Want to live the American dream? Get the Covid-19 vaccine first

Getting vaccinated against Covid-19 will soon become unavoidable for those who harbour American dreams.

Starting October 1, all green card applicants will need to get Covid-19 vaccinations to clear their immigration medical exam and obtain permanent residence, a new order from the country’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said. This vaccine joins a long list of the ones that are already required.

Green cards aspirants in the United States as well as immigrant visa applicants applying at US embassies and consulates abroad have to meet the criteria.

Since applicants are medically screened well in advance of getting a green card, a negative screening for Covid-19 at the time of the medical evaluation does not mean the applicant will be Covid-free when they eventually become a permanent resident.

“A combination of vaccination and routine infection control practices will provide the best protection from Covid-19 for applicants and US communities,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

Proof of valid documentation must be provided to the civil surgeon in person. This is what is and is not acceptable:

Official vaccination recordCopies of a medical chartRecord should include the dates (month, day, and year) the applicant received the vaccineName or manufacturer and lot number should be included if availableThe document should not appear to have been alteredSelf-reports of vaccination will not be accepted without written documentation

Exceptions to rule

As with…

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