DS-160 Form

[stevensane 10]

I am about to fill out the DS-160 form to support my K-1 visa application, however my passport is being renewed due to damage. Should I wait until I get the new passport or fill out the DS-160 now and take my current (old) passport along to the interview and explain that I didn't have my new passport when I completed the DS-160??

Help is, as ever, much appreciated!

[AleGwi 11]

It depends on how long your passport is going to take to get back to you. Even if you fill out the DS-160 now it's gonna be a while until your interview. As you need your other documents, police certificates, medical, readiness form etc.

You interview won't be scheduled until you have submitted the readiness form and the embassy receive you medical results. Even then it can take a while.

Just to give you a time line, my DS-160 was filled out on the 12th November. I submitted my readiness form on the 26th when I had all my docs. My medical was on the 29th.

The embassy received and processed all of this on the 6th, and my interview still hasn't been scheduled. Once it is scheduled, it will usually be about 3/4 weeks after that date. So if you submitted your DS-160 today, chances are it's gonna be another couple of months or so until your interview.

If your passport is due to come back in that time then you're fine. If not, I'm surprised you still have your current/old passport.. Aren't you supposed to send that back to renew/replace so that no one else can use it?

[AleGwi 11]

Should I wait until I get the new passport or fill out the DS-160 now and take my current (old) passport along to the interview and explain that I didn't have my new passport when I completed the DS-160??

Help is, as ever, much appreciated!

Oh and if your passport is damaged in any way, I don't think they will accept it. I guess it depends on HOW damaged it is. If it's just a bit scruffy, you may be ok. If there are actually rips, defects, water damage or anything like that then I don't think it will "pass"

You need to take the passport you are going to use because they keep it and issue the visa inside it and send it back to you.

[stevensane 10]

It depends on how long your passport is going to take to get back to you. Even if you fill out the DS-160 now it's gonna be a while until your interview. As you need your other documents, police certificates, medical, readiness form etc.

You interview won't be scheduled until you have submitted the readiness form and the embassy receive you medical results. Even then it can take a while.

Just to give you a time line, my DS-160 was filled out on the 12th November. I submitted my readiness form on the 26th when I had all my docs. My medical was on the 29th.

The embassy received and processed all of this on the 6th, and my interview still hasn't been scheduled. Once it is scheduled, it will usually be about 3/4 weeks after that date. So if you submitted your DS-160 today, chances are it's gonna be another couple of months or so until your interview.

If your passport is due to come back in that time then you're fine. If not, I'm surprised you still have your current/old passport.. Aren't you supposed to send that back to renew/replace so that no one else can use it?

Thanks! Yeah I handed my passport in, but I have copies of it. The laminate on the bio page was starting to lift, so I thought it best to get a new one.

What I mean is that I am worried that if I fill this form out now with my current passport details on (expiry date, passport no. etc) the DS-160 will have the wrong details on it because my passport details will have changed when I get my new passport. I am not actually sure what the form looks like. I presume you have to put your passport no., expiry date etc on it right?

So you are going through London, right? Do you know if when you go for the medical you can get any injections etc you might be missing on that day? Or do you have to have had all of the injections etc before then and on the medical day they basically just sign you off?

EDIT: Oh yes, and I realise you have to take your passport to the embassy with you. My main worry is that my new passport wont match up with the passport details on the DS-160 at the interview if I fill it in before I get my new passport.

Edited December 11, 2013 by stevensane

[AleGwi 11]

Thanks! Yeah I handed my passport in, but I have copies of it. The laminate on the bio page was starting to lift, so I thought it best to get a new one.

What I mean is that I am worried that if I fill this form out now with my current passport details on (expiry date, passport no. etc) the DS-160 will have the wrong details on it because my passport details will have changed when I get my new passport. I am not actually sure what the form looks like. I presume you have to put your passport no., expiry date etc on it right?

So you are going through London, right? Do you know if when you go for the medical you can get any injections etc you might be missing on that day? Or do you have to have had all of the injections etc before then and on the medical day they basically just sign you off?

Well I'm not entirely sure what the process is for damaged passports. It might be worth calling them to ask because they could just duplicate it which would mean same info on (expiry, number etc.) however, I think that they may issue a whole new one. In which case, you're right, you will need to wait for the passport to come with the new info as that is the one you will be leaving with them. Again, I would call the passport company and ask this because I'm not sure how a new passport number would effect your I-129f petition.

With your medical, chances are you will be all up to date. I just need my flu injection. You can get them there on the day but they range from about £35/£40. So I would recommend just going with what you have got (it helps if you get your vaccination records from your doctor) then see if there are any that you need. If there are, then I would get them done after with your doctor.

