Considering early medical exam but with concerns

[2014petition 2]

We're considering taking care of the medical exam early, but I have some concerns, and wanted to see what others think. Our last scan date at NVC (AOS checklist response) is 9/19, and our civil docs haven't yet been reviewed (scan date of 8/12). I'm guessing our case will be complete by mid to late November. My concerns are as follows:

• With NVC processing as slow as it is currently, the medical could expire before visa issuance.
• Since the embassy would receive the results before receiving the actual case, the results could be misplaced.
• My stepdaughter would be without her passport until the visa was issued. The passport could come in handy if she has any last-minute document requirements before the interview.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

The instructions advise against it, but it seems there are some on the boards who have done it without issue.

My interview hasn't been scheduled yet, but I want to get started on my medical exam. Where should I go to get an exam?

You will receive instructions concerning interview preparation in the appointment letter that you will receive from the NVC. You should not have your exam until your interview has been scheduled. For further information about how to arrange for your medical examination click Medical Examination. IMPORTANT NOTE: Medical examination results are valid for one year in normal circumstances. But if you have certain medical conditions your examination results could expire in as little as 3 months. In any case you should not have your medical examination until the NVC notifies you of your interview appointment date. You may be denied entry to the United States if your medical examination results expire before your arrival.

[Hank_ 9,174]

One thought I have is your step-daughter would have her passport in hand until her interview, at which point the embassy would have it, until then she could travel if need be. SLEC does not keep the passport.

Other thought of course is much the same as yours; not to proceed with the medical until you know the case file is at USEM.

[2014petition 2]

According to the embassy's medical information page, St. Luke's submits the passport to the embassy along with the results.

What happens after I have my medical examination?

The medical report, passport and visa pictures are submitted by SLMCEC to the U.S. Embassy in Manila. Only the chest x-ray film and immunization form are given to the applicants in the SLMCEC releasing section.

Edited September 25, 2014 by 2014petition

[Hank_ 9,174]

According to the embassy's medical information page, St. Luke's submits the passport to the embassy along with the results.

Day in and day out people are doing medicals at St. Luke's, everyone gets their passport returned to them. Plus number 1 on the list for required documents to bring to the interview is - passport.

Immigrant visa applicants should have ALL the following documents ready to submit at the time of

the visa interview. Your application will be refused if you fail to bring any of the required

documents.

1. PASSPORT

http://photos.state.gov/libraries/manila/865058/instructionpackets/IV%20Applicants_%20Interview%20Preparation%20Instructions%20_as%20of%2017%20September%202013_%20without%20footer.pdf

[2014petition 2]

That makes sense. In your opinion, is there a greater risk of document loss or misplacement if the embassy receives the medical results before the case is complete?

[Hank_ 9,174]

I am no expert on the immigrant visa, but logic 9to me) says wait until you get notice from NVC

[2014petition 2]

Good call Hank. The potential complications of doing it early seem to outweigh the positives, so we're going to hold off.

[yannix 24]

 

That makes sense. In your opinion, is there a greater risk of document loss or misplacement if the embassy receives the medical results before the case is complete?

While this is always a possibility, the risk of document loss is no greater or lesser if doing it before the case is complete as opposed to after case completion. Just because the case is complete (or even after getting the interview letter), doesn't really mean the embassy has your case files. There is a bit of a lag. What I'm basically saying is the embassy deals with this situation where the medical gets there before the case files all the time.

The downside is like you pointed out, the medical can expire before you finish. The upside is you get a bit of a headstart in case you get the dreaded sputum test.

Based on your dates, assuming no more checklists, you would be looking at a December interview (if you make it to the scheduling cutoff date) or January/Feb (if you miss it).

Goodluck

[Al422 221]

According to the embassy's medical information page, St. Luke's submits the passport to the embassy along with the results.

I read that too but that is not what happened with my wife (Medical was May of this year). They gave passport back to her, she handed it in at USEM, and USEM kept it until visa issued 2 weeks later.

I concur with the majority, don't be so fast on the draw with the medical.