An integral part of applying for a green card or citizenship to the United States of America is the completion of the I-693 form. During that process a designed Civil Surgeon evaluates your immunization history and determines what (if any) vaccines are needed to complete the application. This process of receiving required vaccinations not only assists in completing your application, it also protects you from diseases not previously immunized against.
Designated Civil Surgeons are required to adhere to the technical instructions from the USCIS. They can only certify your application once you meet the USCIS requirements. The following vaccinations are required at the time of their application:
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Pertussis
- Polio
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Rotavirus
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Meningococcal disease
- Varicella
- Pneumococcal disease
(Vaccine requirement varies by age, time of the year, etc… not all vaccines are required by all ages or times of the year, please contact our office for more information)
Applicants for citizenship can meet the requirement for vaccination through 3 different methods. It is up to the applicant to provide proof for their application.
1- Providing proof of previous immunization from their home country. These records should include at a minimum the applicants name, name and date of the vaccination and identification of medical office/hospital administering the vaccination. The records should be legible and translated (if needed) into the
English language. Applicant history alone of receiving previous immunizations without documentation is not an acceptable way to prove immunity.
2- Obtain blood tests to prove prior immunity – titer testing. These blood tests can be ordered by your primary care physician or by the civil surgeon. Titer testing is usually available for the Polio, MMR, Varicella, and Hepatitis B vaccinations. It is not available for tetanus, influenza, etc… The cost of the titer testing varies by labs and is often comparable to receiving the vaccinations.
3- Receiving the required vaccinations. Your Civil Surgeon can determine if it is safe and necessary for you to receive some or all required vaccinations. The cost of the vaccinations varies. Medical Insurance can often be used for the cost of the necessary vaccines. Even if you have previously received a vaccine in your home country, it may be necessary to receive it again as some vaccines (i.e. Tetanus, Influenza) are only effective for a certain period.
Dr. Jeremy B. Haymore, MD and his team have performed thousands of immigration exams in Idaho. They are well experienced in helping you navigate the process of completing your application for a green card or citizenship application through the I-693 form. They see patients in Boise and Burley Idaho. Most patients can be seen within 2 weeks of reaching out to our office.
Once you set an appointment, the team will review your immunizations records and help you determine how to meet the USCIS requirements. Whether it’s reviewing previous records, ordering titer testing or helping you receive vaccines, we can help you choose the best option for you. We offer discounted rates on vaccines at all our clinics and accept most insurances. We will provide the cost of vaccines and information about insurance coverage prior to your visit. With some preparation, we can help you complete the application and receive the needed vaccinations at the same visit.
Stop delaying your opportunity to apply for your citizenship or green card. Call us today or click the button below for more information: