LaJumpa

Drug test requirements in Colorado would absolutely wipe out most of the competition ahaha

Side note: In my personal experience, the job market here is brutal compared to what I was used to back in the UK. Here's some advice I wish I had before I got here.
 
1. Job referrals are really big here and having one can make a big difference. Speak with friends and family to see about getting something whilst you figure out what you want to do long term. 
2. On occasion, some companies prefer a local candidate with experience and references they can easily verify with a quick phone call or email. Having nothing but work experience from abroad closed a few doors for me.
3. Some jobs (mostly government) require US Citizenship. Something to take into account if you wanted to pursue federal or enforcement employment.
4. Don't do what I did and apply for too many jobs. Im forever getting phone calls and emails from recruiters now. Your information gets passed around more than you think and it can be a job in itself blocking all these numbers.
5. Do some online courses whilst you're looking (Udemy etc) I added this to my resume and it was a good talking point in interviews and it shows you're taking yourself seriously. 
6. Job hunting here is exhausting, don't burn yourself out. Designate time in your day just for applications. 
 
Lastly, educate yourself with how US taxes work if you haven't already. It's not like the UK where payroll do everything for you and you can kick back!
 
Again, this is personal experience! My background is creative/tech and I live in a city which gets most of its money from tourism and has very few fields that I studied or worked in. That was 50% of the battle!

Side note: In my personal experience, the job market here is brutal compared to what I was used to back in the UK. Here's some advice I wish I had before I got here.
 
1. Job referrals are really big here and having one can make a big difference. Speak with friends and family to see about getting something whilst you figure out what you want to do long term. 
2. On occasion, some companies prefer a local candidate with experience and references they can easily verify with a quick phone call or email. Having nothing but work experience from abroad closed a few doors for me.
3. Some jobs (mostly government) require US Citizenship. Something to take into account if you wanted to pursue federal or enforcement employment.
4. Don't do what I did and apply for too many jobs. Im forever getting phone calls and emails from recruiters now. Your information gets passed around more than you think and it can be a job in itself blocking all these numbers.
5. Do some online courses whilst you're looking (Udemy etc) I added this to my resume and it was a good talking point in interviews and it shows you're taking yourself seriously. 
6. Job hunting here is exhausting, don't burn yourself out. Designate time in your day just for applications. 
 
Lastly, educate yourself with how US taxes work if you haven't already. It's not like the UK where payroll do everything for you and you can kick back!
 
Again, this is personal experience! My background is creative/tech and I live in a city which gets most of its money from tourism and has very few fields that I studied or worked in. That was 50% of the battle!

Drug test requirements in Colorado would absolutely wipe out most of the competition ahaha

I have a Government job and it did not need Citizenship. I did need to pass a drugs test, first time ever and I think that significantly cut down the competition.
 
I was reading you can be a cop in Seattle without even being a resident.

Unfortunately everyones experiences will vary.
 
I had my interview back in June and was only asked to present the original civil docs. However other people will be asked to present evidence, I-864 etc. 
 
General rule of thumb is to just bring everything you submitted since starting the process just in case.

This is for the nervous folk like me!
 
I recently had my medical examination in London at Visa Medicals. And it was no where near as bad as I thought it would be. 
 
For context, gathering the necessary paperwork for this from my GP was a real pain. As I’m sure most of you have experienced. Despite having no ongoing or previous conditions, any history of mental illness, drug/alcohol issues or criminal past. My brain defaulted to the potential that I would be subject to extra scrutiny due to lack of medical history. 
 
If this sounds like it could be you then let me tell you, that’s not the case. 
 
I arrived in the afternoon. The lady behind the counter took all my medical summary, passport and police certificate to photocopy. She then gave me a more detailed questionnaire to fill out whilst I waited.
 
First up was my vaccinations, I had everything up to date aside from my hep b jab. A tip for those who haven’t their hep b jab, you only need one to pass the medical. This one jab costs £50. If you were to do the full course at say your GP or pharmacy, you’re looking at around £120-£150. Do with this information as you may!
 
I was then called in for my chest x-ray. All I had to do was remove my t shirt, stand up against the screen and then I was good to go. 
 
Lastly I was called in to discuss my medical questionnaire with the practitioner. The lady I spoke with was really pleasant. She asked me about any previous medical issues and a few lifestyle questions. I then had a quick vision test before removing my top again to sit on the bed to be given the full MOT which included blood pressure, lymph node checks, heart beat checks and then a glance for any scaring. To which I had scares from an operation I had as a child which I’d disclosed. 
 
She then took my blood whilst I laid on the bed. 
 
After that she explained that my results will be sent to the embassy after 5 working days once they do all their checks. She explained that no news is good news. If anything needed to be followed up I’d be contacted in the next couple of days. But she said that glancing at my x-ray results that everything looked to be all good. 
 
I then went back to the front desk to collect my passport and settle the tab. My total came to £430 (£380 for the medical + £50 for the hep b vaccination)
 
To anyone who was nervous about their upcoming medical, I can assure you that if you’re a cut and dry case like me then you have absolutely nothing to worry about! I hope this puts your minds at ease!
 
