I-693 - Medical Exam and Vaccinations when applying for Green Card (I-485)

[gc0907]

Recently I had my medical examinations required by USCIS when applying for I-485.

Here is the detailed blog post (http://desiways.wordpress.com/2011/10/14/uscis-medical-exam-and-vaccination-when-applying-for-green-card/) where I talk about the general process, my personal experience and some general suggestions about this medical exams.

If you have different experience please share here so others in the same boat can prevent some of the hassel you have been through.

Oh, and if you like my post and want to say thank you :o leave Comment on my blog instead of this thread. We can keep this thread just to share personal experience and questions about the medical exams.

Updates(02/10/2012): Cases of RFE I came across regarding vaccinations:
1: Varicella Related (http://www.qesehmk.org/forums/showthread.php?222-I-693-Medical-Exam-and-Vaccinations-when-applying-for-Green-Card-(I-485)&p=19384#post19384)
2: Flu shot was not taken / reported. So make sure you take flu-shot even if your CS doesn't mention or a record that says why you can't take flu shot.

Hope this helps.

[krishnav]

Hello Gurus,

Question more on the medical side...just wanted to see if anyone had a similar situation.
Our dates became current in the Nov bulletin and so we went to the doctor for the vaccinations and medical tests etc.
I had all the medical records and so I didnt get any vaccinations. My wife had to get a TDAP vaccine and thats all.

Now, we were planning on having kids and our doctor didnt tell us anything about how long we need to wait after vaccinations (except in the questionaire they asked if there was chances of my wife gettign pregnant in next 1 month).
Today one of my friend told me that one of the immigration doctors told his sister that one needs to wait for 6 months after vaccinations are done to plan on getting pregnant.
I was wondering if any of the people here had a similar situation or know more about this?

Our parents are killing us to have kids and telling them NOT FOR ANOTHER 6 MONTHS would be a tough task for us...haha.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Stemcell]

Hello Gurus,

Question more on the medical side...just wanted to see if anyone had a similar situation.
Our dates became current in the Nov bulletin and so we went to the doctor for the vaccinations and medical tests etc.
I had all the medical records and so I didnt get any vaccinations. My wife had to get a TDAP vaccine and thats all.

Now, we were planning on having kids and our doctor didnt tell us anything about how long we need to wait after vaccinations (except in the questionaire they asked if there was chances of my wife gettign pregnant in next 1 month).

Today one of my friend told me that one of the immigration doctors told his sister that one needs to wait for 6 months after vaccinations are done to plan on getting pregnant.
I was wondering if any of the people here had a similar situation or know more about this?

Our parents are killing us to have kids and telling them NOT FOR ANOTHER 6 MONTHS would be a tough task for us...haha.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.




The only thing regarding your friends sister case that i can think of is may she tested positive with PPD and the doctor deciding to treat it for latent TB.In that case one needs to be cautious with pregnancy as she would be on Isoniazid ( drug for TB ) for 6-9 months or maybe she having tested positive for Syphilis.

In your case you should be fine.

[krishnav]

Thanks Stemcell.


The only thing regarding your friends sister case that i can think of is may she tested positive with PPD and the doctor deciding to treat it for latent TB.In that case one needs to be cautious with pregnancy as she would be on Isoniazid ( drug for TB ) for 6-9 months or maybe she having tested positive for Syphilis.

In your case you should be fine.

[gc0907]

You must consult your physician on this one. Shouldn't take any chance when it comes to health.


Hello Gurus,

Question more on the medical side...just wanted to see if anyone had a similar situation.
Our dates became current in the Nov bulletin and so we went to the doctor for the vaccinations and medical tests etc.
I had all the medical records and so I didnt get any vaccinations. My wife had to get a TDAP vaccine and thats all.

Now, we were planning on having kids and our doctor didnt tell us anything about how long we need to wait after vaccinations (except in the questionaire they asked if there was chances of my wife gettign pregnant in next 1 month).
Today one of my friend told me that one of the immigration doctors told his sister that one needs to wait for 6 months after vaccinations are done to plan on getting pregnant.
I was wondering if any of the people here had a similar situation or know more about this?

Our parents are killing us to have kids and telling them NOT FOR ANOTHER 6 MONTHS would be a tough task for us...haha.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[TeddyKoochu]

Hello Gurus,

Question more on the medical side...just wanted to see if anyone had a similar situation.
Our dates became current in the Nov bulletin and so we went to the doctor for the vaccinations and medical tests etc.
I had all the medical records and so I didnt get any vaccinations. My wife had to get a TDAP vaccine and thats all.

Now, we were planning on having kids and our doctor didnt tell us anything about how long we need to wait after vaccinations (except in the questionaire they asked if there was chances of my wife gettign pregnant in next 1 month).
Today one of my friend told me that one of the immigration doctors told his sister that one needs to wait for 6 months after vaccinations are done to plan on getting pregnant.
I was wondering if any of the people here had a similar situation or know more about this?

Our parents are killing us to have kids and telling them NOT FOR ANOTHER 6 MONTHS would be a tough task for us...haha.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

As far as I have heard the TD shot is ok, the MMR vaccine is a bigger concern since its a live virus vaccine. Do consult your doctor / pcp.

[gc0907]

Guys,
I have updated my post (http://desiways.wordpress.com/2011/10/14/uscis-medical-exam-and-vaccination-when-applying-for-green-card/)to include how much my physician charged my insurnace for the vaccinations.

In case you don't have insurance or your insurance doesn't cover vaccinations, this might give you a rough estimate.

[kpt112107]

Hi,

Any idea about IGRA instead of TB skin test? Anybody applied with IGRA test results?


http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextchannel=6abe6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190 aRCRD&vgnextoid=7abb2ee7efee4210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

Q. What is initial testing with interferon gamma release assay (in place of TST)?

A. To fulfill the requirement of the initial TB testing, as of Nov. 1, 2009, civil surgeons may use interferon gamma release assay (IGRA), which are blood tests. The IGRAs that are currently acceptable to CDC are: the QuantiFERON ® TB Gold Test, the QuantiFERON® TB Gold in Tube Test, and the T-Spot ® TB Test. CDC may add additional tests. If it does, it will publish the inclusion of any test on its Web site. See the "CDC: Technical Instructions for Civil Surgeons" link to the right.
If you choose an IGRA (in place of a TST), the civil surgeon will take a blood sample from you during the medical examination. The blood is used to perform the TB initial screening test. Unlike with the TST, you will not have to return to the civil surgeon's office to have the test result read.
The results of the IGRA test are generally available within 24 hours of your office visit. If the result is negative, you probably will not need any further testing for TB. If the result is positive, you will be required to have a chest x-ray as a means of additional screening for TB. You may not have a TST or
other initial screening test; the administration of more than one initial screening test is a violation of the Technical Instructions.
There are certain exceptions to the IGRA testing requirement. For the civil surgeon to make the best determination of what is required, you should bring, at the time of your appointment with the civil surgeon, written documentation of any IGRA testing you previously had.

[kd2008]

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=7826b832cdb43310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCR D&vgnextchannel=e7801c2c9be44210VgnVCM100000082ca60a RCRD


Revised I-693 to be Introduced Nov. 1

On Nov. 1, 2011, USCIS will introduce a new, more user-friendly version of the form used to report results of medical examinations for those seeking certain immigration benefits, Report of a Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, Form I-693. Civil surgeons completing medical examinations between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, 2011, should use the new form dated 10/11/11. However, USCIS will continue to accept the previous version, dated 7/20/10, for examinations completed between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, 2011. Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, civil surgeons must use the new version of the form.

If… Then…
A medical examination completed before Nov. 1 Use the I-693 dated 7/20/10
A medical examination completed between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, 2011 Use the I-693 dated 10/11/11, though USCIS will continue to accept the 7/20/10 version
A medical examination completed on or after Jan. 1, 2012 You must use the I-693 dated 10/11/11



If a medical examination completed on or after Jan. 1, 2012, is reported using an outdated form, USCIS will reject the form, requiring the applicant to return to the civil surgeon and resubmit the new form.

USCIS requires most applicants seeking to adjust to lawful permanent resident status to submit Form I-693 to report the results of a medical examination by a designated civil surgeon, confirming that an applicant is admissible to the United States on public health grounds.



Last updated:10/28/2011

[gc0907]

Thanks kd2008 for the info.

[Pundit Arjun]

Folks,

I dont have my immunization records. Hence I am planning to get the shots now. I have chosen Walgreens to get the shots (since the costs are low and they also update the PCP's office).

I have the following questions :

a) Is it fine, if I get a Varicella shot (though I have got chicken pox before). This is because I want to avoid the delay caused by the antibody titer test(when its time to file 485) ??

b) Also I believe I dont need to immunize for Polio, Rotavirus or Hib. Please confirm.

I am planning to take the following vaccines only :
Pneumococcal, Tdap, HepA, HepB, MMR, Varicella & Meningococcal.

I did take the list from cdc.gov. But Please let me know if I have missed any.

Thanks
Pundit.

[soggadu]

dude arjun...first of all you have to relax.... all these tests doesnt take much time... you know what the time killer is? the lawyers office...

Dont take varicella, you dont need it as you have chickened before...
all you have to take is MMR, flu shot and TD...rest all is not needed...

also.... as i said, talk to your lawyer first than getting these shots...these would be done in couple of days anyway and u have one whole month to prepare...

[Pundit Arjun]

Hi Soggadu,

Thanks for the reply.

Time wise, I actually have a lot. Mt PD is late 2009. But I have some FSA money left and thought of using it for this purpose rather than wasting the same :)

I will not take Varicella but take the rest : Pneumococcal, Tdap, HepA, HepB, MMR, Varicella & Meningococcal.

The attorney is not that gr8, bud. I will shop for an attorney soon.

Best,
Pundit

[soggadu]

once again, my doc gave me all the vaccines to fill the sheets... all she gave me are mmr,tdap and flu shot...dont get extra vaccines and become a Vaccine man like superman...also as you have much time...try getting these from county health center for free is possible

[gc0907]

It looks like it is varying from doctor to doctor. As I have listed, I was asked to take Tdap, HepA, HepB, MMR, Varicella and flushot.
Of which I went through titer for MMR(I took this earlier I knew it but did'nt have record) and Varicella(I got chickenpox ages back) because the surgeon won't sign the form without any record proof.
Other vaccines were marked as not age appropriate I think.

Hi Soggadu,

Thanks for the reply.

Time wise, I actually have a lot. Mt PD is late 2009. But I have some FSA money left and thought of using it for this purpose rather than wasting the same :)

I will not take Varicella but take the rest : Pneumococcal, Tdap, HepA, HepB, MMR, Varicella & Meningococcal.

The attorney is not that gr8, bud. I will shop for an attorney soon.

Best,
Pundit

[Pundit Arjun]

Thanks gc0907 and Soggadu.

FYI : The cost of vaccines from the county health center are the cost effective ones, but they are not free.

(Like you folks suggested) I spoke to my health insurance company and found out that the cost for all these Vaccines are covered and paid in full by insurance. This is because they fall under "Preventive Care" category.

I then called up my PCP and spoke to him about the shots. Since he always wanted me to catch up on the vaccines (and I was the one postponing it), he readily agreed and gave the prescriptions. Will be getting the shots on Monday.

Also found a doc who charges around $200 for immigration physicals and $40 for the TB skin test :)

Best,
Pundit

[nishant2200]

It looks like it is varying from doctor to doctor. As I have listed, I was asked to take Tdap, HepA, HepB, MMR, Varicella and flushot.
Of which I went through titer for MMR(I took this earlier I knew it but did'nt have record) and Varicella(I got chickenpox ages back) because the surgeon won't sign the form without any record proof.
Other vaccines were marked as not age appropriate I think.

Ouch... hepa , hepb, flu everything... I hope my doctor is kinder.

[gc0907]

Yep it was Ouch!.. in two days was poked 7 times (4 shots+2 blood samples + 1 TB).


Ouch... hepa , hepb, flu everything... I hope my doctor is kinder.

[tackle]

Here is a (not so) brief note on my experience

Background
1. Neither I nor my wife had any proof of vaccination
2. I checked with my Insurance and they said vaccination is covered 100%. But, titer tests (tests to check for antibodies from previous vaccination) are covered only 80% and that too only when we are over our deductible. We are well under our deductibles. So, we decided to not take the titer tests.

Examination
1. Made appointment with civil surgeon. The way it worked here is that we make 2 appointments that are 1 or 2 days apart. I made my 2 appointments with civil surgeon.
2. I then made an appointment with primary physician couple of hours after my first appointment with civil surgeon.
Appointment 1
1. Went to civil surgeon, filled out the forms they handed us. Told them we don't have any proof of vaccination
2. Met with the doctor, got physicals done (they check your genitals. So, be ready).
3. Got TB skin test and blood taken for Syphilis test.
4. Doctor advised us to get Tdap, MMR & Varicella vaccines. We could have got the vaccines at civil surgeon. But they don't work with insurance.
5. Went to primary physician and got Tdap, MMR & Varicella vaccines and got vaccination records. Didn't have to pay anything as insurance covers 100%.
Appointment 2
1. Went back to civil surgeon.
2. Doctor discussed the TB skin test results and Blood test results. He then described to us that all the vaccinations need booster shots and we need to take them after a month of first dosage. But he also said that it'll not prevent him from signing out I693 forms as there is a "waiver" option that he will chose on the forms. He filled out the I693 forms and signed them.
3. Waited a few minutes at the lobby to get the sealed envelopes and personal copies of I-693 forms.
4. Paid the $$ (the fees here is $210 per person. So, it was $420 in total)

After a couple of days, I filled out the required forms at work and got the $420 reimbursed. I didn't expect that my employer would pay for this. But I asked anyway and was surprised that they said they'll pay for it.

[ontheedge]

I read on some other thread that it is advisable to not mention to your PCP that you need the vaccines for immigration. Is that true? I checked with my insurance and they cover the listed vaccinations, but will they not cover if the bill comes to them any mention of immigration? What can we tell the PCP then? We just felt like getting shot one fine day?

[nagana]

Hi, I have question. When filling form I-693 what should we fill for "A-number" field? Where can we find it? Is it absolutely necessary to fill it? or Social security # is sufficient?

[nishant2200]

Hi, I have question. When filling form I-693 what should we fill for "A-number" field? Where can we find it? Is it absolutely necessary to fill it? or Social security # is sufficient?

My lawyer said its ok to leave it blank on the medical exam and not worry about it. What is important is the A number goes on the actual 485 application. The A number is taken from the 140 approval notice.

[gc0907]

I had the same doubt. I planned not to mention but the physician I went to said I don't need the Varicella shot since I had chickenpox in childhood. At that point I had to tell her that I need to get a written proof that I don't require the vaccine as it is for immigration purpose.
My insurance paid for it. So I doubt PCP mentioned that while filing claim or may be my insurance didn't care why I was taking the shots.


I read on some other thread that it is advisable to not mention to your PCP that you need the vaccines for immigration. Is that true? I checked with my insurance and they cover the listed vaccinations, but will they not cover if the bill comes to them any mention of immigration? What can we tell the PCP then? We just felt like getting shot one fine day?

[nishant2200]

Ok this is my experience. My civil surgeon is also a PCP, and accepted my Cigna PPO insurance also. 150 per person for medical exam, and all vaccines etc he will bill to insurance, he said.

First day, he gave me TB skin test first, then TDap. He sent me to lab to get blood drawn to test for immunity to MMR, Varicella, etc, all the vaccines which you need basically. The lab accepts my insurnance too. He in fact even added in blood tests for diabetes, cholesterol, anemia etc, as he said that he will help me as annual physical exam also, since I dont have a primary care doctor for myself anyways.

Two days later I went there, and for both me and wife, he gave copy of the lab test results, and indicated we already have all vaccines needed as well as we have no other problems. He just gave flu shots since it is flu season. Our TB test was negative, for both of us, you could hardly even see where TB test was made, forget any rash or swelling etc, totally negative.

He filled out the forms and gave in sealed envelope. Over.

[mygctracker]

My I-693 medicals Experience::

Anticipating forward VB date movement, I went to my PCP last month for Titers of MMR,Varicella. Took the TDAP shot, was sure we didn't get, coz it was introduced in recently (2004). Titers came positive, so we had antibodies for MMR & Varicella. Took the official letter from Doctor.

After looking at Dec bulletin, made Civil Surgeon appointment. Said they would charge $260 per person (doesn't include X-rays if needed). Had to choose because didn't want to drive too far.

On the day of appointment, there was no doctor in office. But thank god, the Nurse took Blood & Urine sample & also Gave TB PPD shot for skin test. She gave the I-693 forms and asked to fill. I gave her my vaccination confirmation and she delightfully said, great, no more vaccination needed.
So, we can come back 2 days later for TB skin test evaluation & Blood test results. Doctor checked skin and measured and said TB Positive! Go to next room for X-Ray (additional $65). Doctor also did some physical tests, then asked us to sign the forms.
2 days later I called Doctor's office and she said, papers are ready for pickup. Went in the evening and picked-up the sealed envelope.

One done from TO DO list. :-)

[kpt112107]

In last page of I-693, doctor filled dates in 6th column instead of 5th column. I asked doctor but he said that will be ok. But my lawer is saying that "I’d say get it corrected if you can. Lets try and avoid any future RFEs"

Any idea? Could you please check yours and let me know...

[fudge-it]

Do I need to get Varicella? I got Tetanus and MMR today.
The physician I went to did not mention any thing about varicella.
Does MMR include Varicella?
Any help?

[tackle]

Do I need to get Varicella? I got Tetanus and MMR today.
The physician I went to did not mention any thing about varicella.
Does MMR include Varicella?
Any help?

Varicella is the vaccine for chicken-pox. If you've got chicken-pox in the past, then you'll not need to take the Varicella vaccine. In one of my friend's case, he mentioned to the civil surgeon that he has had chicken-pox in the past (which was actually true) and the physician didn't ask him for any proof (titer-test results to check for antibodies) for that. He just took my friend's word on it. So, maybe your case is similar?

Also, MMR vaccine does not include Varicella. MMRV vaccine does include the Varicella vaccine but it's for kids and is not administered to adults. So, you probably got just MMR.

[fudge-it]

Hmm...There was no question whether I had been punched for Varicella.
So I wonder if Varicella is mandatory for 485 purposes.
If it were to be mandatory, they would at least ask?

[leo07]

They would have had a check-box where they would have asked you if you ever had chicken-pox before. If you would have answered YES then there is no reason for them to ask you again??

[meso129]

Here is my experience with Medicals Philadelphia area

We had got all our vaccinations from local county hospital in anticipation of getting current cost us $0, Yes it took us few days to get appointment and had to go twice so far and of course we couldn't feel our arms for couple days .

Called few providers once we became current, Made an appointment with the least expensive one as insurance doesn't cover. Appointment was a week after we became current.

Appointment day : Went to doctor's office and were asked to be seated, Nurse took our information and mentioned they accept only cash no check or CC :( . Had to go to ATM to get some cash. I was hoping to use my hsa card.

Nurse took us inside and took our blood for blood work and gave PPD injection. She was very professional as neither me or my wife felt a pinch when she poked the long needle :).

Doctor came and checked few basic stuff ear, Nose, throat, poked stomach, checked breathing etc and said everything looked fine.

Asked us to come back Day 3 for them to check PPD reaction and get paperwork

Cost us $40 for paperwork + $20 for blood work + $10 for PPD Total $70 Per person.

Day 3 . Went back for PPD test results they were negative and waited few mins once they prepared the report.

Total cost $70 each for me and my spouse for $140.

[fudge-it]

Nice dude..Which part of "I have not asked about Varicella" did you not understand?
Anyway, I walked in today for the skin test check and I asked the nurse about Varicella, she said that Varicella is not necessary.
She said only Tdap and MMR. For all of those confused souls out there, hope this helps..

[gc0907]

There is a mention of 'Varicella' on Page-5-Vaccination Records of I693.
And the CS needs to fill appropriate info in each of the rows in that table either taken or not needed or not age appropriate, etc.

And I think it varies from surgeon to surgeon whether to ask for proof of vaccination(s) or just take your words and fill the items appropriately.


Hmm...There was no question whether I had been punched for Varicella.
So I wonder if Varicella is mandatory for 485 purposes.
If it were to be mandatory, they would at least ask?

[Pedro Gonzales]

Q, suninphx, others from the PHX area, any recommendations on civil surgeons for the medical exam?

[codesmith]

485 List
Can you please point me to location thread
for all the steps/docs required for 485 filling ?
Thanks

[Rachel]

Here is my experience with Medicals Philadelphia area

We had got all our vaccinations from local county hospital in anticipation of getting current cost us $0, Yes it took us few days to get appointment and had to go twice so far and of course we couldn't feel our arms for couple days .

Called few providers once we became current, Made an appointment with the least expensive one as insurance doesn't cover. Appointment was a week after we became current.

Appointment day : Went to doctor's office and were asked to be seated, Nurse took our information and mentioned they accept only cash no check or CC :( . Had to go to ATM to get some cash. I was hoping to use my hsa card.

Nurse took us inside and took our blood for blood work and gave PPD injection. She was very professional as neither me or my wife felt a pinch when she poked the long needle :).

Doctor came and checked few basic stuff ear, Nose, throat, poked stomach, checked breathing etc and said everything looked fine.

Asked us to come back Day 3 for them to check PPD reaction and get paperwork

Cost us $40 for paperwork + $20 for blood work + $10 for PPD Total $70 Per person.

Day 3 . Went back for PPD test results they were negative and waited few mins once they prepared the report.

Total cost $70 each for me and my spouse for $140.


Can you please share the name of the civil surgeon you went to in Philadelphia? I just became current and need to schedule an appt ASAP. Thanks

[gc0907]

You mean this ... http://www.qesehmk.org/forums/showthread.php?41-Prepare-to-file-I485??
or http://www.qesehmk.org/forums/showthread.php?169-I-485-Filing-Checklist
Ideally your lawyer should provide you with what is required.


485 List
Can you please point me to location thread
for all the steps/docs required for 485 filling ?
Thanks

[vizcard]

I got current in the Jan bulletin and called a few places in the NYC area for medicals. Got one same day and went with my wife.

They asked for ID and made us fill out forms. We had to check a box about Chicken Pox. Then the doc took a blood sample and gave us TDap and Flu shots and also the TB test.

We have to go back for the blood test results, TB follow up and X-rays if needed. We should have our medicals done early next week. Relatively painless albeit expensive experience.

[ontheedge]

Did anybody have a positive PPD (TB skin test) and a negative chest X ray, and got their GC approval without any issue? I am concerned about RFEs based on a a positive PPD.

[maggie]

Did anybody have a positive PPD (TB skin test) and a negative chest X ray, and got their GC approval without any issue? I am concerned about RFEs based on a a positive PPD.

PPD positive is very common in Asians. Do not worry too much. As long as chest X Ray is negative, no worries. X ray report MUST be included within sealed 693 form by civil surgeon. Enjoy and help on HR 3012 by signing petition and spread the word.

[la_2002_ch]

I got current in the Jan bulletin, so went for our medical exams today. The doctor gave us the TB test, took our blood samples and gave the physical exam.

Based on the questionnaire, they asked me to get the TDaP and MMR, and for my wife to get TDaP, MMR and Varicella (she didnt have chicken pox when she was little).

We went to Walgreens to get the shots. They refused to give Varicella to my wife with MMR and told we need to wait 6 weeks between these 2 shots. But that will take us to end of Jan. Anyone else face similar problem?

Please share....

[ontheedge]

I got current in the Jan bulletin, so went for our medical exams today. The doctor gave us the TB test, took our blood samples and gave the physical exam.

Based on the questionnaire, they asked me to get the TDaP and MMR, and for my wife to get TDaP, MMR and Varicella (she didnt have chicken pox when she was little).

We went to Walgreens to get the shots. They refused to give Varicella to my wife with MMR and told we need to wait 6 weeks between these 2 shots. But that will take us to end of Jan. Anyone else face similar problem?

Please share....


PPD positive is very common in Asians. Do not worry too much. As long as chest X Ray is negative, no worries. X ray report MUST be included within sealed 693 form by civil surgeon. Enjoy and help on HR 3012 by signing petition and spread the word.

Thanks, appreciate your quick response. If PPD is positive (20mm) but X-ray is negative and the doctor does not refer to the county health department for preventive care, does USCIS proactively issue any RFEs for making sure meds were taken?

[ontheedge]

I got current in the Jan bulletin, so went for our medical exams today. The doctor gave us the TB test, took our blood samples and gave the physical exam.

Based on the questionnaire, they asked me to get the TDaP and MMR, and for my wife to get TDaP, MMR and Varicella (she didnt have chicken pox when she was little).

We went to Walgreens to get the shots. They refused to give Varicella to my wife with MMR and told we need to wait 6 weeks between these 2 shots. But that will take us to end of Jan. Anyone else face similar problem?

Please share....

Was she vaccinated for chickenpox? If not, ideally the doctor should've ordered titers (blood work) to see if immunity is present. If yes, she won't need the vaccine at all.

[chagas]

Got the receipts today

PD 02/13/08
TSC
RD 12/01
ND 12/05

[la_2002_ch]

Was she vaccinated for chickenpox? If not, ideally the doctor should've ordered titers (blood work) to see if immunity is present. If yes, she won't need the vaccine at all.

We know for sure she was not vaccinated for chicken pox. So she does need the vaccine. But main concern is when can she get it? Do we really need to wait 6 weeks from yesterday i.e. when she got the MMR shot?

[gc0907]

Here's something might be helpful: http://www.immunize.org/askexperts/experts_mmr.asp#products
But since she already got MMR, I think she will have to wait for atleast 4 weeks. If you don't want to wait and give it a try, you can ask your doctor to run a titer for chickenpox. If it comes ok, you are good to go or else you will need to take the vaccine. There is no negative effect if you run titer. Cost can be the only concern if your insurance doesn't cover those tests.

FYI: I am not a medical professional.

We know for sure she was not vaccinated for chicken pox. So she does need the vaccine. But main concern is when can she get it? Do we really need to wait 6 weeks from yesterday i.e. when she got the MMR shot?

[la_2002_ch]

Here's something might be helpful: http://www.immunize.org/askexperts/experts_mmr.asp#products
But since she already got MMR, I think she will have to wait for atleast 4 weeks. If you don't want to wait and give it a try, you can ask your doctor to run a titer for chickenpox. If it comes ok, you are good to go or else you will need to take the vaccine. There is no negative effect if you run titer. Cost can be the only concern if your insurance doesn't cover those tests.

FYI: I am not a medical professional.

Thanks so much for the details. We checked with her parents and looks like she had chicken pox when she was 4. We told the same to the civil surgeon. He says he will run the titer on her blood samples (already with him) and if all well, he will issue the records in the sealed envelope. Well I hope all of this pays, as now I am being screwed by my employer. I dont knwo what to do.

:( sorry for ranting.

[scion78]

Guys,
I found this online someplace, but it answers a ton of questions about immunizations. Basically the message is, not everyone needs every single vaccine listed in the 693 document. It varies by age.

Hope this helps.

http://www.immigrationdoctor.com/immuntable.html

[ontheedge]

Thanks so much for the details. We checked with her parents and looks like she had chicken pox when she was 4. We told the same to the civil surgeon. He says he will run the titer on her blood samples (already with him) and if all well, he will issue the records in the sealed envelope. Well I hope all of this pays, as now I am being screwed by my employer. I dont knwo what to do.

:( sorry for ranting.

Dont worry, thats why we were suggesting to get titers done. If she has immunity because of the previous disease, she will not need the vaccine. Good luck

[ontheedge]

I want to share our experience with everyone so that you're not inadvertently screwed by the Civil Surgeon.

My spouse's PPD came out positive due to BCG vaccination given during childhood. As usual, he was asked to take a chest X-ray; it was done in a matter of hours and came out negative. We went to pick up the sealed report the next day, and fortunately, we looked at the photo copy of report. Section 4 that needs to be filled out with the results of the chest X-ray was BLANK! So it seemed like an X-ray was ordered, but not followed through. I pointed that out, and they were like 'Oh, we are sorry!'. They opened the sealed report, made the corrections and resealed it. So much for efficiency.

[dce.deepak]

:confused:
Guys,

My doctor told me that HepA and HepB is only required for under 19 and only four are required for above 19 ( Td, MMR, Varicella and Flu )

Does any one knows more about this. I cant seem to find more info on this by age either on CDC or USCIS

[dce.deepak]

Guys,

My doctor told me that HepA and HepB is only required for under 19 and only four are required for above 19 ( Td, MMR, Varicella and Flu )

Does any one knows more about this. I cant seem to find more info on this by age either on CDC or USCIS

[nishant2200]

yeah dude, this medical exam thing is the weakest link in the entire process.


I want to share our experience with everyone so that you're not inadvertently screwed by the Civil Surgeon.

My spouse's PPD came out positive due to BCG vaccination given during childhood. As usual, he was asked to take a chest X-ray; it was done in a matter of hours and came out negative. We went to pick up the sealed report the next day, and fortunately, we looked at the photo copy of report. Section 4 that needs to be filled out with the results of the chest X-ray was BLANK! So it seemed like an X-ray was ordered, but not followed through. I pointed that out, and they were like 'Oh, we are sorry!'. They opened the sealed report, made the corrections and resealed it. So much for efficiency.

[essenel]

Guys,

My doctor told me that HepA and HepB is only required for under 19 and only four are required for above 19 ( Td, MMR, Varicella and Flu )

Does any one knows more about this. I cant seem to find more info on this by age either on CDC or USCIS

Deepak, the civil surgeon I went to also did not ask for HepA and HepB. In fact, years back, I had started the HepA and HepB vaccine series but never finished it. So the civil surgeon noted it in my I-693 (partial vaccine) but said it wasn't mandatory to take these. I was asked to take the flu shot and Tdap. I already had paperwork for MMR and had chickpox before. So your doctor asked for the same things as the one I went to.

[iamsheshu]

Guys,

Any idea according to USCIS, what vaccines are required for Pregnant women to fulfill I-693 form ?

[RMS_V13]

My blood results showed I require the MMR vaccine. My Dr gave me the 1st dose of the shot and said I will have to get the 2nd dose in another 1 month. That would be mid January.

My PD is current on Jan 1st. The Dr has given a report saying 1 MMR shot taken and 1 more to go. He says to submit the docs and send anothre follow up. Is this okay? Or chance of an RFE?

[codesmith]

Guys,

Any idea according to USCIS, what vaccines are required for Pregnant women to fulfill I-693 form ?

Please talk to your physician that's the best way to resolve any doubts.
- I think the following can be done in case of pregnant applicant.
TB test which usci surgeons office will do and blood test (not vaccine) for MMR, tdap at your regular physician or independent lab and give the blood-results to uscis surgeon.
Again, talk to your physician before taking any test/vaccines.

[iamsheshu]

Thanks for your reply. Appreciate it. Yes, I agree I will talk to the physician about it. Just wondering if anybody here has any experience. Just want to make sure that I dont get RFE.

[billikoot]

Your experience is very helpful. Thank you.

My spouse has remained in india through our GC process due to job constraints. In anticipation of the Feb VB we are going to be here and have planned tickets, although I may just be holding my neath and praying hard (PD may2009).

Like you both of us have no records of vaccination but know all that was given since birth. Is it ok to go to PCP and get all the shots when I know spouse is in USA for holidays and provide the cert to civil surgeon? Will gave a small window of time if (god willing) we become current and spouse rejoins work in india. Am asking bcoz my set of lawyers (fragomen) have not said a word so far and earlier I have known them to delay our Perm by 4 months.

Thanks for your forum reponses. Keeps us guided.

Here is a (not so) brief note on my experience

Background
1. Neither I nor my wife had any proof of vaccination
2. I checked with my Insurance and they said vaccination is covered 100%. But, titer tests (tests to check for antibodies from previous vaccination) are covered only 80% and that too only when we are over our deductible. We are well under our deductibles. So, we decided to not take the titer tests.

Examination
1. Made appointment with civil surgeon. The way it worked here is that we make 2 appointments that are 1 or 2 days apart. I made my 2 appointments with civil surgeon.
2. I then made an appointment with primary physician couple of hours after my first appointment with civil surgeon.
Appointment 1
1. Went to civil surgeon, filled out the forms they handed us. Told them we don't have any proof of vaccination
2. Met with the doctor, got physicals done (they check your genitals. So, be ready).
3. Got TB skin test and blood taken for Syphilis test.
4. Doctor advised us to get Tdap, MMR & Varicella vaccines. We could have got the vaccines at civil surgeon. But they don't work with insurance.
5. Went to primary physician and got Tdap, MMR & Varicella vaccines and got vaccination records. Didn't have to pay anything as insurance covers 100%.
Appointment 2
1. Went back to civil surgeon.
2. Doctor discussed the TB skin test results and Blood test results. He then described to us that all the vaccinations need booster shots and we need to take them after a month of first dosage. But he also said that it'll not prevent him from signing out I693 forms as there is a "waiver" option that he will chose on the forms. He filled out the I693 forms and signed them.
3. Waited a few minutes at the lobby to get the sealed envelopes and personal copies of I-693 forms.
4. Paid the $$ (the fees here is $210 per person. So, it was $420 in total)

After a couple of days, I filled out the required forms at work and got the $420 reimbursed. I didn't expect that my employer would pay for this. But I asked anyway and was surprised that they said they'll pay for it.

[gc0907]

Not understanding your question exactly but your wife can get vaccinations(or run titers) in India and get written records in English. If your spouse is not added to your insurance you will end up paying a lot. The vaccinations are record are valid for long time so no need to worry about expiration.


Your experience is very helpful. Thank you.

My spouse has remained in india through our GC process due to job constraints. In anticipation of the Feb VB we are going to be here and have planned tickets, although I may just be holding my neath and praying hard (PD may2009).

Like you both of us have no records of vaccination but know all that was given since birth. Is it ok to go to PCP and get all the shots when I know spouse is in USA for holidays and provide the cert to civil surgeon? Will gave a small window of time if (god willing) we become current and spouse rejoins work in india. Am asking bcoz my set of lawyers (fragomen) have not said a word so far and earlier I have known them to delay our Perm by 4 months.

Thanks for your forum reponses. Keeps us guided.

[billikoot]

Thank you gc0907, your response is greatly appreciated.

There were many typos in my initial note -thanks ipad.

The spouse can only travel these two weeks and has to head back to work in India. I was hoping to connect with a civil surgeon during this time (even before I know I will be current) and get our medicals completed. But you are saying that I can get medicals completed in India and it is accepted by the US civil surgeon?



Not understanding your question exactly but your wife can get vaccinations(or run titers) in India and get written records in English. If your spouse is not added to your insurance you will end up paying a lot. The vaccinations are record are valid for long time so no need to worry about expiration.

[gc0907]

Yes, the vaccination records are acceptable by CS here. I have record of HepB(dose 1) taken few years ago in India and was accepted here.
I am just wondering, don't your wife need to be here in US when filing 485 and need to get AP to travel?
Please check on that first and then worry about medicals.


Thank you gc0907, your response is greatly appreciated.

There were many typos in my initial note -thanks ipad.

The spouse can only travel these two weeks and has to head back to work in India. I was hoping to connect with a civil surgeon during this time (even before I know I will be current) and get our medicals completed. But you are saying that I can get medicals completed in India and it is accepted by the US civil surgeon?

[billikoot]

Thanks gc.

Yes - all your responses goes towards planning in a way that spouse is here for 485 app which we are not certain will happen Feb 2012; but at least we can take care of the medicals - all in preparation. When we do become current Feb / March, we apply for leave in India (loss of pay) and wait for remainder of process in NY. Like another gentleman in this forum, its a question of better prospects (promotions / money) in India compared to my position here; but we dont want to abandon the gc while we are getting this close, at the same time cannot give up our individual positions because gc will / will not happen - you know what I mean. Both of us going ahead with life as usual. Once GC in process, we cross the bridge.



Yes, the vaccination records are acceptable by CS here. I have record of HepB(dose 1) taken few years ago in India and was accepted here.
I am just wondering, don't your wife need to be here in US when filing 485 and need to get AP to travel?
Please check on that first and then worry about medicals.

[gc0907]

Interesting-- look at the fees for Medicals in India if you opted for Consular Processing:
Mumbai Embassey (http://travel.state.gov/pdf/medical/BMB-MED-ENGL-0001-1001.pdf)
New Delhi (http://travel.state.gov/pdf/medical/NWD-MED-ENGL-0001-1109.pdf)

In US...CS+Physician+lab...the combined cost without insurance including all vaccines will go way beyond $1000.

[self.coach]

Hey guys, quick question. My wife is pregnant and might not be able to get all medical vaccinations. What are my options. Please advise.

Congrats to all.

[BBear123]

BBear

Have you ever been to labcorp? Unlike India, they will suck blood in numerous test tubes if the doctor wanted to know few things. enjoy

Never have. The first time I got a physical at a local hospital called Lahey, they took a look at my history of assorted infectious diseases and yanked about 3 ampules of blood. Lets hope this one goes smoother!

Congratulations to you too by the way.

[bieber]

Hey guys, quick question. My wife is pregnant and might not be able to get all medical vaccinations. What are my options. Please advise.

Congrats to all.

Doctor will write that down in the form, you will be fine

[veni001]

Hey guys, quick question. My wife is pregnant and might not be able to get all medical vaccinations. What are my options. Please advise.

Congrats to all.

self.coach,
Don't worry. Physician will indicate that on i-693

[Pundit Arjun]

Friends,

My Dependants and I are eligible to file I-485 on Feb 01, 2012 (Courtesy : February Bulletin).

I have the following questions :

a) Do I have to wait to hear from the attorney or Can I go ahead and get an appointment and the Medicals in advance ?

b) Also, Can I have the medicals done anytime from Monday (01/09/2012) ??

Best,
Arjun

[gc0907]

Yes to both your questions.
Attorney or the date has nothing to do with Medicals except that the Medicals are valid for a year.


Friends,

My Dependants and I are eligible to file I-485 on Feb 01, 2012 (Courtesy : February Bulletin).

I have the following questions :

a) Do I have to wait to hear from the attorney or Can I go ahead and get an appointment and the Medicals in advance ?

b) Also, Can I have the medicals done anytime from Monday (01/09/2012) ??

Best,
Arjun

[ThatIsAll]

2. What happens if I am diagnosed with TB? Does it stop me from applying for I-485? Does the civil surgeon not sign the I-693?

3. My priority date is in late 2009, EB2I so the earliest that I can apply is Feb1, 2012? Will USCIS accept my application if I manage to submit before Feb2012?


I'll answer what little info I've
2) Many Indians get positive on TB skin test (because of BCG vaccine that we get?) so the Dr suggests to get X-ray test and that hopefully that comes out negative. So the Dr will sign I-693. I haven't heard anyone coming out +ve on Xray test( I'll know my X-ray test soon)

3) The first date that USCIS will accept application for those who have become current in Feb bulletin is Feb 1, 2012 and not before that

[vizcard]

I'll answer what little info I've
2) Many Indians get positive on TB skin test (because of BCG vaccine that we get?) so the Dr suggests to get X-ray test and that hopefully that comes out negative. So the Dr will sign I-693. I haven't heard anyone coming out +ve on Xray test( I'll know my X-ray test soon)

3) The first date that USCIS will accept application for those who have become current in Feb bulletin is Feb 1, 2012 and not before that

I can add some commentary to #2.
The skin test came positive for me because of the BCG vaccine and the X-ray was negative so I got a "latent TB" check on my medicals. Not an issue at all. The most irritating thing is that it's itchy sometimes. :)

Even if you get a positive on the X-ray it's not a deal breaker. Just take the prescribed medication (which you should anyway).

[vizcard]

Sorry folks not in the right spot but if someone could answer (my sincere apology if it was already asked)

1-I did my medicals , for my wife since we are expecting our second one she did not get the shots nor the T.B test , the doctor therefor had the waiver checked with a remarks on why she cannot take the test for now - any issues here ?
2- In (my case I got MMR, (T.B was negative), Tetanus -The doctor had marked it as Insufficient Time Interval with a wavier , reason is that I need to take shots in 6 weeks and 6 months - any issues here ?
3 - My birth certificate has both registration date and an issue date, the registration date is few days after my birth (same as birth year) but the Issue date is as of last years we had got a copy , have not submitted any affidavids - any issues here ?
4 - My Employer (has lots of success stories) told me recently that 485 is not employer dependent and that while filing (we dont have any attorneys as such - my employer himself was an attorney in the past) the 485 he submitted my recent paystubs (no company letter or W2's) any issues here ?

1, 2, 3 are fine.
4. The USCIS website states that you need an employer letter on their letterhead. see section 11B on page 4 in the link.
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-485instr.pdf

[EB2-03252009]

Hi,

Can you direct me the thread if any where we have medical information? I am planning to get my medicals done in Philly area, anyone who has done medicals in and around Philly let me know the cost and experience, would be really helpful! Thanks!

[vizcard]

Hi,

Can you direct me the thread if any where we have medical information? I am planning to get my medicals done in Philly area, anyone who has done medicals in and around Philly let me know the cost and experience, would be really helpful! Thanks!

Just call and ask. They usually vary based on what is included eg, vaccines, checks, etc

I live in NYC and paid 800 total including vaccines. So on the higher end of the spectrum. Of course I'm going to try to get some of it reimbursed through insurance.

[tendlya]

Sorry for posting this into this thread. Please feel free to move into appropriate thread.
My wife had chickenpox when she was little but no proof to show it. Is it good idea to go for Varicella vaccination or titer test? Is it safe to get Varicella vaccination now?

[usernameisnotvalid]

Hi

I am in MA and I paid $180 for each person of my family. As usual immunizations record were not available ( and I told him that I know I got all the shots when I was a kid it is just we Indians didn't believe in record keeping then!). One TB Test and blood test for syphillis and one MMR shot only. I told him I got DTap during my physicals last year and he told me I have to show the proof which I will do when I go there for TB check. - everything $180.

My daughter (7) : same except syphillis test and also she had all the immunizations record (Now we have evolved and do record keeping!). she also got varicella (chickedpox) - 2nd dose.

He filled the form; asked some questions and that's it!

Thanks


Hi,

Can you direct me the thread if any where we have medical information? I am planning to get my medicals done in Philly area, anyone who has done medicals in and around Philly let me know the cost and experience, would be really helpful! Thanks!

[veni001]

Sorry for posting this into this thread. Please feel free to move into appropriate thread.
My wife had chickenpox when she was little but no proof to show it. Is it good idea to go for Varicella vaccination or titer test? Is it safe to get Varicella vaccination now?

Tendlya,
No need, just tell the doctor approximate age when she had chickenpox.

[Pundit Arjun]

Thanks for the reply, gc0907.

Any guidelines on the applicant's signature for minors in part-1 section ? I have a 7 year old and hence am interested in knowing the guidelines for the signature. The 693 instructions doesnt have info on this.

[la_2002_ch]

After filing 485 do one need to wait for an RFE to submit additional information or can we file an amendment and submit documents any insight ?.

My company attorney says its better to wait for RFE. I had a similar dilemma where one of my wife's blood test (which is a prelim test for a communicable disease) came positive (It has been positive before as well and all confirmatory tests comes as negative in the past) when the Civil Surgeon did our blood work. He didnt listen to us about the past confirmatory tests being as negative (a small anount of population does test +ve for the initial blood test due to some hormones). Anyways, he indicated the presence of the communicable disease on her report and also reported the "case" to the local public health department.

Now the local Public health department also did the confirmatory tests again and they came negative (as expected). So the attorney says we should wait for the RFE rather than filing an ammended new medical report to wait and see what exactly does USCIS need.

