Can my fiancee and I do the medical exam, visa interview, and CFO seminar in 2 weeks?

[Karen_and_Jay 2]

I would like to be with my Pinay fiancee for her medical exam and visa interview, but I can only get 2 or 3 weeks vacation from my job (and can only stay 21 days without a visa).

Is there any flexibility with either the medical exam or the visa interview so that we can schedule both within the same week? I thought she could call the U.S. Embassy to schedule the interview first, and then go to the medical exam maybe the week before. If that is possible, then is there any way she can pass her medical exam, receive her visa, and attend the CFO seminar in or 2- or 3-week span? Is that expecting too much? What is the minimal amount of time needed to take the medical exam, visa interview, and CFO seminar? What is a more realistic time frame? Is 2 weeks possible? 3 weeks?

I am worried that if we try this, she will get a RFE at the interview that delays us beyond my 21-day time frame or maybe something will show up on her chest X-ray (although I am sure she doesn't have TB, I don't know how often false positives show up). It would be devastating to travel there expecting to bring her back with me and leave alone. I have already gone home by myself and don't want to do it again!

If anyone has any suggestions how to proceed, even suggestions about how to plan our itinerary, I am all ears. I was thinking I shouldn't schedule her flight to the USA until I am sure she has her visa. But how do I assure she will sit next to me on the trip home? Don't I need to book a round-trip flight to enter the Philippines? Or can I book a one-way flight there and then book a one- or two-passenger trip home once we find out about her visa? Any suggestions about that, or even suggestions about something I overlooked?

Thanks for all your help in advance!

[Scott and Mhay 57]

First of all, does your fiancee live in Manila?

I feel it is really doable in 3 weeks to be safe...but you can do it in 2 weeks IF the stars are aligned.

Be aware, you will not be allowed in St. Lukes...so either go back to the hotel, go to robinson's mall (short walk or about a min cab ride 30 pesos) or just wait outside like i did. Now, my wife did her medical and everything was good. If you are here...I know you will have "contact" with your fiancee (you know what i mean?)...she will probably have to get a waiver letter done because they probably wont do the immunizations on the off chance she is pregnant (they told my wife to come back next month on the first or second day of her period to get the immunizations).

The big thing for you to have is the interview date. You can knock out the medical pretty quick (go there about lunchtime and it should be faster...took my wife 5 hours the first day though) She can do the CFO before she gets her VISA, but will have to go back to get the sticker...so it is better to wait until she has the VISA in hand.

You know that if you can get more time off work getting a visa extension for an american is pretty much pay the 3030 pesos and wait an hour...I have done it twice.

The best bet would be to have her do her medical after you get the NOA2 so she can get her immunizations at the same time (and you wont have to pay for them in the US .... depends on how your medical coverage is) Doing this will be better since IF she does have to do the dreaded SPUTNUM test, you wont lose anytime and wont be leaving without her again. I feel your pain there...leaving without taking her with you....I have to leave the PI tomorrow for the second time without my wife.

In the end, yes you can get everything done in 3 weeks (just to be safe) as long as the medical goes good.

[Karen_and_Jay 2]

Thanks for the quick answer!

First of all, does your fiancee live in Manila?

Right now, she is staying with her aunt in Caloocan, so she's not too far.

I feel it is really doable in 3 weeks to be safe...but you can do it in 2 weeks IF the stars are aligned.

I hope so!

If you are here...I know you will have "contact" with your fiancee (you know what i mean?)...she will probably have to get a waiver letter done because they probably wont do the immunizations on the off chance she is pregnant (they told my wife to come back next month on the first or second day of her period to get the immunizations).

Besides scheduling the exam around the time of her period, how can I be sure she can get her immunizations? I guess we could abstain until after the medical exam!

The big thing for you to have is the interview date. You can knock out the medical pretty quick (go there about lunchtime and it should be faster...took my wife 5 hours the first day though)

Really? It is quicker to go at lunch-time than at 4 a.m. like everyone else suggests? In the U.S., things seem to go much slower during lunch since 1/2 the workers are on their lunch break, so why would it go quicker during lunch in the Philippines?

