Effective March 11, 2025, the U.S. government has made a significant update to the immigrant visa medical requirements regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Here’s what that means for you.
What Has Changed in the Immigration Medical Requirements?
On March 11, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officially removed the COVID-19 vaccination requirement from its technical instructions to panel physicians — the doctors designated to perform medical exams for immigrant visa applicants abroad. As a result, immigrant visa applicants are no longer required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination during the medical examination process.
Prior to this update, lack of documented COVID-19 vaccination could render an applicant ineligible for an immigrant visa. That is no longer the case.
How Will This Affect Immigrant Visa Applications?
U.S. embassies and consulates will no longer deny immigrant visa applications based solely on the applicant’s failure to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. This change applies to all new immigrant visa applicants undergoing the required medical exam after March 11, 2025.
For individuals who were previously denied an immigrant visa only because they did not meet the COVID-19 vaccination requirement, this policy shift may open the door to renewed eligibility.
Can I Reapply if I Was Previously Denied Due to Lack of COVID-19 Vaccination?
Yes. If your immigrant visa application was denied solely because you did not provide COVID-19 vaccination documentation — and your medical exam is still valid and unexpired — you may be eligible to obtain a revised medical report at no cost. The updated report would no longer list COVID-19 vaccination as a required component.
To initiate this process, affected applicants should contact the same U.S. embassy or consulate where their original visa interview took place. The embassy or consulate can help facilitate a re-evaluation by the panel physician without charging an additional fee.
Why Did the CDC Make This Change?
The CDC’s revision reflects the evolving public health landscape. While COVID-19 continues to circulate globally, the immediate public health emergency has diminished. The CDC regularly updates medical guidance to align with current data, and this change acknowledges the broader shift in COVID-19 policies worldwide.
This update is consistent with a growing number of jurisdictions reducing or eliminating vaccine mandates, especially for travel and immigration purposes.
Need Assistance?
If you or a loved one is navigating the immigrant visa process, our experienced immigration attorneys in New York City are here to help. Contact the Lightman Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.