Under United States immigration law, immigrant visa applicants are required to obtain certain vaccinations before they can be issued an immigrant visa.

The panel physicians who conduct medical examinations on immigrant visa applicants are required to verify that all immigrant visa applicants have either received the required vaccines, or that it's medically inappropriate for the applicant to receive one or more of the required vaccinations.

The required vaccinations, include:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Influenza
• Influenza type b
• Polio
• Measles
• Rubella
• Varicella
• Mumps
• Pertussis
• Meningococcal
• Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids

Have Your Vaccination Records Handy

The best way to assist the physician and to avoid unwanted delays in the processing of your immigrant visa is to have your vaccination records available for the physician's review at the time you receive your immigrant medical examination.

If you don't have a copy of your immunization record, you should consult with your healthcare provider and ask them for a copy of your vaccination record. What if you don't have a vaccination record, what's next? Don't worry, if you don't have a vaccination record, your panel physician can determine which vaccines are needed to meet the requirements.

If you have an issue with receiving vaccinations, then ask your panel physician about a waiver. Certain waivers are available, assuming the applicant receives a recommendation from their panel physician.

According to the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State, only a physician can decide which of the listed vaccinations are medically appropriate for you, taking into consideration your age, health, and medical history.

Searching for an immigration attorney?

If you are considering applying for a visa for yourself or a family member, it's important that you understand which forms need to be filled out, which fees need to be paid, which documents you need to supply, and which vaccinations need to be obtained.

To get all of the help you need, scroll through our directory to find an immigration lawyer in your neighborhood!