She can do the CFO before she gets her VISA, but will have to go back to get the sticker...so it is better to wait until she has the VISA in hand.

I heard that too, but thanks for reminding me!

You know that if you can get more time off work getting a visa extension for an american is pretty much pay the 3030 pesos and wait an hour...I have done it twice.

I think I will have a hard time convincing my boss to give me three weeks, even though my graduate student handbook states we should get 3 weeks every year! Not sure how I would get more time off than that!

The best bet would be to have her do her medical after you get the NOA2 so she can get her immunizations at the same time (and you wont have to pay for them in the US .... depends on how your medical coverage is) Doing this will be better since IF she does have to do the dreaded SPUTUM test, you wont lose anytime and wont be leaving without her again.

I know it would be easier for her to go before I arrive, but she is really scared to go by herself because of the needles. I didn't realize I couldn't go in with her. That will probably freak her out even more!

Thanks for your advice!

[Scott and Mhay 57]

Besides scheduling the exam around the time of her period, how can I be sure she can get her immunizations? I guess we could abstain until after the medical exam!

Really? It is quicker to go at lunch-time than at 4 a.m. like everyone else suggests? In the U.S., things seem to go much slower during lunch since 1/2 the workers are on their lunch break, so why would it go quicker during lunch in the Philippines?

I know it would be easier for her to go before I arrive, but she is really scared to go by herself because of the needles. I didn't realize I couldn't go in with her. That will probably freak her out even more!

Thanks for your advice!

the only way to be sure she will get her immunizations is to abstain from all contact until AFTER her medical. I know that IF my wife is pregnant, they will just issue a waiver letter stating so. But she has to go back next month either way and take a pregnancy test (i think they will still have her do it even if she has her period)...that will cost another 500 pesos or so.

From everyone's review here it is quicker to go around lunch 12-1 (we went at 12:15) and it is much quicker...even if she goes at 4am...they dont start anything until 6 am. Some of the other members had good luck going at 12-1...last month they said both days were around 2 hours. Everything went fast for my wife with the medical except for getting the exam...it was the longest part...i think she waited 2 hours for that alone. the only good thing about you being there with her is to take her out to eat at robinson's mall after.

Edited February 27, 2010 by Scott and Mhay

[frostysoftyeaton 6]

Thanks for the quick answer!

Right now, she is staying with her aunt in Caloocan, so she's not too far.

I hope so!

Besides scheduling the exam around the time of her period, how can I be sure she can get her immunizations? I guess we could abstain until after the medical exam!

Really? It is quicker to go at lunch-time than at 4 a.m. like everyone else suggests? In the U.S., things seem to go much slower during lunch since 1/2 the workers are on their lunch break, so why would it go quicker during lunch in the Philippines?

I heard that too, but thanks for reminding me!

I think I will have a hard time convincing my boss to give me three weeks, even though my graduate student handbook states we should get 3 weeks every year! Not sure how I would get more time off than that!

I know it would be easier for her to go before I arrive, but she is really scared to go by herself because of the needles. I didn't realize I couldn't go in with her. That will probably freak her out even more!

Thanks for your advice!

I do understand your anticipation but if everything works well, I think 3 weeks is enough already. I don't know if they have change some procedures with the medical, cfo and interview but if not you might make it. Based on my experience, done my medical, CFO and interview within 10 days stay in Manila. You can check my timeline though. If all goes well, you might bring your fiancee with back home.

I agree with Scott lunch time or after lunch time is the best time going to SLEC because it's not that busy anymore. I did mine around 3pm and was done after an hour because there's only 2 of us doing the exam. If she lived within Manila, she can do her medical right after you receive your NOA2. Your fiancee will do the exam all by herself because chaperons are not allowed inside SLEC only the appointees are allowed. With the needle thing, I am also scared with needles but if your already there, you will have the courage to do it. If your fiancee will do her medical ahead of time, before the USEM have your papers for the interview, 2 weeks might be enough for your stay and bring her back to the States with you.