K1 visas DON'T have to have ALL the vaccinations for the interview. But they DO need to be done before adjusting your status after you are married which would mean getting them done in the US which is pretty expensive. So take advantage of the wonderful NHS one last time before you leave and get them done with your own doctor after the medical. But yes, if you really want then you can get them done there. I wouldn't waste your money though.

Flu vaccination there - £37

Flu Vaccination at my doctors - £9

[AleGwi 11]

EDIT: Oh yes, and I realise you have to take your passport to the embassy with you. My main worry is that my new passport wont match up with the passport details on the DS-160 at the interview if I fill it in before I get my new passport.

I would definitely call the passport agency and find out exactly what will happen with your passport. (If it will get a new no etc) because like I said, it would be different than your I-129f too. Which may or may not be a problem. Don't submit your DS-160 until you call and get this information. You can fill it all in, leave that bit blank and safe it to go back to later. You can do that. Also, do t forget to print the confirmation page off when you do complete it because you need to take that with you to the interview.

[lost_at_sea 995]

See: https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport

Takes at least 3 weeks.

You can probably also do it faster this way: https://www.gov.uk/get-a-passport-urgently

I wouldn't worry about getting a new number (which is probably what'll happen). Just take the old and new passports along with you to the interview, if you end up completing the DS-160 with the old number.

Edited December 11, 2013 by lost_at_sea

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

fill out the DS-160 now and take my current (old) passport along to the interview and explain that I didn't have my new passport when I completed the DS-160??

Help is, as ever, much appreciated!

Yes to the above quoted part. Do exactly that.

You are smart to get a new passport. They are fussy about damaged ones. It will have a new number. They don't hold it against you for having a new one when you interview. Others have done this with zero problems.

[Davesings 30]

Just to give you a time line, my DS-160 was filled out on the 12th November. I submitted my readiness form on the 26th when I had all my docs. My medical was on the 29th.

The embassy received and processed all of this on the 6th

Hi AleGwi- Can you tell me how you find out when the embassy received and processed all of the info? We did the medical, DS-160 and readiness form also. We are hoping we can get an interview by end of February!

[AleGwi 11]

Hi AleGwi- Can you tell me how you find out when the embassy received and processed all of the info? We did the medical, DS-160 and readiness form also. We are hoping we can get an interview by end of February!

I replied to this in your private message you sent. But just for anyone who is wanting to know the answer in future here it is.

Short answer: check the status on your CEAC website - the embassy will receive and then process your medical results up to 4 working days of the medical. This will be reflected in two updated time stamps.

The readiness form can take up to 6 weeks for them to process. There is no way to find out how long within this 6 weeks, even by emailing them. Once scheduled you can call the DoS and they can give you the date before you even receive the letter. Realistically, it won't be scheduled at until at least 2 weeks since your medical and/or readiness form.

It won't be scheduled until they receive the medical results (even if you have sent the readiness form)

And it won't be scheduled without the readiness form (even if they have received the medical results)

CEAC status website: https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx

DoS number: (202)-485-7600 (best for the US petitioner to call)

Any further questions don't hesitant to ask

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

. You can get them there on the day but they range from about £35/£40. So I would recommend just going with what you have got (it helps if you get your vaccination records from your doctor) then see if there are any that you need. If there are, then I would get them done after with your doctor.

K1 visas DON'T have to have ALL the vaccinations for the interview. But they DO need to be done before adjusting your status after you are married which would mean getting them done in the US which is pretty expensive. So take advantage of the wonderful NHS one last time before you leave and get them done with your own doctor after the medical. But yes, if you really want then you can get them done there. I wouldn't waste your money though.

Flu vaccination there - £37

Flu Vaccination at my doctors - £9

I wanted to point out something about the bolded advice above--

If you go to your doctor for shots AFTER the medical exam, then your vaccination record from Knightsbridge (DS-3025) will not be complete for AOS. So you will have to pay a Civil Surgeon in the US to compile a new record (I-693) to include the shot received after your visa exam immunization sheet was filled out. USCIS will not accept that additional shot record from your personal doctor. Some people call 10 Civil Surgeons trying to find one who doesn't insist they pay for a new medical exam or they won't do the vaccination form. Some are not fortunate enough to find even one Civil Surgeon except 2 hours away. Some spend well over $100 to get their "free" NHS shot signed off on. Some are quoted $300 or the Civil Surgeon won't take you. There is much frustration with with Civil Surgeons.

If you don't get your free shots prior to the visa exam, then it's penny wise and pound foolish, not to pay Knightsbridge whatever they charge and be done, with no more doctor hassles before AOS. People are approved for AOS without a Civil Surgeon's sign off ONLY IF the DS-3025 is totally up to date with needed shots or a waiver is marked like for insufficient time interval in the case of a second MMR jab.

