At My Wit's End...

[randolady 1]

OK, so we received an RFE a few weeks back stating that we needed to send in a properly completed immunization form. We thought that we had. We took our copy back to the civil surgeon who confirmed that we DID have a properly completed immunization form. So I called CSC.

The lady was very nice and got back to me today about our case. She said that our immunization form was ok, but we needed to have the complete medical examination done. I told her that I was under the impression that since my husband had had a medical exam in the past year for his fiance visa, he wasn't required to have another one here. She told me to read the instructions of the I-485 to see how we could get our results sent to CSC. Well, the instructions don't say anything about that, but they DO clearly say:

If you are a K-1 fiancé(e) or K-2 dependent who had a medical examination within the past year as required for the nonimmigrant fiancé(e) visa, you only need to submit a vaccination supplement, not the entire medical report.You may include the vaccination supplement with your adjustment of status application.

We're not sure if we should just have the medical examination done to be on the safe side. I really don't want to pay $170 to have it done when it clearly states in the instructions that he doesn't need to. My idea is to send the RFE back with a copy of the instructions, highlighting the part that says that he doesn't need it, attach another copy of his visa to prove that he came in on a K-1 visa, and write a letter explaining all this. Should this be sufficient? What should I do?

As nice as the CSC people are, they seem kind of clueless. Or maybe I am!

[Chica Yeyé 41]

With USCIS folks, if they say "jump", I choose to answer "how high?". Do what they are asking you to. Might not be fair, but you gotta. Sorry

[Peter 0]

Just bite the tounge and just get the medical done.

It's a one time thing now and you'll get it over with..........

[perfect 39]

We had the same scenario. When I called the "helpline" I was told that the one year is only a guideline and that each service center is within their rights to request whatever they want in addition and that if we didn't complythey could and probably would deny the application which would then have huge consequences and I know that happened to at least one person here.

I would avise that you go ahead and comply - at least then you have peace of mind - the extra $$ is a small price to pay for that...

[randolady 1]

We had the same scenario. When I called the "helpline" I was told that the one year is only a guideline and that each service center is within their rights to request whatever they want in addition and that if we didn't complythey could and probably would deny the application which would then have huge consequences and I know that happened to at least one person here.

I would avise that you go ahead and comply - at least then you have peace of mind - the extra $$ is a small price to pay for that...

Thanks for the advice. We'll schedule it tomorrow! Peace of mind is definitely something my husband could use... this is driving him (and me) crazy.

[Carlawarla 1]

Sorry to hear about your situation. How annoying! You might want to contact the doctor that completed the medical for your husband back in his previous country. Maybe they can send you a copy of the complete exam for free, or a small fee. I'd then send that in. They've obviously lost the previous medical exam (which seems to be happening more and more...).

Just a reminder as well, that having another medical done here in the US to satisfy USCIS will probably mean WAY more than $170.00 for the exam.

Best of luck to you!

[Melyssa 0]

Sorry to hear about your situation. How annoying! You might want to contact the doctor that completed the medical for your husband back in his previous country. Maybe they can send you a copy of the complete exam for free, or a small fee. I'd then send that in. They've obviously lost the previous medical exam (which seems to be happening more and more...).

Just a reminder as well, that having another medical done here in the US to satisfy USCIS will probably mean WAY more than $170.00 for the exam.

Best of luck to you!

We (another couple with the same problem - same RFE) tried that but they said they couldn't give it out under any circumstances. They contacted the Consulate we had our interview at and found out that apparently THEY have a copy that they will send to immigration upon request. I contacted the Consulate and whomever answered claimed that they don't have a copy and can't send it and to contact the doctor I went to and ask for a copy. Ugh. So frustrating.

Doesn't mean another Consulate or another doctor wouldn't be more open to sending the results. It would be worth asking :-)

You're right - having another medical done would cost a lot but if the I-485 application is denied, then it means a whole other $1010 + the costs for a new medical exam if the exam can't be tracked down. That's why a lot of people say just to go get the exam re-done.

We asked for a copy of ours at the border and that's what we ended up sending in response to their RFE, but we have no idea what they are going to do with it. We're just hoping that they either approve it, or at least just tell us that we really do have to get the medical exam redone, and not just deny it. I think it would be completely uncalled for and unfair if they just deny everything - but the risk is there, and we decided to take it, although part of me does wish we went ahead and did the exam over with a CS who wouldn't charge a hefty fee. We didn't want the extra expense or extra tests done for absolutely no reason other than their own mistake... I hate going to doctors anyway, especially if it's not even truly necessary!

But I'm hoping there is some way to try to eliminate this common problem. It is just not right!

To the OP: I also suggest getting your congressman involved! Even if you just go ahead and do the medical, this problem needs to be addressed...

Edited February 26, 2008 by Melyssa