Philippines - SLEC Med Exam Concerns

[Jamar Locos 4]

Greetings VJ!

*Let me apologize ahead of time for a long post/inquiry!*

I have been searching through many old posts on the forum with regards to K1 applicants and abortions (Philippines specifically). There is quite a bit of information available; with one catch. I was unable to see any follow-up comments posted by OPers as to the out-come of their K1 process.

I did read a comment from one VJ member who stated they knew of somebody who was approved, but nothing more than that.

I will put some information out there and then follow that with our concerns.

Our K1 petition was just sent to the NVC. So it won't be long before it's heading to the Embassy, which means it'll be time to schedule the medical exam.

My fiancee had an abortion (10 years or so ago). Please don't turn our inquiry into an ethical debate.

I just recently read about (the other day) the legality of abortions in the Philippines. I'm still not 100% certain of the implications in the K1 application process.

So when she gets to her medical exam, she will tell them about it (no intentions of lying what-so-ever). From what I read, she will probably be sent to have a "personal/psychiatric" evaluation at SLEC. *Please correct me if I'm wrong.*

From what I understand, the "personal/psychiatric" evaluation will be held to determine if she will be a danger to herself or anybody else.

So our concerns:

What do we have to worry about? (Because we certainly are worrying.)

Does anybody have first-hand experience with the "personal/psychiatric" evaluation? If yes, please chime in.

Are there any VJ members who interviewed in the Philippines with a similar history who were approved/denied at the Embassy? Please chime in if this isn't too personal.

Knowing this (about the abortion)... would it beneficial for me to accompany my fiancee to her interview? It was not our original plan, but considering the situation; I would rather be safe, than sorry. I am even considering my presence for her medical exam (1-2 days right?)... with the hopes that the interview can follow shortly after that.

We would mainly like a clear idea of what to expect. Thank you to anyone who offers up information, experience, or sound guidance. We're trying not to worry too much but you know how it is. Long distance relationships are rough (we just passed the three year mark) enough without piling additional worries.

[Pitaya 2,577]

~Moved from K1 Process to Phil. Regional Forum~

~Inquiry is country-specific~

[Hank_ 9,174]

Greetings VJ!

*Let me apologize ahead of time for a long post/inquiry!*

I have been searching through many old posts on the forum with regards to K1 applicants and abortions (Philippines specifically). There is quite a bit of information available; with one catch. I was unable to see any follow-up comments posted by OPers as to the out-come of their K1 process.

I did read a comment from one VJ member who stated they knew of somebody who was approved, but nothing more than that.

I will put some information out there and then follow that with our concerns.

Our K1 petition was just sent to the NVC. So it won't be long before it's heading to the Embassy, which means it'll be time to schedule the medical exam.

My fiancee had an abortion (10 years or so ago). Please don't turn our inquiry into an ethical debate.

I just recently read about (the other day) the legality of abortions in the Philippines. I'm still not 100% certain of the implications in the K1 application process.

So when she gets to her medical exam, she will tell them about it (no intentions of lying what-so-ever). From what I read, she will probably be sent to have a "personal/psychiatric" evaluation at SLEC. *Please correct me if I'm wrong.*

From what I understand, the "personal/psychiatric" evaluation will be held to determine if she will be a danger to herself or anybody else.

So our concerns:

What do we have to worry about? (Because we certainly are worrying.)

Does anybody have first-hand experience with the "personal/psychiatric" evaluation? If yes, please chime in.

Are there any VJ members who interviewed in the Philippines with a similar history who were approved/denied at the Embassy? Please chime in if this isn't too personal.

Knowing this (about the abortion)... would it beneficial for me to accompany my fiancee to her interview? It was not our original plan, but considering the situation; I would rather be safe, than sorry. I am even considering my presence for her medical exam (1-2 days right?)... with the hopes that the interview can follow shortly after that.

We would mainly like a clear idea of what to expect. Thank you to anyone who offers up information, experience, or sound guidance. We're trying not to worry too much but you know how it is. Long distance relationships are rough (we just passed the three year mark) enough without piling additional worries.

I agree with you, don't lie. I am also big on IF NOT ASKED DON'T VOLUNTEER information. Less is more when answering questions (this goes for the medical, interview and CFO)

I do recall others coming through that had an abortion, I do not recall any having issues or not receiving their visas. USEM has no issue with abortions (legal or not in the Phils) in regards to approving a visa, what they look for is evidence of a genuine relationship... if you have that you should be fine.

Being there for the medical is of little value, you will not be allowed in the facility, plus if the evaluation is required that can take another week or two for it to be scheduled/completed.

Being there for the interview is always a plus, but as said earlier if you have evidence of a genuine relationship there should be few issues with getting the visa. I will add that if you can be there, do so as it is a GREAT experience, I was there and I am very glad I was, highly recommend it to any that can attend. You may be allowed to be at the window with your fiancee for the interview (I was) or they may ask you to sit down, either way it was .

You really don't have anything to worry about is my feeling.

[Jamar Locos 4]

We certainly appreciate the feedback. You're right. We're probably worrying about nothing. She's healthy, we're in love, and we have more than enough evidence of our relationship.

