Beating a Dead Horse

[artgirl24 1]

I have read, and read about all there is to read about civil surgeons, the I-693form, vaccinations, medical exams and the DS-2053 form. However, I still can't find an answer to my question and it could very well be that my brain is on overload at this point and I've missed it somewhere in the WONDERFUL information on this site. Sooooooo... help me if you can.

My husband of course had his medical exam in Juarez, however did not receive a copy of his DS-2053 form from the doctor and the doctor refused to look at his vaccination records. My husband didn't know to ask for it, he didn't know to ask the immigration officer for a copy either. We both were under the impression that whatever was inside of the sealed envelope was not for our eyes and we hadn't researched enough for the the AOS to know that we probably should have asked for the form when he was at his medical in Juarez. Is there anyway to retrieve a copy of that document so as to avoid paying for the civil surgeon appointment?

Like many others who have posted.. the civil surgeon in my area and all the others nearby want a lot of $$ and in addition...want us to pay for an "officially registered translator" to translate his mexican vaccination records for them to fill out his I-693 forms. I understand there is a doctor in Texas that is willing to transcribe and do this for a minimal fee and fill out his I-693 forms.

[Ning 619]

I have read, and read about all there is to read about civil surgeons, the I-693form, vaccinations, medical exams and the DS-2053 form. However, I still can't find an answer to my question and it could very well be that my brain is on overload at this point and I've missed it somewhere in the WONDERFUL information on this site. Sooooooo... help me if you can.

My husband of course had his medical exam in Juarez, however did not receive a copy of his DS-2053 form from the doctor and the doctor refused to look at his vaccination records. My husband didn't know to ask for it, he didn't know to ask the immigration officer for a copy either. We both were under the impression that whatever was inside of the sealed envelope was not for our eyes and we hadn't researched enough for the the AOS to know that we probably should have asked for the form when he was at his medical in Juarez. Is there anyway to retrieve a copy of that document so as to avoid paying for the civil surgeon appointment?

Like many others who have posted.. the civil surgeon in my area and all the others nearby want a lot of $$ and in addition...want us to pay for an "officially registered translator" to translate his mexican vaccination records for them to fill out his I-693 forms. I understand there is a doctor in Texas that is willing to transcribe and do this for a minimal fee and fill out his I-693 forms.

The infamous mystery envelope contains the medical documents. If the AOS is filed within one year of entry the medical doesnt need to be repeated. The mystery envelope will be forwrded to the office where the AOS meeting is held.

You also dont need a " registered translator" for any documents now or at any time. Any translations can be done by anyone including you that is fluent in both languages.

See the example:

Certification by Translator

I [typed name], certify that I am fluent (conversant) in the English and ________ languages, and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled ______________________________.

Signature_________________________________

Date Typed Name

Address

His Mexican shot record may not be needed at all at this point. He probably got whatever shots are required for the medical.

See your local county health department for follow up shots at reasonable prices. I got mine 3 for 23 bucks instead of 300 at a doctors office.

[artgirl24 1]

Does anyone out there know how to obtain the DS-2053 form from USCIS once the beneficiary has already entered the US? Getting a copy from the doctor's office in Juarez is not working. We would really like to have a copy to know how to proceed with things and whether to try and find a decent civil surgeon and go down that whole road.

[Richard-Y-Abigail 18]

Right now I can't remember this form that you are looking for... I do want to respond to a couple of things. The medical that was done in Juarez is not the only medical that your husband will have to have. This is not a full-medical check up and it is not where the decision is made as to whether your husband has all his vaccinations, and that they are up-to-date. This will be done in the United States. You said that the medical office in Juarez did not accept your husband's Cartilla de Salud. When we went through there, others with other type of Visas were not so lucky. Their Cartillas De Salud were not accepted either. It was explained to us that there is too much fraud in Mexico, and that they have no way of knowing if the record is valid or not, therefore everyone that wants to continue with their Visa at the consulate must, without exception, receive every shot required by the US government. Let me say, "What a Sham". My wife and I took good care of our children's health. Every shot recorded was administered to my children, and MY wife, my then fiance. Our Cartillas de Salud were not fraudulent. Having said that, people with K-1 Visas do not have to have the same medical check-up as others, and you and your husband are fortunate that this is the case. From what we could tell, everyone that passes through Juarez are legally robbed by the civil surgeon in Juarez. People were paying ungodly amounts of money, held virtually hostage by their hope of receiving an American Visa. They were receiving vaccinations that were already administered in their home town.

