What is the TRUTH about DS-3025 and I-693

[rin and john 71]

Help! We are seriously frustrated and confused as to what we need to do regarding the medical exam requirements on the AOS form.

Here is an entry we found on the AOS tips page:

If you are a K-1, K-2, K-3 or K-4 visa holder the I-693 instructions state that you are not required to have another medical examination as long as your Form I-485 is filed within one year of your overseas medical examination. Regardless of if you are exempt from a medical exam, you are still required to complete certain portions of the I-693 and have a Civil Surgeon certify the form (and seal it in an evelope). Specifically, you will complete Part 1 (Information about you) of the I-693 and provide both the form and your DS-3025 (if you have it, proving your vaccination history) and any proof of required vaccinations that were completed prior to entering the US. If you do not have a copy of your DS-3025 you will need to provide sufficient evidence of your vaccination history to the Civil Surgeon (talk to the civil surgeon's office to discuss what vaccination records they accept as proof). If you do not have proof of your vaccination history the Civil Surgeon may insist on re-administering all the required vaccinations prior to completing the I-693. Once the Civil Surgeon has has verified that all required vaccinations have been performed, they will complete form I-693 Part 2 (the vaccination section) and Part 5 (the Civil Surgeon's Certification). They will then seal the form in an envelope and return it to you.

Here is an entry we found on a VJ recommended thread regarding medical exam for AOS:

If the beneficiary's vaccinations were COMPLETED as part of the visa process, IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO INCLUDE FORM I-693 IN THE AOS SUBMISSION. All your medical information is enclosed in the brown envelope which was handed in at the POE. The envelope is then forwarded on to USCIS where it will be consolidated with the I-485 submission, once received. If you received a copy of the Vaccination Documentation Worksheet (Form DS-3025) from your Panel Physician, you may include a copy of that form in your AOS submission in place of Form I-693.

Unless I am missing it, can we please have ONE entry that spells out the requirements clearly? I think, though a great source, VJ drops the ball here and a LOT of time is wasted trying to figure out what is really required. Being the two comments above contradict each other, maybe the incorrect entry can be removed.

Anywayyyyy, my fiance had a full med exam and received some vaccinations (measles and Tetanus and diphtheria) prior to entry. However, we have no DS-3025. So what is it we need to do? Is I-693 required or not?? If we need to have proof of the vaccinations, we have NO IDEA how we would go about getting that being all med exam info was sealed in envelopes and we received copies of nothing.

A straight answer would be helpful.

Thanks to all.

PF

For the best answers, best to go directly to the USCIS website:

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-693instr.pdf

Check page 4, it clearly has FAQs pertaining to what is required for a K visa recipient applying for AOS. Carefully read FAQ 2, part C.

Even if the panel physician can provide a copy of the DS-3025, then it states that would not be sufficient (since it states as long as it was "properly completed and included as part of the original, overseas medical examination report"). A new copy will not have been "included" but submitted subsequently (it also will not have been sent to the govt in a sealed envelope; i.e. it could have been tampered with). So based on the USCIS guidelines, you either wait and see if they have your original DS-3025, or submit an I-693 Part 1, Part 2 (vaccination portion only), and part 5.

If you have to get the I-693 completed, perhaps her vaccination records could be translated from Portuguese to English, then take both to the CS.

For those complaining about CSs not wanting to do just the vaccination portion, remember the vast majority of AOS applicants are not K visa holders (K visa holders make up less than 10% of AOS applicants). In 2008, 640,568 people adjusted status. In the same year, 34,863 K1/K2 visa holders entered the USA, and 24,172 K3/K4 visa holders entered. It would be quite possible that the CS is unaware that K visa holders have already had a medical exam and therefore have different requirements. They are supposed to know, but you may need to print out the USCIS instructions and show them (we did for Rin and her children's I-693).

[Eric-Pris 1,606]

the key criteria is RETURNED or responded to the RFE... once you respond to an RFE the the I-485 resumes "normal" processing and the the I-765/I-131 will also resume...

It was in my head, but I didn't type out a word... I meant people have received their EAD/AP even after they received (and had NOT returned) the RFE.

[kaibigan 8]

Dallas

City/ Town: Dallas,Texas

Date of Service: 12/30/09

CS Name: Dr. Alfonso Ramirez

CS Tel. no: Ph: (214) 943-5773

Cost: $72 (Transcription,skin test,blood test )

- got my varicella vaccine from a public clinic $20)

[LuvMyPortuGAL 1]

Here is an update as of this morning. We called the Panel Physician back. If you recall the PC secretary yesterday thought it was weird and unusual for an applicant to be asking for their own copy of the DS-3025, and that we shoudl call back and talk to the PC directly. We we set the clock for 4AM and called them.

