Medical exam costs. :(

[molly_ 1]

So my fiance is set to have his medical interview in the UK tomorrow. He'd read that it would cost 200 pounds. We were nervous enough about that, because neither of us are really financially independent right now. He's been on unemployment looking avidly for a temp job and I've just lost my job because the flower shop I work in is going out of business. Lovely global economy we're living in.

He's had shots and vaccinations from school, but apparently those don't count or something unless you got them done in a doctor's office? So he'll probably have to be vaccinated again.

So not only is the exam 210 pounds, but there are all these vaccinations (I'm not sure he has to get them all):

http://www.visamedicals.info/us-price.asp

We do not have the money from this. We don't have anyone right now that can help us with the money for this. His medical is tomorrow. He's just going to go and talk to them about it and see what happens.

Is this information accurate? How the hell is it so expensive? I'm really kicking myself over not finding out about this sooner, when I could have helped him with the money. This is the first time during this whole process where I've been so frustrated.

I'd just like some confirmation from someone who's had this done so I know I'm not having a panic attack over nothing.

[Adriene H 89]

So not only is the exam 210 pounds, but there are all these vaccinations (I'm not sure he has to get them all):

http://www.visamedicals.info/us-price.asp

Absolutely have him get as many vaccinations as possible through

his NHS. If not free altogether, then they'll be way cheaper.

Just make sure the doctor gives him a vaccination record card,

anything to document and bring with you to the medical in London.

[Nich-Nick 3,355]

So not only is the exam 210 pounds, but there are all these vaccinations (I'm not sure he has to get them all):

http://www.visamedicals.info/us-price.asp

He needs zero shots to get a K1 visa, but they will be required for AOS so best to get them totally done and on his visa medical record. Seriously best!

His NHS will probably give them free. He only needs (one of each):

MMR

Td or Tdap or DT or DTP or DtaP (One no longer than 10 years ago, ie.have a booster)

Varicella or VH written by it if you had chickenpox. Knightsbridge clinic will take your word for it so claim chickenpox because there is no varicella shot in the UK but it doesn't excuse a K1 from having to get it later in the US.

Influenza (during flu season Oct 1-Mar 31) **If you don't file AOS until after flu season, then ok without.

That's it for AOS requirements. The trick is to get the entire record on the DS-3025 immunization worksheet given at the medical. Then he will not have to pay a civil surgeon in the US to do his shot record. Huge hassle and expense.

Since his medical is tomorrow, he should tell them to HOLD his forms until he can see his GP for shots. Get the Knightsbridge fax number before leaving. He goes to NHS and gets shots. His doctor faxes the details to Knightsbridge. Knightsbridge complete the vaccination sheet then send medical results to the embassy. Please grasp the concept that those shots must be on the record that goes to the embassy. If he gets the shots later, he will have to pay a civil surgeon in the US to put those shots on a form for AOS. People have so much trouble finding one who won't charge an arm and a leg. Save yourself the money and stress. The DS-3025 vaccination sheet from Knightsbridge will be acceptable for AOS if it has ALL the listed (above) shots on it before going to embassy file. If he doesn't get a flu shot, then it can be waived if it is no longer flu season when his AOS is reviewed (a couple of months after filing so likely safe there).

Edited December 14, 2011 by Nich-Nick

[dukeandduchess 141]

I don't want to make you any more distressed than you already are, but if you can't afford the medical/vaccinations you are going to have a hell of a time supporting him when he comes to the US. I doubt they will do the medical without payment.

They do look at your financial stuff at the interview. I hope you have a co-sponsor lined up. The job market is tough as hell, my fiance is trying to get a second job but there's something like 12% unemployment in California right now so I may not even move.

[Ro Damon 7]

So my fiance is set to have his medical interview in the UK tomorrow. He'd read that it would cost 200 pounds. We were nervous enough about that, because neither of us are really financially independent right now. He's been on unemployment looking avidly for a temp job and I've just lost my job because the flower shop I work in is going out of business. Lovely global economy we're living in.

He's had shots and vaccinations from school, but apparently those don't count or something unless you got them done in a doctor's office? So he'll probably have to be vaccinated again.

So not only is the exam 210 pounds, but there are all these vaccinations (I'm not sure he has to get them all):

http://www.visamedicals.info/us-price.asp

We do not have the money from this. We don't have anyone right now that can help us with the money for this. His medical is tomorrow. He's just going to go and talk to them about it and see what happens.

