vaccinations are completed for his / her signature on your Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, with proof that your vaccinations have been completed.