Will scars from being a teenager hinder fiance in medical exam?

[corvusheart 163]

Ok I'm sorry I just didn't want us to be judged and looked down on.

Really? You're changing your story?

Listen, you know this forum isn't out to get you, right?

Everyone here is on the same kind of journey facing the same kinds of issues and genuinely would like everyone who comes on VJ to succeed. You can just be straight with us the first time and we can then help you out the best we can (but we'll accidentally guide you wrong if we don't know the real deal).

There's been loads of people who've successfully passed their interview with a history of depression and/or self-abuse. Get a GP letter explaining what happened and that he's all good now, and you'll be fine. If he never saw a doctor or GP and there's no records, then Knightsbridge may send him for a psychiatric evaluation - assuming he's doing better now, that should clear it all up.

[lost_at_sea 995]

Ok I'm sorry I just didn't want us to be judged and looked down on.

I can't speak for everyone on this forum, but I promise I'll never do that if you're honest.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Ok I'm sorry I just didn't want us to be judged and looked down on.

I answered your first thread, certain you were not being truthful, yet trying to go with what you were saying with some gentle hints that you can't fool doctors who see these kind of things regularly. I will answer anybody who is sincerely in need of help. The only ones I avoid are those with an attitude of entitlement that constantly b1tch about the process and how the US owes them better. Or the ones who can't be arsed to read to find info and clearly want to be personally spoon fed over and over.

So now that we know the truth, here's some advice from UK forum experience. The best bet is if your fiancé has a doctor who knows him that he has some ongoing relationship with. A note from his doctor saying he has been his doctor for x years and has never seen any signs of depression or medicated him for depression. Then the doctor needs to include the "magic words" immigration needs-- he is not a threat to himself or others.. And I do mean exactly that phrase. The note will be taken to the medical exam. Knightsbridge is charged with clearing people on mental health. They can't know that in a 10 minute exam. So having a written opinion from a doctor who knows your fiancé as a patient, is enough to satisfy them. If they don't have that, they could ask for it to be sent or could ask for an evaluation by a psychiatrist.

Here's what happened at Queen's exam. ( She worried about everything, but took a note.)

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/8321-london-medical-knightsbridge-doctors/?p=6430310

I can't remember off hand, the other's also approved except for AngelBlu, but if I think of them, I will find a link and post to you. It would be in the UK forum. Some were regulars, but I mix up the names over the years. Your fiancé will be approved, but an opinion from his doctor (or a specialist in lieu of his doctor) will be the key. Also keep in mind that when the doctor is chatting away at the exam about the weather or America, he is actually evaluating your fiance's demeanor and mental health. So tell him to relax and act happy and normal.

[corvusheart 163]

If he gets a psychiatric evaluation from his doctor that would mean he would have to mention his self abuse as a teen right? Since he currently has no records on it. Also I heard prior to the exam he gets a evaluation he needs to fill out will that ask about self abuse? I just don't want him to get denied right off the bat for it that would really suck.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

He doesn't need to seek a psychiatric exam from his doctor. A GP is not really a a psychiatry specialist. If his doctor knows him well, he can visit with him and tell his teenage story and that he needs a note so he can immigrate to America. Doc will write a note saying in his opinion, he has never known fiancé to have any signs of depression or self harming in the years he has treated him and that he does not consider fiancé to be a threat to himself or others now or in the future. If he doesn't have a doctor that knows him pretty well and will write a letter for him, then he just has to tell his story to Knightsbridge. It will be obvious it was many years ago. They could advise an exam with a specialist, to confirm he's fine now. In that case, there will be a delay waiting on that exam and report. Then they will send all his medical results to the embassy.

It is not a case of...you abused once, or took drugs, or got arrested...that means you are out of luck on a visa. The doctor considers when it was and discusses it and how he is now. Yes there is a medical questionnaire to fill out before the medical and it is taken and turned in on the day. And they hand you another to fill out when you get there. Both ask about depression or similar. Forgot exact words.

What he doesn't want to do is lie on the questionnaire, then the doctor sees scars and knows it is inconsistent with the story he is making up about an animal. That would be misreprentation in order to obtain immigration benefits...a very serious offense to the US immigration authorities and one that could result in never, ever getting a visa or using VWP. Be truthful and they can forgive a long ago issue as long as they know he is fine now and "no longer a threat to himself or others.". This isn't something he did last week they might need to worry about.

Did you read QueenOfBlades experience discussing her attempted suicide and last year's bout with depression at her visa medical exam? She had a note from her doctor and it was a non-issue. She is already in the US.

[corvusheart 163]

Aren't you talking about self-harm right there? Then you said out of luck for a visa. I'm not understanding.

It is not a case of...you abused once, or took drugs, or got arrested...that means you are out of luck on a visa.

