USCIS/CDC has specific criteria to determine which vaccines people applying for adjustment of status for US permanent residence (hereafter referred to as applicants) are required to show proof of having received.

Adults 18-64 : 

o Tetanus – TDAP 

o Polio

o Measles, Mumps, Rubella – MMR  

o Varicella ( chicken pox needs 2 doses for complete series , or history of disease )

o Hepatitis B (Ages 0-59 yrs old) 

o Influenza (if available)

o Covid Vaccine- Most updated 2023-2024 formula is required.

Adults > 65 yrs old:

o PCV15/PPSV23 or PCV20

o Polio

o Varicella ( chicken pox needs 2 doses for complete series , or history of disease )

o Influenza (if available)

o Tetanus – TDAP 

o Covid Vaccine- Most updated 2023-2024 formula is required.

Teenagers 11-17

o Tetanus – TDAP 

o Polio (IPV only)

o Measles, Mumps, Rubella – MMR ( 2 shots) 

o Varicella ( chicken pox )- series of 2

o Hepatitis A- Series of 2

o Hepatitis B (Series of 3)

o Meningococcal ( MenACWY) – at least one shot 

o Influenza (if available)

o Covid Vaccine -Most updated 2023-2024 formula is required.

Children 7-10

o Tetanus – TDAP 

o Polio (IPV) 

o Measles, Mumps, Rubella – MMR 

o Varicella ( chicken pox )- Series of 2

o Hepatitis A- Series of 2

o Hepatitis B- Series of 3

o Influenza (FLU )- if available

Covid vaccine- Most updated 2023-2024 formula is required.

Children 1-6 years (requirements may change based on age):

o Tetanus – Dtap 

o Polio (IPV) 

o HIB (1-2 y old) 

o Hep A ( 1-2 y old) 

o Measles, Mumps, Rubella – MMR 

o Varicella ( chicken pox ) - series of 2

o Hepatitis A- Series of 2

o Hepatitis B- Series of 3

o Pneumococcal (PCV) 

o Influenza (FLU )- if available

Covid vaccine if over 6 months old - complete series- Most updated 2023-2024 formula is required.

If you are not fluent in English, you are REQUIRED TO BRING AN INTERPRETER. An interpreter MUST sign the I-693 Form if the patient is not fluent in English. However, our office can provide a Spanish/English interpreter for no additional charge. Both Dr Velez and staff speak Spanish.

On the date of your appointment please bring a government issued ID/Passport, document containing your alien/USCIS number, vaccine documentation if available. For minor children please bring Birth Certificate.

If you have vaccine records from another country, we may be able to use them.

The Immigration Physical is done in 2 parts. At your initial appointment, Dr Velez will review your medical history, vaccination records, perform a physical exam, and order any necessary lab testing. Once the results of any testing is received, we will schedule a final visit to receive a copy of your paperwork and you will receive a sealed official report for submission.

Dr Velez will order your required labs that include Tuberculosis screen for anyone 2 yrs old and older, Syphilis screen for ages 15 yrs old and older, Gonorrhea urine test for ages 15 yrs old and older.

1) Tuberculosis- for ages 2 and older- Blood test- Quantiferon Gold. If positive a Chest X-Ray will be required.

If the chest X-ray shows active TB lesion(s) or suspicious finding(s), the applicant is mandatorily referred to county health department for further evaluation/treatment.

If applicant is pregnant, Chest x-ray is still required or you could delay the x ray and completing the I-693 until after delivery.

2) Syphilis- for ages 18-44 yrs old high risk individuals. - Blood Test- RPR

3) Gonorrhea urine test for 18-24 yrs old or high risk individuals.

If you do not have documentation of your vaccines, we can order lab testing (titers) to check for immunity for some of the required vaccines such as MMR, Hepatitis A/B, and Varicella. It may be recommended to get certain vaccines if there is no documentation of administration in past.

We typically carry Tdap and Influenza vaccine in our office (based on availability). For all other vaccines we refer to a local pharmacy such as Walgreens or the Health Department for missing vaccinations. For vaccines in series, you must have at least the first vaccine of the series in order to finalize your paperwork.

You may use your insurance for the lab work ordered. You will be provided with a lab order and will need to go to the lab or phlebotomist to have it drawn. You will need to check with your insurance about your benefits. We have no control over what the insurance will cover or how much you will be charged for the labs in this case. Our direct pricing is often much more cost effective than if your insurance does not cover the particular testing.

We still encourage you to undergo the immigration medical examination close to the time you file your Form I-485, because your Form I-693 is only valid for 2 years from the date of the civil surgeon's signature.