London Medical - Knightsbridge Doctors

[Laura+Tom 2]

To be honest I have no idea why they would want you to fax them if you had them done afterwards as it's not like the vaccinations are mandatory for the interview.

Don't they put all your vaccinations on some form that you can us at AoS?

Or did I imagine that?

I don't think they transcribe it onto the I-693 which is what is required for AOS. I thought you had to find a civil surgen to transcribe it for you when you got the the US. Though someone who has had the medical should be able to confirm that.

[MARM 7]

To be honest I have no idea why they would want you to fax them if you had them done afterwards as it's not like the vaccinations are mandatory for the interview.

Don't they put all your vaccinations on some form that you can us at AoS?

Or did I imagine that?

Yes Marty J, you are correct. The form that the GS at Knightsbridge transcribes the vaccinations from the GP (if any) and from the medical at Knightsbridge (if any) that can be used for AOS purposes is: DS-3025 form (available on the USCIS website). This DS-3025 can be sent to a GS in the USA so that they can transcribe the vaccinations onto the I-693 for AOS.

If you do not have the DS-3025 from the medical done for K-1 when you apply for AOS, then you will need to go to a Civil GS in the USA for an immigration medical, usually means $$$$$$$ and a lot of headache.

I don't think they transcribe it onto the I-693 which is what is required for AOS. I thought you had to find a civil surgen to transcribe it for you when you got the the US. Though someone who has had the medical should be able to confirm that.

Yes Laura, they do not transcribe it to the I-693, they transcribe it on the DS-3025, which you can send to a civil surgeon in the USA so that they can transcribe them on to the I-693 for a minimal fee (like Dr. Arnold in Texas).

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

About vaccinations, Visa, and AOS-

You don't have to complete any vaccinations for the Visa, only AOS. People used to want to get the whole lot done in the UK because they could just send a copy of the DS-3025 with AOS instead of having to pay a Civil Surgeon to fill out a vaccination supplement with the same information on it. All of that has somewhat changed and it's pretty confusing about what to do.

This is what the DS-3025 looks like. You get a copy at Knightsbridge.

If you do want shots you've had in your visa records, take them to Knightsbridge so they can write them on your form. The reason people fax them after their appointment is just to get them in the visa records. Knightsbridge will hold your medical forms until you fax more shots to them, then add them to your DS3025 before they send your records to the Embassy if that's what you desire. It's a good idea to get all your immunizations recorded on one form.

AOS--Once in the US, you are supposed to get any shots you haven't previously had or at least start the series like HPV. You could go to a health department clinic, a family doctor...anybody who will do it and give you a record of it. Then you pick a Civil Surgeon off the approved list to fill in the immunizations you've had on a form I-693 part 2. (The rest of the I-693 is full medical results, but if your medical in the UK is less than 1 year old when you adjust status, you don't have to do the whole medical again.) So you show the Civil Surgeon your records of immunization like the DS-3025 and maybe your HPV record from a private doctor. He puts everything in the immunization section (part 2)and signs off, seals in an envelope and give to you to mail with AOS. Sounds pretty easy. But problems are...people call 10 Civil Surgeons and they all say they won't sign anything unless they do the whole medical over for several hundred $$$. (That's why people use Dr. Arnold in Texas who will do it by mail for $30) Another problem is the instructions for AOS say if you had a recent medical, just fill in the vaccination supplement Form I-693A. Well that form doesn't exist since the summer but it's still mentioned in VJ guidelines and AOS form instructions, so confusing.

I can't even explain whole TB skin test fiasco because that's still up in the air as far as I'm concerned. Some get green cards without it. Some have been asked at their AOS interviews to get one. Since your green card can be adjudicated at any local office all over the states, or at CSC without an interview, then there's hundreds of different people who may or may not ask you for it. So there's not a clear answer yet. I search for this info daily and not many people say they got an RFE just because of the skin test....actually only one I can recall at an interview.

Rob and Dawn

I was asked my age and told i would only need to have upto date immunisations for MMR, Tetanus & Varicella! So unless they've ballsed up i dont need the TB skin test???

The TB skin test is not an immunization so Dr. Arnold doesn't do that. It's in Part 3 of the I-693 where the other medical results go. It's a "test" like a test for HIV, venereal disease, etc. Do you need it? See previous paragraph and read this from the USCIS.

