AOS, Medical and Pregnancy

[fleuryweury 0]

Hi there,

i've been reading these forums for a good 6 months and they've been a huge help to me on my journey.

Here's my question on applying for AOS.

My vaccination records are 'incomplete' and I can't have them because i'm pregnant. what do i do?

Here's a little more to the story.

July 2012 - Applied for K1 (while in the USA with my fiance)

July 2012 - NOA1

Dec 2012 - NOA2 (received the day I was leaving to go back to NZ)

Dec 2012 - Found out I was Pregnant about a week after I was home... that jetlag didn't seem normal.

Jan 2013 - Medical with consular Dr in Auckland NZ (No chest Xray because of the pregnancy) - They just did a blood test to see what I was missing and what I was covered for. The sheet however says it's incomplete.

Jan 2013 - K1 interview - Approved.

Feb 2013 - POE San Francisco

Feb 2013 - Married.

I was upfront at my K1 interview about the pregnancy, took scans and I had a letter from my American fiance with him acknowledging that he is the father.

At the time, I was worried that they might not grant my K1 based on the pregnancy and incomplete medical sheet but it wasn't a problem.

NOW THAT I'M HERE; i'm looking into the AOS.

As I have an incomplete vaccination list, I need to go see a civil surgeon and have them fill out the I-693 for me HOWEVER, i'm still pregnant and still wont be able to have whatever vaccines i'm missing.

I'm not due until August and then intend on breastfeeding so as for having vaccines then.. I don't feel comfortable about it.

Has anyone been in this position before. What do I do?

Thanks so much for your time.

Fleur.

[fleuryweury 0]

Actually,

I've read more on this and looking at my DS2035 it says Incomplete - Requesting Waver.

Does this mean I can just send the DS2035 in with my I-485 OR should I still see a civil surgeon?

Also, people talk on here about a transcript costing $30 - $300. Anyone got a list of the $30 Civil Surgeons?

Thanks!!!

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

I would see a CS in the US for a vaccination transcription, personally. There is a box to check for "contraindicated for pregnancy" on some of the vaccines and the CS can check the box and sign off. There is a list of CS's that understand about the vaccination transcription only in a thread called 'Civil Surgeons that don't rip you off."

You can try with what you had on NZ and see if you get an RFE, also. I think that might not work with a pregnancy waiver, but that's just a feeling. Good luck.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Personally I would just send your DS-3025 with AOS.

In the meantime look around CS's to find out that's reasonable priced IF you get an RFE. If you don't get an RFE then you saved yourself time and money.

[We Are The Art 46]

Actually,

I've read more on this and looking at my DS2035 it says Incomplete - Requesting Waver.

Does this mean I can just send the DS2035 in with my I-485 OR should I still see a civil surgeon?

Also, people talk on here about a transcript costing $30 - $300. Anyone got a list of the $30 Civil Surgeons?

Thanks!!!

If you had a medical exam when you received your Visa and it was less than one year ago, you will

not need another exam. However, you must attach a copy of your shot record, the DS-3025, which

was given to you at your medical exam. You do not need to submit your chest x-ray.

Note that if your DS-3025 is marked "Incomplete", you may not have received all the necessary shots

during your medical exam. You will need to get those shots from a Civil Surgeon before you can

submit your AOS, unless the DS-3025 indicates the shots are not age appropriate or a waiting

interval is necessary.

If your medical exam is more than one year old, or if your DS-3025 is marked "Incomplete" you will need to have a form

I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record completed by a Civil Surgeon. The

Civil Surgeon will give you the results in a sealed envelope that you must not open. Just include the

sealed envelope with your petition. In this case you will not actually see the DS-3025 or I-693

because they will be in the sealed envelope. You do not need to take the I-693 or other forms to the

Civil Surgeon because they will provide them to you upon completion of the exam.

You can find a list of Civil Surgeons here:

https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=offices.type&OfficeLocator.office_type=CIV

The Civil Surgeon will complete the vaccinations and/or medical exam and give you the I-693 in a

sealed envelope. DO NOT OPEN THE ENVELOPE!

You will not be permitted to select your own doctor to do this exam and your medical insurance will

probably not pay for the exam.

Fee's range between $100.00 and $450.00 depending on the Dr. you choose and the area you are in, be prepared to pay an average cost of about $300.00 in most cases. Refer to the Civil Surgeon list above and then call ahead to check prices.

