Melancholic Mage

Hello again, I'm in the process of soon moving to the USA as my visa's been approved (yay!) but I'm having trouble figuring out when and how to transfer my funds using Wise. I'm honestly a little confused about it. Do I need to connect my UK bank account, transfer the funds to my Wise account, then from Wise transfer GBP to USD into my husband's USA bank account? Is that exactly how it goes? Also, for those in my situation or those who've traversed it, when did you move your funds over? Days before your entry flight into the USA or when you were actually in the US? Just trying to gleam a little guidance here.

I'm sure I saw an option in the portal to re-arrange the date if I recall correctly. There's instructions via email/your appointment letter in how to rearrange the date somewhere. Regarding the passport, they take away the beneficiary's to then apply the visa inside it. So if your husband sponsored you, then it's your passport they take. If you're the one sponsoring him, then it's his passport they will take when you attend the interview.

Hello tunaqueen25, you can find my embassy review right here. I might make an embassy thread to coincide with my medical one as my biggest gripe throughout the process was being able to find actual detailed experience of each visa step, not just rough information, as well as being able to ask follow-up questions to those who went through each stage. Regardless, I hope this helps. And thank you so much for noting some of my posts: I put a lot of effort into some of them and honestly it can be exhausting when they don't get any kind of thank you so, well, thank you.

Hello, I used Britannia Movers. They were excellent, incredibly friendly, and the contents of my small flat in the UK got here without any incident. (No furniture: just books, figures, clothes, electronics, a bicycle, nerd trinkets...) Cost me about £2.5k via sea freight for around 20ish full boxes. (I tried to whittle down my stuff beforehand but my circumstances didn't give me much time - I recommend you do so to save on price! Still WAAAAY cheaper than other quotes I got and reasonable for a one-off life move.) Arrived in the USA in a few months and was kept updated the entire time. No horrors. No breakages. Everything was just as I left it. My USC's family were impressed with the professionalism. I tried Pickford's at first because of their reputation but honestly it was completely undeserved. They were scattered, unhelpful, didn't walk me through the process, and were uninterested in helping me with customs forms. Getting hold of them was a headache. I lied in the end and said I cancelled my move because of their blundering. Complete opposite of Britannia Movers. Good reviews too - give them a shot. https://www.britannia-movers.co.uk

@WoodlandsFamily https://www.cdc.gov/immigrant-refugee-health/media/pdfs/Vaccine-Requirements-According-to-Applicant-Age-panel-physicians-p.pdf This is what Visa Medicals gave me and what they follow for vaccine requirements. According to this, you just need a COVID jab within 6 months old. Ages are also specified here. I would email or call them directly to clarify if they need the first two COVID vaccines but looking at this I don't personally believe so. Some people at my medical were told they could get one set of vaccines in a set then they were expected to follow up on extra doses later in the States, but that may be dependant on visa type.

I'm shocked what sounds like such a clear-cut domestic abuse case can be treat so suspiciously if there's clear photo evidence, medical records, social workers etc. And deeply sickened because from what other members have outlined? Sadly it makes enough sense for me to believe it. I have to question though. Do people willingly volunteer to go through such violence that it lands them into hospitalisation, just for fraudulent immigration into the US? Surely if this woman has broken bones or fractures that would help her case with USCIS because of the extreme bodily harm. It's hard to believe someone would willingly undergo that rather than go through proper immigration procedure... right? Perhaps I'm being naive. It boggles my mind the extreme lengths people can go. Either way, this situation sounds beyond messy and it may be better you keep it at arm's length OP, however painful. Your involvement may only further complicate things or even put you in danger. I wish her and you all the best.

No email is sent when they send your results to the embassy. I was only told the timescale (5-10 working days via their appointment email and information sheets) and if anything urgent was found, they would call you on your provided number. It's been just over a week since my appointment and I haven't heard anything back. I have heard of others chasing up their medical results progress but they advise to email rather than call due to busy lines.