Q: Who is required to have a TB test?

All applicants two years of age or older are required to have a tuberculin skin test (TST). Children younger than age two are required to have a TST if there is evidence of contact with a person known to have TB or if there is other reason to suspect TB. If evidence of TB infection is found, a chest x-ray is required. Any person with a positive skin test reaction of more than 5mm will also be required to undergo a chest x-ray.

Q: When did the new TB requirements become effective?

The new TB testing and treatment requirements became effective on May 1, 2008. However, CDC allowed a 30 day grace period. Therefore, any medical exam that takes place on or after June 1, 2008 must be performed in accordance with the new TB testing requirements.

Q: Will USCIS accept Form I-693 if the civil surgeon performed a chest x-ray without the TST?

No, the civil surgeon must administer the TST, unless one of the exceptions listed in the Technical Instructions applies. If the civil surgeon performs a chest x-ray without giving the applicant the TST, the reason for omitting the TST must be noted on Form I-693.

Again, I know people past the deadline for the new TB rules who have gotten green cards with out the skin test. You will get tons of advice and opinions on this topic in the AOS forum, but mostly it's mass confusion with people doing lots of different things.

[Talyss 0]

this is from the instructions FAQ for the new I-693 which includes the updated vaccines and TST instructions. I think this is why K1s are getting through without the TST as it doesn't fall into any of the sections specified

2. What if I am a K nonimmigrant visa holder and already had a medical exam overseas?

A. K-1 fiancé(e) or a K-2 child of a K-1 fiancé(e), or as a

B. K-3 spouse of a U.S. citizen or a K-4 child of a K-3 spouse of a U.S. citizen, and

C. You received a medical examination prior toadmission, then-

a. You are not required to have another medicalexamination as long as your Form I-485,

Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is filed within one year of your overseas medical examination.

b. You will, however, be required to Part 1, Information about you, and submit the vaccination section of Part 2 with your adjustment of status

application. A designated civil surgeon must complete the vaccination section and Part 5, the Civil Surgeon's Certification.

[H&V 5]

Wow, that's a lot of info, thanks all, especially your comprehensive answer, Nich-Nick. I think I pretty much understand everything now (apart from why they don't just do the TB skin test on you at the K1 medical exam in London? Although, having had the BCG at school I'd come back with a false postive anyway -which is why you have the x-ray to prove otherwise, right?).

Anyway, I hassled my GP again this morning for my vacc records so maybe they will turn up in time, you never know! Sounds like I'll definately want to get that DS-3025 form to take with me.

[Marty J 0]

Well I had my medical last Tuesday on the 24th March, and it was a piece of cake. I called the day before to confirm my appointment, and they had no record of me, which was a bit worrying. Thankfully though, they were able to give me appointment on the same day just a few hours later, so it actually worked out better as I wasn't in such a rush to get there (I was flying in from Belfast).

My appointment was for 12:50, and I arrived just after 12:40 or so, buzzed through and was told to come in. The receptionist took my passport, medical questionnaire, vaccination records, and my photo, and told me to take a seat in the waiting room. A few minutes later, she came through and asked me to fill out another short questionnaire, and gave me some information about the HIV test which she asked me to sign.

At about 1:15, I was called for my x-ray. We went down the corridor to a little room at the end, and the radiographer asked me to pop my top on the chair and stand in a very odd position with my chest against a freezing cold x-ray plate. I did ask couldn't they warm it up a bit, but she just laughed and said it wasn't possible.

That done, I put my clothes back on and headed back to the waiting room, where I had to wait until 1:30 or so. A really nice blonde doctor called me and I followed her into the examination room. She asked some questions about my medical history (pretty much just confirming what was on the questionnaire). I told her I was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome a few years ago, and gave her the original diagnosis report which I had brought with me. She told me they'd want to get a fax from my GP confirming what I had told them (that I had never displayed harmful behaviour or needed any treatment), but aside frm that it shouldn't present a problem.

Then she had me take my shoes off, and my height was measured and my weight taken. I was asked to put my glasses on, and read the second line from the bottom of the eye chart, first with one eye covered, and then the other. I was then told to go behind the screen and undress apart from my underwear and lie down on the examining table. When I said I was ready, she pulled back the curtain, took my pulse, blood pressure, felt my chest, listened to my heartbeat and breathing with a stethoscope, had a quick look in my mouth, and then had a look in my underwear to make sure all my bits were present and correct (I'm happy to report this was the case).