[codesmith]

Thanks Kanmani , Vizcard.

Reading some thereads on trackitt - people are planning to take immunizations at Walgreens. Is that OK? (Should be fine I guess but just checking). And it seems if we take those at civil surgons office insurence wont cover those? Is that true?

Note: Moderators please move this post to appropriate thread. My Apologies.

Sun,
It depends from physician to physician. I was told by USCIS civil surgons office that they wont deal with any insurance and accept only cash. So, I went to CVS minute clinic. Check with the civil surgeon and then you can go to CVS or your regular physician for shots that would be covered by Insurance.

[EB2-03252009]

Hi,

I live Philly area, can you please provide me the local county hospital information and also what all vaccinations that you took from them?
Can you also provide me with the doctors contact info. Will be really helpful.

Thanks!


Here is my experience with Medicals Philadelphia area

We had got all our vaccinations from local county hospital in anticipation of getting current cost us $0, Yes it took us few days to get appointment and had to go twice so far and of course we couldn't feel our arms for couple days .

Called few providers once we became current, Made an appointment with the least expensive one as insurance doesn't cover. Appointment was a week after we became current.

Appointment day : Went to doctor's office and were asked to be seated, Nurse took our information and mentioned they accept only cash no check or CC :( . Had to go to ATM to get some cash. I was hoping to use my hsa card.

Nurse took us inside and took our blood for blood work and gave PPD injection. She was very professional as neither me or my wife felt a pinch when she poked the long needle :).

Doctor came and checked few basic stuff ear, Nose, throat, poked stomach, checked breathing etc and said everything looked fine.

Asked us to come back Day 3 for them to check PPD reaction and get paperwork

Cost us $40 for paperwork + $20 for blood work + $10 for PPD Total $70 Per person.

Day 3 . Went back for PPD test results they were negative and waited few mins once they prepared the report.

Total cost $70 each for me and my spouse for $140.

[Pundit Arjun]

I693 Form questions :

a) I cannot understand the guidelines for the phone#. It says : "Phone# (Include Area Code) no dashes or ()". But when i type the number as "1234567890", it immediately changes to : "(123) 456-7890". Is this fine or do you folks want me to leave it blank and fill it after printing it out ??

b) Also the guideline provided is to "Type or Print in CAPITAL LETTERS", but for the State, it is a drop down with values such as "Idaho" and not "IDAHO". Is this fine or do you folks want me to leave it blank and fill it after printing it out ??

c) What are the guidelines for the parent to sign for a minor child ??

[RMS_V13]

You may also want to check with insurance. Vaccinations may be covered. We have BCBS and our insurance covers vaccinations. Just have to get receipts from Civil surgeon and send to BCBS



Hi,

I live Philly area, can you please provide me the local county hospital information and also what all vaccinations that you took from them?
Can you also provide me with the doctors contact info. Will be really helpful.

Thanks!

[RMS_V13]

Pundit Arjun, Why are you filling in I693? The civil surgeon will fill this and give it in a sealed envelope.

a) If I were you I would just type the numbers alone since the form by itself changes the format
b) I would go with what the eform gives by default and not fill anything out
c) no clue

At the end, when you fill out the form you have to have the peace of mind and not just do something coz someone else felt its right

[Pundit Arjun]

Thanks RMS_V13, I am going with blank forms :).

Hell with the auto-correction BS :(


Pundit Arjun, Why are you filling in I693? The civil surgeon will fill this and give it in a sealed envelope.

a) If I were you I would just type the numbers alone since the form by itself changes the format
b) I would go with what the eform gives by default and not fill anything out
c) no clue

At the end, when you fill out the form you have to have the peace of mind and not just do something coz someone else felt its right

[gc0907]

Filling the personal information is easy and straight-forward. The only thing I see that's confuses most of the people in the form is A#, rest all is pretty simple.
I wouldn't suggest to take the form empty. It also says at the top:

Part 1: Information about you.(To be completed by the person requesting medical examintion and not the civil surgeon)

So you will have to fill it in the office if you take it empty.

1- Formatting a Phone it tells you not to enter dashes/ () because if you are typing instead of writing by hand or type their automatic pdf formatting/ validation fails.
2 - as mentioned by RMS use the suggestion provided by pdf dropdown
3 - Me too no idea.

Most important is: Do not sign the form. You must sign it in front of the CS.


I693 Form questions :

a) I cannot understand the guidelines for the phone#. It says : "Phone# (Include Area Code) no dashes or ()". But when i type the number as "1234567890", it immediately changes to : "(123) 456-7890". Is this fine or do you folks want me to leave it blank and fill it after printing it out ??

b) Also the guideline provided is to "Type or Print in CAPITAL LETTERS", but for the State, it is a drop down with values such as "Idaho" and not "IDAHO". Is this fine or do you folks want me to leave it blank and fill it after printing it out ??

c) What are the guidelines for the parent to sign for a minor child ??


Thanks RMS_V13, I am going with blank forms :).

Hell with the auto-correction BS :(


Pundit Arjun, Why are you filling in I693? The civil surgeon will fill this and give it in a sealed envelope.

a) If I were you I would just type the numbers alone since the form by itself changes the format
b) I would go with what the eform gives by default and not fill anything out
c) no clue

At the end, when you fill out the form you have to have the peace of mind and not just do something coz someone else felt its right

[TeddyKoochu]

I693 Form questions :

a) I cannot understand the guidelines for the phone#. It says : "Phone# (Include Area Code) no dashes or ()". But when i type the number as "1234567890", it immediately changes to : "(123) 456-7890". Is this fine or do you folks want me to leave it blank and fill it after printing it out ??

b) Also the guideline provided is to "Type or Print in CAPITAL LETTERS", but for the State, it is a drop down with values such as "Idaho" and not "IDAHO". Is this fine or do you folks want me to leave it blank and fill it after printing it out ??

c) What are the guidelines for the parent to sign for a minor child ??

In my case the civil surgeon printed the forms and asked us to sign and fill in our details. For point a) I believe that it is the best way to actually fill up the phone number many other sites auto convert the phone number that way b) As far as I can remember I put the state as abbreviations. c) Not sure about the guidelines but parents signing on behalf of the child should be fine. One important thing to note that there is a new version that became applicable from Jan do make sure that the civil surgeon uses the latest version.

[qesehmk]

Pundit

Pretty simple things ....

#1 - That's how auto forms work out. So just fill and print.
#2 - Again Type or Capital. Since you are typing in form directly ... that's good eonugh.
#3 - Just sign for your child and Put your name in Capital below. As Signed by Pundit Arjun (Father)

p.s. - Not legal advice :) If concerned talk to lawyer!


I693 Form questions :

a) I cannot understand the guidelines for the phone#. It says : "Phone# (Include Area Code) no dashes or ()". But when i type the number as "1234567890", it immediately changes to : "(123) 456-7890". Is this fine or do you folks want me to leave it blank and fill it after printing it out ??

b) Also the guideline provided is to "Type or Print in CAPITAL LETTERS", but for the State, it is a drop down with values such as "Idaho" and not "IDAHO". Is this fine or do you folks want me to leave it blank and fill it after printing it out ??

c) What are the guidelines for the parent to sign for a minor child ??

[Pundit Arjun]

Thanks a ton for the patient & detailed replies : gc0907, Teddy & Q.

[leo07]

enter your zip code in the below link and you'll find a medical practioner:
https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=offices.type&OfficeLocator.office_type=CIV


Hi,

I live Philly area, can you please provide me the local county hospital information and also what all vaccinations that you took from them?
Can you also provide me with the doctors contact info. Will be really helpful.

Thanks!

[smuggymba]

I'm not current but hoping to be in the next bulletin (PD 31st March 2010).

I have all the shots (varicella etc) from India, no record of course -do I need to get them again here or have test done to verify. Can we do this now so I don't have to scurry if I get current by any chance. Will the civil surgeon accept local docs records/results or does he do his own tests?

[asankaran]

There is a separate thread for that. Please read that could answer most of your questions.

http://www.qesehmk.org/forums/showthread.php?222-I-693-Medical-Exam-and-Vaccinations-when-applying-for-Green-Card-(I-485)


I'm not current but hoping to be in the next bulletin (PD 31st March 2010).

I have all the shots (varicella etc) from India, no record of course -do I need to get them again here or have test done to verify. Can we do this now so I don't have to scurry if I get current by any chance. Will the civil surgeon accept local docs records/results or does he do his own tests?

[usernameisnotvalid]

for varicella, he/she will ask if you had chickenpox before? If you say yes, no varicella.

yes, they accept local docs records/results.

normally you need: blood test (for syphillis), PPD test (for TB) and at the most two shots: MMR and DTap. I showed proof of DTap from my last year physicals and he accepted it.


I'm not current but hoping to be in the next bulletin (PD 31st March 2010).

I have all the shots (varicella etc) from India, no record of course -do I need to get them again here or have test done to verify. Can we do this now so I don't have to scurry if I get current by any chance. Will the civil surgeon accept local docs records/results or does he do his own tests?

[GCKnowHow]

I'm not current but hoping to be in the next bulletin (PD 31st March 2010).

I have all the shots (varicella etc) from India, no record of course -do I need to get them again here or have test done to verify. Can we do this now so I don't have to scurry if I get current by any chance. Will the civil surgeon accept local docs records/results or does he do his own tests?
Varicella, MMR and TD are three vaccines that needs to be administered, unless you have proof of it. I have a scar from varicella vaccine (old way), but that was not accepted as a proof. I got these three vaccines from my primary physician and got a proof of vaccine. Use that for uscis medical test from civil surgeon. It reduced my cost of civil surgeon fee to $200. rest of the vaccines covered by my insurance.

[self.coach]

Thanks Veni. However, my lawyer mentioned this:

"We will go ahead and submit the application without her medical examinations. We will submit her medical examinations when she's able to take one after her pregnancy"

My questions:
1) Should I tell my lawyer that its better to get i693 anyways?
2) If we submit medical examinations later on like the lawyer suggested, will it delay be EAD and/or GreenCard?
3) The physician I called mentioned they will do PPD test even though she is pregnant. Another physician mentioned "she has to go through all vaccinations for us to fill the form".
4) Do I need to get any proof that my wife is pregnant from the gynecologist?



self.coach,
Don't worry. Physician will indicate that on i-693

[veni001]

Thanks Veni. However, my lawyer mentioned this:

"We will go ahead and submit the application without her medical examinations. We will submit her medical examinations when she's able to take one after her pregnancy"

My questions:
1) Should I tell my lawyer that its better to get i693 anyways?
2) If we submit medical examinations later on like the lawyer suggested, will it delay be EAD and/or GreenCard?
3) The physician I called mentioned they will do PPD test even though she is pregnant. Another physician mentioned "she has to go through all vaccinations for us to fill the form".
4) Do I need to get any proof that my wife is pregnant from the gynecologist?

self.coach,
Yes, Physician should complete i-693 and mention the reason why certain test/vaccinations can not be given to her at this time.

I would not recommend submitting 485 with out i-693.

