USCIS Updates Vaccination Schedule for 2026 — What Changed

USCIS released its annual technical instruction update on March 12, 2026. The most notable change: COVID-19 vaccination remains required for all I-693 examinations, with the boostable interval now defined as the most recent CDC ACIP recommendation (currently the 2025–26 updated formula).

What stays the same

The MMR, polio, tetanus, varicella, hepatitis B, influenza (seasonal), and pneumococcal requirements are unchanged. The Hib, rotavirus, meningococcal, and HPV requirements by age are also unchanged.

What’s new

• RSV vaccine is now recommended (not required) for adults 60+
• The Mpox vaccine is recommended (not required) for high-risk groups
• USCIS clarified that influenza is required when the exam falls between October 1 and March 31, regardless of state vaccine supply