Vaccine Exemption for Philosophical Reasons

[HRQX 4,145]

5 hours ago, Jesserose24 said:

It states right on the Immigration website the declaration is presented during the interview.

The "step-by-step checklist" process is not done in-person: https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-9-part-d-chapter-3 Form I-601 is filed after the visa interview: https://www.uscis.gov/i-601-addresses "Seeking an immigrant visa or a nonimmigrant K or V visa and I have been found inadmissible by a consular officer after my visa interview."

 

The Consular Officer does not have authority to adjudicate the waiver: https://fam.state.gov/fam/09fam/09fam030202.html "Immigrant visa applicants who object to receiving vaccinations on religious or moral grounds must seek an INA 212(g)(2)(C) waiver from DHS/USCIS by filing Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility. You do not have the authority to adjudicate or grant INA 212(g)(2)(C) waivers."

Edited February 16, 2021 by HRQX

[Dashinka 24,466]

A VJ Search turned up this thread.  Not sure if the OP here is still active, but maybe they are, or maybe some of the other members who went through the vaccine waiver process and discussed it in the thread are, so you may try PMing them.  As @Boiler, and @HRQX pointed out, and also shown in the thread below, the waiver is submitted after the intending immigrant is found inadmissible by the CO.

 

Good Luck!

 

 

[African Zealot 1,455]

7 hours ago, Jesserose24 said:

This is absolutely incorrect. It states right on the Immigration website the declaration is presented during the interview. If you haven't actually had experience, please don't waste my time.

Lol 😂🤣😂. Watch out, you’re going to be cut down to size by the posse shortly. 

Edited February 16, 2021 by African Zealot

[African Zealot 1,455]

6 hours ago, TBoneTX said:

Furthermore, avoid insulting highly experienced members.

Are you implying other members without a lot of experience on VJ can be insulted? That’s the inference from your statement.

 

You do know that a lack of tenure on VJ doesn’t imply a “newbie” lacks experience in immigration matters?

 

Smh

Edited February 16, 2021 by African Zealot

[Lemonslice 4,830]

11 hours ago, Jesserose24 said:

Hello all, if this is posted elsewhere, please just help me find it. I'm Canadian, at the beginning of my Visa journey. I have my childhood vaccine record and likely won't need any. However, since becoming an adult and in charge of my own medical decisions, I am philosophically opposed to vaccines. There is a grey area around the TB shot (not required in my age group, I'm 36). But depending on when my medical is the flu shot could also be required. Not to mention when they'll add a C-ov-id vaccine to the list. I've done my research, according to the immigration website I can in fact decline on philosophical grounds. I simply have to write a testimony as such. I'm having a very hard time finding any one who has chose to go down this path of exemption on philosophical grounds. 

 

I'm not looking to debate vaccines in any way. I'm Pro-Choice. Just looking for any one who's written such a declaration and what they put in that letter.

 

Thank you in advance to anyone who can help.

 

Jesse

 

Jesse, I don't remember any VJ member going through with such waiver, and being approved. 

 

While you only want to discuss the topic with those who have experienced this situation, it might not be possible.

 

In your situation, I would try:

 

- Searching for vaccines waiver in the advanced search (from a desktop) and reaching out to these members directly. Reach out to lawyers specializing in waivers to increase the chance of approval.

 

While working on plan B:

 

- Discussing with your spouse if moving to Canada is an option for your family.

 

- Understanding which vaccines might be required and debating if trying to avoid them is worth being away from my spouse for months, or forever should the waiver be declined. 

 

Tagging @Ontarkie
If I remember correctly, she might have more info on incomplete medical exams in Canada, and them not being released.

Edited February 16, 2021 by Lemonslice

[Jesserose24 62]

1 hour ago, Lemonslice said:

Jesse, I don't remember any VJ member going through with such waiver, and being approved. 

 

While you only want to discuss the topic with those who have experienced this situation, it might not be possible.

 

In your situation, I would try:

 

- Searching for vaccines waiver in the advanced search (from a desktop) and reaching out to these members directly. Reach out to lawyers specializing in waivers to increase the chance of approval.

 

While working on plan B:

 

- Discussing with your spouse if moving to Canada is an option for your family.

 

- Understanding which vaccines might be required and debating if trying to avoid them is worth being away from my spouse for months, or forever should the waiver be declined. 

 

Tagging @Ontarkie
If I remember correctly, she might have more info on incomplete medical exams in Canada, and them not being released.