I'd strongly advise you not to submit your AOS petition until after you have completed the Civil Surgeon exam as it is a strict requirement that will not easily be "overlooked". I suspect that pregnancies are a fairly common occurance for many applicants during this part of the immigration process and I believe if you just keep USCIS informed and aware of the situation it will just be a matter of waiting until the vaccines can be safely administered to finalize your AOS. It will obviously take a bit longer but, all things considered it's best to follow the rules and avoid any unnecessary complications with USCIS. You are already here and married and simply doing what you must to protect your unborn child so I seriously doubt that you could/would be penalized, INS will not be knocking on your door and you will not be deported at this point.

I urge you to call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to get more accurate info on this matter. Don't waste your time talking to the "robots" that answer your call as they will only "parrot" from a monitor screen. Instead, immediately ask to be transferred to a supervisor.

I hope this helps and Congratulations on your marriage, your soon coming baby, and your new life in America!

[fleuryweury 0]

If you had a medical exam when you received your Visa and it was less than one year ago, you will

not need another exam. However, you must attach a copy of your shot record, the DS-3025, which

was given to you at your medical exam. You do not need to submit your chest x-ray.

Note that if your DS-3025 is marked "Incomplete", you may not have received all the necessary shots

during your medical exam. You will need to get those shots from a Civil Surgeon before you can

submit your AOS, unless the DS-3025 indicates the shots are not age appropriate or a waiting

interval is necessary.

If your medical exam is more than one year old, or if your DS-3025 is marked "Incomplete" you will need to have a form

I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record completed by a Civil Surgeon. The

Civil Surgeon will give you the results in a sealed envelope that you must not open. Just include the

sealed envelope with your petition. In this case you will not actually see the DS-3025 or I-693

because they will be in the sealed envelope. You do not need to take the I-693 or other forms to the

Civil Surgeon because they will provide them to you upon completion of the exam.

You can find a list of Civil Surgeons here:

https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=offices.type&OfficeLocator.office_type=CIV

The Civil Surgeon will complete the vaccinations and/or medical exam and give you the I-693 in a

sealed envelope. DO NOT OPEN THE ENVELOPE!

You will not be permitted to select your own doctor to do this exam and your medical insurance will

probably not pay for the exam.

Fee's range between $100.00 and $450.00 depending on the Dr. you choose and the area you are in, be prepared to pay an average cost of about $300.00 in most cases. Refer to the Civil Surgeon list above and then call ahead to check prices.

I'd strongly advise you not to submit your AOS petition until after you have completed the Civil Surgeon exam as it is a strict requirement that will not easily be "overlooked". I suspect that pregnancies are a fairly common occurance for many applicants during this part of the immigration process and I believe if you just keep USCIS informed and aware of the situation it will just be a matter of waiting until the vaccines can be safely administered to finalize your AOS. It will obviously take a bit longer but, all things considered it's best to follow the rules and avoid any unnecessary complications with USCIS. You are already here and married and simply doing what you must to protect your unborn child so I seriously doubt that you could/would be penalized, INS will not be knocking on your door and you will not be deported at this point.

I urge you to call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to get more accurate info on this matter. Don't waste your time talking to the "robots" that answer your call as they will only "parrot" from a monitor screen. Instead, immediately ask to be transferred to a supervisor.

I hope this helps and Congratulations on your marriage, your soon coming baby, and your new life in America!

Thanks for all of this!

Especially the phone numbers! I agree about the robots!

Here are my concerns about what you wrote. You will need to get those shots from a Civil Surgeon before you can

submit your AOS, unless the DS-3025 indicates the shots are not age appropriate or a waiting

interval is necessary.

A pregnancy is 9 months. While I am pregnant, I can NOT have those shots.

My i-91 will run out in May, so therefore I MUST file AOS before then otherwise I would be OUT OF STATUS - Even though i'm already married.

If I waited till I was medically fit to have the vaccinations - (ie; after baby is born in August and post breastfeeding, so lets say November at the earliest). I would already be 5 months out of status.

I HAVE to file..

I can go to a Civil Surgeon who would mark off the Waiver part but I think I already have that..

The sheet from my doctor from New Zealand has ticked the box - Vaccination History incomplete - Requesting Waiver.

(it doesn't say Blanket Waiver or individual waiver though).

I can't tell if that is enough or if I need to go to a civil surgeon for them to tick the same box on a different form.

Thoughts?

[We Are The Art 46]

Thanks for all of this!

Especially the phone numbers! I agree about the robots!

Here are my concerns about what you wrote. You will need to get those shots from a Civil Surgeon before you can

submit your AOS, unless the DS-3025 indicates the shots are not age appropriate or a waiting

interval is necessary.

A pregnancy is 9 months. While I am pregnant, I can NOT have those shots.

My i-91 will run out in May, so therefore I MUST file AOS before then otherwise I would be OUT OF STATUS - Even though i'm already married.

