London medical and tattoos

[JFH 12,190]

Has anyone had any problems with tattoos at the London medical? I have seen threads from central and south American applicants who have had their tattoos photographed and the pictures sent for further investigation by a gang specialist. I think it's similar to what happened when my husband went to prison - his tattoos were photographed and then analysed for any possible connection with a gang.

I have several tattoos and whilst most of them are completely harmless, I do have the lyrics to a song on one side of my rib cage that could be seen as being an incitement to violence. The lyrics are by Papa Roach.

If you have tattoos, and have had your medical in London, was anything said about them? Were they photographed? Will they even see my rib cage? I know we have an x ray but we wear a gown for that, surely? Do they strip you completely naked at any point or does the gown stay on?

Edited November 9, 2016 by JFH

[Jawaree 717]

Hardly seen there tats being an issue in the UK, but yes tats will be recorded in medicals

I however dont think all consulates pay much attention unless its like tear-drops , joker ,

M13 & others considered really gang related.However in S America tats are heavily scrutinized

by uscis

Some medical they do gender ID, you do have a gown for xray, and a few reported being

strip down for body checks...I guess thats for like diseases such as scabies etc & depending

on the region one is coming from, I hardly think ifs explained it will be an issue there

[JFH 12,190]

Yes we have a gender check in London. I have been informed that the gown stays on. No tear drop tattoos! So that's ok.

Thank you for your reply.

[yuna628 9,671]

Husband has tat. No issues or questions from the doctor about it. As long as you have no gang symbols I think you'll be just fine.

[DJ6372 111]

Sooth America/London not exactly the same really!

My tattoo's were complimented on by the lady doctor, and some are old punk rock styles.

For men you are in your underpants, and there is a meat and 2 veg check!

The medical is nothing to worry about.

[JFH 12,190]

Sooth America/London not exactly the same really!

My tattoo's were complimented on by the lady doctor, and some are old punk rock styles.

For men you are in your underpants, and there is a meat and 2 veg check!

The medical is nothing to worry about.

Hopefully they are equally impressed with my artwork.

I'm female so I assume we don't walk around in our knickers but have a gown anyway?

[trudi 1,317]

They didn't mention my tattoos and one covers my back

You get one of those sexy hospital gowns...

[JFH 12,190]

They didn't mention my tattoos and one covers my back

You get one of those sexy hospital gowns...

Thanks! Good to know (about the tattoo...not the gown!)

Not looking forward to it - probably more nervous about this than the interview.

[valentinanola 17]

Don't worry! I have a full sleeve on my left arm, one on my rib cage, one on my ankle and 2 on my lower stomach. The lady just pointed out they were nice and colorful and we chatted about it, but in a very casual way. She obviously didn't think anything of it, and we got approved yesterday... so chill, tattoos are definitely not a problem, as long as they are not "violent" or anything like that....

[JFH 12,190]

Don't worry! I have a full sleeve on my left arm, one on my rib cage, one on my ankle and 2 on my lower stomach. The lady just pointed out they were nice and colorful and we chatted about it, but in a very casual way. She obviously didn't think anything of it, and we got approved yesterday... so chill, tattoos are definitely not a problem, as long as they are not "violent" or anything like that....

Thanks!

I really don't know why I'm getting so nervous about it. One of mine is 'sort of' violent but not in a hateful way, if you know what I mean. It just makes reference to fighting but to me it's more about a mental and emotional fight that I was going through at the time. I am certainly not in the business of punching people. I just hope it isn't taken the wrong way.

All will be revealed next Thursday.

[trudi 1,317]

Relax, neither the medical or the interview are as scary as you think, everyone you meet at Knightsbridge and the embassy is very friendly and helpful, you'll be fine and it'll all be over soon

[DJ6372 111]

You've done the hardest part................the paperwork!

The interview and medical were total anti climatic.

Don't forget you are going through the process in London, not Ghana or Afghanistan, it really is a case of turn up, your good.

If it makes you feel any better I was sh*tting bricks before the interview, yet I knew my case was watertight, as soon as the lady approved me I was thinking 'is that it!!!!'

[JFH 12,190]

My biggest worry, I think, is that our case might not be as watertight as others here.

My husband was denied a spousal visa for the U.K. And I'd like to think that works in our favour. It certainly shows I didn't marry him just for a green card. I had no intention of ever living in the USA. I'm thrilled that I should soon be able to live with my husband but not thrilled about the location (the country as a whole, so even moving from Seattle wouldn't help). I'm worried they will pick up on this. I'm trying to focus on the main issue here, being together with the person I love more than anything in the world, and pay no mind to the location. I see this as a visa to my husband, not the United States. It just so happens that that is where he lives.

Also I have heard of denials where there is a big difference between the two parties in terms of education and background. My husband didn't graduate from high school and was a heroin addict for several years. He did time in prison but has been clean for 20 years now. He gives talks in schools to kids about the dangers of drugs and peer pressure, etc. I went to university on scholarship and have an MA. Maybe that's why I tend to over-think things. The denials I saw were where the USC had achieved a much higher level of education and the immigrant was the one who didn't even complete high school. But if they question my sanity being married to a man with a criminal and addictive past, they won't be the first to do so! I've had that for years!

Edited November 12, 2016 by JFH

[trudi 1,317]

My biggest worry, I think, is that our case might not be as watertight as others here.

My husband was denied a spousal visa for the U.K. And I'd like to think that works in our favour. It certainly shows I didn't marry him just for a green card. I had no intention of ever living in the USA. I'm thrilled that I should soon be able to live with my husband but not thrilled about the location (the country as a whole, so even moving from Seattle wouldn't help). I'm worried they will pick up on this. I'm trying to focus on the main issue here, being together with the person I love more than anything in the world, and pay no mind to the location. I see this as a visa to my husband, not the United States. It just so happens that that is where he lives.

Also I have heard of denials where there is a big difference between the two parties in terms of education and background. My husband didn't graduate from high school and was a heroin addict for several years. He did time in prison but has been clean for 20 years now. He gives talks in schools to kids about the dangers of drugs and peer pressure, etc. I went to university on scholarship and have an MA. Maybe that's why I tend to over-think things. The denials I saw were where the USC had achieved a much higher level of education and the immigrant was the one who didn't even complete high school. But if they question my sanity being married to a man with a criminal and addictive past, they won't be the first to do so! I've had that for years!

But what the above shows is that your relationship is genuine, you have walked a hard road to be with your man. Your education level means you are not likely to be a charge on the state, YOU have no criminal record or addiction issues, they may question you to be sure you know everything about your husbands past but that is for your safety and not any criticism or judgement of your marriage, honestly you are going to be fine

[JFH 12,190]

But what the above shows is that your relationship is genuine, you have walked a hard road to be with your man. Your education level means you are not likely to be a charge on the state, YOU have no criminal record or addiction issues, they may question you to be sure you know everything about your husbands past but that is for your safety and not any criticism or judgement of your marriage, honestly you are going to be fine

Thank you for your kind words and encouragement.

I'm always such a worrier. After this stage I'll be worrying about POE.