Feel free to shoot me any questions!
 

Hey! I’m the same but mine is on the right!
 
The exact same thing was brought up at my medical recently and it does not make you inadmissible. They’re looking for infectious diseases and anything that could pose a threat to yourself or others (mental illness, addiction etc)
 
I would suggest bringing some medical history surrounding your condition as a place holder.
 
I found out that I had a similar condition when they did my X-ray and it caused a bit of panic. 
 
But you have nothing to worry about!

Only applicants between 18-24 need to provide a urine sample. You’re all good!
 
I have mine tomorrow, how was your experience?

This is for the nervous folk like me!
 
I recently had my medical examination in London at Visa Medicals. And it was no where near as bad as I thought it would be. 
 
For context, gathering the necessary paperwork for this from my GP was a real pain. As I’m sure most of you have experienced. Despite having no ongoing or previous conditions, any history of mental illness, drug/alcohol issues or criminal past. My brain defaulted to the potential that I would be subject to extra scrutiny due to lack of medical history. 
 
If this sounds like it could be you then let me tell you, that’s not the case. 
 
I arrived in the afternoon. The lady behind the counter took all my medical summary, passport and police certificate to photocopy. She then gave me a more detailed questionnaire to fill out whilst I waited.
 
First up was my vaccinations, I had everything up to date aside from my hep b jab. A tip for those who haven’t their hep b jab, you only need one to pass the medical. This one jab costs £50. If you were to do the full course at say your GP or pharmacy, you’re looking at around £120-£150. Do with this information as you may!
 
I was then called in for my chest x-ray. All I had to do was remove my t shirt, stand up against the screen and then I was good to go. 
 
Lastly I was called in to discuss my medical questionnaire with the practitioner. The lady I spoke with was really pleasant. She asked me about any previous medical issues and a few lifestyle questions. I then had a quick vision test before removing my top again to sit on the bed to be given the full MOT which included blood pressure, lymph node checks, heart beat checks and then a glance for any scaring. To which I had scares from an operation I had as a child which I’d disclosed. 
 
She then took my blood whilst I laid on the bed. 
 
After that she explained that my results will be sent to the embassy after 5 working days once they do all their checks. She explained that no news is good news. If anything needed to be followed up I’d be contacted in the next couple of days. But she said that glancing at my x-ray results that everything looked to be all good. 
 
I then went back to the front desk to collect my passport and settle the tab. My total came to £430 (£380 for the medical + £50 for the hep b vaccination)
 
To anyone who was nervous about their upcoming medical, I can assure you that if you’re a cut and dry case like me then you have absolutely nothing to worry about! I hope this puts your minds at ease!
 
Feel free to shoot me any questions!
 

This is for the nervous folk like me!
 
I recently had my medical examination in London at Visa Medicals. And it was no where near as bad as I thought it would be. 
 
For context, gathering the necessary paperwork for this from my GP was a real pain. As I’m sure most of you have experienced. Despite having no ongoing or previous conditions, any history of mental illness, drug/alcohol issues or criminal past. My brain defaulted to the potential that I would be subject to extra scrutiny due to lack of medical history. 
 
If this sounds like it could be you then let me tell you, that’s not the case. 
 
I arrived in the afternoon. The lady behind the counter took all my medical summary, passport and police certificate to photocopy. She then gave me a more detailed questionnaire to fill out whilst I waited.
 
First up was my vaccinations, I had everything up to date aside from my hep b jab. A tip for those who haven’t their hep b jab, you only need one to pass the medical. This one jab costs £50. If you were to do the full course at say your GP or pharmacy, you’re looking at around £120-£150. Do with this information as you may!
 
I was then called in for my chest x-ray. All I had to do was remove my t shirt, stand up against the screen and then I was good to go. 
 
Lastly I was called in to discuss my medical questionnaire with the practitioner. The lady I spoke with was really pleasant. She asked me about any previous medical issues and a few lifestyle questions. I then had a quick vision test before removing my top again to sit on the bed to be given the full MOT which included blood pressure, lymph node checks, heart beat checks and then a glance for any scaring. To which I had scares from an operation I had as a child which I’d disclosed. 
 
She then took my blood whilst I laid on the bed. 
 
After that she explained that my results will be sent to the embassy after 5 working days once they do all their checks. She explained that no news is good news. If anything needed to be followed up I’d be contacted in the next couple of days. But she said that glancing at my x-ray results that everything looked to be all good. 
 
I then went back to the front desk to collect my passport and settle the tab. My total came to £430 (£380 for the medical + £50 for the hep b vaccination)
 
To anyone who was nervous about their upcoming medical, I can assure you that if you’re a cut and dry case like me then you have absolutely nothing to worry about! I hope this puts your minds at ease!
 
Feel free to shoot me any questions!
 

Thank you so much! I’m glad we’re almost at the end of this journey!
 
