Vaccinations required before k1 visa can be issued?

[BFP XX 62]

Hi, myself and my fiancée are in the process of gathering our documents and information to apply for the K1 visa.

I have read a few conflicting things about the requirements for vaccinations. I am a United Kingdom citizen, residing in Australia (I don't know if the country of residence has any bearing on the requirements? I'm assuming they may be different, depending on which country the immigrant is coming from?). Does anyone know where I can view the vaccinations that I would be required to get, and can anyone confirm whether or not I have to have these completed in order to get the visa granted? I have also read that the vaccinations can be done at a later date, when I do my adjustment of status in the US? I'm just not sure, and at this stage, with what could be a long processing period, we would like to get everything in place. Thanks A & M

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

You do not need immunizations to get a K1 visa. You need immunizations to get a greencard. But if you get every requirement met and documented at your visa medical on the immunization form DS-3025, that will suffice as proof for your AOS process. Otherwise you will have to pay a civil surgeon in the US to complete a new immunization form. That can be a huge hassle. I want you to read these two threads someone who did not get it done in advance and see their frustrations. It happens all the time when dealing with civil surgeons.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/462793-medical-again-in-usa-due-to-incomplete-vaccination-record/

Or this http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/461012-medical-exam-for-aos-after-k1/

Do it before the visa and save the additional expense and frustration.

Heres the shots needed for 19 through 59 years of age:

Td or Tdap - or get DT, DTP or DtaP and it will be accepted for AOS also

MMR (if born in 1957 or later) Get a second shot 4 wks later if you have time before your medical. It's two doses in your life, but if you get the first, and 4 weeks haven't passed by your medical, they will waive the second dose for "insufficient time interval".

Varicella Not routinely given in the UK ; a history of having chickenpox excuses you from the shot. They take your word for it at the visa medical exam.

Influenza - During flu season only, October 1 through March 31. This was a new recommendation dated November 2010 for all ages over 6 months. Older lists will say flu shots for over age 50. It changed.

For Australia, flu season will be different dates...winter, right? So The visa doctor there could mark the waiver "not flu season" (it's on the form) and you don't have to get a flu shot.

[BFP XX 62]

Thank you very much - This is incredibly helpful! Based on the above, I think I will try to get the vaccinations done in Australia prior, to save hassle later on Thanks for responding

[PalmTrees 34]

You do not need immunizations to get a K1 visa. You need immunizations to get a greencard. But if you get every requirement met and documented at your visa medical on the immunization form DS-3025, that will suffice as proof for your AOS process. Otherwise you will have to pay a civil surgeon in the US to complete a new immunization form. That can be a huge hassle. I want you to read these two threads someone who did not get it done in advance and see their frustrations. It happens all the time when dealing with civil surgeons.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/462793-medical-again-in-usa-due-to-incomplete-vaccination-record/

Or this http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/461012-medical-exam-for-aos-after-k1/

Do it before the visa and save the additional expense and frustration.

Heres the shots needed for 19 through 59 years of age:

Td or Tdap - or get DT, DTP or DtaP and it will be accepted for AOS also

MMR (if born in 1957 or later) Get a second shot 4 wks later if you have time before your medical. It's two doses in your life, but if you get the first, and 4 weeks haven't passed by your medical, they will waive the second dose for "insufficient time interval".

Varicella Not routinely given in the UK ; a history of having chickenpox excuses you from the shot. They take your word for it at the visa medical exam.

Influenza - During flu season only, October 1 through March 31. This was a new recommendation dated November 2010 for all ages over 6 months. Older lists will say flu shots for over age 50. It changed.

For Australia, flu season will be different dates...winter, right? So The visa doctor there could mark the waiver "not flu season" (it's on the form) and you don't have to get a flu shot.

This is incredibly helpful! Thank you so much because I was wondering about sorting it all out before coming over. I haven't heard of the first one. Second one, I already had the shot years ago so don't know if it needs a top up? Third one, I have had chicken pox when I was a kid so I guess I don't need it and fourth one I will go get.

Thank you so much again! I was imagining them needing to give me all kinds of things...and I don't do well at the doctors so this is a relief.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

This is incredibly helpful! Thank you so much because I was wondering about sorting it all out before coming over. I haven't heard of the first one. Second one, I already had the shot years ago so don't know if it needs a top up? Third one, I have had chicken pox when I was a kid so I guess I don't need it and fourth one I will go get.

Thank you so much again! I was imagining them needing to give me all kinds of things...and I don't do well at the doctors so this is a relief.

The first one covers the diseases of tetanus, diptheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) the letters T, D, and P in various orders and strengths. Capital letter is a stronger dose. Lower case letter is a weaker dose. The weaker doses were developed for teens and adults for d and p because they showed some side effects to the full baby strength. My husband's GP only had the baby version DTP, so he got that and had no problems. Some NHS doctors will give them free, but they don't have to because it's for immigration. Some won't give flu shots except to older people. You can get a flu shot at Boots, Tesco, or wherever and take written proof to the visa exam.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

I already had the shot years ago so don't know if it needs a top up?

The MMR used to be given just once, but they discovered that the effectiveness wore off (or maybe that it didn't work in all people with just one dose). So a lot of people have had one dose in their life but still need a second one.