Immigration has updated the rules for the COVID-19 vaccine requirement for immigration purposes. The rules are now different depending on whether you’re going to the United States to visit or to immigrate.

COVID Vaccine Requirement for Visitors

As of May 2023, visitors to the United States are no longer required to show proof of COVID vaccinations, whether they’re coming for a short or long trip and regardless of the type of visitor’s visa they’re holding.

This waiver of the vaccine requirement applies to people using both the visitor’s visa and the ESTA, the visa waiver program.

COVID Vaccine Requirement for Immigrants

Those looking to immigrate to the United States, on the other hand, are still required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The vaccine is one of the requirements in their medical examination. The applicant must be able to show proof that they’ve had the required vaccines or otherwise take them during the medical.

Waiving the Vaccine Requirement

Getting vaccinated against COVID is a very contentious issue that some people may feel strongly about. In case immigrants to the United States do not want to take the vaccine because of their personal views, they may be able to file a waiver.

The best chance to get a waiver approved is to show proof of moral or religious objections to all vaccines, whether COVID-19, tetanus, MMR, etc. Immigration does understand that certain religious groups do not allow their members to have vaccinations and that there are moral views against getting vaccinated. If that’s the case, then there’s a higher chance of getting a waiver approved.