I received my COVID booster from Boots who provided a slip that is stamped with the date and holds the doctor's signature. They took the slip without issue. I brought along an email confirmation of Boots' appointment as backup but they didn't need it. My GP records had the first two COVID jabs recorded. My GP couldn't update my records to add the booster to the list despite my request. Your GP may be able to before your appointment so you can have your vaccination records up to date, but it wasn't needed for myself.

The doctor took my X-Ray but didn't share any results with me. They instructed me to go back into the waiting room as they looked over my scans and documents at their computer. You could ask but I doubt they'd share anything. They send over your medical results to the embassy and recommend to give them 10 working days according to the email I received. What is in your results is hard to say. All I was told is if there's anything that requires immediate attention, they will contact you withing 5 working days after your appointment.

My interview's 9/11. Irony. 👌 One thing I forgot to mention, during doctor's examination they had me read off an eye chart while covering each eye. They instruct you to bring glasses if you need them for anything - short/long sighted, reading etc. I wear glasses all the time so I was instructed to keep them on as I did the mini eye test.

Just to note if anyone doesn't have the Tetanus booster, the NHS offer this for free. Talk to your GP to get your vaccination to save yourself £50 or so.

It's nice you took note of that. I was anxious about my MH history more than anything. They did throw me some curveball questions but otherwise didn't question my responses. They accepted all paperwork which I was worried they would request further information. They still could since they mentioned if they needed anything else they would contact after 5 business days once results were back. It was about as expected otherwise. I considered the tube briefly but for personal reasons and after recent events (riots) felt safer to walk. I was admittedly exhausted but felt the exercise was better than risking the horror stories you hear about the Underground. Thank you. I noticed there's simply not enough information about the medical on here yet a lot of people ask questions about it. Thought I'd at least help even the information gap. To answer your questions... Did you have a urine sample?: No, I didn't have to give one. I believe that's for teenagers and under. Did you take anyone with you?: I was flying solo, hence my heightened anxiety. (I have hyper-vigilance which doesn't help when it comes to situations like these.) It's also one of the reasons I decided to walk and avoid the tube. I was a recent victim of assault so admittedly that contributed towards my behaviour. Can family members come into the building/accompany?: Yes they can. There was a few families there and at times the mother/father went in alone. Regarding children/teens, their parents appeared to be able to accompany them. If you're asking if someone who ISN'T part of the visa application can accompany, I don't believe so. Is what they gave you left to be taken to the interview?: I honestly can't recall but I was going to take it to the interview regardless. I know they send the medical records to the embassy so I think it was mainly for my own records. What was the total cost?: Overall it cost me £425. £385 for the medical and an additional £40 for the Hepatitis B jab. The payment will come up as 'Knightsbridge Doctors' on your bank statement.

Just to follow up on this, I had my therapist pull through and write out a letter regarding my condition as well as give me a diagnosis sheet. This is NOT covered by the Patient Access app as my therapy is/was through psychiatric services. The details of my condition in depth are not held via the GP. I wrote out an accompanying sheet detailing my condition, diagnosis, prognosis, and followed this up with my therapist letter. My GP tried to charge me £40 when I asked for just a quick paragraph explaining I wasn't at risk etc while my therapist drafted up my letter for free, and obviously this was done by the person who is actually medically qualified to provide such an informed opinion. I would advise others who follow after me to go through this with care. My GP could just be terrible, which they absolutely are, but they can't give details into in-depth mental health conditions. If you had tablets for mild Depression or Anxiety then your GP summary should be enough. Otherwise, it's not. See my latest thread for full details of medical:

I just had my required medical examination two days ago and thought I'd write down my whole experience as well as make a thread regarding anyone's questions about it. Travel: I travelled by train to London, Kings Cross station and decided to walk my way to the medical centre. The walk took around 35-40 minutes or so to 4 Bentinck Mansions which is across the street from The Coach Makers Arms pub, to help those locate it in future. You're required to ring the buzzer of Flat 4 to be allowed entry into the medical - as instructed by a sign outside. As I arrived earlier, I made a quick cut through a back street and huddled into a small Costa Coffee while I waited. A gentleman who had left the building earlier asked if I was there for my medical and advised me to go inside within 10-15 minutes of my appointment time as there is limited seating, so I returned within 15 minutes. I buzzed to let them know of my appointment and was allowed entry. There's a few steps that lead into the building's ground floor, with a lift dead-centre and stairs going further up into the building. Ignore these as the medical clinic is the first door on your right. Reception: There's two windows on the right-hand side wall with two receptionists behind. They asked me for my name, appointment time, then asked me to provide all required documents. I had actually compartmentalised my paperwork which actually worked against me so my advice would be just to stick all your documents into one folder to save time. The receptionist will also ask for your passport before sifting through your documents and taking photocopies where needed. I was then told to stand in the far corner where there's a small stool and a square white plaque on the wall to have my picture taken. Depending on your visa type, you may or may not be required to do this. (I had brought passport photos of myself but they still took a digital picture.) I was then instructed to wait in their seating area after all my documents checked out. (On their visa medical form you must fill out prior to your appointment I noted that I didn't know my current height or weight and as such left blank. The receptionist told me this was fine and the doctor would complete this for me after taking readings.) Waiting Area: The building is a converted Victorian manor house given the high ceilings and the fireplace in the waiting area. There wasn't much seating available and it was busier than I expected. I would say the room held maybe 20 chairs tops. There was a small station with drinking water, but most of it was empty. I thankfully brought my own water bottle which I would advise others to do as well. I didn't have long to wait before I was called in for my X-Ray. X-Ray: The radiologist introduced themselves and told me go to a small corner where there was a curtain and chair for my belongings. I was told to draw the curtain, remove my top, and wear a gown that was given to me. There were two hairclips on a small shelf with a mirror and I was instructed to pin my hair up for the X-Ray - this will be required for anyone with hair on or below their shoulders. Afterwards, I was told to press my chest front-first against a black panel and push my shoulders forward. It took a few seconds for the radiologist to take my results. I was then told to re-dress behind the curtain and to keep the gown as I would need it for the doctors assessment. I was then told to return to the waiting room. Painless. Doctor's Assessment: Honestly the most uncomfortable part of the whole process. I was waiting for maybe another 15 - 20 minutes before my name was called again. I was taken into a different room with a seat by a window and another seat by a desk where the doctor sat. They had my previously given GP health records and asked me some basic questions: if I ever smoked, ever took drugs, any medication I was currently on... They asked if I had ever been hospitalised or had any kind of chronic disease. They were very thorough with my records and even pointed out a diagnosis I had completely forgot to mention to them. (Fibromyalgia: so used to living with it now I don't even think about it much.) They took some time to go over my Mental Health history which I won't delve into here but I do have a significant past without major hospitalisation/sectioning. I have no idea of the outcome of this. I was simply honest and straightforward with my answers and just have my fingers crossed it was sufficient enough. I did have an accompanying letter by my therapist and a small sheet detailing my diagnosis. They took my weight (Five Guys), took my height (Hobbit), then asked me to go to the medical bed behind them and remove my clothes behind the curtain except for my underwear. I was told to wear my gown once more but to wear it as I would a dressing gown - the front open. They examined my lymph nodes, listened to my heart, listened to my lungs as I was instructed to breathe in and out, then poked and prodded at my legs, arms, and my stomach. This felt like they were digging pits into my ribs. Was highly uncomfortable to the point of pain, but could also be exasperated by my Fibromyalgia condition. They then drew blood from my arm and told me to redress behind the curtain. I left my gown with them and that was that. Back into the waiting room I went. Vaccination Nurse: After more waiting my name was once more called and I was taken into a final room. This one was small, stuffed with filing cabinets and a desk. The nurse glanced over my vaccination records. The only one I was missing was the Hepatitis B vaccination which they advised I could get done elsewhere, or get it done with them in the room. I opted for the latter. They asked which arm I wanted vaccinated, brushed down my skin, gave me a quick jab and popped a plaster over. Done and dusted. I feel it important to note my GP (who is terrible) told me I would need three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine, with two weeks between each jab, costing £30 for each to be fully covered. They aIso told me I only had 2/5 Polio vaccinations and that I would need more to be fully covered. They did give me a Tetanus jab for free however covered by the NHS which was needed for the medical - Visa Medicals DO charge for this. This particular nurse at my usual practice was dithering and didn't instill any confidence in me so I declined and decided to see what Visa Medicals wanted which was the best call. My two Polio vaccinations were enough in the past, and the Hep B jab was one dose at £40. I didn't need three. So actually saved a little bit of money for once. They gave me a vaccination sheet with the additional cost of the extra vaccination I took, then I was done. I returned to reception. Final Result and Notes: The receptionist triple-checked I had my X-Ray, seen the Doctor, and the Nurse, before she took my vaccination sheet off me with the cost. She returned my passport, my documents, and all that was left was to pay the bill. Please note they DO NOT ACCEPT AMERICAN EXPRESS. Something to keep in mind as there were notices making this clear as well as the receptionist triple-checking that I wasn't trying to pay via AMEX. Paid by card, took my receipt, gathered all my documents plus some new additional ones with my vaccination results for the embassy, and that was it. I was back out into the London smog. Overall I was there for about 2 hours. It didn't feel like it took this long as there's reasonable gaps between each session you undergo with the radiologist, doctor, and nurse, but that was how much time had passed when I stepped back outside. Another thing to note is there doesn't seem to be an order in who you see. Some people appeared to be called to the nurse first. Others the doctor. For me it was in the order listed here. There is a toilet in the building but it was constantly engaged. I would advise trying to use a toilet in a cafe or restaurant before going inside to save you the headache as I thankfully did. The place was surprisingly busy and a little cramped. Be prepared to sit through crying babies and more than a few children running around and swinging off chairs. It wasn't unbearably loud however, just something to keep in mind. If anyone has any questions I'll do my best to answer them but hope this helps others through the process and the nerves of the medical.

