Receiving a waiver if you’re only missing the COVID-19 and/or Flu vaccine

When applying for U.S. Immigration, meeting all vaccination requirements is a standard part of the process. For some applicants, however, a waiver may be necessary if the COVID-19 and/or flu vaccines are missing. Here’s a guide to navigating this waiver process as well as understanding the grounds on which you may qualify.

COVID-19 and flu vaccination requirements

As part of the current medical examination for U.S. immigration, applicants must show proof of a range of vaccinations. Currently, the COVID-19 vaccine is mandatory, and influenza (flu) vaccines are only mandatory during flu season. However, in cases where one or both of these vaccines are the only ones missing, you may be eligible to request a waiver of inadmissibility under some specific circumstances.

Grounds for COVID-19 and flu vaccine waivers

Religious waivers

If you hold strong religious beliefs that prevent you from receiving vaccinations, you may qualify for a religious waiver. To be eligible, you must demonstrate a genuine religious objection that applies to all forthcoming vaccinations. This means that if your religion objects to only COVID-19 or influenza (flu) vaccines, rather than an objection to all vaccines, a waiver of inadmissibility is unlikely to be granted.

If you were vaccinated before you started practising your religion, you may still be eligible.

Moral objections

Similarly, if you hold a strong personal, ethical or moral objection to receiving vaccinations and are missing the COVID-19 or flu vaccine, you must be able to prove a strong objection to all forthcoming vaccinations as well as evidence that your moral stance is sincere, especially if you have received other vaccinations in the past.

Medical and age-related exemptions

If you are unable to receive the COVID-19 or Influenza (flu) vaccination due to medical or age-related reasons, you may be eligible for a blanket waiver of inadmissibility. Get in touch with Blue Lake Law today, our team can help you improve your chances of having your waiver approved.

Important factors for COVID-19 and flu vaccine waivers

To succeed with a waiver of inadmissibility application, it’s essential that you are able to clearly demonstrate that your beliefs are current, deeply held and apply to all forthcoming vaccinations. This may require explaining why you previously received other vaccines, but now have an opposition due to changed beliefs or health reasons.

Other required vaccinations for U.S. Immigration

Other than the COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, U.S. immigration applicants must provide proof of vaccination against several diseases, including:

• Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus (DTaP/Tdap)
• Haemophilus influenzae (type b)
• Hepatitis A and B
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
• Meningococcal Meningitis
• Pneumococcal Pneumonia
• Polio
• Rotavirus
• Varicella
• Any additional vaccines recommended by the ACIP

It’s important to stay up to date with current US vaccine requirements, as these may differ from your country of residence.

Getting help with your vaccine waiver application

If you’re preparing for U.S. immigration and need assistance applying for your waiver of inadmissibility, Blue Lake Law can help. Our team of immigration specialists has a strong record of successful waiver applications and is ready to support you in navigating the requirements, preparing your case, and maximising your chances of success. Get in touch with our team today to discuss your unique case.