With the ticket issue, my fiance (now husband) bought my ticket right after I passed my interview. I would suggest wait til you get the approval before purchasing the ticket.

Good Luck!

[frostysoftyeaton 6]

the only way to be sure she will get her immunizations is to abstain from all contact until AFTER her medical. I know that IF my wife is pregnant, they will just issue a waiver letter stating so. But she has to go back next month either way and take a pregnancy test (i think they will still have her do it even if she has her period)...that will cost another 500 pesos or so.

From everyone's review here it is quicker to go around lunch 12-1 (we went at 12:15) and it is much quicker...even if she goes at 4am...they dont start anything until 6 am. Some of the other members had good luck going at 12-1...last month they said both days were around 2 hours. Everything went fast for my wife with the medical except for getting the exam...it was the longest part...i think she waited 2 hours for that alone. the only good thing about you being there with her is to take her out to eat at robinson's mall after.

:thumbs:

What I also did was, I went to see my OBYNE and ask for a prescription about having an advance menstruation period. That instead of having it on my regular cycle which was in time for my medical, I had it a week prior to my regular period.

[Karen_and_Jay 2]

I do understand your anticipation but if everything works well, I think 3 weeks is enough already. I don't know if they have change some procedures with the medical, cfo and interview but if not you might make it. Based on my experience, done my medical, CFO and interview within 10 days stay in Manila. You can check my timeline though. If all goes well, you might bring your fiancee with back home.

I agree with Scott lunch time or after lunch time is the best time going to SLEC because it's not that busy anymore. I did mine around 3pm and was done after an hour because there's only 2 of us doing the exam. If she lived within Manila, she can do her medical right after you receive your NOA2. Your fiancee will do the exam all by herself because chaperons are not allowed inside SLEC only the appointees are allowed. With the needle thing, I am also scared with needles but if your already there, you will have the courage to do it. If your fiancee will do her medical ahead of time, before the USEM have your papers for the interview, 2 weeks might be enough for your stay and bring her back to the States with you.

With the ticket issue, my fiance (now husband) bought my ticket right after I passed my interview. I would suggest wait til you get the approval before purchasing the ticket.

Good Luck!

Thanks for your reply! I didn't know only the appointees could go inside St. Luke's!

From everyone's review here it is quicker to go around lunch 12-1 (we went at 12:15) and it is much quicker...even if she goes at 4am...they dont start anything until 6 am. Some of the other members had good luck going at 12-1...last month they said both days were around 2 hours. Everything went fast for my wife with the medical except for getting the exam...it was the longest part...i think she waited 2 hours for that alone.

Okay -- sounds like you know your stuff!

the only good thing about you being there with her is to take her out to eat at robinson's mall after.

Hehe, good call! Hopefully, that will help her forget all the needles!

[Scott and Mhay 57]

Robinson's will help her forget a lot of it...especially going to the stores...hehe

If you do take a cab from there to Robinson's (it is only like a 5 min walk) Make sure they turn the meter on...if not, I'm sure you already know what they will try. Metered from St. Lukes to the nearest Robinson's entrance is like 32.50 pesos (that's what it was for us)....since the cab driver didnt fuss too much about turning the meter on....I didnt ask for change back...hehe

[Karen_and_Jay 2]

From everyone's review here it is quicker to go around lunch 12-1 (we went at 12:15) and it is much quicker...even if she goes at 4am...they dont start anything until 6 am. Some of the other members had good luck going at 12-1...

I saw your previous thread about the best time to go to St. Luke's, where some Pinays mentioned that Americans snuck inside early in the morning. What would be my chances of getting inside the building if I go early? Are there big burly security guards who will kick my out-of-shape #### to the curb?

Can you tell my fiancee REALLY doesn't want to go by herself?