We've already talked about it and I will be there for her interview. And this gives me a solid excuse to book a fancy hotel for the stay in Manila! Hopefully there are some nice ones (4-5 star) near the USEM.

I will be sure to post back about the entire experience. Hopefully our journey will provide additional strength & courage (on top of what VJ already does) to those who are in a similar situation.

[adam2dot0 7]

My fiancé was flagged for the pych exam as well, because of some scars and partying a bit too much. He was hospitalized once due to not knowing his alcohol limit . His pych eval is July 5th, I'll keep you posted on the results.

[Nashvillian2016 1]

Hello jamar! We have the same issue right now and my medica is coming up. I was wondering how did your fiancée's medical and interview go? Did she tell them about the abortion? Did she got approved?

[Jamar Locos 4]

Her medical exam is on the 29th and her interview is on the 13th. I'll report back after each one and let you all know how it went.

[Jamar Locos 4]

Alright. Bad news.

My fiancée just finished with day one of the medical exam and she was told she needs to see the psychiatrist. The earliest available was the 9th... which is the day before I arrive in Manila. They told her she can still attend her interview, which I suppose is a good thing.

I wonder how long the psychiatrist evaluation takes to come back.

She also has to report back to SLEC tomorrow to see the OBGYN (sp?).

So. Not looking so good I suppose. Figures. We (mainly me) can't seem to catch a break in this life-time.

[Greenbaum 12,259]

Alright. Bad news.

My fiancée just finished with day one of the medical exam and she was told she needs to see the psychiatrist. The earliest available was the 9th... which is the day before I arrive in Manila. They told her she can still attend her interview, which I suppose is a good thing.

I wonder how long the psychiatrist evaluation takes to come back.

She also has to report back to SLEC tomorrow to see the OBGYN (sp?).

So. Not looking so good I suppose. Figures. We (mainly me) can't seem to catch a break in this life-time.

I'm sorry you haven't been able to catch a break. But, many here have gone before you and have met with a worse fate so look on the positive side. Nothing has stopped you as of late so why let this. The love you have between the two you is the most important thing to have at a time like this. She needs your support now more than ever. She is scarred and needs lots of reassurances from you that everything is going to work out. This is where you need to be strong for her. Do it with out showing your "feelings".

Getting an appointment that soon is a good thing. Yes you can still attend your interview. If the results are not available to the CO for the interview, they will give you a 221(g) "waiting on additional information" and all it does is puts your case on hold for an additional 2 weeks or so which is normal processing time for a case like yours. Most with the kind of history your fiancee has, will get an approval. Having to see the OBGYN for an additional exam is important to her medical well-being. Let's see what happens with her visit to OBYGN.

STAY POSITIVE

[Jamar Locos 4]

I really am trying to maintain a level head. Thanks for the words of encouragement! Thankfully, she is a really positive person. She's typically the one who has to calm me down in situations such as this.

You're saying it's good that her psychiatric appointment was so soon, or her interview appointment?

Is there a chance that the psychiatric eval will be ready by the 13th for her interview? Or do they normally drag that out for weeks?

[Greenbaum 12,259]

I really am trying to maintain a level head. Thanks for the words of encouragement! Thankfully, she is a really positive person. She's typically the one who has to calm me down in situations such as this.

You're saying it's good that her psychiatric appointment was so soon, or her interview appointment?

Is there a chance that the psychiatric eval will be ready by the 13th for her interview? Or do they normally drag that out for weeks?

It's good she has a psychic appointment so soon. They typically turn the reports around in a few days. Don't expect it for an interview the next day. Don't cancel your interview appointment. Go to the appointment with or without your psychology report.

[Jamar Locos 4]

Okay. Sounds like it could be worse. I'm glad we can continue with her interview though. The leave-request, airline tickets, and hotel reservation were already done. Not sure if I could have made it happen for a later date.

It's good to hear that they typically turn them around fast.

Here's hoping for some good news before I depart Manila on the 18th.

I will keep VJ posted (pun... intended).

Thanks again for the support folks!

[Jamar Locos 4]

While we're waiting, I figured I would post another inquiry to the group.

Are there any high quality print shops near the USEM in Manila?

A few of these forms that we have to bring are kinda lengthy. Rather than take them all with me as a physical copy (burning through ALL my ink cartridges), I was wondering if I could just pull them from Google Drive and print them upon arrival in Manila somewhere. Basically what I'm looking for is a Kinkos type of business, where I can sit down on one of their PCs, pull up Google Drive and print everything we need out right there on the spot.

Thoughts?

We're staying at the Best Western La Corona by the way (if that helps). We don't mind taking a cab around Manila to get the printing done either, but walking would be preferable. Thanks again!

Edited September 3, 2016 by Jamar Locos

[Greenbaum 12,259]

There are lots of mom and pop shops near the Embassy in fact a couple of them are across the street. Ask the front desk person of the hotel as they can direct you to others. There are many in the area.

[Jamar Locos 4]

Alright folks,

The psyche evaluation is complete. She had to wait all day for a 15 minute evaluation.

The doctor merely asked her about her family and life in general. Then she asked about the abortion. There were tears but the doctor was nice enough to comfort her and calm her down.

After that, she was given her CD (x-ray) and a few other documents and she was on her way. That's it.

Wednesday is the interview. I'll post back after it's complete.