K1 Medical Exam - London

[RetroPeach12 7]

I had my medical exam at Knightsbridge earlier this week so thought I would give a little explanation as to how it went...and hopefully this can help some other people who are anxiously anticipating their appointment! These are the documents I took with me; 

Valid Passport
4x Passport Photos, UK or US size
GP Summary - 5 pages detailing medications, problems & issues, diagnoses, allergies, treatments etc 
x2 Letters from GP 
x1 Letter from Psychologist (I opted to pay for a mental health assessment prior to the medical just to ease my anxiety) 
Vaccination Records 
ACRO Police Certificate 

US Questionnaire
NVC Welcome Letter 
 

Appointment Details
 

My appointment was booked for 10:30am. I had arrived at Kings Cross at 9:15am so I was exceptionally early...since it was a lovely day, I decided to walk. This is about a 40 minute walk give or take and isn't difficult to find whatsoever. I am also aware that Bond Street Station makes it easier to get to the medical if you're crunched on time. It's down a little side street and is covered in scaffolding, it isn't hard to miss at all. 

 

Checking In & Chest X-Ray

I entered at around 10:15am and was instructed to wait in the waiting room until my appointment time. 10:30 came and I was called to check in. I was given a sheet of paper with a couple of questions mainly asking if I've ever had chicken-pox amongst other minor things. I was not, at any point, given a more detailed questionnaire to fill in. I waited for around 10-15 minutes until I was called by a lovely lady to do my chest x-ray. She was full of joy, was willing to make conversation and made the whole experience very comfortable. She instructed me to remove any clothing and jewellery on my top half and change into a gown. It was over in about 5 minutes. I had a quick peek at the screen and she instructed that everything looked fine but I am aware that it would be reviewed. After this, I was led back to the waiting room with the blue gown and waited another 15-20 minutes to be called up.

Doctor 

Next, I was called up by a lovely doctor. I can't quite remember her name. She sat me down and had all of my documents laid out in front of her, mainly my GP Summary. The first 10 minutes or so was just a basic chat about my medical history. I don't have much of a history and I only take medications for a minor condition (PCOS) but figured I would still supply them with a brief report from my GP. I do also have a mental health history that spanned across 3 years. She asked me to explain to her the treatments I had and the medications I took, how I was feeling right now etc...at this point, I supplied her with another GP letter and a letter from a psychologist stating my current mental state. She read carefully through this and made notes on another piece of paper...I assume this is for the Consular Officer to skim through at the interview? I asked her in her opinion if she thought it would be enough, to which she nodded. She then proceeded to go through a form and asked me some questions, have I ever smoked, have I ever taken recreational drugs, TB etc...she never asked me about alcohol consumption and didn't press anymore after I had answered. 

Next up was the actual physical. She took my height & weight and did an eye-test. I was expecting her to mention something about my weight but she didn't. She just made a note of it on her documents & moved on. She instructed me to remove my clothing, change into the blue gown, lay on the bed and to call her when I was ready. She checked my lymph nodes, my temp, my collarbones (?) I'm not a doctor so medically speaking, I have no idea what could be there haha. She then laid me down, opened up my gown, checked my arms & legs for any scarring, felt my ankles, pushed around a little bit on my stomach...I assume checking for any abnormalities. She then sat me up, checked my lungs & heart, had a little feel around my boobs and checked my spine. I'd like to add, she was letting me know the entire time what she was doing and I never once felt uncomfortable with her. She was so kind & professional. She then checked my blood pressure, took some blood and that was that. She told me to get dressed again, wished me luck in life and that was that. I then went back to the waiting room for another 10 minutes. 

Vaccinations

I was called up by another really nice lady to go through my vaccination history with me. She mentioned I was up to date with everything apart from a COVID booster. Now, I had no idea that a COVID booster was required in the last 12 months, so please be aware of that when you're getting ready for your medical. She explained to me that they don't offer COVID vaccines there so I would need to get it done outside and provide them the proof via email. She said a picture would suffice. This part was literally over in about 2 minutes. 

I then had to wait to be checked out by the reception staff. I was called up after about 10 minutes, was given a receipt to say I did my medical, my passport and another piece of paper with information on about the vaccination I needed. I was not given the form required for AOS, I did ask the receptionist about this and she said it would be sent to me via email once I had sent them proof of my COVID vaccination. I left £385 lighter (that hurt) and was very satisfied with the appointment from start to finish. Everyone was super lovely, the exam was not invasive in any way and if you're currently awaiting an appointment, please don't nervous. You will be absolutely fine. 

I did leave with a few questions though which I'm hoping can be answered on here. Just how long does it take for the file to be sent from the office to the embassy? I'm in bit of an anxiety period right now. Also, does the ENTIRE file get sent to the embassy? GP Summary, Letters etc..
 

[alliejourney 61]

Thanks so much for this. My fiance has his medical a week from today, so it was really helpful to see such an exhaustive breakdown that's so recent. Also, it was extra helpful because we had read Covid vaccinations were not required before, so now you've given us time to get that sorted before his appointment.