[BBear123]

I693 Form questions :

a) I cannot understand the guidelines for the phone#. It says : "Phone# (Include Area Code) no dashes or ()". But when i type the number as "1234567890", it immediately changes to : "(123) 456-7890". Is this fine or do you folks want me to leave it blank and fill it after printing it out ??

b) Also the guideline provided is to "Type or Print in CAPITAL LETTERS", but for the State, it is a drop down with values such as "Idaho" and not "IDAHO". Is this fine or do you folks want me to leave it blank and fill it after printing it out ??

c) What are the guidelines for the parent to sign for a minor child ??


Pundit


Pretty simple things ....

#1 - That's how auto forms work out. So just fill and print.
#2 - Again Type or Capital. Since you are typing in form directly ... that's good eonugh.
#3 - Just sign for your child and Put your name in Capital below. As Signed by Pundit Arjun (Father)

p.s. - Not legal advice :) If concerned talk to lawyer!

As for the phone number you can fool the auto format routine by adding an extra space at the end of number.. Type out your phone number 123456789(space key) and then go to the next field. Acrobat might complain about the phone # check failing but you can ignore it.

As Q pointed out you can either leave the state in all lower case (which seems to be ok) or leave the filed empty and print by hand.

[suninphx]

My friend went to Walgreens to complete his shots. They told him that they give him TDap and Flu shot but MMR can be given only after 4 weeks as they got TB test today.(????). When I read online there are many people who took TB Test and MMR on same day? So much inconsistency.

BTW- I dont get one thing....when on H1 we dont need any vaccination(thankfully) and then once we apply for AOS all viruses in our body seems to get notification so that they can start spreading outside. :D

[gc0907]

Yeah , someone posted similar thing sometime ago I think about Varicella + some other vaccine and I believe it was at Walgreens too.
Your friend can run lab test for MMR if he think he had that vaccine before but didn't have any records. Beware lab might cost him money if not covered by his insurance.

Adding to your funny note...same thing goes for FP.


My friend went to Walgreens to complete his shots. They told him that they give him TDap and Flu shot but MMR can be given only after 4 weeks as they got TB test today.(????). When I read online there are many people who took TB Test and MMR on same day? So much inconsistency.

BTW- I dont get one thing(which is kinda of funny)....when on H1 we dont need any vaccination(thankfully) and then once we apply for AOS all bacterias in our body seems to get notification so that they can start spreading outside. :D

[suninphx]

Yeah , someone posted similar thing sometime ago I think about Varicella + some other vaccine and I believe it was at Walgreens too.
Your friend can run lab test for MMR if he think he had that vaccine before but didn't have any records. Beware lab might cost him money if not covered by his insurance.

Adding to your funny note...same thing goes for FP.

I told him why not take MMR from civil surgon and then claim that to insurance.

[gkjppp]

Ok this is my experience. My civil surgeon is also a PCP, and accepted my Cigna PPO insurance also. 150 per person for medical exam, and all vaccines etc he will bill to insurance, he said.

First day, he gave me TB skin test first, then TDap. He sent me to lab to get blood drawn to test for immunity to MMR, Varicella, etc, all the vaccines which you need basically. The lab accepts my insurnance too. He in fact even added in blood tests for diabetes, cholesterol, anemia etc, as he said that he will help me as annual physical exam also, since I dont have a primary care doctor for myself anyways.

Two days later I went there, and for both me and wife, he gave copy of the lab test results, and indicated we already have all vaccines needed as well as we have no other problems. He just gave flu shots since it is flu season. Our TB test was negative, for both of us, you could hardly even see where TB test was made, forget any rash or swelling etc, totally negative.

He filled out the forms and gave in sealed envelope. Over.

Do we need to provide what shots we had back in india during our Medical? Definetely i dont have such records/ it's impossible to get one as well.

[ThatIsAll]

Do we need to provide what shots we had back in india during our Medical? Definetely i dont have such records/ it's impossible to get one as well.

I didn't have any records of vaccination either but I knew I had most of the vaccines needed. I told my Dr(Civil surgeon) the same and asked him if he can verify that from my blood report? He said, surely that can be done. He asked me to go to a lab and gave me a work order asking the lab to report whether I was vaccinated for MMR, Varicella etc that is needed for I-693. The report confirmed that I was vaccinated for it and hence I didn't have to be vaccinated again. The two shots I had to take was flu shot (according to him one has to take 1 per year) and Tetanus shot ( 1 per 10 yr). In last 10 years here, I had not taken tetanus shot so I took one.

So don't worry if you don't have any records of vaccination ask the civil surgeon to verify from your blood report. HTH

[gkjppp]

I didn't have any records of vaccination either but I knew I had most of the vaccines needed. I told my Dr(Civil surgeon) the same and asked him if he can verify that from my blood report? He said, surely that can be done. He asked me to go to a lab and gave me a work order asking the lab to report whether I was vaccinated for MMR, Varicella etc that is needed for I-693. The report confirmed that I was vaccinated for it and hence I didn't have to be vaccinated again. The two shots I had to take was flu shot (according to him one has to take 1 per year) and Tetanus shot ( 1 per 10 yr). In last 10 years here, I had not taken tetanus shot so I took one.

So don't worry if you don't have any records of vaccination ask the civil surgeon to verify from your blood report. HTH

Thanks for quick reply.

[imdeng]

This is my summary of medical test experience. Go with one of the Urgent Care providers (Concentra in WI). They do many such cases, have fixed rates and appointments are available at short notice. During appointment, if you don't want the Vericella vaccine - then just say that you had ChickenPox - they accept a verbal confirmation in that case. You can take the shots with them or at your PCP - your PCP may be able to bill to your insurance depending upon your plan.

My cost: $191 for Civil Surgeon appointment, they asked me to get MMR, TDAP, Vericella and Flu vaccines. I will be going to my PCP for those.

[zenmaster]

Here is my medical test experience :

Went to doc's office with vaccination records (I had MMR/DT/HepB records). I had chicken pox when i was a kid, and said the same to doc. He accepted that. Had to take Seasonal Flu Shot. and TB PPD test. Test came negative on day3 and was given signed and sealed envelope. Total Cost $275 all inclusive for me. Doc did not accept insurance for Immigration Medical Exams ! :(

For wife, she had a positive TB test. So we went for Xray today. Will get the xray report on monday. and then i think we just go there to pick up the forms after signing it.

[balac_2009]

Gurus...Have a question. I moved to CA an year back but because of uncertainty I dint take CA license yet but while filling form 693 form doctor used my out of state license as id and updated the form. Is this anything that needs to be worried?
Thanks.

[Pundit Arjun]

Nothing to worry. They just need a proof of identity. Even a foreign passport would be fine. The out of state license is not an issue :)

Gurus...Have a question. I moved to CA an year back but because of uncertainty I dint take CA license yet but while filling form 693 form doctor used my out of state license as id and updated the form. Is this anything that needs to be worried?
Thanks.

[balac_2009]

Nothing to worry. They just need a proof of identity. Even a foreign passport would be fine. The out of state license is not an issue :)


Thanks Arjun..

[satishdan]

Hi,
Thanks for all the information posts. My PD is current & went for I693. Recently 1 week back, during normal routine check-up; i took a varicella shot for safeside. Today, immigartion doctor listed "VH history" for Varicella and listed shot date as Jan12, 2012 on I693 form(When i took the shot). So is this OK, to list "VH History" & shot date. Because, i am assuming i need to list 2 shot dates if at all or is it OK to list VH history & only 1 shot date (i havent taken the 2nd one).

or Shall i need to ask the immigration doctor to remove the shot date & only keep the "VH history".

Any help would be great.

[gc0907]

Not sure what that VH is. I didn't even notice before. Did you tell the doctor you had chickenpox before? If you said yes, may be that's the reason for VH.
In any case I wouldn't worry about that as long as doctor has marked "Vaccine history complete for each vaccine, all requirements met"
Hi,
Thanks for all the information posts. My PD is current & went for I693. Recently 1 week back, during normal routine check-up; i took a varicella shot for safeside. Today, immigartion doctor listed "VH history" for Varicella and listed shot date as Jan12, 2012 on I693 form(When i took the shot). So is this OK, to list "VH History" & shot date. Because, i am assuming i need to list 2 shot dates if at all or is it OK to list VH history & only 1 shot date (i havent taken the 2nd one).

or Shall i need to ask the immigration doctor to remove the shot date & only keep the "VH history".

Any help would be great.

[satishdan]

Hi,
Thanks for the reply. I mean VH=Varicella History. As long as doctor lists "VH", it doesnt matter with shots correct.

[gc0907]

I will check what my CS entered but I wouldn't worry since you already had the shot record.
I didn't even take shot but I had lab test that I am immune.


Hi,
Thanks for the reply. I mean VH=Varicella History. As long as doctor lists "VH", it doesnt matter with shots correct.

[Pedro Gonzales]

For teh PHX area, I recommend Dr. Uma Sopori in Tempe as a civil surgeon who understands this process and makes it quick and easy.

[gc0907]

Here's someone who got Vaccination related RFE - source trackitt:


I received RFE regarding vaccinations saying that I need to receive 2 doses of Varicella where as the doctor gave me only one dose and RFE is referring to change in immunization requirements per 02/04/2011 advisory from CDC.

http://www.trackitt.com/uk-discussion-forums/i485-eb/894858111/i-485-rfe-regarding-vaccinations-important-info

[cricfan]

Hi,

Does anyone know a good civil surgeon in Omaha,NE area who charges reasonably. (It will be good if he or she covers vaccinations too)

[Pundit Arjun]

Hi Cricfan,

You can go to any USCIS approved civil surgeon. In my case (for my own satisfaction), I went to the civil surgeon who handles lot of I-693 traffic - Concentra Medical Center (http://maps.concentra.com/corporate/).They have locations in Omaha, NE too. You have to call them up, get the name of the civil surgeon for immigration medicals and then crosscheck the name with the USCIS site.
They charge $191.50 per adult and $151.50 per child.
But if you take vaccines with them, they rip you off. Hence Go to a approved civil surgeon, get the list of vaccines and call your PCP and tell them you want them ASAP.


Hi,

Does anyone know a good civil surgeon in Omaha,NE area who charges reasonably. (It will be good if he or she covers vaccinations too)

[cricfan]

Thanks Pundit !!

[imdeng]

Just want to put in a good word here for Concentra. I got my I-693 done from them and it was an all around great experience. My How-To guide:

1. Concentra has fixed prices and they are up front about it. They will not bill your insurance but the rates are cheap enough for you to not worry too much. ($191 for Civil Surgeon appointment and TB Test and Blood Test, $65 for X-Ray if your TB test comes up positive - Don't get anything else done there. Tell them you have had Chicken Pox when you were a kid, they only require your oral confirmation)
2. Go to your regular doctor for getting required vaccinations, if needed. If you mentioned that you have already had Chicken Pox then you don't need Vericella. You will need MMR and TDAP - both of these should be covered by your insurance.
3. In case your doctor or your insurance has issues, call your local Country Health Clinic and take an appointment to get MMR and TDAP - they are free (or nominal charge) there. You just might need to wait a bit.

