Applying for a visa to the US requires a lot of procedures to be completed. Among these procedures, completing the medical procedure when applying for a visa is also important.

It’s a clear-cut process wherein physicians examine the details of the applicant; this is followed by conducting certain medical examinations on the basis of which the visa is issued. To keep it simple and hassle-free, it is advisable to keep vaccination records handy so to make the medical examination procedure easy. You could also get your immunization records, if available, to avoid any undue delays. In this way, you can maintain a solid case that you have received certain vaccines.

In case of certain vaccines that are recommended for all US citizens, the immigrant will also be required to take the same. All these vaccines are under the guidance of experts from ACIP who decide the vaccination program for children and adults based on their age. There are no separate norms for children unless there is an exemption which mandates the parents to provide a declaration. Following are the vaccinations required for an immigrant visa:

• Hepatitis A/B
• Influenza/type B (HIB)
• Measles
• Meningococcal
• Mumps
• Pneumococcal
• Pertussis
• Polio
• Rotavirus
• Rubella
• Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids
• Varicella

There are certain exceptions for orphans under age 10 applying for IR-3 and IR-4 visas but with the condition that the adoptive parents must confirm to an affidavit that the child gets vaccinated within 30 days of arrival. Those who do not wish to vaccinate in the light of socio-religious beliefs can avail the I-60I waiver application with an additional fee. Also, you don’t get a waiver if you cannot afford the expenses. On a note of caution, do not take any vaccines in those 30 days before the medical appointment. You can also check the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website for updated vaccination mandate and rules.

All in all, one has to abide by the US immigration laws by getting the proper vaccinations done prior to the visa issuance to avoid the denial of permanent residency status.