USCIS COVID-19 vaccination policy manual update

[top_secret 2,458]

USCIS just formally released their actual COVID-19 vaccination policy manual update here https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-manual-updates/20210914-COVIDVaccinationRequirement.pdf

[Crazy Cat 41,984]

Notice the policy highlight:

"Explains that, beginning October 1, 2021, applicants who are required to undergo the immigration medical examination must complete the COVID-19 vaccine series before the civil surgeon can complete the immigration medical examination and sign Form I-693."

 

"series" means fully vaccinated?  

[Kai G. Llewellyn 838]

2 hours ago, Crazy Cat said:

Notice the policy highlight:

"Explains that, beginning October 1, 2021, applicants who are required to undergo the immigration medical examination must complete the COVID-19 vaccine series before the civil surgeon can complete the immigration medical examination and sign Form I-693."

 

"series" means fully vaccinated?  

Would assume that means received both doses or one dose of the J&J. Not sure if they want the 14 days post 2nd vaccination too.

[Allaboutwaiting 2,503]

2 hours ago, Crazy Cat said:

Notice the policy highlight:

"Explains that, beginning October 1, 2021, applicants who are required to undergo the immigration medical examination must complete the COVID-19 vaccine series before the civil surgeon can complete the immigration medical examination and sign Form I-693."

 

"series" means fully vaccinated?  

 

5 minutes ago, Kai G. Llewellyn said:

Would assume that means received both doses or one dose of the J&J. Not sure if they want the 14 days post 2nd vaccination too.

 

Generally, all age-appropriate vaccine rows of the vaccination assessment must have at least one entry before the assessment can be considered to have been properly completed. However, the COVID-19 vaccination (required as of October 1, 2021) differs in that the applicant must complete the entire vaccine series (one or two doses depending on formulation).

[top_secret 2,458]

The USCIS policy defers to CDC guidance for what is appropriate.  J&J vaccine is specifically mentioned as approved to be given concurrently with other vaccines and being considered fully vaccinated on "Day 0"

 

https://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/civil-surgeons/covid-19-technical-instructions.html

[Bill Hamze 89]

What about mixing doses due to supply constraints? For example, moderna 1st dose, then pfizer 2nd dose... will that be a completed "series" or be under a "not routinely available" waiver?

 

Either way, the end result should be the same, right?

[Scandi 4,173]

1 hour ago, Bill Hamze said:

What about mixing doses due to supply constraints? For example, moderna 1st dose, then pfizer 2nd dose... will that be a completed "series" or be under a "not routinely available" waiver?

 

Either way, the end result should be the same, right?

Yeah Moderna and Pfizer are the same type of vaccine, that's why you can "mix" them. Both require two doses for you to be considered fully vaccinated, so more than likely USCIS approves you having one of each. 

 

 

Expected. They already require something as silly as the flu vaccine, so obviously they will require the covid vaccine too. 

Edited September 15, 2021 by Scandi

[Danmuji 14]

Does anyone have experience of getting vaccinated in the states and having to provide the proof to the examining medical doctor(residing outside of US)? Would that CDC medical card suffice?

Edited September 15, 2021 by Danmuji

[Rocio0010 5,580]

12 hours ago, Bill Hamze said:

What about mixing doses due to supply constraints? For example, moderna 1st dose, then pfizer 2nd dose... will that be a completed "series" or be under a "not routinely available" waiver?

 

Either way, the end result should be the same, right?

I would think it was considered a completed “series”

[top_secret 2,458]

To remove any speculation about what policy may look like going forward.  In the Philippines, Saint Luke's Extension Clinic, which is the only authorized provider of immigration medical examinations in the country, has announced their new policy.  Mandatory COMPLETION of COVID vaccination before a medical report is issued in the Philippines.  Since they are the only authorized provider of immigration medical examinations in the Philippines, what they say is authoritative.  In the Philippines nobody can even get to an immigrant visa interview without first going through Saint Luke's Extension Clinic

 

While this particular announcement applies only to the Philippines, I think it is representative of what could probably be anticipated pretty much everywhere.