The good thing about Concentra is that they do a LOT of these cases so all the nurses and doctors are very familiar with the process. Best of luck everyone.

Update: The civil surgeon will ask you to get a Flu shot as well. However, it is optional and you don't have to take it if you don't want to - so if you don't want to then just tell them and they will not insist on it.

[gc0907]

U.S. HealthWorks (http://www.ushealthworks.com/Home.html) where I got done charged $120/person.
But similar to imdeng....their vaccination cost is high as they don't accept insurance and basically they are into Urgent Care and other kind of stuff like blood tests, etc.
And I think they have Walk-in Welcome and also easy appointments.

[kuku82]

So if I have the necessary vaccinations (either through titer test results or actual vaccination records), then is it that the CS checks for TB and Syphilis? (in addition to routine physical checkup)


U.S. HealthWorks (http://www.ushealthworks.com/Home.html) where I got done charged $120/person.
But similar to imdeng....their vaccination cost is high as they don't accept insurance and basically they are into Urgent Care and other kind of stuff like blood tests, etc.
And I think they have Walk-in Welcome and also easy appointments.

[gc0907]

Check the page 5 of the I693 form. CS will enter approriate details in that for the vaccinations records you have.
In any case CS will do a TB test.

So if I have the necessary vaccinations (either through titer test results or actual vaccination records), then is it that the CS checks for TB and Syphilis? (in addition to routine physical checkup)

[garihc27]

Gurus,

My wife's TB skin test came back positive and chest xray came back negative. Based on what I have read at USCIS website,the civil surgeon can sign the I-693 form based on negative chest xray. However the civil surgeon is asking us to go to a local health department and get an evaluation done and possibility take medication to treat latent TB (class B). Reading through the forums going to health department could trigger an RFE. Has anyone experienced this before? I am in Atlanta and thinking of switching the civil surgeon.

Thanks,

[qesehmk]

garihc27

I can share our experience -- see if that helps. My wife's test came positive too. Some of our doctor friends said it is not unsual for Indians to get false positive test. So we were asked to get chest xray done. That turned out clear. So the civil surgeon used that and gave that to us in a sealed document that we submitted. No issues after that.

Perhaps the doctors on this forum can help you better. But hopefully this will at least give you some pointers. Good luck.

Gurus,

My wife's TB skin test came back positive and chest xray came back negative. Based on what I have read at USCIS website,the civil surgeon can sign the I-693 form based on negative chest xray. However the civil surgeon is asking us to go to a local health department and get an evaluation done and possibility take medication to treat latent TB (class B). Reading through the forums going to health department could trigger an RFE. Has anyone experienced this before? I am in Atlanta and thinking of switching the civil surgeon.

Thanks,

[seattlet]

Changing doctor would be a better choice. Find an Indian doctor who is familiar with the TB false positives for sub continent folks might help

I recently did my medicals and dreaded the ton of vaccinations / tests which need to be taken. However I finally had to take only 1 vaccination (DPT)
and my TB test came negative (even though I do not have vaccination records).

My Doc took blood samples and tested them for available anti bodies to the various diseases in order to prove that I already have immunity to many of the mentioned diseases requiring vaccinations in I 693. I was able to prevent chicken pox, MMR and one more vaccine due to that (It is also cheaper to test than to take the vaccines) The rest of vaccines were not appropriate to my age group (30 - 35) . (My civil surgeon does a ton of cases a day for Microsoft, so I do not doubt his judgement) Infact when I was with him, one of the
attorneys called and asked why he did not give Hep B vaccine to his client. Looks like CDC only mandates many of those vaccines for specific age groups.

[civilengineer]

Is Varicella vaccince required now (2014)? My wife had her vaccines done and we are not sure if the doctor said Varicella not needed on her sealed form.

[june2008-eb2]

Gurus,

Thanks for insights here, they have been very helpful. I am EB2-I whose priority date just became current in the July bulletin. I have not yet filed I-485, had missed the opportunity the last time due to job change.

I have a question regarding the medical tests and the timing of I-485 filing. My wife is currently pregnant and we are expecting in the first week of July. This creates a situation with regards to the medical. One of the vaccines required can only be administered after the pregnancy (she has all others already) . It can however be given immediately after. This gives us three options with respect to medicals and I wanted to get your opinion

• Get the letter from the doctor saying she is pregnant and vaccines cannot be administered and file on July 1st
• Administer the vaccine in first week of July and then file around July 10th
• File my I-485 on July 1st and file hers about 10 days later

I am essentially trying to figure out a course of action which will enable atleast one of us to get the green card this year. Would appreciate the guidance.

[vizcard]

Gurus,

Thanks for insights here, they have been very helpful. I am EB2-I whose priority date just became current in the July bulletin. I have not yet filed I-485, had missed the opportunity the last time due to job change.

I have a question regarding the medical tests and the timing of I-485 filing. My wife is currently pregnant and we are expecting in the first week of July. This creates a situation with regards to the medical. One of the vaccines required can only be administered after the pregnancy (she has all others already) . It can however be given immediately after. This gives us three options with respect to medicals and I wanted to get your opinion

• Get the letter from the doctor saying she is pregnant and vaccines cannot be administered and file on July 1st
• Administer the vaccine in first week of July and then file around July 10th
• File my I-485 on July 1st and file hers about 10 days later

I am essentially trying to figure out a course of action which will enable atleast one of us to get the green card this year. Would appreciate the guidance.

Congrats on the baby :) July will indeed be a good month for you. Is this your first child ?

Take a list of the vaccines and tests that need to be performed for the GC and talk to her OBGYN. Get his/her perspective on if and when they can be administered. Its not just the pregnancy. If your wife plans on breastfeeding, there might be some implications there too. My wife and I just had a baby so we know first hand that the restrictions don't end with childbirth :)

Based on what the OB says, do the testing with the civil surgeon. The surgeon may say its fine and sign off OR say it can't be done until she does every little thing (I think it matters with the TB test). Worst case scenario, submit the paperwork without her I-693. She'll get a RFE for it but it wouldn't be the end of the world. I believe it gets a little complicated when you file separately purely because they don't have the two files sitting next to each other.

Also, do all of this BEFORE she has the baby. Your wife will be exhausted and recovering after childbirth. If this is not your first, you know how it is.

[ksur23]

Congrats on the baby :) July will indeed be a good month for you. Is this your first child ?

Take a list of the vaccines and tests that need to be performed for the GC and talk to her OBGYN. Get his/her perspective on if and when they can be administered. Its not just the pregnancy. If your wife plans on breastfeeding, there might be some implications there too. My wife and I just had a baby so we know first hand that the restrictions don't end with childbirth :)

Based on what the OB says, do the testing with the civil surgeon. The surgeon may say its fine and sign off OR say it can't be done until she does every little thing (I think it matters with the TB test). Worst case scenario, submit the paperwork without her I-693. She'll get a RFE for it but it wouldn't be the end of the world. I believe it gets a little complicated when you file separately purely because they don't have the two files sitting next to each other.

Also, do all of this BEFORE she has the baby. Your wife will be exhausted and recovering after childbirth. If this is not your first, you know how it is.

viz,

my wife and i had a baby recently too (been an exciting 7 weeks!) and the rfe should reach us anytime (on 6th the status changed to RFE issued, pd jan 2009 btw). I was under the impression that post-natal vaccinations are fine, didn't occur we need to crosscheck with the obgyn. We will make sure to do so now. Was there any particular test or vaccination in the 693 that raised concerns for the obgyn?

On another note - since your response did the online status change for you?

Thanks in advance for your response.

[akumkar]

Hello friends,

I am new to this fourm.I have few questions based on how civil surgeon filled my I693 form last week( I got photocopy for my records). My apologies if these questions are addressed before somewhere. My PD is Sep2008 and in response to Medical RFE I got my I693 done from nearby civil surgeon .

A) My Tuberclosis Skin test was positive and I got the Chest Xray done. Surgeon marked X Ray finding as normal with No Class A/B disease.In Remarks section he added "No need for Medical for TB disease".
Question: He said as per current process they don't send Xray report/copy along with I-693 nowadays. Is this correct? I went to him twice but nurse insisted on this new process. Please share your experience

Vaccination Record section anomaly as compared to past I693

B) Vaccine DT/DTP/DTap -> Marked as Not Age Appropriate
C) Vaccine Td -----> He gave me vaccine and wrote the date in Vaccine Given column. He didn't mark X in any column.
D) Hapetitis B -> He marked as Insufficient Time interval. Is it correct?
E)Varcella _> He copied the date from previous medical. He didn't mark X in completed serier
f) Pneumococcal/Rotavirus/Hapetitis A/Meningococcal _> Marked as Not Age appropriate

G Results sections->
He checked the box for 'Applicant may be eligible for blanket waivers as indicated above'. He said this is new guideline on Results. He showed me few I693 that they completed with similar result. Is the result correct? In my previous I697 the doctor checked the Vaccine History complete for each vaccine check box.

Please help and suggest if I go to another civil surgeon or the above findings are correct? Just don't want to get into RFE cycles again.


THanks for your help.

[june2008-eb2]

Congrats on the baby :) July will indeed be a good month for you. Is this your first child ?

Take a list of the vaccines and tests that need to be performed for the GC and talk to her OBGYN. Get his/her perspective on if and when they can be administered. Its not just the pregnancy. If your wife plans on breastfeeding, there might be some implications there too. My wife and I just had a baby so we know first hand that the restrictions don't end with childbirth :)

Based on what the OB says, do the testing with the civil surgeon. The surgeon may say its fine and sign off OR say it can't be done until she does every little thing (I think it matters with the TB test). Worst case scenario, submit the paperwork without her I-693. She'll get a RFE for it but it wouldn't be the end of the world. I believe it gets a little complicated when you file separately purely because they don't have the two files sitting next to each other.

Also, do all of this BEFORE she has the baby. Your wife will be exhausted and recovering after childbirth. If this is not your first, you know how it is.


Thanks Viz, Congrats to you as well!

This is indeed our first, we are so looking forward to it.

With regards to the medicals, below is my understanding of what is required and what my wife already has

1) Test for TB (Skin test initially and X-Ray if the skin test is positive) - Do you think there would an issue with skin test in case of pregnancy
2) Syphilus - my wife had this done for pregnancy, hopefully results work
3) MMR vaccine - she has records of a prior titer indicating immunity. Hopefully that works
4) Varicella - she has results of titer
5) Tdap - this is the one she has to receive. Her OB/Gyn indicating that it would be administered to her immediately after the pregnancy.

Once she gets Tdap it would complete her medical requirements. In this situation does it make sense to file without I-693. My company lawyer is recommending that we do so ie(file without her I-693)

[helpful_leo]

Can anyone recommend a good USCIS civil surgeon they have experience with in the Dallas-Fort Worth or surrounding areas?

Looking for someone who does a lot of this and does the paperwork error-free!

Thanks!

[enigma]

Folks - I have my medical exam scheduled for this afternoon and was wondering about the influenza/flu vaccine. It looks like this vaccine is required only between March and October. Just wanted to confirm this and check with those who got their medicals done in the last few weeks. Did you guys get the flu vaccination requirement waived since we are outside the flu season window?