It was amazing how difficult it was for the PC to comprehend exactly what we wanted. It took some doing but after we begged him to pull the record and to look at the DS-3025 (he hardly knew what the heck that was), we pointed out that it states CLEARLY, "GIVE COPY TO APPLICANT" at the bottom. It was only at that time that the PC felt we knew what we were talking about and faxed us a copy.

So I guess this might be a warning to others who are off to get there exam from a PC....... Get a copy of the DS-3025 as it states at the bottom of the form.

We are now off to find a Civil Surgeon to transcribe the information.

Thanks all for your help.

[payxibka 10,045]

For the best answers, best to go directly to the USCIS website:

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-693instr.pdf

Check page 4, it clearly has FAQs pertaining to what is required for a K visa recipient applying for AOS. Carefully read FAQ 2, part C.

Even if the panel physician can provide a copy of the DS-3025, then it states that would not be sufficient (since it states as long as it was "properly completed and included as part of the original, overseas medical examination report"). A new copy will not have been "included" but submitted subsequently (it also will not have been sent to the govt in a sealed envelope; i.e. it could have been tampered with). So based on the USCIS guidelines, you either wait and see if they have your original DS-3025, or submit an I-693 Part 1, Part 2 (vaccination portion only), and part 5.

If you have to get the I-693 completed, perhaps her vaccination records could be translated from Portuguese to English, then take both to the CS.

For those complaining about CSs not wanting to do just the vaccination portion, remember the vast majority of AOS applicants are not K visa holders (K visa holders make up less than 10% of AOS applicants). In 2008, 640,568 people adjusted status. In the same year, 34,863 K1/K2 visa holders entered the USA, and 24,172 K3/K4 visa holders entered. It would be quite possible that the CS is unaware that K visa holders have already had a medical exam and therefore have different requirements. They are supposed to know, but you may need to print out the USCIS instructions and show them (we did for Rin and her children's I-693).

But even the USCIS will appear to contradict itself

If you received a medical examination prior to admission as a K nonimmigrant, then you are not required to have another medical examination at time of adjustment as long as:

Your Form I-485 is filed within 1 year of your overseas medical examination

The medical examination did not reveal a Class A medical condition

If you did have a Class A medical condition, you received a waiver of inadmissibility and you have complied with the terms and conditions of the waiver

Even if a new medical examination is not required, you still must show proof that you have complied with the vaccination requirements. If the vaccination record (DS 3025) was not properly completed and included as part of the original, overseas medical examination report, you will have to have the vaccination report completed by a designated civil surgeon. In this case, you are required to submit Part 1, Information About You, Part 2, the vaccination chart, and Part 5, the Civil Surgeon's Certification, of Form I-693 (in an envelop sealed by the civil surgeon). Please see the instructions for Form I-693 for further information

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...000082ca60aRCRD

[LuvMyPortuGAL 1]

Is there a link or instructions that directly states what a CS is supposed to do in the case of a pre-examed K1 visa holder who does not need an exam? Specifically, where does it say that the CS need only transcribe the information from the DS-3025 form. The DS-3025 instructions are a little vague.

If I can find this, then it would help as supporting evidence when talking to a CS clerical worker when requesting our needs.

Thanks.

[rin and john 71]

But even the USCIS will appear to contradict itself

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...000082ca60aRCRD

OK, help me out. Where is the contradiction?

Is there a link or instructions that directly states what a CS is supposed to do in the case of a pre-examed K1 visa holder who does not need an exam? Specifically, where does it say that the CS need only transcribe the information from the DS-3025 form. The DS-3025 instructions are a little vague.

If I can find this, then it would help as supporting evidence when talking to a CS clerical worker when requesting our needs.

Thanks.

See this post:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...t&p=3553624

It is on page 4 of the I-693 instructions.

Link also has the CDC instructions for the CS.

Edited January 5, 2010 by rin and john

[Dakine 26]

If you received a medical examination prior to admission as a K nonimmigrant, then you are not required to have another medical examination at time of adjustment as long as:

Your Form I-485 is filed within 1 year of your overseas medical examination

The medical examination did not reveal a Class A medical condition

If you did have a Class A medical condition, you received a waiver of inadmissibility and you have complied with the terms and conditions of the waiver

Even if a new medical examination is not required, you still must show proof that you have complied with the vaccination requirements. If the vaccination record (DS 3025) was not properly completed and included as part of the original, overseas medical examination report, you will have to have the vaccination report completed by a designated civil surgeon. In this case, you are required to submit Part 1, Information About You, Part 2, the vaccination chart, and Part 5, the Civil Surgeon's Certification, of Form I-693 (in an envelop sealed by the civil surgeon). Please see the instructions for Form I-693 for further information.

