For recent AOS interviewees (K1 and K3 only) - TB skin test required?

[Magnolia31 0]

I came here on a K1 and had my medical at the Embassy in London(2004). I just had an XRAY no skin test due to BCG. No RFE for the skin test wasever sent. Now after 2 years later because I'm filing for AOS again a skin test is required by the Civil Surgeon. Well I've just had that done at the local health center for $8 and it came up positive so i was sent for an X RAY $28 and I'm still awaiting the results. I was given a letter to say that I should never do a skin test again as it was positive and always will be. Anyway I also had the HIV and Syphilis test at the local health center -cost nothing. Once I have all these results I can then make an appointment with the Civil Surgeon to complete the medical for $ 50.

It seems that you do need to have a skin test after all. Everything is so confusing and stressful. Half the time I don't know whether I'm coming or going or just simply gone

Shona

You're right, confusing and stressful isn't even the word anymore.

[~krakatoa~ 27]

Seems strange that no one can find any valid information on rather TB skin test is indirectly [from CDC] definitely required by USCIS or what the trip is.

Where's all the "hot" Googlers?

Actually, this is what I've stumbled upon.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/updates.htm

Not much, plus talking to a USCIS agent and she said I don't need the TB skin test (told her my medical history too, travels etc.), but I am not sure what to think right now..

I need to call the CS again, darn. I wished they just send me an RFE or something written sooner if it is a new requirement..CDC update was March..

What USCIS agent did you talk to? If it was someone from the "misinformation" line, I wouldn't rely on it.

Thanks for the reply! Yup, that misinformation line. Also, I called the CS who did my Td shot, the CS said I don't need the TB skin test since the chest Xray that I had from the panel physician is still valid, they said an Xray is enough to disprove TB history etc... I am confused. Or else I have to look for another CS, not again..

[Rings 10]

Gah I think it depends on the USCIS Office where you do your interview because I called the USCIS customer service today and she said that he will have to have the TB Skin Test and then I called 7 ... yes 7 of the USCIS Civil Surgeons here in Colorado and they have all confirmed the same thing and it is now a requirement. The problem is that most of the ones in Colorado will not give you just the TB Test and do the paperwork without doing the entire medical again. I am going to personally see a Civil surgeon with loke on Monday so she can look at the paperwork we already have amd tell me if it will be ok or not.

[Magnolia31 0]

Seems strange that no one can find any valid information on rather TB skin test is indirectly [from CDC] definitely required by USCIS or what the trip is.

Where's all the "hot" Googlers?

Actually, this is what I've stumbled upon.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/updates.htm

Not much, plus talking to a USCIS agent and she said I don't need the TB skin test (told her my medical history too, travels etc.), but I am not sure what to think right now..

I need to call the CS again, darn. I wished they just send me an RFE or something written sooner if it is a new requirement..CDC update was March..

What USCIS agent did you talk to? If it was someone from the "misinformation" line, I wouldn't rely on it.

Thanks for the reply! Yup, that misinformation line. Also, I called the CS who did my Td shot, the CS said I don't need the TB skin test since the chest Xray that I had from the panel physician is still valid, they said an Xray is enough to disprove TB history etc... I am confused. Or else I have to look for another CS, not again..

I have my x-ray too and it is still valid. My medical was done only 6 months ago. However, the X-ray will only show advanced TB - this is why they now want the skin test done. The skin test will show early signs of TB.

Gah I think it depends on the USCIS Office where you do your interview because I called the USCIS customer service today and she said that he will have to have the TB Skin Test and then I called 7 ... yes 7 of the USCIS Civil Surgeons here in Colorado and they have all confirmed the same thing and it is now a requirement. The problem is that most of the ones in Colorado will not give you just the TB Test and do the paperwork without doing the entire medical again. I am going to personally see a Civil surgeon with loke on Monday so she can look at the paperwork we already have amd tell me if it will be ok or not.

So those seven told you it is now a requirement. Man, isn't this crazy? Well, all I can say is for those of you who have not had your interview yet, be glad that you have this information now rather than at your interview like i did. Now you know what you need to do to be fully prepared.