Do I have to repeat vaccines I got in another country?

No — a civil surgeon can count any documented dose, regardless of country, as long as the vaccine name and date are on the record. Bring everything you have, even handwritten childhood records.

What if I refuse a vaccine for religious reasons?

USCIS allows two formal waivers: a religious/moral conviction waiver (Form I-601) and a medical contraindication waiver signed by the civil surgeon. Both add time and complexity — discuss with your immigration attorney before the exam.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine still required for I-693 in 2026?

USCIS removed the COVID-19 requirement in early 2025. It is no longer needed for the I-693, though your civil surgeon may still offer it as standard preventive care.

What about flu season — is influenza always required?

Influenza is only required during flu season (October 1 through March 31). Outside that window, the civil surgeon checks 'not required' on the form.

Can a blood test prove I'm immune instead of getting the vaccine?

Yes — for MMR, varicella, and hepatitis B, a positive titer (immunity blood test) satisfies USCIS without re-vaccination. Bring lab reports if you have them.

Resources · I-693 Exam

I-693 vaccines required in 2026: the complete USCIS list

USCIS requires every green-card applicant to be up to date on a specific set of vaccines before a civil surgeon will sign Form I-693. The list changes — COVID-19 was removed in 2025 — so here's the current 2026 requirement, what counts as proof, and what you can skip if you bring the right records.

The shortcut

The fastest way to avoid extra vaccines is to bring every record you can find — childhood records from your country of origin, school records, military records, pharmacy printouts, prior U.S. doctor visits. A civil surgeon can count documented doses from anywhere.

The required vaccines (2026)

MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
All ages — usually 1–2 doses depending on age and prior immunity.
Tdap / Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
All ages; booster every 10 years.
Varicella (Chickenpox)
All ages without documented immunity.
Influenza
Seasonal — Oct 1 through Mar 31 only.
Hepatitis A
Children 12 months through 18 years.
Hepatitis B
Children 12 months through 18 years; adults at risk.
Polio (IPV)
Children only — full series.
Rotavirus
Infants only — age-limited series.
Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
Children under 5.
Pneumococcal (PCV)
Children under 5; adults 65+.
Meningococcal
Ages 11–18.

Source: USCIS Vaccination Requirements (current as of 2026). Always verify the latest schedule with your civil surgeon.

What counts as proof

USCIS accepts any of the following as proof of immunity or vaccination:

An official vaccination record listing the vaccine and date administered.
A positive titer (blood test) showing immunity — accepted for MMR, varicella, and hepatitis B.
A documented history of disease (rare; usually for varicella in adults from certain regions).
A civil-surgeon signed contraindication for medical reasons.

Common waivers

Three waiver paths exist if a required vaccine is not appropriate for you:

Not age-appropriate — automatic, no waiver needed (e.g., adults skip rotavirus).
Medical contraindication — signed by the civil surgeon on the I-693 itself.
Religious or moral conviction — requires a separate Form I-601 waiver application.

FAQ

Get your vaccines and I-693 in one visit

We stock every USCIS-required vaccine on-site. Mount Juliet, TN.

Book I-693 Appointment (615) 288-4087