I want to add a side note about these vaccinations that are sold in Juarez. We all know that some shots affect us. Some get a fever afterwards, maybe a headache, or even a little sick. We saw people after they received their shots, and they did not seem affected. It was as if they were give vitamin B-12 shots, or some other placebo. I am suggesting that this is a sham perpetrated by this medical office. The are taking advantage of people's hopes, and ignorance. I tried reporting this, and every US officer told me that this office could not be cheating people, after all, they ad to certify through the US government to obtain this certification!

Consider this a blessing. Go to an American doctor. Get the required shots. You don't need to worry about this anymore. I just feel sorry for the people who do not get this choice. Oh, make sue that your husband gets a TB Skin test done. Some doctors did not want to do this for my wife. In Juarez, we received a digital disk. Did you?

After we went in for the medical exam, here in the United States, the doctor's office gave us not only the sealed envelope with the I-693, but also gave us copies for our records.

We did not use a certified translator. We tried, and discovered that their translation was inferior to my own. I did all the translations for us, and nothing was questioned.

We received a good piece of advice at the USCIS office: Do your best, and you will get through this. There is just too much out there, and the chances of making a mistake will always be a possibility. We can't erase the human factor.

[missicy 87]

Does anyone out there know how to obtain the DS-2053 form from USCIS once the beneficiary has already entered the US? Getting a copy from the doctor's office in Juarez is not working. We would really like to have a copy to know how to proceed with things and whether to try and find a decent civil surgeon and go down that whole road.

You said in your first post that the doctor refused to look at his vaccination records. That makes me think that the DS form was not filled out so it makes no sense getting it now since it was probably blank.

Oh, make sue that your husband gets a TB Skin test done. Some doctors did not want to do this for my wife.

Not required at all when you are only getting vaccines transcribed to I-693.

[KayDeeCee 4,896]

I do not know anything about the F-1 visa procedure, but for the K-1 in Juarez, they do not do vaccinations and give a blank DS-3025. As the above poster said, if they would not even look at his vaccination record (same for my husband), then there is nothing to get a copy of. I doubt they would give you copies of anything from the medicals in Juarez anyway.

Translate the vaccination record yourself, adding the certification someone posted earlier. Call around until you find a civil surgeon that is willing to do your vaccination transcriptions cheaper.

[Richard-Y-Abigail 18]

Missy, I know that sometimes each person here has a different experience. What one person says is not necessary, another will say that it is. For example, the US government says that a Visa will not be issued to anyone that is considered an American citizen, to enter into the United States, and yet we did that very thing, openly, and without lying. Yet, it is written that it is the law.

You say that a TB test is not necessary, but I can tell you that I not only have read the requirements that it is necessary, but I have sent out emails to the USCIS, and received replies that it is necessary, and I have corresponded with the CDC who sets the health requirements for people immigrating into our country. In fact, we just went through the process of examinations with the civil surgeon to redo our I-693, and we got into it with them. Through some kind of error, when the results were read, from the skin test that my wife had, no one wrote down the measurements of the little bubble that grows on your arm. The size, and reaction indicates if a person has TB. The civil surgeon(or if you prefer, the doctor's office) told us that my wife would need to undergo another TB skin test, or they would not sign off on the I-693. We were told by the Health Department that if this test were done again, after taking the medicine for months until the risk is gone, that my wife could become very sick, and that her arm could possibly swell up, or something to that effect. I had to show them on the web sites from Homeland Security, and the CDC, where she would not, indeed have to take the more expensive biopsy culture test, because she had been treated for TB and is declared free from TB. Unless a person has some religious reason as to not be checked for Tuberculosis, it will be required. If you are just visiting, conducting business, or simply are not immigrating to the USA, then it is not required. I wish that I can send you links, but it is late, and I am sure that you will check to see if I am right.