[imdeng]

Nice to see this old thread getting active. I was of the opinion that flu is optional outside the season - but then there were reports of RFE for flu - so I guess just get it done.


Folks - I have my medical exam scheduled for this afternoon and was wondering about the influenza/flu vaccine. It looks like this vaccine is required only between March and October. Just wanted to confirm this and check with those who got their medicals done in the last few weeks. Did you guys get the flu vaccination requirement waived since we are outside the flu season window?

[enigma]

Nice to see this old thread getting active. I was of the opinion that flu is optional outside the season - but then there were reports of RFE for flu - so I guess just get it done.

Thanks imdeng. I will check with the doc to see if I can get the flu vaccine.

[Kanmani]

Nice to see this old thread getting active. I was of the opinion that flu is optional outside the season - but then there were reports of RFE for flu - so I guess just get it done.
imdeng,

Flu vaccine is seasonal, to be precise every year the composition of the vaccine is determined inorder to compromise the transformation of the Virus. Particular season's vaccine is invalid after the said period.

[iatiam]

imdeng,

Flu vaccine is seasonal, to be precise every year the composition of the vaccine is determined inorder to compromise the transformation of the Virus. Particular season's vaccine is invalid after the said period.

Hi Kanmani,

Have you got an RFE yet? Ours PDs are similar and both cases are in TSC. Looking at trends only NSC folks have been getting RFEs past summer 2009 PD.

Iatiam

[imdeng]

I know and fully agree. I myself did not get the Flu vaccine for my last 693 since it was late spring. However, I do recall folks getting RFEs for Flu vaccine. So what's to do? The vaccine might be ineffective (or less effective) from a medical point of view - but won't they fulfill the legal obligation?


imdeng,

Flu vaccine is seasonal, to be precise every year the composition of the vaccine is determined inorder to compromise the transformation of the Virus. Particular season's vaccine is invalid after the said period.

[Kanmani]

I know and fully agree. I myself did not get the Flu vaccine for my last 693 since it was late spring. However, I do recall folks getting RFEs for Flu vaccine. So what's to do? The vaccine might be ineffective (or less effective) from a medical point of view - but won't they fulfill the legal obligation?

imdeng,

My previous post was the extract of what I learnt from a doctor at the time I and my husband both affected by FLU. It was during the initial years of US life, I advised my husband not to take the vaccine, I still remember saying this, "we have seen all sought of viral fevers in India, so we should have immunity to this influenza virus." I was totally wrong. Having fully affected, it draws you to an unconscious state, I had to admit my husband to bring his conscious. Flu vaccines are free in our state!

To answer your question, Medical practitioners cannot store the vaccines after the end of the season. Vaccines are supplied and retrieved back . If you go one day post the date, you will be sent back for non availability of the vaccine.

If enigma's adjudicator calls for it, he may send an RFE, IFF he is adjudicating the application in the Flu season.

Luckily (??????) enigma's state has any sudden outbreak of off season Flu, he can get it done.

[Kanmani]

Hi Kanmani,

Have you got an RFE yet? Ours PDs are similar and both cases are in TSC. Looking at trends only NSC folks have been getting RFEs past summer 2009 PD.

Iatiam

NO. I haven't got one. Let us wait and see.

[Pundit Arjun]

NO. I haven't got one. Let us wait and see.

Kanmani - Received RFE emails for myself and dependants. I dont have the details yet. Any ADVICE ??

[pdfeb09]

NO. I haven't got one. Let us wait and see.

I have updated it on the other (RFE) thread too .. I just got an email about the RFE .. I am in Feb 2009 (TSC) .. may be you will be up in a week or 2 !!

[billikoot]

Hi all,

I am not sure how useful this will be for non-NJ residents, but as expected my RFE was for expired I-693. I called over 35 civil surgeons in the central NJ area and found each one was 1) not going to use our employee insurance and 2) were charging anywhere between $250 per person to $600. Very sad state of affairs for us, but really a sun shiny day for our fantastic noble professionals.

For those interested, I found one doctor in Bridge Street Metuchen NJ that is in the list of civil surgeons and charges only $170 per person, the rest he charges the insurance companies. Please take this with a disclaimer that I am not promoting one doctor over another, just letting mid-income folks like me know that there are affordable, kind hearted doctors available for our present situation and that am sure if you call enough doctors' offices you will come across somebody else better priced.

[vizcard]

viz,

my wife and i had a baby recently too (been an exciting 7 weeks!) and the rfe should reach us anytime (on 6th the status changed to RFE issued, pd jan 2009 btw). I was under the impression that post-natal vaccinations are fine, didn't occur we need to crosscheck with the obgyn. We will make sure to do so now. Was there any particular test or vaccination in the 693 that raised concerns for the obgyn?

On another note - since your response did the online status change for you?

Thanks in advance for your response.

They could very well be fine. But I always err on the side of caution when it comes to health. Plus June is a first time filer. So they would have to take the whole long list. Better to check and ask questions rather than regret later.

[Kanmani]

I have updated it on the other (RFE) thread too .. I just got an email about the RFE .. I am in Feb 2009 (TSC) .. may be you will be up in a week or 2 !!

pdfeb09, I missed your post.

Your PD is in the realistic zone, mine (June '09)falls under optimistic zone. I still don't have any clue about our case. Online case status shows RFE response review which was submitted in 2012.

[hulimari]

Hi All,

Thanks again for your help. I called up my previous doctor's office (who did my medicals in 2011) and though they did not have the I-693 copy, they have all the vaccination records. They're faxing these to my current doc and hopefully we won't need to take the vaccinations again.
For those who do not have a copy of I-693, please make sure you check with your previous doc to see if they have vaccination records. Best of luck to all!






Quote Originally Posted by hulimaiew Post
Hi All
Just received RFE emails for both me and wife. PD is 02/09/09 TSC. I have scheduled the medicals for Monday 6/30 and have a couple of questions where I need your advice.

1: Wife is pregnant and due date is July 31. I remember last time she was asked to go for TB xray as the skin test came back positive. This time, we're in a diff state and the doctor's office is suggesting we do a blood test which is more accurate, is this ok?
2: What shots can she take? does it help if we get records of previous shots from Feb 2011?
3: Does it make sense to wait until mid August and do the medicals then? does this mean I have lesser chances of getting greened because the floodgates (till OCT 09) would have opened by then?

Thanks and much appreciate your help!

[amithereyet]

Hello,

here are my vaccination results and they are somewhat confusing to me,

DT, DTP, DTap-------check box selected and put my tetnus shot date, which is Tdap shot date?????
Td, Tdap--------------checked both boxes, even I though I have only Tdap record.?????
OpV, IPV--------------checked but not date.????
MMR and Varicella------marked as complete with date.
HepA------------------marked as complete. No date.???
Influenza--------------marked, not the season.
others------not age appropriate.

I thought some of the above should be 'not age appropriate' not sure why he has marked as complete and even put the date.

I am going to apply I-485 for the first time in next month, so still have some time to correct this if possible.

Thanks for sharing your information and any help in this regard.

[civilengineer]

My wife's medical was done on May 2, 2014 and our PD is June 2008. If we become current in May or June in 2015, is she guaranteed to get a medical RFE? Can we get the medical done in April to be able to respond to the medical RFE immediately?

[imdeng]

I-693 is valid for 1 year after they are received by USCIS. If your case is adjudicated before that then no RFE needed for new I-693.

My wife's medical was done on May 2, 2014 and our PD is June 2008. If we become current in May or June in 2015, is she guaranteed to get a medical RFE? Can we get the medical done in April to be able to respond to the medical RFE immediately?

[civilengineer]

I-693 is valid for 1 year after they are received by USCIS. If your case is adjudicated before that then no RFE needed for new I-693.

Thank you. That's reassuring.

[Pundit Arjun]

Proactive Medical Examination - Are there issues ?

Dear Gurus,
Our second medical examinations done last year will expire by mid July. My dependents are planning for an overseas travel in June.
Can we go ahead, use the latest I693 forms and perform our medicals again with the civil surgeon (few days before their travel) ?
If an RFE is issued for I693 validity, then I will be prepared to immediately respond.

Since I am one of the late 2009 filers, (from the predictions there) is a slight chance for my dates to get current (and greened). I would like to use this window to its fullest extent. If my dates dont get current, then I may lose the money spent - but that is fine considering the wait, agony and everything else.

I couldnt find in the I693 form instructions or at the USCIS website when to have the examinations done and hence decided to ask you folks. Any thoughts ??

~Best,
Arjun

[Spectator]

Proactive Medical Examination - Are there issues ?

Dear Gurus,
Our second medical examinations done last year will expire by mid July. My dependents are planning for an overseas travel in June.
Can we go ahead, use the latest I693 forms and perform our medicals again with the civil surgeon (few days before their travel) ?
If an RFE is issued for I693 validity, then I will be prepared to immediately respond.

Since I am one of the late 2009 filers, (from the predictions there) is a slight chance for my dates to get current (and greened). I would like to use this window to its fullest extent. If my dates dont get current, then I may lose the money spent - but that is fine considering the wait, agony and everything else.

I couldnt find in the I693 form instructions or at the USCIS website when to have the examinations done and hence decided to ask you folks. Any thoughts ??

~Best,
ArjunPundit,

You have 1 year from the date of the completed Medical Examination (the date the CS signed it) for USCIS to receive it and be considered valid.

Once received by USCIS, it is valid for 1 year from the receipt date for adjudication purposes.

So, if the Medical Exam was carried out in early June 2015, it would be valid to send to USCIS until early June 2016. If USCIS received the I-693 in early June 2016, it would be valid until early June 2017 for adjudication purposes, so it is possible to stretch the validity to nearly 2 years if the cases do not become current this FY.

See 4. Validity ​Period ​of ​Form I-693​ ​(Including Use of Prior Versions)​ in this extract (http://www.uscis.gov/policymanual/HTML/PolicyManual-Volume8-PartB-Chapter4.html) from the USCIS Policy Manual.

[Pundit Arjun]

Pundit,

You have 1 year from the date of the completed Medical Examination (the date the CS signed it) for USCIS to receive it and be considered valid.

Once received by USCIS, it is valid for 1 year from the receipt date for adjudication purposes.

So, if the Medical Exam was carried out in early June 2015, it would be valid to send to USCIS until early June 2016. If USCIS received the I-693 in early June 2016, it would be valid until early June 2017 for adjudication purposes, so it is possible to stretch the validity to nearly 2 years if the cases do not become current this FY.

See 4. Validity ​Period ​of ​Form I-693​ ​(Including Use of Prior Versions)​ in this extract (http://www.uscis.gov/policymanual/HTML/PolicyManual-Volume8-PartB-Chapter4.html) from the USCIS Policy Manual.

Excellent !!!. Thanks for the response, Spec. I am sure this would be useful for many and not only me :).

The catch is that the form must still be valid while submitting with USCIS but most of the times, I dont see it practically happening (since USCIS accepts the old forms upto a certain extended date).
I will get set to have the exam performed in June. Hope the new I693 forms are released by then [the current one shows expiration of 01/31/2015].