Vaccinations Concern

[karito731 1]

Good night I hope everyone is doing good!

I'm from Colombia and I'm waiting for the package gets to the Bogota.

I have a thyroid problem and haven't been able to control it yet, right now I'm changing medications it's been kind of complicated, I went to the medical center to get the injections and the lady ask me about my throat because is swallowed, I said I have a hypothyroidism and she denied to gave me any injection and told me to ask my doctor if I could take them. Today I went to my medical appointment and I ask my doctor he said he doesn't recommend to get any injection till they can regulate my body otherwise it can be too much for me handle. So will I have any problems when I have my embassy medical appointment?

Thank you!

[E and R 8]

When you say injections... Are you talking about vaccinations? We went through the medical part in Bogota in December of 2015. They did a full body exam, X-rays checking for TB and that was about it. They defer vaccinations until you arrive here. Whatever records you have of vaccinations you should make sure to bring with you. I can tell you more about our experience if I knew more of the specifics, e.g. what injections were you trying to get. Elkin (spouse) did not have any injections and so I am a little lost. Feel free to send a private message as well.

[karito731 1]

Hey thanks for responding!

Yes I meant the vaccinations. I have the yellow fever and the tetanus. I was trying to get the Hepatitis B, Influenza, MMR and the doctor told me not to do it at least for a few months.

I called one of the embassy doctor office's and the Secretary told me i don't need them to get approve the visa.

[E and R 8]

That's what we were told when we called as well. The vaccinations or any other treatment other than the exams, TB test and x-rays were not required for us based on what the Embassy wanted. Just TB, chest x-ray and physical done. I would be honest about anything you may be under treatment for. If you contradict what the doctor includes in his documentation that will be in the sealed envelope you to give to the embassy that is a big red flag. For us the I-693 was completed by the civil surgeon here a few weeks ago. Elkin did come up as needing an antibiotic series but surprisingly the vaccinations could be done up to a year after arrival. He also had all the appropriate vaccinations for his age done. Again, make sure you bring official copies of your vaccines or you may be getting the same ones done more than once.

I don't know anything about the condition that you have but it sounds treatable with medication. I know the embassy and USCIS will look to make sure that you don't have anything that might require extensive treatment... I was thinking more like surgeries or expensive treatment. Your fiance will be providing his proof to be able to support you so as long as this will be close there shouldn't be a problem... at least that is how it came across to us.

One of the things I loved about the Embassy there is that they respond to your emails directly within 24 hours. Email them directly with any question you have and they will respond. They do have a few different email addresses depending on what you are applying for. If you need help finding the right one let me know. We used them for birth certificate copy questions. They came right back within 8 hours and answered clearly with a yes to that what we had was correct.

Let me know if you need any more info. We did the I - 297 with an Immigration attorney but are now doing the I-485 and I-765 on our own. We ended up not needing an attorney for what we had him for. VJ pretty much has all the info you need and the peoples experiences here were extremely helpful for us to get through everything fairly smoothly.

Edited May 13, 2016 by rob2817

[karito731 1]

Thank you so much for your information.

It's very useful and yes at least now I know I won't be denied for the vaccinations.

Besides that well we're waiting for the packege to arrive to the embassy and be on the final stage of part I.. we're really anxious ans excited about it we can't wait!

Thank you very much for your help ??

[E and R 8]

Glad to help. The interview was questions almost entirely off the information provided on the I-297. Where I worked (me as the USC), how we met, where we were during the time we had together. We prepared ourselves so that when we arrived at the interview that they would have a very hard time not thinking we were a real couple. By that time we had been together in different cities, countries and in different trips and we brought pictures showing signs of the different countries to show where we were. We buried them with copies of photos, travel itineraries and receipts from the travel. We overdid it but we were nervous. Jaja.

If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask. The interview was one of the easier parts to prepare for as a lot of the info and documentation had already been submitted for the I-297 application. I wasn't there but Elkin told me all about it. It sounded like it was on the serious side but all the questions were easily answerable for couples that would know the basics of the other from a serious relationship. Good luck!

