Husband Turned Away for Not Having Medical Exam

[PMartin37 161]

Just a reminder out there for anyone that is told by the State Department that if they are unable to get the medical exam results before the interview appointment , then go ahead and go anyway------DON'T DO IT!!!! My husband has had a ridiculous time trying to secure a medical exam for his appointment. When I spoke with the State Dept and voiced my concerns that I didn't think he would be able to complete them on time before he had to leave to travel out of town, she said for me to tell my husband to go ahead and go.

My husband arrived at least an hour early with all documents ready...passed through the checkout points for security and then onto another window. They informed him, he'd need to reschedule his exam and come back on that date when he has the results. HE WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE EITHER.

My advice to anyone reading this....if you are in the same position as my husband was, call the consulate and explain the situation and reschedule yourself before you go through all the expense of traveling hundreds of miles away and paying for hotels, transportation, and outside expenses, only to be turned away.

[Cathi 5,783]

awwwww. I'm so sorry sweetheart. Why is h having problems getting the medical done?

[PMartin37 161]

awwwww. I'm so sorry sweetheart. Why is h having problems getting the medical done?

His Iraqi passport expired in March of 2012 and he's been unable tohave it renewed there in India- so far. When he received notice from the NVC and had his appointment letter in hand, he immediately scheduled a date for his exam. When he showed up for the exam, the doctor there informed him that his UN id was not sufficient and he needed an email from the NVC that the UN id is acceptable for identification. Of course the NVC advised that the case is no longer in their hands, and to contact the US Consulate there in Mumbai. I had thought this was all explained in detai previously l to the NVC ( I sent letters explaining ) and an appointment letter conifrming his appointment was enough to receive a medical exam. I don't understand why this was an issue honestly. Why else would he come in for a medical exam with an NVC appointment letter (just for kicks?).

Anyhoo, the rest is history as they say. He's been rescheduled for his interview though. I plan on calling the state department myself to let them know this is misinformation because there was several others turned away for the same reason. I don't know what their situations were- why they didn't have their results in hand- but as for my husband he and I both tried everything humanly possible to take care of it. They just shouldn't tell people go ahead and take your chances when it's a simple thing to reschedule yourself (from HOME) and avoid all the unnecesary expense and hassle.

[Cathi 5,783]

If his Iraqi passport is expired, how will he get it renewed for the visa? It has to be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of the issuance of the visa. Sorry if I am asking so many questions, it;s just that I am routing for you guys and want to see you successful. I didn't realize he was in India

[PMartin37 161]

If his Iraqi passport is expired, how will he get it renewed for the visa? It has to be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of the issuance of the visa. Sorry if I am asking so many questions, it;s just that I am routing for you guys and want to see you successful. I didn't realize he was in India

From what he's been told from the U.N. office, when his visa is approved, they will issue him a travel document (normally provided by the International Red Cross Committee) that they can then use to affix the visa. Since he's a refugee there , this may be the only alternative. He's been unable to get a renewal for his Iraqi passport there at the Iraqi embassy in Delhi. He's going to inquire at the one in Mumbai to see if they are available. The problem there is...there are different "series" offered (if he's lucky enough to get one). The G series is pretty much impossible to get there, and the S series is not suitable for travel to the U.S. We'll have to see what will happen. I'm not sure if the consualte coordinates with the UN to acquire it or what.....

Anyways, I have my two U.S. senators overseeing the case, so I hope that will help. He arrived back in Hyderabad and was able to proceed with his medical exam. All is well with that chapter- and onto the next. Thanks for rooting for us!!!

Edited March 3, 2013 by PMartin37