If I waited till I was medically fit to have the vaccinations - (ie; after baby is born in August and post breastfeeding, so lets say November at the earliest). I would already be 5 months out of status.

I HAVE to file..

I can go to a Civil Surgeon who would mark off the Waiver part but I think I already have that..

The sheet from my doctor from New Zealand has ticked the box - Vaccination History incomplete - Requesting Waiver.

(it doesn't say Blanket Waiver or individual waiver though).

I can't tell if that is enough or if I need to go to a civil surgeon for them to tick the same box on a different form.

Thoughts?

Yes, you must be seen by a US Civil Surgeon before you can file for AOS in order to satisfy the requirement. He may in fact just "tick the same box" but it will be from him (the CS) so that part of the requirement is fulfilled and the subsequent delayed process will be legally set forth for you. By filing for your AOS on schedule you have fulfilled your part of the requirement, so then thereafter any subsequent delays odered by the CS for medical/health reasons become the responsibilty of the CS. I'm sure this is not a new situation and USCIS has dealt with it before, I'm equally sure they have a means/process which addresses this particular situation, I'm just not aware of it. Best just call them to clarify and also inform them in advance of your situation at the same time. As for being out of status, as long as USCIS is informed in advance and kept abreast of what's happening in your particular case, I'm sure it won't be a prob. Everyone who files (with or without complications) is actually "out of status" or "in limbo" for some period of time between the date of filing for AOS and the date of actually receiving their green card,(which often takes months) so in the meantime as long as you avoid all immigration checkpoints (they will detain anyone not in compliance no matter what) and are legitimately following the other requirements (getting married within 90 days etc.) while staying out of any legal trouble otherwise, USCIS will likely not hassle you. There may be some sort of "fine" or "penalty" (most likely monetary)imposed at worst, but it won't be revocation or deportation. You are legally married to a US citizen, you are pregnant with the child of a US citizen, and you are apparently doing everything you can to stay in compliance. USCIS will not rip you away from your husband and deport you because you are medically unable to be vaccinated. The main thing is to keep them apprised of your situation in advance as much as possible and comply with all of the other requirements on schedule.

Please keep in mind that I am not an immigration expert by any means, I am simply offering you a bit of advice based on my own limited experience. Perhaps another more qualified member of VJ will chime in and better answer your questions. In any event, I'm sure one simple (maybe not so "simple" considering the nature of any bureaucracy) call to USCIS will answer all of your concerns.

Best Wishes!

[fleuryweury 0]

Please keep in mind that I am not an immigration expert by any means, I am simply offering you a bit of advice based on my own limited experience. Perhaps another more qualified member of VJ will chime in and better answer your questions. In any event, I'm sure one simple (maybe not so "simple" considering the nature of any bureaucracy) call to USCIS will answer all of your concerns.

Best Wishes!

It's so nice to have your advice regardless. I really do appreciate it. There are so many things wrong with the USCIS website and there are so many things that aren't crystal clear. It's so awesome to have the forum on VJ.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

<snip>

I'd strongly advise you not to submit your AOS petition until after you have completed the Civil Surgeon exam as it is a strict requirement that will not easily be "overlooked". I suspect that pregnancies are a fairly common occurance for many applicants during this part of the immigration process and I believe if you just keep USCIS informed and aware of the situation it will just be a matter of waiting until the vaccines can be safely administered to finalize your AOS. It will obviously take a bit longer but, all things considered it's best to follow the rules and avoid any unnecessary complications with USCIS. You are already here and married and simply doing what you must to protect your unborn child so I seriously doubt that you could/would be penalized, INS will not be knocking on your door and you will not be deported at this point.

I urge you to call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to get more accurate info on this matter. Don't waste your time talking to the "robots" that answer your call as they will only "parrot" from a monitor screen. Instead, immediately ask to be transferred to a supervisor.

I hope this helps and Congratulations on your marriage, your soon coming baby, and your new life in America!

Where did you copy this from? A couple of parts of it are wrong, especially the part about if it's marked incomplete that you MUST do an "I-693" (3rd paragraph). The fees as well can be MUCH higher than $450. I know someone who paid $1500.

The above is also wrong. The medical IS a strong requirement of course, but the medical was done for the K1 visa. Seeing a CS would be a total waste of time and money unless USCIS sends and RFE. The "rules" state she can just send the DS-3025, that said, I don't know what shots she's had so she could be missing some. Some are contraindicated for pregnancy.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

It's so nice to have your advice regardless. I really do appreciate it. There are so many things wrong with the USCIS website and there are so many things that aren't crystal clear. It's so awesome to have the forum on VJ.

