Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States announced a policy: starting from October 1, 2021, green card applicants will be required to complete COVID-19 vaccination in order to pass the immigration medical examination and obtain a green card. This regulation applies to applicants applying for an immigration visa at embassies and consulates abroad, as well as those applying for I-485 status adjustment within the United States, with certain exceptions based on age and health conditions.
At the same time, the website of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in China has also updated the requirements for COVID-19 vaccination:
In addition, the Guangzhou International Travel Health Care Center has also issued a notice regarding the "Latest Requirements for U.S. Immigration Visa Medical Examination," with the original content as follows:
It is important to note that applicants must complete the COVID-19 vaccination before the immigration medical examination and submit the relevant documents to the immigration medical examination physician. The COVID-19 vaccine differs from other vaccines required for status adjustment, and the number of doses varies depending on the manufacturer. The immigration medical examination physician must confirm that the applicant has been fully vaccinated.
Applicants are reminded that there must be an interval between the newly required COVID-19 vaccine and the previously required routine vaccinations, with all vaccines and the COVID-19 vaccine needing to be spaced 14 days apart. Therefore, if certain groups, such as those who cannot be vaccinated due to age or health reasons, need to prepare documentation from the immigration medical examination physician in advance.
Of course, there are exemptions to the new requirements, and situations for which applicants can apply for exemptions from the immigration bureau include:
a. Applicants under the age of 12;
b. Applicants with health issues that prevent vaccination;
c. Applicants who cannot be vaccinated due to religious beliefs or moral reasons;
In addition, if an applicant has a severe reaction to the first dose, the reaction should be documented; if the applicant is in a location where vaccination is not available, this should be recorded and signed by the examining physician.
The CDC emphasizes that since the types of COVID-19 vaccines available in different countries vary, the CDC stipulates that as long as the applicant receives a vaccine authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization (WHO), it is acceptable. Currently, the vaccines authorized for emergency use by the FDA include Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. Additionally, Sinopharm and Sinovac have also been listed by the WHO for emergency use. This means that vaccines such as Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Beijing Sinovac, and China National Pharmaceutical Group meet the vaccination requirements. Applicants must complete all vaccination processes and provide vaccination proof to Panel Physicians to complete the medical examination report.
Currently, the EB-5 Regional Center Program is still on hold. When and how it will be reauthorized remains to be seen. WorldWay Immigration will continue to monitor the situation and share updates as soon as they become available. For more details, please call the WorldWay Immigration service hotline: Mainland China: 400-138-2929 Hong Kong: (852) 2802 8798.
Some materials in this article are sourced from the internet, and the copyright belongs to the original authors. If there are any copyright issues, please contact the original authors or us for removal.
Investment involves risks; the above information is for reference only.