Are you having difficulty getting your VISA application because of vaccination requirements? Or do you have strong feelings against vaccination in general?
Do you know that USCIS has waivers for the immigrant vaccination requirement?
These are:
- Waiver for Missing Vaccination Documentation;
- Waiver if Vaccine is Not Medically Appropriate; and
- Waiver due to Religious Belief or Moral Conviction.
In this article, we will discuss the waivers to the vaccination requirement concerning religious beliefs or moral convictions.
What is the Waiver due to Religious Belief or Moral Conviction?
As the name suggests, USCIS may grant you this waiver if you can prove that compliance with vaccination is contrary to your religious beliefs.
When you are applying and mention that you oppose vaccinations, the officer should inform you about this waiver.
What are the requirements for a Waiver due to Religious Belief?
Requirement #1 – You must be opposed to all vaccinations in any form.
You also have to demonstrate that you would refuse ALL vaccinations, not just those that suit your needs. It’s unfair to say “yes” to some and “no” to others.
But, if you have received vaccines before, you should explain the reasons for having received those.
For example, you may have developed morals and beliefs that are different since childhood when you started receiving vaccinations OR your religious beliefs or moral convictions might have changed substantially since they were administered.
Requirement #2 – Your objection must be based on religious beliefs or moral convictions.
I know this is a very sensitive subject. Your religious beliefs should be balanced against the benefits to society as a whole.
On the other hand, your opinion about vaccinations may offend other people’s religious beliefs. But the officer will have to take this into account. So don’t be scared.
Requirement #3 – Your religious belief or moral conviction must be sincere.
To protect those beliefs held only in your conscience, you will need to show that you believe these deeply and in good faith. Your beliefs on vaccinations must be religiously or morally driven and cannot be framed as a legal remedy, such as to get this waiver.
While you may attribute your opposition to a particular religious belief or moral conviction that is inherently opposed to vaccinations, the focus of the waiver ruling will be on whether your claimed belief or moral conviction is genuinely held and whether it is applied consistently in your life.
What to consider for a Vaccine Waiver?
You do not need to be a member of a recognized religion or attend a specific house of worship for the above waiver. The requirement refers to religious beliefs or moral convictions, not religious or moral establishments.
But, you have to show that you have a solid objection to vaccinations based on religious beliefs or moral convictions, as opposed to a mere preference against vaccinations.
What evidence will be needed?
There may be other evidence needed to prove the above, such as:
- A sworn statement to apply for this waiver. This should declare the nature of your religious beliefs or moral convictions in the statement. This should also say how your beliefs would be violated if you complied with the vaccination requirements;
- Information about the religious group you are a member of;
- Affidavits from other members in the congregation to prove you attend regularly; or
- Some other evidence of regular volunteer work.
Remember, to show that you deserve this exemption as a matter of discretion. It is not automatic. So make sure you show that you are a good moral person deserving of this waiver.
Consult an Experienced Immigration Attorney
You can call us today if you want to discuss your case in getting a Vaccine Waiver or if you need help on your citizenship application or immigration journey – whether it is about getting a green card or applying for naturalization. We will let you know if and how we can help.
Remember, every case is different, and we won’t take your money if we can’t help you.