I should correct my previous comment. I'm not anti-vax, I'm anti-COVID vax, exactly as TiffAndMike describe here and for the exact same reasons. Coupled with the experience of others within my social circle being physically affected to the point their lifestyles have been altered. But I respect America and its laws. I love my husband. I'll do anything to be with him, so I got my extra jab. There's a bit of irony in the USA being the land of the free, yet those seeking such liberties must comply to having their bodies injected. It makes perfect sense to protect those born and living on that soil and I don't argue with that in terms of vaccines. What I do argue with though is the requirement of getting a COVID booster if your last COVID jabs were over 6 months ago. There's countless statements that the first two doses are regarded as base protection. That and honestly, getting COVID jabs does not protect the populace of America anyway. Or any populace – it's meant to protect the person. It DOES NOT prevent spread. But we can't argue with USCIS requirements. If you get a doctor's note from Ukraine regarding her bad reaction, and get it updated on her medical records, then I believe they may consider a waiver. As for your children, they'll have to get the vaccines. Unless you follow legal procedures on moral/ethical/religious grounds (which is the rejection of ALL VACCINES based on religion/beliefs) as other more experienced members have outlined, there's no getting around it. I looked myself to be honest. Here's the vaccination requirement list by age for reference: https://www.cdc.gov/immigrant-refugee-health/media/pdfs/Vaccine-Requirements-According-to-Applicant-Age-panel-physicians-p.pdf If it helps, I've actually had three jabs in the space of one week (COVID booster, Polio, Hepatitis B) since I just had my medical a few days ago. I'm still chugging along (albeit with much fatigue) despite my immune system having absolutely no idea what's going on. Doctors will keep an eye on you for any adverse or allergic reactions when you get your booster here. You'll be in good hands.

