Can I still attend the medical if I need to reschedule my interview?

[Skyler2017 20]

Hi VJ fam,

I travel extensively for work and I'm finalizing my projects within this month as we are getting closer to K1 finalization. I'm at interview scheduling phase and a slot just opened up at the Johannesburg consulate that I desperately want to book (and probably will be doing so after I write this post - so I am mostly looking for confirmation lol).

 

My concern is that with work travel, I have to be available on short notice to travel to site and there is an off chance that I might need to reschedule my interview appointment - I know, I wish I didn't have prioritize work over being with my love (and waiting so long for this moment!), but sometimes this is unfortunately how the cookie crumbles, so please don't tell me "skip work, attend the interview".

 

My question is - can I book the interview slot and consequently book my medical exam and say for example I have to reschedule the interview - will I be ok to reschedule my interview but still attend my medical appointment? I know this is probably consulate-specific but if you've experienced something like this or just have some wisdom to share, please do!

 

Thank you!

[Crazy Cat 41,834]

Be aware that the medical exam will expire 6 months after it (the medical) is completed as will the visa.  It could expire even sooner than 6 months after the medical.  Timing is important.

[Boiler 45,466]

Worst case you have to do another medical, money and of course time, K1 etc assumes money is not an issue.

[NorthByNorthwest 350]

Hopefully you are fully mentally prepared for no work and no travel for 7-8 months once you get to the US. I was in that exact position when I moved, and back in 2017 it was "only" 4 months wait for EAD/AP - I was still climbing the walls. I transfered within the company and had my work all ready to go as soon as I got the EAD, but it was still pure agony, especially since I went from multiple international trips/month to nothing at all while I was waiting.

 

At least I took up yoga for a few months...

 

Best of luck!

[Redro 4,611]

South Africa specific advice/opinion:

You want to JUMP on that medical date. 

Take it and make sure you go to it... many people struggle to get appointments in SA. In addition, they can really drag at sending the medicals to the embassy so a few people have had to wait a month or so after interview to receive their visa. Others are only able to go to the medical AFTER the exam as they are so difficult to obtain.

General K1 advice/opinion:

I believe you are able to re-schedule the k1 interview up to 3 times after that you need to pay the fee again. 

In addition, if you delay the visa for too long the consulate might doubt whether the relationship is genuine. 

Work might come first now. But, you have to think long term.

It is not just about reuniting with your love but actually obtaining the visa and being able to travel to the US.

Good luck

Main takeaway: make sure you go to the exam. It might be before the interview. It might be after. 

 

Edited August 18, 2023 by Redro

[Skyler2017 20]

Thanks all for your input, I appreciate your insight!

In fact, I'm so ready for all the work travel to be over. I wish it was over already because it is extremely tiring. I have now booked the interview and the medical.