Elkin has now been here around 2.5 months and we have never been happier. Elkin already has his drivers license, got approval from Washington State to take his state exams for his field of work and is taking English courses four days a week. The English has been his most frustrating adjustment I think but with the school he is learning incredibly fast. You write like you know English well already so you were probably ahead of us on that.

Edited May 13, 2016 by rob2817

[karito731 1]

Oh that was very nice, at least it went easy for you at the interview! I'm really nervous about it we were planing on my fiance to come here for that time but his work didn't allow him because he took three vacations on th last 7 months haha.

I would like to ask you, is it okay to make the doctors appointment one or two days before the interview at the embassy? I won't be able to stay too long in Bogota.

And how's been everything since you're together now? I bet y'all are really happy! ?

[E and R 8]

Oh that was very nice, at least it went easy for you at the interview! I'm really nervous about it we were planing on my fiance to come here for that time but his work didn't allow him because he took three vacations on th last 7 months haha.

I would like to ask you, is it okay to make the doctors appointment one or two days before the interview at the embassy? I won't be able to stay too long in Bogota.

And how's been everything since you're together now? I bet y'all are really happy! ?

Elkin lived in Bogota so he didn't have to travel but many do have to and they do them fairly close to the interview. I would just make sure you coordinate it with the doctors office well because they didn't give Elkin the documentation during the visit. He had to come back to get it several days later. The doctors office knew all the procedures since they do lots of them. But, the majority that do have to travel to Bogota for the interview do coordinate that part so I wouldn't worry to much.

Even if your fiancé was there with you at the Embassy he wouldn't be allowed with you during the interview so don't worry about that. It really was one of the more straight forward parts. Hard not to be nervous I know but don't be. I heard from VJ that the questions were coming from the I-297 and so Elkin and I went over it together and covered all my more obscure personal info, like what city I was born in, info on my five siblings, where parents live, died, all the stuff on the 297. There was not even one question he didn't know the answer too. Be care of over studying too. You don't want to come across as memorizing the info. Just show that you know it. We didn't go over anything the last few days. He didn't need to and I am sure you won't either.

I personally have never been happier. Elkin says the same. I put Elkin on all my financial accounts, insurances (car and medical) and anything I could think of to help him to feel more security when he arrived. Like you may be doing he had to sell everything he had to be here to be with me and I wanted to emotionally support him in anyway I could. For me, the differences in cultures brings soo much to our relationship. Even though starting out it brought its fair share of challenges. Along with the differences in language.I'm sure that's the same for most. I am most familiar with Mexican Spanish and the differences in words and sayings did present some confusion and misunderstanding. You really do have to be patient even more so once together for the first several weeks moreso even than when we lived in separate countries.

At 2.5 months together here and two months married he is fairly settled. In fact, today he had his first day out of the house all day and night and I was very happy for him to be so independent already but I missed him a lot. For us that have to go through the process of travelling to be together and then all the process with visas and AOS I think that the sacrifice it takes us to make the effort and the distance apart makes us appreciate being with each other all the more. I don't take him being here with me for grantite for even a second.

Every story is different I am sure but for me our dreams are coming true. I see others here post similar. Elkin had known the U.S. to be the land of opportunity and it is and he sees it for himself now. It's been an amazing process for me to watch and experience with him so far to date and I'm sure for the rest of our lives it will be the same.

Edited May 13, 2016 by rob2817

[karito731 1]

Ooh I see I thought we would be able to get in the interview with me, well at least I hope we'll get to see each other soon, I miss him so much!

Yes I been reading a bit about the possible questions that they might ask in the interview, I want to be prepare and try to sound as natural as possible, although every time I get nervous my brain cleans up and I forget everything! ?

I know is gonna be a huge change to get there and everything will be so different, John is a lil concern about getting me a health insurance and all that, cuz with my condition I need to be taking 6 pills at day! That's crazy.

I'm really glad that everything went great for you, it's so nice to hear about other people's stories it's encouraging!

Again thank you very much for all your information ?

[E and R 8]

Try not to worry about the interview questions. EVERYONE is nervous to some extent and they are used to it and Elkin said that they were respectful and understanding. They just had a serious tone which is normal because it is a interview. Is it scheduled yet? Do you have a copy of the I-297 he sent in?