So I got everything I needed from the receptionist at my GP. They gave me a “quick glance” summary which included my measurements and 3 past consultations with my GP. I pressed them for more information as I didn’t think that would cut it. After a few back and forth visits I managed to get a 3 page summary which had way more detail like allergies and my only hospital visit. 
 
it’s worth noting that Visa Medicals do not require a full medical history. 
 
You can request this from your GP but (on a good day) can take up to 2 weeks to receive from them. If you have any history that you feel maybe relevant for your medical you can get this and pick out the information you need! 

As for the appointment, I booked about a month in advanced and they had plenty of availability. As long as you book it no more than 10 days before your interview you’ll be all good!

Thank you for providing such a comprehensive account of your experience. I wish you and your spouse all the best for the future. Other than immunisation records, what else does one need to get from their GP? 
 
also was it quite easy to book an appointment in terms of availability at visa medicals?

This is for the nervous folk like me!
 
I recently had my medical examination in London at Visa Medicals. And it was no where near as bad as I thought it would be. 
 
For context, gathering the necessary paperwork for this from my GP was a real pain. As I’m sure most of you have experienced. Despite having no ongoing or previous conditions, any history of mental illness, drug/alcohol issues or criminal past. My brain defaulted to the potential that I would be subject to extra scrutiny due to lack of medical history. 
 
If this sounds like it could be you then let me tell you, that’s not the case. 
 
I arrived in the afternoon. The lady behind the counter took all my medical summary, passport and police certificate to photocopy. She then gave me a more detailed questionnaire to fill out whilst I waited.
 
First up was my vaccinations, I had everything up to date aside from my hep b jab. A tip for those who haven’t their hep b jab, you only need one to pass the medical. This one jab costs £50. If you were to do the full course at say your GP or pharmacy, you’re looking at around £120-£150. Do with this information as you may!
 
I was then called in for my chest x-ray. All I had to do was remove my t shirt, stand up against the screen and then I was good to go. 
 
Lastly I was called in to discuss my medical questionnaire with the practitioner. The lady I spoke with was really pleasant. She asked me about any previous medical issues and a few lifestyle questions. I then had a quick vision test before removing my top again to sit on the bed to be given the full MOT which included blood pressure, lymph node checks, heart beat checks and then a glance for any scaring. To which I had scares from an operation I had as a child which I’d disclosed. 
 
She then took my blood whilst I laid on the bed. 
 
After that she explained that my results will be sent to the embassy after 5 working days once they do all their checks. She explained that no news is good news. If anything needed to be followed up I’d be contacted in the next couple of days. But she said that glancing at my x-ray results that everything looked to be all good. 
 
I then went back to the front desk to collect my passport and settle the tab. My total came to £430 (£380 for the medical + £50 for the hep b vaccination)
 
To anyone who was nervous about their upcoming medical, I can assure you that if you’re a cut and dry case like me then you have absolutely nothing to worry about! I hope this puts your minds at ease!
 
Feel free to shoot me any questions!
 

Not at all. You’re still a lawful permanent resident regardless of a 2 or 10 year one and you have the same rights under both.

Hey! No the status stayed at “at NVC” until I got my interview date. 
 
I learned that day that checking the status every day won’t give you update ahaha 

Received my IL today!
 
June 20th

Received my IL today!
 
June 20th

This is the normal process:
1. Case is DQ'd by NVC.
2. Case then enters NVC queue for your consulate and waits at NVC.
3. Consulate informs NVC of available interview date for upcoming month.
4. NVC schedules interview when case reaches the front of the queue for that consulate.
5. NVC notifies person of interview date via email.
6. NVC then sends case to consulate.
After the interview is scheduled, it can take several days to several weeks for the consulate to receive the case.

Unless you have a history of health related issues a full report is not required. 
 
The practitioner is only interested in seeing a summary of your health from you GP (which they should be able to print off at the surgery for you. Along with your vaccination records. 
 
I emailed Visa Medicals a few weeks ago to ask the same question and they confirmed a 2 page summary is sufficient. 
 
I’ll be taking this email as back up just in case there are any issues!

No problem at all!
 
let me know how it goes! I’m booking my medical for next month so I’ll be interested to see an recent experience!

That's really helpful. Thank you. 
 
Aside from an inhaler, I'm all good these days! I was treated for follicular lymphoma a decade ago but I have separate information about that. 
 
Thanks again

Unless you have a history of health related issues a full report is not required. 
 
The practitioner is only interested in seeing a summary of your health from you GP (which they should be able to print off at the surgery for you. Along with your vaccination records. 
 
I emailed Visa Medicals a few weeks ago to ask the same question and they confirmed a 2 page summary is sufficient. 
 
I’ll be taking this email as back up just in case there are any issues!

@Yellowcab1111
 
Lol I dont know how to reply to your post, but I just realized I wrote DQ'd on the 10th, to correct that we were DQ'd on the 6th.
 
Regardless, sounds like good news! Keep us updated on when you receive your interview letter! 
 
Good Luck 
 

We just got DQ’d today!
 
I’ll update y’all once we get our IL