 

When he called to book his appointment, he asked about how long to leave between his medical exam and visa interview. He was advised that it usually takes about 5 days for shipping between the medical office and the embassy, and another 5 days for the embassy to receive/process it all, and said we'd be safe booking his visa interview at least 10 days after his medical. To my understanding, the whole entire file gets sent!

[RetroPeach12 7]

24 minutes ago, alliejourney said:

Thanks so much for this. My fiance has his medical a week from today, so it was really helpful to see such an exhaustive breakdown that's so recent. Also, it was extra helpful because we had read Covid vaccinations were not required before, so now you've given us time to get that sorted before his appointment.

 

When he called to book his appointment, he asked about how long to leave between his medical exam and visa interview. He was advised that it usually takes about 5 days for shipping between the medical office and the embassy, and another 5 days for the embassy to receive/process it all, and said we'd be safe booking his visa interview at least 10 days after his medical. To my understanding, the whole entire file gets sent!

Tell him not to worry at all! It's such an unstressful situation & you're met with smiling faces everywhere. It seems to me like they're just wanting to get through everyone as quickly and efficiently as possible. He will be absolutely fine and it'll be a breeze!

Thank you for the clarification also. I hope they're efficient with their timing and can get it done in that time-frame. Good luck with everything!

[alliejourney 61]

14 minutes ago, RetroPeach12 said:

Tell him not to worry at all! It's such an unstressful situation & you're met with smiling faces everywhere. It seems to me like they're just wanting to get through everyone as quickly and efficiently as possible. He will be absolutely fine and it'll be a breeze!

Thank you for the clarification also. I hope they're efficient with their timing and can get it done in that time-frame. Good luck with everything!

 Thank you so much, best of luck to you as well!!

Quick question for you that my partner is requesting, lol - were you allowed to keep your phone with you, or did you need to turn it in somewhere?

[RetroPeach12 7]

10 minutes ago, alliejourney said:

 Thank you so much, best of luck to you as well!!

Quick question for you that my partner is requesting, lol - were you allowed to keep your phone with you, or did you need to turn it in somewhere?

You can keep your phone! It's just like a regular doctors appointment, very informal. I don't think they give a toss, quite honestly haha!

[smilingstone 216]

Thanks for such an in-depth overview. My medical will be a long way off yet but I'm trying to get my head around what to expect as early as possible.

 

With regards to you vaccination history, did you have any boosters for anything other than Covid? I got a copy of my vaccination history from my GP recently and I had most things they list from when I was a baby into my mid-teens. I haven't had anything since and I'm 33 now so I'm wondering if I should look into getting anything topped up and seeing what my GP can offer if so?

 

On your Covid vaccination, was your booster the 2nd jab? Or did you have 2 doses previously and they instructed you to get a 3rd? I have read that you only need the 2 doses to be seen as "covered" so was thinking I didn't need to do any more for that (I had 2 jabs back in 2021/22). I didn't think they offered Covid boosters now unless you were vulnerable or within a certain age bracket.

Edited April 20 by smilingstone

[RetroPeach12 7]

19 minutes ago, smilingstone said:

Thanks for such an in-depth overview. My medical will be a long way off yet but I'm trying to get my head around what to expect as early as possible.

 

With regards to you vaccination history, did you have any boosters for anything other than Covid? I got a copy of my vaccination history from my GP recently and I had most things they list from when I was a baby into my mid-teens. I haven't had anything since and I'm 33 now so I'm wondering if I should look into getting anything topped up and seeing what my GP can offer if so?

 

On your Covid vaccination, was your booster the 2nd jab? Or did you have 2 doses previously and they instructed you to get a 3rd? I have read that you only need the 2 doses to be seen as "covered" so was thinking I didn't need to do any more for that (I had 2 jabs back in 2021/22). I didn't think they offered Covid boosters now unless you were vulnerable or within a certain age bracket.

You're welcome! I had two boosters at Boots before I went to the medical because my 10 years were almost up. I think I had the MMR booster and then the TDAP one. I didn't actually save that much money by choosing to get them done at Boots. I think Knightsbridge charge a little more, if not the same. 

I had 3 COVID vaccinations altogether, my last booster was 2021. The nurse told me that you need to get a booster within 12 months to satisfy the US, so this would have been my 4th. I didn't have the influenza and wasn't told I needed one either. Knightsbridge do not do COVID vaccines and the NHS would not cover me for it. I had to go to a private pharmacy today and pay £95 for it...ouch. It's all done now though and I can fax the proof on Monday.

Edited April 20 by RetroPeach12

[Joseph Underwood 5]

On 4/20/2024 at 6:58 PM, RetroPeach12 said:

You're welcome! I had two boosters at Boots before I went to the medical because my 10 years were almost up. I think I had the MMR booster and then the TDAP one. I didn't actually save that much money by choosing to get them done at Boots. I think Knightsbridge charge a little more, if not the same. 