[corvusheart 163]

He does not have a regular doctor. But can't he just seek out a specialist before the exam and get a psyciactric evaluation and then they write out the letter?

They could advise an exam with a specialist, to confirm he's fine now. In that case, there will be a delay waiting on that exam and report. Then they will send all his medical results to the embassy.

[JohnR! 5,495]

He does not have a regular doctor. But can't he just seek out a specialist before the exam and get a psyciactric evaluation and then they write out the letter?

That is what most here are suggesting he does. Not disclosing what happened, during the physical, is not an option for the scars will provide evidence to that. Have your fiance seek a psychiatrist who can examine him and give him an evaluation of his current state, and give him a written assessment to the effect he is not a danger to himself or others, presently. He may be able to get help where he sought treatment or care, way back when he tried to hurt himself. They should have a record of his treatment at the time.

Taking responsiblity for one's actions is a big part of coping with with reality and healing old wounds. IMHO he is better served dealing with this issue head on as he seeks to immigrate to America.

Good luck!

Edited December 15, 2013 by Gegel

[corvusheart 163]

He never sought a doctor during that time of his life since it was a short period. So there is nothing on his record about it.

That is what most here are suggesting he does. Not disclosing what happened, during the physical, is not an option for the scars will provide evidence to that. Have your fiance seek a psychiatrist who can examine him and give him an evaluation of his current state, and give him a written assessment to the effect he is not a danger to himself or others, presently. He may be able to get help where he sought treatment or care, way back when he tried to hurt himself. They should have a record of his treatment at the time.
Taking responsiblity for one's actions is a big part of coping with with reality and healing old wounds. IMHO he is better served dealing with this issue head on as he seeks to immigrate to America.
Good luck!

[JohnR! 5,495]

He never sought a doctor during that time of his life since it was a short period. So there is nothing on his record about it.

In that case a psychiatrist should be able to get him sorted out with a professional evaluation for his physical.

He should be OK.

[corvusheart 163]

We are so upset about this right now. It feels like we are utterly screwed.

In that case a psychiatrist should be able to get him sorted out with a professional evaluation for his physical.

He should be OK.

[JohnR! 5,495]

We are so upset about this right now. It feels like we are utterly screwed.

I think that the anxiety speaking and I also think it is only nautral you feel this way. I don't think anyone will be able to give you the assurances you need but if you look at it objectively, you have a course of action, you know what needs to be done, and that is already a step in the right direction.

You can't change the past. Put it behind you and move on. You can only change the future, and by the information you are getting here you are already effecting changes in your future. Your concern is justified, so try to use it to your advantage in order to plan ahead on your steps and mitigate risks.

[corvusheart 163]

How likely is it for him to pass the medical with all of this honestly?

I think that the anxiety speaking and I also think it is only nautral you feel this way. I don't think anyone will be able to give you the assurances you need but if you look at it objectively, you have a course of action, you know what needs to be done, and that is already a step in the right direction.

You can't change the past. Put it behind you and move on. You can only change the future, and by the information you are getting here you are already effecting changes in your future. Your concern is justified, so try to use it to your advantage in order to plan ahead on your steps and mitigate risks.

[JohnR! 5,495]

How likely is it for him to pass the medical with all of this honestly?

It will all depend on his current state. It will all depend on the evaluation of a psychiatrist, but that is my opinion only. I really do not believe the doctor who will examine him for his visa will brush off the scars, regardless of how old they are.

In my opinion, he would be better off seeking a psychiatrist on his own and getting an evaluation to present on the day of his physical. Optionally he should be prepared to discuss it with the examining physician and count on the possibility he may be asked to seek a psychiatrist and get a professional evaluation done.

Provided he is fine, this all might represent some additional processing time for his visa application.

I don't believe he will be denied with no recourse, if taht is what you are asking. I do believe however his application will perhaps require a couple of extra steps, which might add to the overall processing time.

What I am trying to say is that it is the not the end of the line for you guys, but in all likelihood neither will it be a walk in the park.

[corvusheart 163]

So you don't think he will be denied?

It will all depend on his current state. It will all depend on the evaluation of a psychiatrist, but that is my opinion only. I really do not believe the doctor who will examine him for his visa will brush off the scars, regardless of how old they are.
In my opinion, he would be better off seeking a psychiatrist on his own and getting an evaluation to present on the day of his physical. Optionally he should be prepared to discuss it with the examining physician and count on the possibility he may be asked to seek a psychiatrist and get a professional evaluation done.
Provided he is fine, this all might represent some additional processing time for his visa application.
I don't believe he will be denied with no recourse, if taht is what you are asking. I do believe however his application will perhaps require a couple of extra steps, which might add to the overall processing time.
What I am trying to say is that it is the not the end of the line for you guys, but in all likelihood neither will it be a walk in the park.