If you know where he lives, where he works and where his parents live, where he was born, where and how we met to begin with and for at least the required one time in the last year I bet you're more than half way there.

Elkin just told me that he was also asked how we talk with each other and how often. For us the answer was by skype and WhatsApp and we talked every day.

Edited May 13, 2016 by rob2817

[karito731 1]

Yes, I'll try to relax a little more and about those questions yes I know about it, I think we'll be alright.

I was following the process at the same time with another girl from Cali, this week her packege arrive to the embassy, mine is still on the nvc, I think it's on AP right now. Let's hope it won't take too much!

And I'm expecting the copy of the I-129f and the taxes the lay stubs and all that to get here tomorrow and after that I'll have everything ready for when I can schedule the interview.

[E and R 8]

Ah... If you haven't seen the 297 petition that would explain why you might be anxious. Once you get it and can look it over you will start to feel better probably. The entire process for us to get the visa was around 4 months I think. Around half the time as we expected and planned for. We actually had to wait a month and a half or so after he had the visa before he could move.

I remember the process from getting his packet sent down to go fairly fast too. A lot faster than what we planned on. It will go by quick. Talking to people here on VJ can help you to keep calmer and on track too. Many, many people have been exactly where you are now and can help you in pretty much with any information and for moral support you can and will need.

[karito731 1]

Yes that's true, having that packege in my hands would make me feel better, I'll check everything that is in there.

My friend who was with me is having troubles with her 129f because they pay a lawyer to do it, they been asking to get a copy of it, they even sent her 50 USD that she ask for but still every time she has an excuse to don't sent it.

Why did your husband had to wait a little more than a month to travel? Is it normal time for everyone or just with him?

And Yes I'm trying to get some information about the administrative processing. I never heard of that till today.

[E and R 8]

Yes that's true, having that packege in my hands would make me feel better, I'll check everything that is in there.

My friend who was with me is having troubles with her 129f because they pay a lawyer to do it, they been asking to get a copy of it, they even sent her 50 USD that she ask for but still every time she has an excuse to don't sent it.

Why did your husband had to wait a little more than a month to travel? Is it normal time for everyone or just with him?

And Yes I'm trying to get some information about the administrative processing. I never heard of that till today.

That is not normal about your friends lawyer. That was absolutely not the case for us. They even couriered a copy to us of the application and they could also send it by email. But your friend also would have had to sign the document so I'm a little confused why she didn't get a copy at that time. There are bad lawyers out there and they do cause delays. I did most of the work with even the work we paid for him to do. I was on top of everything because they had a busy office and I didn't want our case to get buried on a desk.

For Elkin it was a matter of giving notice of leaving his apartment and also selling all of his belongings that he wasn't going to bring. He was living on his own so it was a lot of furniture to have to sell. We also arranged for him to spend 9 days with his family in Bucaramanga before he left for here. We wanted to not over rush things and make sure all was taken care of properly in Bogota before he left. Our plan is to buy an apartment down there to retire in so we are prepping for that a little as well.

Is your fiancé helping with organizing all of this and finding answers to questions? We really had to work as a team. Well.. That hasn't changed even now but that's exactly how I love it to be. It is an incredibly huge transition for primarily you but also for your fiancé. A lot of unknowns that tend to bring fear if you sit and worry about things. At least that seems like a pretty common pitfall here. I know I probably check our I-485 and I-765 status more often than I need to or should even now. I would try to just enjoy the relationship and work on keeping that healthy more than any specific worry that may or may not happen. If you are following what we have done here to get as far as we have gotten you should be fine.

Edited May 13, 2016 by rob2817

[karito731 1]

Hey how are you today?

Yes my friend is having the worst time with that lawyer, I'm not sure how they do it go sign the documents but i know she's super worried, their packege arrive to the embassy and that lawyer is asking for more and more money everyday.

And yes I'm totally agree with you, the most important thing is try to enjoy the new life as a couple and stay healthy!

My fiance he's really helpful and he tries his best to keep up wirh everything, his biggest problem is that he's lock in a truck 24/7 the last time that he went home was for unpacking his suitcase after coming from Colombia.