[Scott and Mhay 57]

they have like 3 security guards by the front door. I didnt see ANY people other than applicants coming out of St. Lukes. The only way your fiancee can have someone accompany her is if she is disabled or a minor....neither of which she is eligable for....

the only thing I saw guards letting slide was when the girls had water in their bag (food and drinks not allowed inside)

the guards were pretty much by the book. If you go early in the morning, I am betting there will be 20-30 people ahead of you no matter how early you get there....my wife said that there was like 18 in the waiting area when she first got there inside at her first check area. This is something that your fiancee will have to do on her own. there will be plenty more girls doing the same thing. She can take a cellphone, so you can text back and forth.

[Karen_and_Jay 2]

they have like 3 security guards by the front door. I didnt see ANY people other than applicants coming out of St. Lukes. The only way your fiancee can have someone accompany her is if she is disabled or a minor....neither of which she is eligable for....

the only thing I saw guards letting slide was when the girls had water in their bag (food and drinks not allowed inside)

the guards were pretty much by the book. If you go early in the morning, I am betting there will be 20-30 people ahead of you no matter how early you get there....my wife said that there was like 18 in the waiting area when she first got there inside at her first check area. This is something that your fiancee will have to do on her own. there will be plenty more girls doing the same thing. She can take a cellphone, so you can text back and forth.

Thanks for the info! I guess I'll have to dress like a Pinay!

[Scott and Mhay 57]

yeah and make up a NOA2,NVC letter, and philippine passport too while you are at it

I can see why they wouldnt want any other people in there...it isnt a big place, so there isnt a lot of extra room for you to hang out. I know the first floor waiting area was packed full from people waiting on their results. Your fiancee will do ok...I know my wife wanted me inside too, but the guards wouldnt let it happen. I even saw another american dropping off his GF/wife (i didnt talk to him)...they didnt let him in either....i was waiting for them to let him and then I would ask why I wasn't allowed?

I was really worried about my wife's x-ray too. She has been to japan and korea....korea is where most people get contact with TB....although, I have been in korea for 2 years and (knock on wood) I never tested positive with the skin test. Being military and in korea NOT being able to drink for 6 months.....THAT WOULD REALLY SUCK!!

You have some time to convince her to go by herself...who knows...maybe her aunt would be able to sneak in with her?

[Karen_and_Jay 2]

I was really worried about my wife's x-ray too. She has been to japan and korea....korea is where most people get contact with TB....although, I have been in korea for 2 years and (knock on wood) I never tested positive with the skin test. Being military and in korea NOT being able to drink for 6 months.....THAT WOULD REALLY SUCK!!

Thanks again for all the helpful information!

I'm probably freaking out more than I should, but I was really hoping to go to the Philippines AFTER I knew my fiancee already got her visa, so I wouldn't have to worry about her passing each step of the process during my stay. I generally don't take risks like this, but I think I might have to, unless my persuasive powers somehow get stronger!

[Ann Marie and Leo 9]

Schedule the interview for a Monday, then arrived in Manila the Monday before that to do the medical Mon/Tues, then you have several days to do the CFO, getting sticker later is easy. The key to your time line is receipt of the Visa. if they do not allow you to a pick up the Visa/Passport (~ 2 days), then it can take 5 to 10 days to arrive at your hotel, or her house. We did the first part in 8 days with no problem, and we had the time to wait for the visa, so start to finish it took a total of 16 days and we had Visa/ CFO stamp, and were good to go to fly to the US. I already had her ticket booked, but I would only have had to pay a $100 fee to change the flight date.

[Karen_and_Jay 2]

Schedule the interview for a Monday, then arrived in Manila the Monday before that to do the medical Mon/Tues, then you have several days to do the CFO, getting sticker later is easy. The key to your time line is receipt of the Visa. if they do not allow you to a pick up the Visa/Passport (~ 2 days), then it can take 5 to 10 days to arrive at your hotel, or her house. We did the first part in 8 days with no problem, and we had the time to wait for the visa, so start to finish it took a total of 16 days and we had Visa/ CFO stamp, and were good to go to fly to the US. I already had her ticket booked, but I would only have had to pay a $100 fee to change the flight date.

Thanks for the post! I'll keep that in mind when scheduling my trip!