Honestly your best bet is to do what I already said. Send the DS-3025, look into CS's and see on if you get an RFE. Filing means your are in a "period of authorised stay" so your status would be secure.

Here is a Q&A here: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=3384cc5222ff5210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=6abe6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

Q. I am pregnant and do not wish to receive any vaccinations. Do I still have to get them to be able to obtain permanent resident status in the United States?

A. If you are pregnant, the CDC's Technical Instructions direct the civil surgeon how to evaluate the vaccines you are able to receive during pregnancy. If the civil surgeon cannot safely administer a required vaccine, he/she will annotate the Form I-693 by marking the vaccine as contraindicated. See link to the right for information on pregnancy and vaccinations in general.

Here are the guidelines on vaccinating pregnant women: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/preg-guide.htm

Reading the guide, as long as you have tdap you should be fine. If you're missing tdap you're going to need to get it.

Here is a thread where a woman talks about her CS experience: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/275481-i-693-pregnant-not-age-appropriate-or-contraindication/ (bearing in mind the form has changed since... opening the door for more docs to rip people off).

Edited February 26, 2013 by Vanessa&Tony

[fleuryweury 0]

Honestly your best bet is to do what I already said. Send the DS-3025, look into CS's and see on if you get an RFE. Filing means your are in a "period of authorised stay" so your status would be secure.

Here is a Q&A here: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=3384cc5222ff5210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=6abe6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

Here are the guidelines on vaccinating pregnant women: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/preg-guide.htm

Reading the guide, as long as you have tdap you should be fine. If you're missing tdap you're going to need to get it.

Here is a thread where a woman talks about her CS experience: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/275481-i-693-pregnant-not-age-appropriate-or-contraindication/ (bearing in mind the form has changed since... opening the door for more docs to rip people off).

Hmm.. On my vaccination sheet from the Doctor in New Zealand, for Tdap it has the 'contraindicated' box ticked and 'pregnancy' written in the box.

I wonder if that's enough.

Thanks again!!

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Hmm.. On my vaccination sheet from the Doctor in New Zealand, for Tdap it has the 'contraindicated' box ticked and 'pregnancy' written in the box.

I wonder if that's enough.

Thanks again!!

Unfortunately no. Tdap isn't contraindicated for pregnancy here in the US so you're probably going to get an RFE. You can choose to send your AOS now, knowing you'll get the RFE and get the medical done when you get the chance in time for the RFE, or you can see a CS now and send the I-693 with AOS.

I should warn you, call several CS's because some of them are real scam artists. You DO NOT need a new medical, you only need your shots checked (called a vaccination transcription). Make sure you make the CS aware tht you only need the vaccination record done and hopefully you find someone who knows what they're doing, otherwise you may end up paying for a new medical and shots.

[fleuryweury 0]

Unfortunately no. Tdap isn't contraindicated for pregnancy here in the US so you're probably going to get an RFE. You can choose to send your AOS now, knowing you'll get the RFE and get the medical done when you get the chance in time for the RFE, or you can see a CS now and send the I-693 with AOS.

I should warn you, call several CS's because some of them are real scam artists. You DO NOT need a new medical, you only need your shots checked (called a vaccination transcription). Make sure you make the CS aware tht you only need the vaccination record done and hopefully you find someone who knows what they're doing, otherwise you may end up paying for a new medical and shots.

Ha.. this is going to go around in circles for a while.

I just read this from my local doctors website; Pregnant women. Vaccine recommendations for pregnant women now say they should get Tdap vaccine after 20 weeks' gestation instead of waiting until after delivery. This gives moms more time to develop immunity to protect their baby against whooping cough.

I'm only 16 weeks.

I think i'll file the AOS and get the shot done in a month or two.

That way I can get my research done on the best CS to see and get my shot done at the local Doc cheaper (when I can have it and not have it effect my little bean).\

When I do get an RFE, I could have all the info ready and waiting.

I don't know how long it would take to get an RFE - (any idea?).

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Ha.. this is going to go around in circles for a while.

I just read this from my local doctors website; Pregnant women. Vaccine recommendations for pregnant women now say they should get Tdap vaccine after 20 weeks' gestation instead of waiting until after delivery. This gives moms more time to develop immunity to protect their baby against whooping cough.

I'm only 16 weeks.

I think i'll file the AOS and get the shot done in a month or two.

That way I can get my research done on the best CS to see and get my shot done at the local Doc cheaper (when I can have it and not have it effect my little bean).\

When I do get an RFE, I could have all the info ready and waiting.

I don't know how long it would take to get an RFE - (any idea?).

That's what i'd do too. RFE timing's vary, could be a month, could wait until interview, but at least by filing you'll have your status secure and mark your place in line