[AleGwi 11]

I wanted to point out something about the bolded advice above--

If you go to your doctor for shots AFTER the medical exam, then your vaccination record from Knightsbridge (DS-3025) will not be complete for AOS. So you will have to pay a Civil Surgeon in the US to compile a new record (I-693) to include the shot received after your visa exam immunization sheet was filled out. USCIS will not accept that additional shot record from your personal doctor. Some people call 10 Civil Surgeons trying to find one who doesn't insist they pay for a new medical exam or they won't do the vaccination form. Some are not fortunate enough to find even one Civil Surgeon except 2 hours away. Some spend well over $100 to get their "free" NHS shot signed off on. Some are quoted $300 or the Civil Surgeon won't take you. There is much frustration with with Civil Surgeons.

If you don't get your free shots prior to the visa exam, then it's penny wise and pound foolish, not to pay Knightsbridge whatever they charge and be done, with no more doctor hassles before AOS. People are approved for AOS without a Civil Surgeon's sign off ONLY IF the DS-3025 is totally up to date with needed shots or a waiver is marked like for insufficient time interval in the case of a second MMR jab.

Hmm well now I don't know what to believe. Because they told me that if I take proof of my flu shot to my embassy interview from my doctor, then they will sign off on it as being up to date and meets all the requirements. Provided I had it done here and not wait until I go over there.

Is there any official literature on the guidelines of this? Not that I don't believe you, but I have you telling me one thing now and the doctors (who I assume do this visa stuff every day) pretty much telling me that I might as well save money, get it don't before my interview and then it will be all ok rather than pay more to have it done at Knightsbridge.

Any by the way, what is the definition of a civil surgeon with USCIS? If I DO have to go through all that #######, my fiancées uncle is a doctor with his own practice and been practicing for a out 50 years nearly (yes he's old and retiring next year haha) but could he do it or get someone he knows to do it?

[stevensane 10]

I wanted to point out something about the bolded advice above--

If you go to your doctor for shots AFTER the medical exam, then your vaccination record from Knightsbridge (DS-3025) will not be complete for AOS. So you will have to pay a Civil Surgeon in the US to compile a new record (I-693) to include the shot received after your visa exam immunization sheet was filled out. USCIS will not accept that additional shot record from your personal doctor. Some people call 10 Civil Surgeons trying to find one who doesn't insist they pay for a new medical exam or they won't do the vaccination form. Some are not fortunate enough to find even one Civil Surgeon except 2 hours away. Some spend well over $100 to get their "free" NHS shot signed off on. Some are quoted $300 or the Civil Surgeon won't take you. There is much frustration with with Civil Surgeons.

If you don't get your free shots prior to the visa exam, then it's penny wise and pound foolish, not to pay Knightsbridge whatever they charge and be done, with no more doctor hassles before AOS. People are approved for AOS without a Civil Surgeon's sign off ONLY IF the DS-3025 is totally up to date with needed shots or a waiver is marked like for insufficient time interval in the case of a second MMR jab.

As ever, your advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you for continuing to help!

Slightly off-topic, but do you know where I can find a list of exactly what vaccinations I need before the medical exam? I found this: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_1331.html Does that seem comprehensive to you, or does it look like anything is missing?

I would like to take this list to my NHS doctor along with the list of injections I already have and just go "this is what I have, this is what I need". In theory I will then be set for the medical.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Hmm well now I don't know what to believe. Because they told me that if I take proof of my flu shot to my embassy interview from my doctor, then they will sign off on it as being up to date and meets all the requirements. Provided I had it done here and not wait until I go over there.

Is there any official literature on the guidelines of this? Not that I don't believe you, but I have you telling me one thing now and the doctors (who I assume do this visa stuff every day) pretty much telling me that I might as well save money, get it don't before my interview and then it will be all ok rather than pay more to have it done at Knightsbridge.

Any by the way, what is the definition of a civil surgeon with USCIS? If I DO have to go through all that #######, my fiancées uncle is a doctor with his own practice and been practicing for a out 50 years nearly (yes he's old and retiring next year haha) but could he do it or get someone he knows to do it?

The current Knightsbridge shot person steers people wrong every day. She may know the medical requirements, but she doesn't really know Adjustment of Status procedures with USCIS in America. You have to have everything on one official government piece of paper. That's either a DS-3025 abroad signed by a Panel Physician or an I-693 in the states signed by a Civil Surgeon.

