Scheduling Embassy Interview in Santo Domingo DR/Medical Exams

[pass 1]

Hello, my fiance received an email yesterday from the US Embassy in Santo Domingo, DR. The email referred us to two websites: 

www.ustraveldocs.com/do

https://do.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/fiancee/

 

D-160ds for my fiance and two kids are complete, and I paid the embassy fee ($265 per person) for them through ustraveldocs.com. It is July 4, and I  can schedule the interview for any day this month or next. I want to schedule the interview ASAP as I want the kids to start school here August 29, 2018. 

 

My first question is whether we should be waiting for some kind of mailed paperwork to schedule the interview. From the embassy email I received, I see no indication of that, but a rapidvisa.com representative recommended that I wait for a hardcopy notice. 

 

I have all documentation needed EXCEPT for medical exams and vaccinations. For medical exams I only see approved providers in Santo Domingo, a full days' trip from where my fiance lives on the north coast. Is it reasonable to book the appointment for a week after she and the kids arrive in Santo Domingo and get their medical exams? I will be attending the embassy interview, and my thought is to get to Santo Domingo, bring them to the medical exams, stay a week and schedule the interview for near the end of my trip. Might this work?

 

Thank you.

 

[Kyle&Ana 718]

well if u receive the NVC letter (Case number, print it out) she can go ASAP to medical exams, they will give u the results after 8 or 9 days, Your fiancee also can schedule an appointment at the VAC in Galeria 360 for biometrics and photos the same day... (she can go in the morning to the medical and in the afternoon to VAC) because medical places just receive ppl until 11:00 AM......And return for the results 9 days after....  so u should schedule the interview two weeks after the medical appointment was done... 

Edited July 4, 2018 by Kyle&Ana

[pass 1]

Thank you Kyle&Ana. This is very helpful. So the medical results are given after 9 or so days, but the VAC biometrics/photos are available immediately? I am also wondering where to go online to make the VAC appointment. i did not see this addressed on ustraveldocs.com 

 

Best Regards, John

[Sav&Har 142]

Hi. If the email is explicitly asking you to book the interview and do the medicals, and your case shows as "Ready". It is the packet 3. In the SD consulate they send electronically (that email), there is apparently a physical notice (if that ever arrives) but don't pay attention to that. You can go ahead a book an interview. But remember to do the medicals at least 2 weeks before the interview day. The VAC/biometric (at Galleria 360) appointment can be done the same day as the medical. Do the medical 1st and then VAC/biometric appointment.

 

The VAC/biometric appointment is booked at the same time you're booking the visa interview. You will be asked to choose the date for each of them. 

[pass 1]

Thank you Sav&Har  . Is it for sure needed two weeks before the appointment? I ask because the service I used up to this point (rapidvisa) is advising me that 5 business days prior is OK. That difference in time period is significant because my fiance lives far from the approved medical examiners. If two weeks before is required, it might mean two trips (one for medical, then one for exam).She will gladly do that, but I had hoped to do it all in one trip.

[Sav&Har 142]

Here is also some useful information for you:
 

 

[Sav&Har 142]

Just now, pass said:

Thank you Sav&Har  . Is it for sure needed two weeks before the appointment? I ask because the service I used up to this point (rapidvisa) is advising me that 5 business days prior is OK. That difference in time period is significant because my fiance lives far from the approved medical examiners. If two weeks before is required, it might mean two trips (one for medical, then one for exam).She will gladly do that, but I had hoped to do it all in one trip.

The thing is, medical might or might not be done by the day of the interview in that  short timeframe. So if they are not done and you are approved, you will be put on Administrative Processing until they receive the medical. And hopefully it doesn't end up delaying further to receive the visa.

Edited July 4, 2018 by Sav&Har

[pass 1]

4 minutes ago, Sav&Har said:

The thing is, medical might or might not be done by the day of the interview in that  short timeframe. So if they are not done and you are approved, you will be put on Administrative Processing until they receive the medical. And hopefully it doesn't end up delaying further to receive the visa.

Understood. Thank you. It seems best to have the medical in hand for the interview. I appreciate very much this information.