Then she said "OK, just a little #######", and I told her that she shouldn't really say that after looking in a guy's underwear, and she laughed and proceeded to do the blood test, which was absolutely painless and nothing to be worried about (I was in the waiting room with a guy who was dreading the blood test, so I know it really worries some people). That done, she said I could put my clothes back on.

And, after about 15 minutes, that was the end of the medical. She told me that I was perfectly healthy and she didn't foresee any problems. I went back to the waiting room while they prepared the letter for my GP explaining what they needed, then I was called back to the window in reception. I paid with my debit card (the most painful part of the day!), and was given the GP letter and a DS-3025 with my vaccinations on it.

I said thanks, and headed out the door to meet my friend who was waiting in a quiet little pub across the street. All in all, it was very simple, and nothing to worry about in the slightest.

Edited March 26, 2009 by Marty J

[H&V 5]

Hi all, just thought I'd post a quick report on my medical - all seemed pretty standard, and everything was ok for me today, I guess the blood test/xray etc takes a while to check (they said they'd call if anything wrong). I never did manage to get my records from my GP but had my travel records - still ended up needing Tdap and MMR vaccinations (decided to leave HPV until the States). No TB skin test, as expected, so I'll have to have that in the States too (maybe). Got the DS3025.

I had the 'efficient' lady doctor - she asked me a tonne of questions which made it seemed like the interview already! But maybe she was trying to put me at ease - I had high pulse/blood pressure which i dont normally so I was rather nervous for some reason (i get faint at the sight of blood!). Other than that, I was rather surprised at having to 'drop everything' when other people have only reported the doctor taking a 'peek' (but I'm a girl)!

Pleased to report no sign of the stroppy receptionist or any protestors or anything happening today in London. I even walked down to Gould Pharmacy to get some photos then on to the Embassy so I would know where it was for May - and it was really quiet (not even much of a queue there at 11.30am).

I'm happy to answer any questions for those who have medicals soon

Edited April 3, 2009 by H&V

[MARM 7]

Just a question regarding the blood test at the medical:

In addition to testing for HIV, what other blood tests are preformed as part of the standard medical procedure at Bentick Mansions/Knightsbridge? Just want to know as an FYI.

Edited April 22, 2009 by MARM

[Marty J 0]

I posted in the other thread you asked this in, but incase you miss it, they test for HIV and Syphilis.

[MARM 7]

I posted in the other thread you asked this in, but incase you miss it, they test for HIV and Syphilis.

Thanks Marty J!

[Brit Abroad 166]

I posted in the other thread you asked this in, but incase you miss it, they test for HIV and Syphilis.

I would assume they also test for drugs.

EDIT: While I remember, the HPV vaccine is age related. I'm not sure if it's 25 or lower, but they put it forward as a waiver.

Edited April 22, 2009 by Brit Abroad

[Talyss 0]

That would require way more blood samples than they take. There would also be huge issues around consent as its not on the form you sign.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

As Talyss says, they do not test for drugs, unless they have cause to do so. Make of that what you will.

[Marty J 0]

I would assume they also test for drugs.

Nope. Drug tests require consent, and more than one blood sample.

They also charge extra for a drugs test (£80 or so I recall).

Edited April 22, 2009 by Marty J

[KAT&Allie 0]

I had my medical this morning. I was slightly concerned as I arrived at 8:10 for a 8:50 exam (what can I say, didn't have a clue how long it would take a local bus to make into central London). Luckely, they let me in (the blond receptionist was nowhere in sight).

Had an X-ray first (actually they took it twice, wouldn't say why... ) and found it slightly disconcerting to be wondering about in a blue hospital gown holding my top and bra in my hands Couldn't really stuff it in a bag... That part took no more than 10 minutes including double x-raying and waiting time.

Next was a male Irish doctor. He was nice and apart from standard questions that we’ve already filled in twice, we talked more about my job than anything else. He did the eye test, height, weight, ear, throat and gland examination, felt my tummy and that was it. Thankfully, no knickers dropping . Oh, I forgot, he did take a vial of blood and I've got a 50p size bruise to prove it and took my blood pressure.

Got my DS-3025, paid the extortion money and that was it. It took 40 minutes from the start of examination (chat with a nurse) to the time I left. Not bad at all.