Frankly speaking, not every country is so vigilant for the health of its' citizens. Because of this law, we discovered that my wife and children had been exposed to Tuberculosis. They received treatment free through the Health Department, and are healthier for doing so.

Please check into this further. It is better to be safe than sorry. Can you get through this without it. Sure. But only by error. We know now that we received the Visa in error, and we have taken steps to eliminate this problem. We are all ultimately responsible for our case. And of course we know that the USCIS do not make mistakes. Choke choke.

[KayDeeCee 4,896]

Please check into this further. It is better to be safe than sorry. Can you get through this without it. Sure. But only by error. We know now that we received the Visa in error, and we have taken steps to eliminate this problem. We are all ultimately responsible for our case. And of course we know that the USCIS do not make mistakes. Choke choke.

For those that are adjusting status from a K-1, it is not required. You do not get through because of any error. TB testing is done for the medical when applying for the visa. If your medical was done within the last year, then you do not need another medical, or TB test. They do a chest x-ray to test for TB. When you are having just your vaccinations transcribed to the I-693, that is all you need from the civil surgeon. No new medical or TB tests are needed. This is stated in the instructions. Again, this is for a K-1 visa applying for AOS. I am not sure how it is done, or what the procedure is for another type of visa.

[artgirl24 1]

I appreciate all the input, but as you can see from my post and many others on this same topic.. it is VERY confusing... so much conflicting information. I just can't believe how many different versions of what to do and how to do it are in the reading here on the site. I am going to find a civil surgeon that will not require his vaccines to be re-administered and will only charge us for the I-693 form. One more thing...does "transcribe" simply mean "to fill out"?

[missicy 87]

I appreciate all the input, but as you can see from my post and many others on this same topic.. it is VERY confusing... so much conflicting information. I just can't believe how many different versions of what to do and how to do it are in the reading here on the site. I am going to find a civil surgeon that will not require his vaccines to be re-administered and will only charge us for the I-693 form. One more thing...does "transcribe" simply mean "to fill out"?

You are posting in AOS from family based visa and saying that your husband had a medical abroad but your profile says he had a F-1 visa. Which one is it? If he is adjusting from K-1 then all he needs is vaccinations transcribed to I-693, no medical or any parts of the medical. Read instructions for I-693, they are very clear (Section III FAQ, 2. What if I am a K nonimmigrant visa holder and already had medical exam overseas).

Richard-Y-Abigail, you can also read the instructions and you will see that no test in the US is required for K-1 holders. If you are adjusting from say a tourist visa, then complete medical in the US is required and TB skin test is a part of that medical.

[KayDeeCee 4,896]

I appreciate all the input, but as you can see from my post and many others on this same topic.. it is VERY confusing... so much conflicting information. I just can't believe how many different versions of what to do and how to do it are in the reading here on the site. I am going to find a civil surgeon that will not require his vaccines to be re-administered and will only charge us for the I-693 form. One more thing...does "transcribe" simply mean "to fill out"?

I see that you have changed your visa type from F-1 to K-1. It would also be helpful if you filled out your timeline. It helps us know what visa you are applying for, and where you are in the process to better help you.

Since you are doing AOS based on a K-1, then follow the advice I and missicy gave you. Find a civil surgeon that will not require a new medical and only transcribe your vaccinations to the I-693. Read and print out the instructions for the I-693. Read this post I made to another couple that went through Juarez. It explains the process in more detail: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/324533-do-i-need-a-civil-surgeon/page__view__findpost__p__4849924

Yes, the civil surgeon will transfer your vaccinations over to the I-693. You only need to fill out Part 1-info about you, Part 2-vaccination section ONLY, and Part 5-where the CS signs off on the form.

