Question about AOS - Vaccinations

[Southern_Canadian 0]

Hey everyone!!

I'm getting ready to mail my AOS stuff but noticed two important things that I'm worried about.

The first: I got two of the three HPV vacciations (the third will be at the end of this month), in Canada. When I went for my medical, the Dr. said that the HVP wasn't a requirement so, he didn't write it down on his official papers for the conculate. I am now mailing my Canadian medical to a Dr. in Texas to transfer it but there is no mention that I have gotten the HPV vaccination. Any suggestion on what to do?

The second: I've also noticed that recently the TB test is required. I have never gotten the TB test but someone mentioned that the chest x ray is acceptable instead of the TB test. Does anyone know of that is true?

Thanks guys for your help!

[Southern_Canadian 0]

Anyone..??

[cdn_in_wa 1]

From the USCIS website:

Q: Who is required to have a TB test?

All applicants two years of age or older are required to have a tuberculin skin test (TST). Children younger than age two are required to have a TST if there is evidence of contact with a person known to have TB or if there is other reason to suspect TB. If evidence of TB infection is found, a chest x-ray is required. Any person with a positive skin test reaction of more than 5mm will also be required to undergo a chest x-ray.

Q: When did the new TB requirements become effective?

The new TB testing and treatment requirements became effective on May 1, 2008. However, CDC allowed a 30 day grace period. Therefore, any medical exam that takes place on or after June 1, 2008 must be performed in accordance with the new TB testing requirements.

Q: Will USCIS accept Form I-693 if the civil surgeon performed a chest x-ray without the TST?

No, the civil surgeon must administer the TST, unless one of the exceptions listed in the Technical Instructions applies. If the civil surgeon performs a chest x-ray without giving the applicant the TST, the reason for omitting the TST must be noted on Form I-693.

Q: When will the new vaccination requirements become effective?

The new vaccination requirements became effective on July 1, 2008. However, CDC approved a 30 day grace period until August 1, 2008. Therefore, for any medical exam conducted on or after August 1, 2008, the new vaccinations, if appropriate, must be administered in order for USCIS to approve the applicant for adjustment of status.

Q: Does USCIS require that all shots in each vaccine series be completed before applying for adjustment of status?

No. The applicant must have received all the required age-appropriate vaccines that could be given at the time of the medical exam. If the applicant has started the vaccination series, but is not able to complete all the required shots because, at the time of the medical exam, the minimum time interval between shots has not passed, the applicant may still apply for adjustment of status. A waiver is available in cases where, due to required time intervals, it was impossible for the applicant to receive all shots in the series before submitting the application for adjustment of status.

For example, the Hepatitis A vaccine requires that applicant receive two doses of vaccine, six months apart. If the applicant receives the first dose in January, he or she does not have to wait until July, when the second dose would be given, to submit the adjustment of status application. However, the applicant must have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, if appropriate, before applying for adjustment of status.

Q. I had my medical exam completed before the new TB or vaccination requirements went into effect, and have not yet submitted it to USCIS, or I have submitted it but it has not yet been reviewed. Am I now required to have a new medical exam that meets the new TB and/or vaccination requirements before I can adjust status?

Generally, no. When reviewing a Form I-693, USCIS will note the date the exam was conducted and refer to the Technical Instructions, medical requirements, and form edition that were in effect at that particular time, remembering that for each revision of the Technical Instructions there was a 30-day grace period. If the civil surgeon conducted the medical exam properly and in keeping with the exam requirements and form edition in effect on that particular date, there is no need to return for a second exam or to have the results recorded on a newer edition of Form I-693, as long as you submit the Form I-693 before its one-year expiration.

Since your medical was performed on June 2nd, 2008 per your signature, you fall on both sides of this issue.

You are not required to have the HPV vaccine, assuming you apply before your medical expires (1 year). However, I would try and get something in writing from the person/facility that did your HPV series, in case. If you're planning to finish the series, you may need that information for the person/facility in the US to prove you've had the first 2, anyway.

As noted above, the chest xray does not replace the TB test and looks as though your Dr missed the new regulation which had just taken effect. So, it is likely that you will need the TB test. At least according to the website, so you may well be required to do that. And who knows if that opens up a new can of worms by having to use the new form? It's new enough that I don't think anyone's experienced RFE's on this yet.

Might be why no one's answered your Q?

[Southern_Canadian 0]

Thanks for your reply, I appreciate the help! I guess I'll try to get the TB test but I don't know if I should get it done before I send my stuff to the Dr. in Texas. Ahhhh, this sucks!

[Shannon and David 0]

Hi!

Here's a link to the new regulations...

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...0004718190aRCRD

From that website... important dates to keep in mind.

Date of Medical Exam

Do I have to submit the revised Form I-693?

Does the medical exam have to be done in accordance with the new TB requirements?

Do I have to receive the new vaccines (if age appropriate?)

Before June 1, 2008

No

No

No

June 1 – July 31, 2008

Yes Edition dates 4/2/08 and 6/5/08 are acceptable

Yes

No

On or after Aug. 1, 2008

Yes - must submit Edition date 6/5/08

Yes

Yes

[Southern_Canadian 0]

Thanks, I am having trouble finding a walk in clinic that will give the TB test and the third shot of the HPV.