US Medical Expiring during Covid-19? Appointment Cancelled Indefinitely.

[Rlewis 73]

So, I was one of the people who had an appointment in Montreal on the 18 that got cancelled when I arrived in Montreal on the 17. BUMMER!

 

Anyways, just looking for opinions and what I found out from the US Visa Info call centre.

I received my US Medical on 30 Jan 2020. So according to the 6 months validity it should be good until end of July most likely.

Now with the whole uncertainty of Covid-19, the Consulate itself isn't even sure when they will reopen to schedule appointments again,

and I expect it to be pretty backed up once they do since a lot of people will be trying to get there.

As from my discussions with the visa call centre these were my questions

1. What happens if the consulate decides to postpone the appointments further and then any applicants' US Medical then becomes expired?

 

Their answer: You will have to get a new US Medical.

2. What if with the whole pandemic, you have to travel to obtain a new US Medical and may not feel comfortable travelling to hotspots of the outbreak

like Vancouver/Toronto/Quebec to obtain a new Medical?

Their answer: You can attend your new Visa Appointment in Montreal, instruct the officers that you did not retrieve a new US Medical due to the reason stated and

they will offer two options:

1. Rescheduling the Visa Appointment and then getting a new US Medical. 

2. Having the US Medical be couriered to the Consulate.

 

I did not think this was very helpful...I understand that Consulate still has to follow rules and regulations - but considering this pandemic was not in anyone's control, 

something like allowing the use of expired US Medical if it has been expired no more than 3 months sounds acceptable.  BUT, I digress.

 

My other question I had forgotten to ask them: For those of you who had already received your K-1 in your passport, with the border still closed and the possibility of it closing longer. Has the Consulate let you know if they will extend the validity of your K-1 for entry? Or will you have to start your process over again?

 

Not so much of a question I suppose but as a discussion on what anyone else has heard who may be in a similar situation?

 

Stay safe everyone!
 

[Crazy Cat 42,233]

8 minutes ago, Rlewis said:

Has the Consulate let you know if they will extend the validity of your K-1 for entry?

K-1 visas cannot be extended.  The law allows consulates to re-validate visas if the holder could not travel and the visa has expired.  This is at the discretion of the consulate, and will require a new medical exam, fees, and possibly other new documentation & possibly a new interview.

Edited April 2, 2020 by Lucky Cat

[geowrian 22,338]

11 minutes ago, Rlewis said:

I did not think this was very helpful...I understand that Consulate still has to follow rules and regulations - but considering this pandemic was not in anyone's control, 

something like allowing the use of expired US Medical if it has been expired no more than 3 months sounds acceptable.  BUT, I digress.

These are in place by both laws and policies. The parts that are codified in law require legislation to alter.

The parts that are policy can be changed, but never expect them to make exceptions.

 

With regard to extending or re-issuing the visa, the above response is correct. It cannot be extended. It can be re-issued, at the consulate's discretion, with a new medical + visa fee + any updated documents that may have expired.