[artgirl24 1]

Yes I did change the visa on my profile after the mistake was pointed out. If a timeline will somehow help with people giving me good advice I will figure out how to post one.

I have already found a civil surgeon in a neighboring state that will transcribe his vaccination record for a mere $5 fee. The doc does numerous I-693 forms as the area where his practice is has a huge immigrant population from Mexico. His receptionist was informed and extremely helpful over the phone when I made my husband's appointment. I will post again on his experience once we have seen the CS.. hopefully the $5 quote is not "too good to be true".

Dr. Carl Robert Magness

102 West Dickson, Fayetteville, AR 72701

(479) 521-1114

[Richard-Y-Abigail 18]

I wish immigrating were simple. Now, ICE is not going after illegal immigrants unless they break the law. While we here debate whether someone needs a TB test, thousands of illegals are walking around potentially infected, and infecting others.

Here is the link showing what I have been saying. Am I still wrong here?

Questions & Answers:

Changes to the Tuberculosis and Vaccination Requirements Required for Adjustment of Status

Tuberculosis

Q: What are the new requirements for tuberculosis (TB) testing and treatment?

Detailed information on the new requirements are available in the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention¿s (CDC) document, Tuberculosis Component of the Technical Instructions to Civil Surgeons for the Medical Examination of Aliens in the United States. A link to this document, along with a memo outlining the changes to the TB testing requirements and frequently asked questions, is available in the related links section of this page.

Some of the major changes to the TB requirements include:

Applicants with Class A tuberculosis must complete a full course of TB treatment before receiving medical clearance by USCIS for adjustment of status.

A chest x-ray is required for all applicants with a tuberculin skin test (TST) reaction of less than 5 mm who have signs or symptoms of TB or immunosuppression.

A chest x-ray is required for all applicants with a TST reaction of more than 5 mm, including pregnant women.

Sputum cultures and drug susceptibility testing for positive cultures are required for applicants with chest x-ray findings suggestive of active TB disease.

Q: Who is required to have a TB test?

All applicants two years of age or older are required to have a tuberculin skin test (TST). Children younger than age two are required to have a TST if there is evidence of contact with a person known to have TB or if there is other reason to suspect TB. If evidence of TB infection is found, a chest x-ray is required. Any person with a positive skin test reaction of more than 5mm will also be required to undergo a chest x-ray.

Q: When did the new TB requirements become effective?

The new TB testing and treatment requirements became effective on May 1, 2008. However, CDC allowed a 30 day grace period. Therefore, any medical exam that takes place on or after June 1, 2008 must be performed in accordance with the new TB testing requirements.

Q: Will USCIS accept Form I-693 if the civil surgeon performed a chest x-ray without the TST?

No, the civil surgeon must administer the TST, unless one of the exceptions listed in the Technical Instructions applies. If the civil surgeon performs a chest x-ray without giving the applicant the TST, the reason for omitting the TST must be noted on Form I-693.

Vaccinations

Q: What are the new vaccination requirements?

The CDC has revised its vaccination requirements. As of July 1, 2008, the following additional vaccinations are required in order to adjust status to legal permanent resident:

Rotavirus

Hepatitis A

Meningococcal

Human papillomavirus

Zoster

NOTE: Some of these vaccinations are required for certain age groups only. During the examination with the civil surgeon, he or she will review the vaccination history, and may determine that certain vaccinations are not necessary or not appropriate. Specific information on vaccines, including tables on age-appropriate vaccines and ACIP recommendations, are available at CDC¿s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) website, accesible in the related links section of this page.

Q: When will the new vaccination requirements become effective?

The new vaccination requirements became effective on July 1, 2008. However, CDC approved a 30 day grace period until August 1, 2008. Therefore, for any medical exam conducted on or after August 1, 2008, the new vaccinations, if appropriate, must be administered in order for USCIS to approve the applicant for adjustment of status.