Hi, 

 

Thank you, I was not aware that using a desk top would make a difference to search, I will try that.

 

I'm 100 confident I meet the requirements to decline vaccines, I was more interested in what was written in personal testimonials. I understand the form is used but when dojng this research on a desk top was told bc my objection is Moral (not religious) it requires a sworn affidavit or testimonial from myself as well. I know I will not be declined.

 

Life would be soooo much easier if he could move here (it's just an easier process all around), however as a US soldier that's simply not an option until we retire.

 

Thank you. 

Jesse

 

 

[Boiler 45,434]

Just to wrap this up, here is a link to the I 601 Waiver https://www.uscis.gov/i-601

 

They used to be adjudicated by Consulates but that has not been the case for a very long time.

 

Unusual for a well prepared waiver to fail, just a question of time and money.

[retheem 564]

Looooool good luck with that. Things that we read here.

[Mollie09 1,543]

[Lemonslice 4,830]

20 minutes ago, Jesserose24 said:

Hi, 

 

Thank you, I was not aware that using a desk top would make a difference to search, I will try that.

 

I'm 100 confident I meet the requirements to decline vaccines, I was more interested in what was written in personal testimonials. I understand the form is used but when dojng this research on a desk top was told bc my objection is Moral (not religious) it requires a sworn affidavit or testimonial from myself as well. I know I will not be declined.

 

Life would be soooo much easier if he could move here (it's just an easier process all around), however as a US soldier that's simply not an option until we retire.

 

Thank you. 

Jesse

 

 

Great that you have confidence. Now, patience will be required.

[Downloader 199]

When you are at the interview try telling the officer this:

”If you don’t have the experience or authority with these please leave me and my waiver alone and refrain from making any comments”

 

It might work wonders I bet. 

[Marieke H 2,495]

To get back to your original question, why does it matter what others have written in their statements? Their statements are about their personal beliefs, not yours.

 

Also, tone and attitude definitely are reflected in written text; keep that in mind when you write your statement.

 

I have only seen a few people try this. As suggested, you are more likely to be able to connect with them by doing a thorough search here and messaging them directly. 

[Rocio0010 5,579]

12 hours ago, Jesserose24 said:

Yes, I've read this passage repeatedly. In case my question was not clear, I'm looking to understand exactly what words others have used in similar situations. I'll mildly ask you to leave me, and this thread alone, unless you've actually had experience with this. I'm looking to speak with others who have

That right there is being entitled 

and asking people to “leave the thread alone” is what is against the rules. 

[davidvs 337]

12 hours ago, Jesserose24 said:

This is absolutely incorrect. It states right on the Immigration website the declaration is presented during the interview. If you haven't actually had experience, please don't waste my time.

You are correct that the declaration happens at the interview. This (I believe) is the order of events:

 

1. At medical, you decline the vaccines. Doctor will note this in their report.

2. At interview, it will be noted that you declined vaccines. You will declare that you are opposed to them. This will be noted.

3. You will have your visa denied due to inadmissibility for declining the vaccines.

4. You will file I-601 waiver of inadmissibility based on your philosophical beliefs.

5. Your waiver application will be adjugated.

6. You get your visa, the vaccines, or look for a Canadian fiancé.

 

I-601's can only be filed after a visa denial. Only the I-601a (not applicable to you) is filed before.

 

[Boiler 45,434]

13 minutes ago, Marieke H said:

To get back to your original question, why does it matter what others have written in their statements? Their statements are about their personal beliefs, not yours.

 

Also, tone and attitude definitely are reflected in written text; keep that in mind when you write your statement.

 

I have only seen a few people try this. As suggested, you are more likely to be able to connect with them by doing a thorough search here and messaging them directly. 

That is key. Usually waivers follow a sort of common theme with a bit of personalization. However in some respects this type is simpler but much more personal.

 

I think the OP misunderstood the process and thought it was just a letter you added on, not a form and supporting documents, a fee and a long wait.

 

From a practical point of view I think I just needed one? jab, and I forget which one as I had already had the usual ones as a child. Tetanus maybe. Anyway I checked the list and realised I needed one more and had it done by my surgery.

 

I would imagine something similar applies here. Technically the Medical is where you find out if you are OK or not, it is the Doctor who does or does not sign off. From the Consulate perspective it is a simple yes it is complete or no it is not.

Edited February 16, 2021 by Boiler