Is this information accurate? How the hell is it so expensive? I'm really kicking myself over not finding out about this sooner, when I could have helped him with the money. This is the first time during this whole process where I've been so frustrated.

I'd just like some confirmation from someone who's had this done so I know I'm not having a panic attack over nothing.

He doesnt necessarily have to get all, i just completed my mother's visa and i had her go to a free clinic to get some of the vaccines. not that i cant afford it but who really in here doesnt like the word FREE!....she just had to pay for the doctor's service and Xray which wasnt alot

Im not sure how it works in London, but it was pretty clear cut to find a free clinic, and vaccines depends on the age for my country at least....if u can rescheduke ur medical i should do so i get a free clinic asap....my finace (in 20's)I know will need:

1. Mumps

2. Measles

3. Rubella

4. Diphtheria

5. Varicella

it will cut the cost for ya...all the best,

Ro

I don't want to make you any more distressed than you already are, but if you can't afford the medical/vaccinations you are going to have a hell of a time supporting him when he comes to the US. I doubt they will do the medical without payment.

They do look at your financial stuff at the interview. I hope you have a co-sponsor lined up. The job market is tough as hell, my fiance is trying to get a second job but there's something like 12% unemployment in California right now so I may not even move.

dukeandduchess, no need to be harsh with the OP.... OP even thou dukeandduchess is being is harsh i have to say that they are only being realistic here...hope u have everything else set as mentioned and are able to support ur fiance with basic necessities

best wishes,

Ro

[dukeandduchess 141]

I don't think I'm being harsh. The costs only go up from the medical. Visa - $350, Plane ticket - $500+, Moving Expenses - $???, AOS - $1200, US health insurance($$$), not to mention unexpected costs. If neither of them have any income these costs will be impossible. I'm not about to tell someone it's going to be fine just because it's nice. She said they don't have the payment for the medical - he won't be able to get it done if that's the case.

My fiance and I both work, have a few thousand dollars saved up, and I'm still reconsidering moving there simply due to the high cost of living, immigration, and moving. I'm sorry it's not fun to hear, but it's also the truth (for one thing) and in your best interest to consider these things.

[N&S 32]

•Influenza (during flu season Oct 1-Mar 31) **If you don't file AOS until after flu season, then ok without.

Sorry to high-jack this posting but Nich-Nick, could you - or someone else who knows - please clarify again if I need the Influenza shot if I had my medical in August (so not in the requirement time) but will be filing for AOS in Jan / Feb?

Thanks so much!

[Nich-Nick 3,355]

Sorry to high-jack this posting but Nich-Nick, could you - or someone else who knows - please clarify again if I need the Influenza shot if I had my medical in August (so not in the requirement time) but will be filing for AOS in Jan / Feb?

Thanks so much!

No you do not need the flu shot if your DS-3025 went to the embassy with all that was required on that date. **see note.

"Not flu season" is one of four reasons why a person can receive the blanket waiver to dismiss the shot requirement. If it was flu season at the medical, but not flu season when the adjudicator reviews your AOS, then they waive it. Another example they give in their manual is something like--if an 18 year old didn't get the Hep B shot at his medical but had turned 19 by AOS, then because a 19 year old isn't required to have that shot he no longer needs it. That would apply to the OP here.

In your case it says the date of record is the date the medical was signed, even if it was many months later before your case was adjudicated. Whatever was required of you on the date of your medical is the standard you are held to. It wasn't flu season so blanket waiver for flu shot.

**the note-- If you go see a civil surgeon now in the US (during flu season), then that is a new medical date USCIS will go by. The CS will (or should) say "it's flu season so I can't sign off without a flu shot." So if you see a CS for a new immunization sheet, then the DS-3025 is outdated and no longer used for AOS. You would have to go with the new sheet for AOS and all that was required on that date, even booster shots if enough time had passed where the second or third in a series were okay to take because there was enough time passed since you got the first shot. Hope that makes sense.

Edited December 14, 2011 by Nich-Nick

[N&S 32]

No you do not need the flu shot if your DS-3025 went to the embassy with all that was required on that date. **see note.

"Not flu season" is one of four reasons why a person can receive the blanket waiver to dismiss the shot requirement. If it was flu season at the medical, but not flu season when the adjudicator reviews your AOS, then they waive it. Another example they give in their manual is something like--if an 18 year old didn't get the Hep B shot at his medical but had turned 19 by AOS, then because a 19 year old isn't required to have that shot he no longer needs it. That would apply to the OP here.