Q: Is there a waiver available for applicants who cannot afford the new vaccinations?

No. The qualifications for a waiver remain unchanged.

Q: Where can I find additional information on the new vaccination requirements?

The Technical Instructions to Civil Surgeons for Vaccination Requirements includes detailed information on the vaccination requirements, including a full list of required vaccinations. A link to the Technical Instructions and any updates to the medical exam requirements can be found in the related links section of this page.

Q: Does USCIS require that all shots in each vaccine series be completed before applying for adjustment of status?

No. The applicant must have received all the required age-appropriate vaccines that could be given at the time of the medical exam. If the applicant has started the vaccination series, but is not able to complete all the required shots because, at the time of the medical exam, the minimum time interval between shots has not passed, the applicant may still apply for adjustment of status. A waiver is available in cases where, due to required time intervals, it was impossible for the applicant to receive all shots in the series before submitting the application for adjustment of status.

For example, the Hepatitis A vaccine requires that applicant receive two doses of vaccine, six months apart. If the applicant receives the first dose in January, he or she does not have to wait until July, when the second dose would be given, to submit the adjustment of status application. However, the applicant must have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, if appropriate, before applying for adjustment of status.

Form I-693

Q: When did the new Form I-693 become effective?

The revised Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (edition date 04/02/08), became effective on May 1, 2008. USCIS allowed for a 30 day grace period in which it would accept the prior version of Form I-693. Therefore any medical exam conducted on or after June 1, 2008 must be recorded on a revised Form I-693.

Q: Why was Form I-693 revised in April 2008?

Form I-693 was revised to include the new requirements that CDC made to its TB Component of the Technical Instructions and was released at the same time as the new Technical Instructions. Other significant changes to the form included a new referral section with requirements that all necessary follow-up treatment and evaluations be completed prior to the applicant or civil surgeon signing and completing the form. Additionally, the prior vaccination supplement was assimilated as part 2, section 5 of the revised form.

Q: Why does USCIS now have an even newer edition (06/05/08) of Form I-693 on the web?

When CDC added new vaccination requirements to its Technical Instructions for Vaccination, effective July 1, 2008, there were concerns that civil surgeons may forget to add in the new vaccinations in the vaccination chart, resulting in incomplete forms. This revised edition includes the newly required vaccinations by name.

Q: If an applicant is required to receive only the vaccinations, and not undergo the entire medical exam, does he/she have to submit the entire Form I-693?

No. Applicants who are not required to have the entire medical examination need to submit only pages one, three and five of the new form. The required sections include Part 1, Information About You, the vaccination record portion of Part 2, and Part 5 (if the vaccinations are administered by a civil surgeon) or Part 6 (if the vaccinations are administered by a local health department). Pages two and four, that would have been left blank, do not need to be submitted.

Q: Does a designated civil surgeon have to sign Part 6 of Form I-693, or can the health department immunization staff sign it?

The signature in Part 6 must be the physician at the health department. It may be an original or stamped signature. The health department nurse or other health care professional may, but is not required to, co-sign the vaccination supplement. Part 6 will only be completed for those applicants who are filing based on refugee status.

Q: Does the civil surgeon have to complete both the Vaccination Table and the Results section to properly complete the vaccination portion of Form I-693?

Yes. USCIS requires the civil surgeon to completely fill out the vaccination table and the Results section. The civil surgeon must note in the vaccination table the complete vaccination history, date(s) of vaccinations given by the civil surgeon, and any waiver requests.

Q. I had my medical exam completed before the new TB or vaccination requirements went into effect, and have not yet submitted it to USCIS, or I have submitted it but it has not yet been reviewed. Am I now required to have a new medical exam that meets the new TB and/or vaccination requirements before I can adjust status?