Yes you can take your proof from your GP to a Civil Surgeon and he will accept it and write it in along with any other shot history on an I-693. There will be a fee for this service. If you are lucky, you will easily find one who will do it for $35-$50. Many are not so fortunate.

What you can't do is use the almost complete DS-3025 and a paper from your English doctor mailed directly to USCIS with the AOS application. It must be all on an official form. Back in the day when my husband did Knightsbridge, he found he needed a Diptheria, tetanus, pertussis jab. The nurse working then suggested he get the shot at his GP and have him fax the proof back to Knightsbridge. It takes 3-4 days for them to have the blood tests back from the lab and the medical sent to Knightsbridge anyway. She said we will hold your results until you get the shot. Then we will mail you your copy of the complete DS-3025 He did that and he did not pay a Civil Surgeon before AOS. He was approved on his complete shot record from Knightsbridge.

A lot of this comes from my long experience with London and immigration and reading successes and failures on VJ since 2008. But you can read the instructions to the I-693 for a clue. Part of that says:

What if I am a K nonimmigrant visa holder and already had a medical exam overseas?

If you were admitted as a:

A. K-1 fiancé(e) or a K-2 child of a K-1 fiancé(e); or as a

B. K-3 spouse of a U.S. citizen or a K-4 child of a K-3 spouse of a U.S. citizen; and

C. You received a medical examination prior to admission, then:

1. You are not required to have another medical examination as long as your Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, is filed within one year of your overseas medical examination, and the medical examination did not reveal a Class A medical condition, or if you did have a Class A medical condition, you received a waiver of inadmissibility and have complied with the terms and conditions on the waiver.

2. Even if a new medical examination is not required, you must still show proof that you complied with the vaccination requirements. If the vaccination record (DS 3025) was not properly completed and included as part of the original overseas medical examination report, you will have to have the vaccination report completed by a designated civil surgeon. In this case, you are required to submit the vaccination record and page 1 of Form I-693.

Also as an example from experience, read this from someone who did not get it done in advance

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/

A Civil Surgeon has signed up with the USCIS as an officially designated doctor trained and approved to do immigrant medical exams. Most adjusting status are already in the US and did not have any medical exam overseas. They go to a civil surgeon, much like you went to a designated Panel Physician approved by the Dept of State. There is a list provided on the USCIS website.

If all you don't have on your DS-3025 is your flu shot, you may be okay without. Here's a cut/paste of something I post frequently--

**Note on flu shot: Flu shots are required for adults of all ages (changed Nov 2010) if your visa exam was between (Oct 1 and March 31). But if the AOS adjudicator picks up your case when it is not flu season, you will be excused. And the reverse is true. The adjudicator picks up your case during flu season, but sees it was NOT flu season when you had your medical exam, you are also excused because the date they go by is the date of your exam to determine if you were current on that date. Keep in mind that if you go to a civil surgeon for an I-693, then you are resetting the medical exam date for immunizations and you may have to get second doses of shots or a flu shot to become current on your new immunization date of record.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

As ever, your advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you for continuing to help!

Slightly off-topic, but do you know where I can find a list of exactly what vaccinations I need before the medical exam? I found this: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_1331.html Does that seem comprehensive to you, or does it look like anything is missing?

I would like to take this list to my NHS doctor along with the list of injections I already have and just go "this is what I have, this is what I need". In theory I will then be set for the medical.

That list is every shot, but most are not age appropriate for you. As an adult your list you want for AOS is

• Td or Tdap (or get DT, DTP or DtaP and it will be accepted for AOS) it must be no longer than 10 years ago. p is for pertussis. If you have a child record of pertussis, you can get the Td as the 10 year booster. but Knightsbridge needs to see you had pertussis at some point in your life.
• MMR (if born in 1957 or later) If you go to the medical exam less than 4 weeks after a MMR shot, then you don't need another no matter what the nurse says. She is wrong. But if 4 weeks has passed since one MMR shot, you will need a second MMR shot. This is because it is not safe to have 2 MMR shots closer together than 4 weeks. So if enough time has not passed, they mark the sheet "insufficient time interval" and that's good enough to get a greencard without the next shot. If you had two MMRs as a child, then you are okay. If you had one as a child, then you should get a 2nd dose.
• Influenza(a flu shot) because flu season started on Oct 1. You can get it at Boots, Sainsbury's, Tesco or anywhere that is offering flu shots. Find the cheapest place. Take the proof to the medical exam to be recorded.
• Varicella You usually can't get this shot in the UK. But if you tell Knightsbridge you had chickenpox, you are excused. They take your word for it.

Here's the vaccination table showing ages http://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/exams/ti/panel/vaccination-panel-technical-instructions.html#tbl1