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

[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

[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
New Delhi

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.