Generally, no. When reviewing a Form I-693, USCIS will note the date the exam was conducted and refer to the Technical Instructions, medical requirements, and form edition that were in effect at that particular time, remembering that for each revision of the Technical Instructions there was a 30-day grace period. If the civil surgeon conducted the medical exam properly and in keeping with the exam requirements and form edition in effect on that particular date, there is no need to return for a second exam or to have the results recorded on a newer edition of Form I-693, as long as you submit the Form I-693 before its one-year expiration.

Guide to Revised Form I-693, TB Testing/Treatment and Vaccination Requirements

Date of Medical Exam

Do I have to submit the revised Form I-693?

Does the medical exam have to be done in accordance with the new TB requirements?

Do I have to receive the new vaccines (if age appropriate?)

Before June 1, 2008

No

No

No

June 1 ¿ July 31, 2008

Yes Edition dates 4/2/08 and 6/5/08 are acceptable

Yes

No

On or after Aug. 1, 2008

Yes - must submit Edition date 6/5/08

Yes

Yes

Civil Surgeon Questions

Q: Form I-693 now states patients who require a chest X-ray must include the copy of the X-ray report with the I-693 packet. What type of X-ray report is acceptable?

USCIS will only accept a full and formal radiologist¿s chest X-ray report, whether a copy or an original, signed by the radiologist and on official hospital or medical office letterhead. USCIS cannot accept any preliminary or incomplete evaluation, whether handwritten or not, that does not describe the full evaluation or findings. In most cases, the civil surgeon will have to wait a day or two before this report has been sent by the reviewing medical office and can therefore not sign off on the Form I-693 until this report has been received.

Q: Both the CDC and USCIS have revised their requirements for medical referrals, as notated on Form I-693. In what instances must the referral section in Part 3 be completed?

Only complete Part 3, Referral to Health Department or Other Doctor / Facility, if the referral was required, such as when a Class A condition is suspected and needs further evaluation. Do not complete Part 3 if the referral was merely recommended by the CDC. Instead notate the (recommended but not required) referral in the Remarks box under that particular disease or disorder. This will help alleviate the possibility of USCIS rejecting the Form I-693 due to an erroneous assumption that a follow-up evaluation was needed before completion of the form.

Q: How can I contact USCIS for more information?

Applicants for adjustment of status may call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833). Civil surgeons should contact their civil surgeon coordinator at the USCIS field or district office where they obtained their civil surgeon designation.

Related Files

Questions & Answers: Changes to the Tuberculosis and Vaccination Requirements Required for Adjustment of Status (50KB PDF)

[missicy 87]

These are general requirements for adjusting from non-immigrant visas. K visas are different from other non-immigrant visas, because a K visa applicant has to complete a medical exam in their home country in order to be able to apply for a visa. Chest x-ray (equivalent to TB skin test) is a part of that medical exam. Because of that, K visa holders don't have to do another medical exam or any part of it in the US when applying for AOS (if applying within a year of medical). All other AOS applicants have to do a medical in the US and TB skin test is a part of it.

I (and many others) didn't do a TB skin test at CS and my GC was approved without RFE. So no, TB skin test is not required for AOS applicants adjusting from K-1.

[KayDeeCee 4,896]

Am I still wrong here?

Yes.

From the I-485 instructions: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-485instr.pdf

Page 4- #8 Fiancé(e)s

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 Form I-485.

From the I-693 instructions: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-693instr.pdf

Page4- Section III Frequently Asked Questions

#2 What if I am a K nonimmigrant visa holder and already had a medical exam overseas?

If you were admitted as a:

A. K-1 fiancé(e) or a K-2 child of a K-1 fiancé(e); or

B. as a K-3 spouse of a U.S. citizen or a K-4 child of a K-3 spouse of a U.S. citizen; and

C. You received a medical examination prior to admission, then:

• a. You are not required to have another medical examination as long as your Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is filed within one year of your overseas medical examination, and the medical examination did not reveal a Class A medical condition, or if you did have a Class A medical condition, you received a waiver of inadmissibility and have complied with the terms and conditions on the waiver.
  
• b. Even if a new medical examination is not required, you still must show proof that you 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.