In your case it says the date of record is the date the medical was signed, even if it was many months later before your case was adjudicated. Whatever was required of you on the date of your medical is the standard you are held to. It wasn't flu season so blanket waiver for flu shot.

**the note-- If you go see a civil surgeon now in the US (during flu season), then that is a new medical date USCIS will go by. The CS will (or should) say "it's flu season so I can't sign off without a flu shot." So if you see a CS for a new immunization sheet, then the DS-3025 is outdated and no longer used for AOS. You would have to go with the new sheet for AOS and all that was required on that date, even booster shots if enough time had passed where the second or third in a series were okay to take because there was enough time passed since you got the first shot. Hope that makes sense.

Thanks as always great advice - I thought that was the case but was slightly thrown by your first comment. Thank you for clarifying!

[Kedron & Jess 1]

If he had all his vaccinations through childhood from school etc then he should be fine! they are pricey at knightsbridge so if at all possible have him get them somewhere else.

At least go to the medical and refuse the vaccinations, then after schedule an appointment with his GP to get them done. That way you will have them done for AOS but not be charged. As others have said, they are not a requirement for K1 visas initially but they are needed for AOS!

Good luck!

[Ro Damon 7]

I don't think I'm being harsh. The costs only go up from the medical. Visa - $350, Plane ticket - $500+, Moving Expenses - $???, AOS - $1200, US health insurance($$$), not to mention unexpected costs. If neither of them have any income these costs will be impossible. I'm not about to tell someone it's going to be fine just because it's nice. She said they don't have the payment for the medical - he won't be able to get it done if that's the case.

My fiance and I both work, have a few thousand dollars saved up, and I'm still reconsidering moving there simply due to the high cost of living, immigration, and moving. I'm sorry it's not fun to hear, but it's also the truth (for one thing) and in your best interest to consider these things.

plz see my reply in its entirety ....I know how it is out there just as much as you do dukeandduchess, u're being real with the OP i stated that...thats great. But i just believe sometimes ITS NOT WHAT YOU SAY ITS HOW U SAY IT. I totally agree with you but could have said it in a better way....

OP, all the best with your employment and hope your fiance gets a job in record time....and yes plz sit and evaluate the pocket cost that you'll have to endure....

Be blessed,

Ro

[Touch of Treble 39]

I understand the surprise you get when the costs keep rolling in for the visa...OP.

I have a daughter coming with me and my medical is tomorrow. Because I live on an island we are spending 960 pounds, I ocnverted it to your currency so you would see the amount. This will cover our airfares and medical expenses but not lunch...OUCH! And the costs just keep getting bigger. Immigration is VERY expensive. But I decided he is totally worth every penny, and he thinks I'm worth it too

[bigdog 377]

This over all process is somewhat expensive and tiring. Please be prepared for all of it, read the posts, guides an experiences of others, good luck.

[orangedesk 27]

This over all process is somewhat expensive and tiring. Please be prepared for all of it, read the posts, guides an experiences of others, good luck.

Totally agree with you! I was just venting to a friend about "our tax dollars at work" in this process of submitting documentation to the government, etc. but it's so much more than that when you figure the application fee, medical exam costs, etc. not to mention that everyone on this forum is dealing with international flights, wedding costs, etc. I'm well qualified to support my guy when he gets here, but it is a bit crazy when you think about it.

Good luck, OP - I hope you're able to figure something out

[molly_ 1]

OKAY. I understand that I asked about medical exam costs, but I did not ask for people to evaluate my financial situation. My fiance is unemployed. I am very recently unemployed, but with a few job prospects.

I'm only 20. He's only 21. I'm not an idiot-- I'm completely aware of all of the costs and have looked them up ahead of time, though I misread the costs on the medical exam. I know what I've got to look forward to, and I'm lucky enough to have a family who loves my fiance and are willing to help with what we can't afford (and we've been able to afford a lot of it), and we'll pay them off in increments. I've been really meticulous about every detail and cost on every form so far and this is the first speed bump we've hit. I do appreciate the sentiments but I come to this forum for advice on the K-1 process, not to be judged or talked down to. I don't mean to seem unappreciative, but it's a little unsettling to come and check this thread first thing in the morning and find that half the posts are just telling me that we're going to have trouble supporting ourselves.

Anyway, he went to Knightsbridge yesterday anyway and they told him to just reschedule the exam. I'll make sure he knows he can just go get his shots at the NHS. It's sort of a setback as far as time goes, but I figured something like this had to happen eventually.

Thanks a lot for all the help. <3

Edited December 16, 2011 by mollygos