TB Skin Test

[ez2007 1]

Hi Grid,

I called up Dr. Arnold's office yesterday regarding the new TST. I had my Medical Exam in the Philippines last June 16, 2008. She already sent our I-693 (K-1 and K-2) through the mail. She advised me if I get an RFE, to send a copy of the TST result and chest x-ray for transcription.

I am not sure if I should wait and send her my TST results (my doctor's appointment is Oct. 6) along with Chest X-ray for another I-693 before submitting the AOS package.

[mellowgeorge 1]

just also wanted to add that you can get the TB skin test done by any health facility, it doesn't have to be the civil surgeon. It might be cheaper that way. Just bring the results back to your civil surgeon.

Also, if you do turn out to be positive on the TB skin test (even with clean chest x-rays. this is common), the chest x-ray results are only valid for 6 months, in which case, you'll have to get yet another chest x-ray.

SOMETIMES, the civil surgeon MIGHT have to refer you to a specialist doctor (like an infectious diseases doctor) for a follow-up checkup, though that's not always in every case.

good luck!

Edited October 2, 2008 by mellowgeorge

[Eternal Love 2]

There exams were on July 17, 2008

I'm confused then. Why are looking for somebody to transcribe your vaccinations onto the I-693? Didn't the doctor who did their exam do this for you, since the new I-693 was already required?

One would have thought that the foreign physician would have reflected the TB test result (via x-ray) on the DS-2053

It's because your physician is using the old form which is I-693... since May 2008, I-693a is the required form. Please be sure that your doctor is a civil surgeon who is approved by the USCIS. It does not matter if you spent some amount so long that your paperworks will work smoothly without delays. After all, we wanted to have peace of mind. Thanks and good luck Just go ahead have your tetanus vaccination, and other vaccines as in the case maybe at any health deapartment clinic in your county.... there you can ask them if they know of a civil surgeon ( usually they could recomend you successfully ).

[payxibka 10,045]

It's because your physician is using the old form which is I-693... since May 2008, I-693a is the required form. Please be sure that your doctor is a civil surgeon who is approved by the USCIS.

I beg to differ... In May 2008 the I-693a was rendered obsolete by the newly issued I-693, which incorporates the information previously contained in the I-693a as Part II Item 5. The I-693 is only used by Civil Surgeons.

The DS-2053 on the other hand is the Department of State "equivalent" and is prepared by panel physicians in foreign countries.

FWIW, you are only a Civil Surgeon if you are approved by the USCIS as it is solely a USCIS designation.

[Shannon and David 0]

It's because your physician is using the old form which is I-693... since May 2008, I-693a is the required form. Please be sure that your doctor is a civil surgeon who is approved by the USCIS.

I beg to differ... In May 2008 the I-693a was rendered obsolete by the newly issued I-693, which incorporates the information previously contained in the I-693a as Part II Item 5. The I-693 is only used by Civil Surgeons.

The DS-2053 on the other hand is the Department of State "equivalent" and is prepared by panel physicians in foreign countries.

FWIW, you are only a Civil Surgeon if you are approved by the USCIS as it is solely a USCIS designation.

Payxibka is correct. The I-693A is obsolete now.