[payxibka 10,045]

OK, help me out. Where is the contradiction?

What they say... and how they are apparently now adjudicating since about October/November

[rin and john 71]

What they say... and how they are apparently now adjudicating since about October/November

OK, can agree on that one!

[NatPatBen 3]

It was amazing how difficult it was for the PC to comprehend exactly what we wanted. It took some doing but after we begged him to pull the record and to look at the DS-3025 (he hardly knew what the heck that was), we pointed out that it states CLEARLY, "GIVE COPY TO APPLICANT" at the bottom. It was only at that time that the PC felt we knew what we were talking about and faxed us a copy.

So I guess this might be a warning to others who are off to get there exam from a PC....... Get a copy of the DS-3025 as it states at the bottom of the form.

Exactly! We had issues when calling and asking for a copy of the medical exam results; they wouldn't release them. But based on another's suggest, we emailed the medical center & asked for a copy of the vaccinations given. They emailed us the DS-3025 and I saw that same thing at the bottom: Give Copy to Applicant. That made me wonder why they didn't give it when my husband (then-fiance) was there, since he asked for it.

[J & J in WI 0]

Hi All,

I’ll try to be to the point here, I’m extremely frustrated at USCIS (and am obviously not alone.)

I entered the US on a K1 Fiance November 06, 2009. My husband and I married in December of 2009. My AOS/EAD/AP package (including my DS-3025) was received March 01, 2010. I got a RFE for DS-2053 and/or I-693. My medical exam was done in Canada on March 18, 2009, less than a year old at time of AOS/EAD/AP application thus it was to my understanding that my DS-3025 was sufficient.

I have contacted the civil surgeon in Canada where I had my K1 medical performed, they said that DS-2053 and I-693 do not exist in Canada and that I must get another medical performed by a US civil surgeon. Yeah, not happening on my watch.

Should I just ask for a complete copy of my Canadian K1 medical exam and approach a US civil surgeon to transcribe it to a sealed I-693?

Should I take the copy of the DS-3025 that I have to a US civil surgeon to transcribe it to a sealed I-693?

Thanks for any help!

[Dakine 26]

[font=Should I take the copy of the DS-3025 that I have to a US civil surgeon to transcribe it to a sealed I-693 ?

"Arial Black"][/font]

YES

Check the list of CSs stickers in the AOS section

Edited March 29, 2010 by Dakine

[Scott & LC 3]

Is there a link or instructions that directly states what a CS is supposed to do in the case of a pre-examed K1 visa holder who does not need an exam? Specifically, where does it say that the CS need only transcribe the information from the DS-3025 form. The DS-3025 instructions are a little vague.

If I can find this, then it would help as supporting evidence when talking to a CS clerical worker when requesting our needs.

Thanks.

Hi... I hope this will help you. Look into this website: I-693 Instructions

Under Page 4 of the Instructions: Section III, Item 2. It says if your DS-3025 (Vaccination Record from USCIS designated panel physician back in your home country) is NOT complete, you are REQUIRED to submit Part 1, Information about you, Part 2, the vaccination chart and Part 5, the civil surgeon's certification, of form I-693.

I received an RFE even though I did all these, which is following the instructions. I sent in I-693 (not the full medical but only the transcribe vaccination part as above) and a copy of my DS-3025. I advise you when you send in your AOS package, send in the I-693 Instruction Page 4 and highlight the Section III, Item 2 to them. This will hopefully let the USCIS person who handles your case to understand that you do not need a full medical as long as you filed within a year of your medical exam back in home country. This will hopefully "eliminate" any I-693 RFEs.

Good luck!!

[MRStee 19]

At an Infopass this morning, the USCIS worker said the same thing many on here have noted: the DS-3025 can & does get lost between the US Embassy, POE, and USCIS.

So if someone submits just the three sections of I-693 (as instructed) and still gets an RFE, that likely means they can't find the DS-3025.

As someone on this thread experienced, the panel physician my husband went to in another country would not release the DS-3025 to him. They said they only release it to the US Embassy. I see no logic in this, but what can I do?

OP, please let us know if you contact CBP & they do have a copy of the DS-3025 to give you. I may try that too.

Nat did he have it at MoBay Hope? Because both Lady C and I were able to get a copy of the DS-3025 via email. If you want info, send me a message!