 

 

https://slec.ph/

 

Quote

ANNOUNCEMENT
Posted Wednesday, September 15, 2021
 

As per US CDC and Department of State, COVID 19 is classified as Class A, Inadmissible Medical Condition beginning October 1, 2021:

• For the safety of all staff and US visa applicants, a negative RT PCR test will be required to be presented prior to their medical examination. Tests should be done within 3 days of the medical appointment and at an accredited reputable laboratory.

RT PCR testing will be available onsite at SLEC-Ermita with results available within 24 hours and applicants are encourage to schedule their tests one day before their medical appointment date.

• Applicants with signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or recent exposure to a possible COVID 19 case will not be allowed to proceed with their medical appointment and will be required to undergo a repeat RT-PCR test.

If positive, applicants are required to complete the mandatory isolation and quarantine periods:

• 10 days from the time of a (+) RT PCR test for mild-moderate cases or 21 days for severe cases

• 14 days for close contacts of active cases

• COVID-19 vaccination is also now included in the required immunization for US visa applicants and must be completed before their medical reports can be completed.

Applicants who received COVID-19 vaccines requiring 2 doses (e.g. Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Sinovac, Sinopharm, Gamaleya) will receive other required vaccines on or after their 2nd COVID -19 vaccine dose.

Applicants are advised to schedule their medical examination with this in mind - either schedule the medical exam after their 2nd COVID-19 vaccine dose or have their medical exam in between the COVID-19 vaccination and wait for the 2nd dose to complete other required U.S. age-appropriate immunization.

 

Edited September 15, 2021 by top_secret

[Ontarkie 14,306]

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[Danmuji 14]

9 hours ago, top_secret said:

To remove any speculation about what policy may look like going forward.  In the Philippines, Saint Luke's Extension Clinic, which is the only authorized provider of immigration medical examinations in the country, has announced their new policy.  Mandatory COMPLETION of COVID vaccination before a medical report is issued in the Philippines.  Since they are the only authorized provider of immigration medical examinations in the Philippines, what they say is authoritative.  In the Philippines nobody can even get to an immigrant visa interview without first going through Saint Luke's Extension Clinic

 

While this particular announcement applies only to the Philippines, I think it is representative of what could probably be anticipated pretty much everywhere.

 

 

https://slec.ph/

 

 

There are about six places approved for medical exam in Korea. 

 

And they are still waiting for an official word from the consulate. The clinics' concesus seems that if the medical examination is before October 1st, then no Vaccine but on/after it's required. Even if the interview date is after October 1st. 

 

Just so we can save headache and delay we are planning on getting examined in September.

[Redro 4,611]

10 hours ago, Danmuji said:

There are about six places approved for medical exam in Korea. 

 

And they are still waiting for an official word from the consulate. The clinics' concesus seems that if the medical examination is before October 1st, then no Vaccine but on/after it's required. Even if the interview date is after October 1st. 

 

Just so we can save headache and delay we are planning on getting examined in September.

People in Korea will probably qualify for a waiver as the vaccine isn't readily available/ some people are only scheduled for their first vaccine late September/ early October. 

Has the beneficiary scheduled a vaccine or are they not interested in getting the vaccine? 

[Danmuji 14]

9 hours ago, planningahead said:

People in Korea will probably qualify for a waiver as the vaccine isn't readily available/ some people are only scheduled for their first vaccine late September/ early October. 

Has the beneficiary scheduled a vaccine or are they not interested in getting the vaccine? 

We are actually both vaccinated in the states. But wasn't sure about Korean doctors actually beliving the flimsy CDC card.

[Allaboutwaiting 2,503]

4 minutes ago, Danmuji said:

We are actually both vaccinated in the states. But wasn't sure about Korean doctors actually beliving the flimsy CDC card.

They will probably have access to the vaccination database.