Proving ‘Deeply Held Religious or Moral Objections’ for a US Immigrant Vaccine Waiver

Having a deeply held religious belief or strong moral objections to vaccines can make moving to the United States a stressful and worrying time. Not only do you have the stress of planning and arranging the move, finding a place to live, and all the other needs that come with migrating to the US, but worrying about having to get the ‘required’ vaccinations should not add to that stress. 

If you are a deeply religious person or hold strong moral objections to vaccinations, you may be able to obtain a vaccine waiver that allows you to migrate to the US without having to take vaccinations. 

In this blog, we will explain the process and what you need to do to prove that you hold these objections or that your religious beliefs stop you from having vaccines. 

What is a vaccine waiver?

A vaccine waiver is a document that is attached to your visa application, which highlights that you are exempt from having to take the required vaccinations before moving to the U.S.

These waivers are usually granted on medical grounds, age, or for those with a religious or moral objection to vaccines. They are harder to obtain as you have to provide evidence that you are exempt on those grounds for a vaccine waiver. 

Do I have to prove I have religious or moral objections to vaccines for a US visa?

Yes, you must provide evidence to state that you have a religious or moral objection to receiving vaccines prior to applying for your vaccine waiveryou must demonstrate that receiving the vaccines will violate your beliefs. 

Religious objections evidence

The evidence you could  provide with your vaccine waiver includes the following: 

• A sworn statement that explains the exact nature of your beliefs and how complying with vaccination requirements violates those beliefs
• Affidavits from members of your congregation or community
• Religious literature by your religion, highlighting its stance on vaccines
• Documentation of long-term participation in your religious community, either from your faith or community leader 

Evidenced for secular persons (Those with moral convictions and not religious)

If you are a non-religious person, but hold strong moral objections towards vaccines, you must still present evidence as to why you are exempt from vaccines on moral grounds. The evidence you couldprovide is the following: 

• A detailed personal statement, which highlights and explains the moral philosophy or moral code by which they live. It must be very detailed, explaining the moral stance that taking a vaccine would violate. It cannot simply state that you are worried about side effects. 
• Affidavits from close friends or family who can swear that they know you live your life by your strict moral code. 
• Proof of consistency in life, simply put, if you are against modern medicine/chemical interference, you must provide evidence that you avoid this in your everyday life. 
• Philosophical or moral texts, instead of following a religious text, you follow specific philosophers or moral teachers who are against the use of vaccines. You will need to quote these texts to show the foundation of your beliefs.

While these lists are not extensive, you may be able to use other sources for your evidence for vaccine exemption. If you are unsure what evidence you need and how it should be presented, speak to our team, who will be more than happy to assist. 

Can I choose which vaccines I don’t want?

If you are opposed to receiving vaccines on religious or moral grounds, you are not able to pick which vaccines you don’t want administered during your medical examination. For instance, if you are only against a particular vaccine, such as Polio, but would like to receive other vaccines, you will not be allowed, and your vaccine waiver will be rejected. 

To receive the vaccine waiver, you must be opposed to all vaccines. 

Can you object to vaccines if I’ve been vaccinated before?

You can still receive a vaccine waiver if you have previously been vaccinated, but you will need to again provide evidence that your stance has changed. This means that if you have been vaccinated in the past, it doesn’t mean an automatic denial. However, you may be required to provide additional evidence of which vaccinations you’ve had for the physician conducting your medical exam. 

If you’re unsure and worried that a past vaccination may cause issues with your vaccine waiver, our team will offer guidance and assist you with this complex matter. 

How can Blue Lake Law help?

We understand the complex, stressful, and worrying nature that comes from having to prove your religious or moral objections to vaccines during your visa application. At Blue Lake Law, we have helped hundreds of people with vaccine objections on religious or moral grounds obtain their US green card successfully by offering compassionate and professional advice throughout the process. 

If you are looking to obtain a vaccine waiver during your US visa application, speak to our team, who will work with you throughout every step of the process.