I'm pretty anti-vax and I had to bite the bullet and get the booster jab. As well as the first two COVID vaccinations. I have family who have been personally affected, but more in the breathing department and less in the 'tennis ball knackers' department. Unless your wife had a severe adverse reaction documented on her medical record, the only way around the vaccinations is on moral or religious grounds. But this is rejecting all vaccines, not just the COVID jabs. So the chance of a waiver I've heard is slim. Plead your case during the medical by all means but unless it's documented I don't think you'll be able to slip by USCIS's immigration requirements. Certainly not with tennis ball testicles at any rate. Probably make a right 'racket'. 🎾

I would wait for your letter just to be sure. Visa Medicals usually ask for your interview date which is given in that. I would also contact them straight away once you have said letter to make an appointment. A few dates I had in mind around my schedule were booked up when I called a week or so after. I didn't think there'd be so many clients to be honest. Once your appointment date and time is booked, Visa Medicals will send you an email detailing everything you need. Also, make sure to phone for your appointment. Despite their website insisting you can book via email or online form, they will tell you to call them regardless. Hope this helps.

I think just seeing them to feel like I'm actually under qualified medical professionals would be nice. The nurse who jabbed me didn't even stick a plaster over the injection site, let alone clean it. I'm not joking. Or wait five minutes to see if I'd have a severe allergic reaction which I thought was mandatory care. And being unable to stick my COVID booster on my records to boot, admitting she didn't know how to? I just feel sick and I can't tell if it's from severe stress or from the Td/IPV payload. Thanks for sharing your experience. Makes me feel better rocking up there without much other than confusion and injection marks. I fly soon after the medical to see my partner again so my extra worry is if I need anything else before the embassy appointment, I'm going to struggle timewise to arrange things. Unless I just get whatever is missing in the USA.

Thank you so much. You've helped me feel a bit better. I'm furious with my doctors, I had to even correct the nurse who was dithering around for about 40 minutes looking over the vaccination sheet I brought. Literally 40 minutes. I didn't think it would be so hard to tell if I had such-and-such or not. I'm going to pay £30 tomorrow to get the first of the three jab course of the Hepatitis B vax since the visa medical list price it at around £90, so I might save some money... unless they offer one jab that's as good as all three. Then I'd have wasted £30 I could have put towards the full dose. I simply have no idea. I'm just trying to show the medical staff I'm trying to fill out what's missing when I go down there in a few days at this point. I'm so worried they'll reject my medical. The embassy doesn't worry me, it's this that does.

So, went to the doctors today with my list of vaccinations needed... And they were completely baffled. Confused. Apparently I had 2/5 Polio vaccinations (which she kept asking me why that is like I would know because ****ty parents), I don't have Hepatitis B which I need 3 jabs of for a full course, and they topped me up with some tetanus booster today. There's no records of me having chicken pox, I have no idea if I need full courses of vaccinations to clear the medical, and if I do how do I get them all before my embassy appointment next month when I need to leave weeks between each jab? I'm now completely thrown, confused, feeling like a pincushion, and hemorrhaging money. And this isn't even mentioning the mental health letters and such that I apparently need as backup. Can someone for the love of America please tell me if one recent dose of each vaccine is needed, or am I going to be kept in the UK like some sort of test rat while they inject me with every single thing to complete every single course needed? I literally don't know what to do from here. And my doctors are completely useless to the point they couldn't even update my COVID booster onto my vaccination records. They're that bad.

Thank you. I had to bite the bullet and get the darn thing but I was thankfully heard by the medical staff who helped explain the vaccines they stocked. The dose I got was confirmed to be just another version of the Pfizer jab which I already had as my second dose, so that made me feel better about it. As much as I can be at least.

Just a quick follow up, this is all vaccination requirements by age: https://www.cdc.gov/immigrant-refugee-health/media/pdfs/Vaccine-Requirements-According-to-Applicant-Age-panel-physicians-p.pdf And to clarify, the first two COVID jabs are no longer enough unless you got your second jab within 6 months of your medical. The booster/additional jab is required if you got your vaccination over 6 months ago.