I had 3 COVID vaccinations altogether, my last booster was 2021. The nurse told me that you need to get a booster within 12 months to satisfy the US, so this would have been my 4th. I didn't have the influenza and wasn't told I needed one either. Knightsbridge do not do COVID vaccines and the NHS would not cover me for it. I had to go to a private pharmacy today and pay £95 for it...ouch. It's all done now though and I can fax the proof on Monday.

Hi, hoping you see this as some time has passed. I have my medical interview next week, I thought as I was fully vaccinated against COVID I would not need to worry about it. However I was last vaccinated in 2022. Does this mean I will need a booster? 

 

I'm worried with anything getting delayed as I have my interview two weeks after and then we have a trip booked two weeks after that so I'm already stressed about getting passport back in time. Any advice would be appreciated, not sure if I should rush and get a booster before my medical takes place 

[RetroPeach12 7]

2 hours ago, Joseph Underwood said:

Hi, hoping you see this as some time has passed. I have my medical interview next week, I thought as I was fully vaccinated against COVID I would not need to worry about it. However I was last vaccinated in 2022. Does this mean I will need a booster? 

 

I'm worried with anything getting delayed as I have my interview two weeks after and then we have a trip booked two weeks after that so I'm already stressed about getting passport back in time. Any advice would be appreciated, not sure if I should rush and get a booster before my medical takes place 

Hi! Yes, you will need a booster. Don’t worry about the time. I had my medical on the 18th of April, I got the COVID jab on the 19th and sent off the proof on the Monday. I didn’t have any issues with the x-Ray or bloods so everything was sent on the 25th to the embassy. You will probably have to pay for the COVID booster though as the NHS refused to give me it. 

 

My interview was the 9th of May. My visa was issued on the 13th and I received it on the 14th! It’s all a very speedy process, warranted you have no problems. Good luck! 

 

 

[Joseph Underwood 5]

3 minutes ago, RetroPeach12 said:

Hi! Yes, you will need a booster. Don’t worry about the time. I had my medical on the 18th of April, I got the COVID jab on the 19th and sent off the proof on the Monday. I didn’t have any issues with the x-Ray or bloods so everything was sent on the 25th to the embassy. You will probably have to pay for the COVID booster though as the NHS refused to give me it. 

 

My interview was the 9th of May. My visa was issued on the 13th and I received it on the 14th! It’s all a very speedy process, warranted you have no problems. Good luck! 

 

 

Okay amazing thank you for the response! It's pretty new so I couldn't find out much about it online. Just booked an appointment for a booster now. Also with the hepatitis b do you know if we will need to get all 3 doses? I read online just the 1st dosage will do for AOS as it will be marked off on the medical checklist already and lasts a year? But not sure if that's correct.

 

And aw amazing congratulations! When they issued your visa is that when you get your passport back too? I'm a little stressed as we booked a trip away for two weeks after 

[RetroPeach12 7]

14 minutes ago, Joseph Underwood said:

Okay amazing thank you for the response! It's pretty new so I couldn't find out much about it online. Just booked an appointment for a booster now. Also with the hepatitis b do you know if we will need to get all 3 doses? I read online just the 1st dosage will do for AOS as it will be marked off on the medical checklist already and lasts a year? But not sure if that's correct.

 

And aw amazing congratulations! When they issued your visa is that when you get your passport back too? I'm a little stressed as we booked a trip away for two weeks after 

I only went with one Hep B dose and I was signed off. 

 

When you see “issued” on your CEAC, that’s the only true sign of approval. They have to run you through their system after the visa interview to check you don’t come up on any databases. If you’re a clean citizen, it’ll be a fast check. They give you a guideline of 7-14 days to receive your passport. I assume if anything comes up whilst they’re reviewing your packet, they can place you into AP. I never experienced this so I don’t know how long it can last. I received my passport, along with my immigration file in a big brown envelope to surrender at POE a day after I saw the “issued” status. It took 4 working days for me to receive it back. 6 altogether because we had a weekend included. 

Edited May 21 by RetroPeach12

[Lexi-Lou 0]

Hey RetroPeach12,

Quote

x1 Letter from Psychologist (I opted to pay for a mental health assessment prior to the medical just to ease my anxiety)

How did you opt to get a mental health assessment? I want to try to do the same, as I want to ensure I have as much evidence as possible.   

[RetroPeach12 7]

On 10/26/2024 at 12:16 PM, Lexi-Lou said:

Hey RetroPeach12,

How did you opt to get a mental health assessment? I want to try to do the same, as I want to ensure I have as much evidence as possible.   

Sorry for the late response! I opted to get one just for peace of mind (I think I went overboard given I only had one mention of mental health on my summary) I just contacted a psychologist in my area, paid £350 for an evaluation and she wrote me a letter. 

Just now, RetroPeach12 said:

Sorry for the late response! I opted to get one just for peace of mind (I think I went overboard given I only had one mention of mental health on my summary) I just contacted a psychologist in my area, paid £350 for an evaluation and she wrote me a letter. 

Although I will add, I spoke to another friend in the UK who just went through her medical for her K1 visa and her doctor said she only requests a letter if self harm has been involved, so I’m not sure