medical exam for HCMC now require an appointment

[CoolHand2x2y2z 0]

I'm not sure if this has been brought up, but the medical exam at both places in HCMC for the interview requirements now require several weeks of appointment time. For my wife, it was about a 3-week wait. The good news is that you still can interview with the appointment receipt. Can't just walk up and do it the same day anymore, folks.

But the good news is that it may save you that $100, if you don't really end up needing the medical exam!!!

[ScottThuy 140]

Dont really end up needing the medical exam? Thats Not going to be the case. It is a DoS requirement for the visa to be issued and cant be waived. Remember that the medical is only valid for 6 months and if the visa has not been approved within that 6 month period, another medical must be done. The current medical is requiredto ensure that the applicant is not a medical threat to USC's.

The clerks at the hospital will take some coffee money and allow you in same day still or the next morning. If you tell them that you are already flying in for a specific date from along way away, they will usually set the appointment for that date... they try to push the dates for appointments back as far as they can. that will leave them slots for today to slide others in for a fee...

If you show upfor the interview without the medical results, as was the case for Ronnie and Hang, expect to get a blue slip and have to wait for some time. Hag's medical results were delayed by Cho Ray and was not her fault.... they have been in APwaiting for the case to be reviewed for almost 6 months now... they will actually have to get another medical done (extra fee) before they can get a visa since the first medical was over 6 months ago...

Please do not go to the interview without the medical results unless everything possible has been done to get the medical results before the interview. This is not the consulate that anyone wants to show up to unprepared.

[Bernie C 24]

As far as I have known the medical is an absolute requirement, I've never heard of anyone not having to have one.

We went to the IOM (Doan did not want to go to Cho Ray) in December 09 and an appointment was required then. We scheduled it for one week before the interview and were able to pick up the results the next afternoon.

Even with the appointment, its first come first serve - so get there early and get you name in the que because its a very busy place. We arrived shortly after the doors opened and the waiting room was already full!

On a positive note, our experience at the IOM was very good. Everyone was very friendly and helpful and the place was suprisingly clean. No gaurantee everyone will have the same experience but for us it was

[CoolHand2x2y2z 0]

Dont really end up needing the medical exam? Thats Not going to be the case.

Folks NOT going abroad don't need them!!! :)

[ScottThuy 140]

read the packet they sent her... it is on the list as a requirement and does not mention any conditions... until recently a visa would not be granted at all if the applicant was HIV+.... if one tests possitive for TB ...no visa... they dont care if you will travel.. they care if you are coming to the US.. its a health threat issue...

Try going to the interview w/o it....

[JakeinVietnam 0]

I think he was referring to if you got a denial, that you would not have to go back and get the medical done, stating that because they now require appointments that if you could not get an appointment in time you can still do your interview, where I think his theory is lacking is that even if you go through the interview process without a medical you will still get a blue requiring it, and probably the way I have read HCMC works you would get more reasons than just completing the required medical. Now I do see his point if you went through the interview and the Co gave you a denial and it was not due tot he fact that you had not yet done the interview of not going and spending the extra money. I also think that you are right Scott and Bernie, that no matter what one should do everything in their power to get the medical done, and in not trying to cut any corners, I know that is the path that I will do when we are able to file, which BTW looks like I will not be able to file until next year, since Mr. Saigon was correct I do need to be her for 6 months from when I file (meaning more than 6 months unless I filed the day I got here) so when I leave later this year I will just be planning on staying longer next time, or maybe even leaving earlier this year so that I can get the things done in the US that need to be done

[Bernie C 24]

I think he was referring to if you got a denial, that you would not have to go back and get the medical done, stating that because they now require appointments that if you could not get an appointment in time you can still do your interview, where I think his theory is lacking is that even if you go through the interview process without a medical you will still get a blue requiring it, and probably the way I have read HCMC works you would get more reasons than just completing the required medical. Now I do see his point if you went through the interview and the Co gave you a denial and it was not due tot he fact that you had not yet done the interview of not going and spending the extra money. I also think that you are right Scott and Bernie, that no matter what one should do everything in their power to get the medical done, and in not trying to cut any corners, I know that is the path that I will do when we are able to file, which BTW looks like I will not be able to file until next year, since Mr. Saigon was correct I do need to be her for 6 months from when I file (meaning more than 6 months unless I filed the day I got here) so when I leave later this year I will just be planning on staying longer next time, or maybe even leaving earlier this year so that I can get the things done in the US that need to be done

Yes, things are difficult enough at HCMC. I would never advise to "postpone" a medical as a potential cost savings mechanism in the event of denial for another reason.

You should at all costs, attempt to prepare your case compeltely and solidly. Any gap is a potential RFE and in many cases one leads to another and another.

We have all seen to many folks who were seemingly very well preparred and get slammed for no apparent reason. To give them a reason right out of the shoot would be looking for disaster.

On the other side, if there was a trend of people putting off medicals till after the initial interview to see if they might pass or fail, I'm sure it would not take long for the CO's to pick up on it.

There is typically plenty of time to schedule a medical after notice of interview. I understand that many people have to travel far and make arrangements and it can be difficult but the consulate is not concerned with our schedules or difficulties, only with their own agenda.

Best Wishes to Everyone!