Thank you. It's nice to hear that from a stranger even though you're just another user on the internet. I have other conditions but that's the biggest one I have. I'm also a suicide survivor which is noted on my GP records, so that will serve to explain my background somewhat. I won't bore others with details. Perhaps the fact I don't take medication will work in my favour. I imagine a private healthcare meeting would take time and it's simply something I don't have. My medical is on August 8th. I also fly out to visit my partner soon a few days afterwards, so I'll be in the USA and won't have time or the ability to gather further evidence if asked. Bar forwarding emails of course. The good news is I have a session with my therapist on the 7th, the day before, so I'm hoping I can convince them to give me at least something. Maybe even my personal end of therapy letter. I'm happy to refer them to my therapist in question or my MH coach if they need more details, but I can't give any kind of SAR or summary of care record. My ACRO shows no trace. I have no police record. My involvements with them most recently was regarding the assault I was victim of which I reported and gave a statement. Years ago, it was more of a reactionary nature to someone calling them to my home when I wouldn't answer my phone due to some 'duty of care' clause I missed. Scared the s*** out of me since I was, you know... sleeping. Either way, it's not noted anywhere on anything I can gain access to. I imagine if I jumped through the months of hoops to get a SAR from psychiatric services, it might be there, but it would be from nearly a decade ago or so.

I just had my jab from Boots a few days ago. They will take you into a private room and give you a form to fill in. Usual information: name, DOB, address, then a few checkboxes to ask if you have certain conditions and such. You sign, date, then hand it back to the doctor. They give you another information pamphlet regarding COVID / the Omicron variant dose that they're going to administer, along with a patient guide for clinical services. They leave the room and come back with the vaccine. They ask which arm you prefer, pop it into you like a quick pincushion, then that's it. They keep you there for 5 minutes to make sure you don't have an allergic reaction of any sorts, then also advise you don't drive for another 10-15 minutes to ensure your wellness. They give you a slip with a Boots stamp detailing your vaccination, the date, location, and which batch number it is, then take you to the till to pay. They also give you a receipt which I was going to take down with me to the medical just as additional proof. It cost £98.95. All in all I was in there for maybe 10-15 minutes if that. I contacted Visa Medicals directly in London prior to my jab who confirmed that they're happy to accept Boots vaccinations. So I can at least say that it's definitely accepted as a Covid vax dose.

I downloaded Patient Access but I don't see anything mental health wise in the documents or consultations area. I'm under a different part of the NHS regarding therapy and it looks like their notes and documentation are separate. I simply can't give what I can't get to the medical practitioner. Thanks for all the advice. A bit off topic, but the recent riots going in isn't exactly helping my unease. I'm used to doing things alone and have done since forever, but that's also why I feel the need to seek so much advice on this Forum. Just trying to be as prepared as possible. I have C-PTSD. I've asked for it in writing when I went on healthcare leave a year and a half ago so I could show this to my employer, but practically everyone refused to give me the diagnosis in writing. Therapists said doctors would do it, then doctors said therapists should do it, then another said doctors are wary to write MH issues as severe as mine down on fit notes because they're not qualified to do so/diagnose, blah blah... it was a merry-go-round of excuses spanning over months to nigh on half a year. To this day I don't understand why they can't just write it down. I meant what I said. Therapy spans over so many sessions, then it just ends. You write your parting letter and the therapist does the same, then it's goodbye, so long, thrown back into the world and you're on your own to deal with conditions you never asked for. All put onto you from poor upbringing or forced upon you from the actions of others, trapping you in a prolonged environment of suffering which you have no control over. I'm in long-term employment. As far as dealing with my medical needs in America, unless it's a physical ailment or severe mental health relapse, I simply won't. I am better able to manage my condition and have improved greatly. I just have let's say blips.