A few questions regarding AOS

[Soapz 14]

Ups... I did mean a Civil Surgeon... Anyways, there is no problem whatsoever to use the Health Department for Immunization. CS will disregard any shots given as a child, so most Europeans do have a lot of the shots, but they are too old. And I for one, never upgraded MMR as an adult.

Here is a link to what is needed:

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=3384cc5222ff5210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=6abe6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

The CS here refers everyone to the Health Department for the shots, he himself only does the exam.

[Ines1987 3]

So the stop clock officially starts when the NOA has been sent? Will I get an email to state this has been sent? Or will it just arrive by post?

I phoned the closest Civil Surgeon and they were actually extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I have an my first appointment with then next week, and my second two days after that. She said on the phone, that at my first appointment, as I dont have any shot records, they will give me a blood test, as well as all the shots they offer, which is fine, at least they will all get topped up! Then two days later, I will have to go back for the results of the TB skin test, which will come up positive in my case as I know I have had a TB shot before, and therefore I will need a chest X-ray after on that day, to confirm I don't have TB. Then they will issue the sealed documents I require.

Although I'm lucky and I'm positive I don't have any medical conditions whatsoever, what would happen if for instance, I have something I was unaware of? What are they looking for, and what is there that you could have, that may have them refuse you through this whole process? I'm just curious I guess. I've never had any issues to date, and I'm sure that is still the case, but always nice to know I guess!

And obviously, it appears that everyone here seems to recommend not bothering with the attorney. Just for my own peice of mind, are there any negative effects to having an attorney involved in the process at all, aside form that of cost?

Thanks again everyone!

Not necessarily! You might be lucky and not have to get the x-ray. I had the TB shot too when I was younger (the civil surgeon said it was pretty common in Europe), and have had two TB skin tests (one in 2004 and one now) with no reaction, so I didn't have to get the x-ray. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you are equally lucky!

[Dewave2 17]

If I need the Xray, apparently they can do it on the same day during the second visit, so they said on the phone, so I'm not too concerned if it has to happen. It has been quite a while since I had my TB jabs, still have a pretty mean scar however haha!

I see that you Ines have only just send all your paper work off recently. Good luck with everything coming up, im sure it will all go fine

[Ines1987 3]

If I need the Xray, apparently they can do it on the same day during the second visit, so they said on the phone, so I'm not too concerned if it has to happen. It has been quite a while since I had my TB jabs, still have a pretty mean scar however haha!

I see that you Ines have only just send all your paper work off recently. Good luck with everything coming up, im sure it will all go fine

Thank you! Even though we just started, the waiting game in no fun lol. Best of luck to both of you as well, from what I've seen and read so far, it sounds like you have a pretty straightforward case there!

Good for you that they'd be able to do the x-ray on the same day, if it becomes necessary. I had hoped mine would turn out the way it did, just to save the money the x-ray would have cost...