New FAQs on Vaccination Requirements

The USCIS has issued new information on the vaccination requirements for foreign nationals here.  The guidance explains that applicants for US permanent residence need to be vaccinated against the following:

• Mumps
• Measles
• Rubella
• Polio
• Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids
• Pertussis
• Influenza Type B
• Hepatitis B
• Any other vaccine-preventable diseases recommended by the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices.

The guidance answers questions regarding why vaccination is required, what proof is needed of prior vaccinations, what happens if vaccines are not medically appropriate, e.g. because the applicant is pregnant, how to get a waiver of the vaccination requirement, etc. 

New medical forms for consular applicants

The US State Department has updated the forms to be used by panel physicians for people applying for permanent residence via US consulates. Doctors should begin using the following forms immediately:

• DS-2053, Medical Examination for Immigrant or Refugee Applicant (1991 TB TIs)
• DS-3024, Chest X-Ray and Classification Worksheet (1991 TB TIs)
• DS-3026, Medical History of Physical Examination Worksheet (all posts), and
• DS-3025, Vaccination Documentation Worksheet (all posts).

The remaining forms should be used starting on 10/1/09:

• DS-2054, Medical Examination for Immigrant or Refugee Applicant (2007 TB TIs)
• DS-3030, Chest X-Ray and Classification Worksheet (2007 TB TIs).

People who have already completed their medical exams using the older version of the forms do not have to have new exams. For more details, see here.

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