Disability

[Syrina-ish 1]

Hello my name is Syrina and I am current applicant of a K1 Fiance Visa, I actually have my medical exam tomorrow morning with Dr. Cheema in Vancouver, BC. I have my interview on Oct. 28th.

I am currently on disability and have been for about 10 years, due to anxiety. I do not work, but i do volunteer. I do however plan to work part time when I marry my fiance Jason, who lives in North Carolina.

Jason has signed an affidavid of support and he has more than enough money to support him and myself. Around 23k a year or something?

However I dont know if im just paranoid or what but i am dreading the question of "What do you do for a living?" I am going to have to tell them that I don't work and that I have been on disability for a very long time.

How should I respond to this? Is he going to believe me that I will get a job in NC? What can I do or say to make it not so awkward and nerve-racking for myself? I am so worried that he is going to deny me because I have been on disability for so long.

Even though I have an affidavid support, is that enough?? and am I being paranoid and stressing out way too much about this?

I am also worried about my medical exam, im sure he's gonna ask what I do, and again im gonna have to tell him that I am on disability because I have anxiety, he might put a little note in my documents "do not allow in the US, will just mooch off the government".

Also one more question!

My medical exam is tomorrow morning so i probably won't hear a reply till after my exam, lol. However I will just ask incase.

As you know I have anxiety and I have to tell the doctor about any mental illness's which Anxiety is one. I have got my family doctor to write a note saying I struggle with anxiety, but that I am faithfully taking my medication and that I am doing well on it and that his prognosis is good. Is that enough you think? I know I am supposed to bring medical documents regarding my anxiety, but there isnt much to bring. I basically have anxiety and have been on a few medication in the past (which i will let Dr. Cheema know about) and I told my doctor about it and thats it. I dont have any hospital records or anything significant.

Do you think that is enough?

ANY thoughts or comments would be so helpful, and possibly ease my stress and ANXIETY, lol.

Thanks guys!

[Ontarkie 13,913]

I had my Interview in Montreal, I was also getting disability it was not a problem at all. You will have your medical and during that you will answer the question when they come up about your anxiety. Bring any papers or notes you have to the medical for Dr. Cheema they will most likely want what ever you have.

[Syrina-ish 1]

Thanks Ontarkie

Did they ask you for any evidence of your disability? Like I have a whole package that my family doctor had to fill out explaining all my anxiety symptoms and everything, it is very detailed....however that was close to 10 years ago and some of the symptoms I had then, I do not have now. So it is kind of out dated, and I do not want to give them TOO much information. I would never lie, but I do not want to volunteer unnecissary information.

[Ontarkie 13,913]

Mine is for a learning disability, I had really old paper work also but they never asked for it.

[Syrina-ish 1]

Thanks again

So they didn't really press the issue? They just accepted that you had a disability and after a few questions moved on? Im so paranoid, lol. I appreciate you taking the time to talk with me about it. I am selfishly trying to ease my own anxiety, lol. Thank you.

[Ontarkie 13,913]

No they asked about it and then that was it I told them I wasn't working getting disability and they didn't even blink. I don't know if I got lucky or they just didn't care.

[Syrina-ish 1]

I hope I get lucky as well, lol. Thanks Ontarkie.

[baron555 934]

The beneficiary's work history or current work does not factor into the visa process.

[Syrina-ish 1]

The beneficiary's work history or current work does not factor into the visa process.

But wouldn't they be concerned whether I wouldn't be able to work in the US and not become a burden?

Im hoping what you are saying is true! I just over think things

And to ease my stress, how do you know this to be a fact? Not trying to challenge you! it would just make me feel better

[Sweetmelissa 82]

Not sure if this eases your worries or not, but Dr.Cheema and his staff are fantastic. If the topic of mental health does come up, just answer truthfully. Anxiety alone will not result in inadmissibility - unless there is associated/current harm to self or others. If it is being successfully treated, as shown by your doctor's note, it should not be an issue at all. Just relax, breathe and act confident (although I know it is incredibly stressful!!!). I was really nervous because I have had some mental health issues in the past, but Dr.Cheema did not even bat an eye at it. In fact, I was in and out of the doctors office before my appointment was even scheduled to begin.

[Syrina-ish 1]

Not sure if this eases your worries or not, but Dr.Cheema and his staff are fantastic. If the topic of mental health does come up, just answer truthfully. Anxiety alone will not result in inadmissibility - unless there is associated/current harm to self or others. If it is being successfully treated, as shown by your doctor's note, it should not be an issue at all. Just relax, breathe and act confident (although I know it is incredibly stressful!!!). I was really nervous because I have had some mental health issues in the past, but Dr.Cheema did not even bat an eye at it. In fact, I was in and out of the doctors office before my appointment was even scheduled to begin.

Thank you so much! This really makes me feel better!

When you had your actual interview, how did that go? If you don't mind me asking Personal experience from people who are going to the same places I am going, is really helpful. I take it you went to Vancouver for your interview? I would really like to hear your experience if you have time? If you'd prefer to msg me privatley that is fine with me!

Thank you again!

[Sweetmelissa 82]

Just copying and pasting the review from my timeline here for you. Honestly, I was WAY more nervous for the medical than the interview. Good luck and let me know how things go!

Medical - July 8th, 2014

My appointment was at 10:00, but I got there around 9:40. The lady at the front desk took all my paperwork right when I got in and Dr.Cheema saw me right away.

One of the assistants took my height and weight and then I waited in a room for the doctor. The examination felt super rushed- Dr.Cheema didn’t really ask me many questions … do I smoke, do drugs, any DUIs, random chit chat about work and moving. Did a little eye exam, took my blood pressure, examined eyes/ears/neck, listened to my heart (told me to relax and no need to be nervous because apparently my heart was beating so fast! hah), felt my abdomen and that was it. I was actually in and out before the appointment was even scheduled to start.

It was a gorgeous morning, so I walked to the building where I had to get the chest x-ray and blood work done, which took about half an hour. Both rooms were packed, so this part took a little longer, probably close to two hours. I was a little nervous to give blood because I had never had to do it before, but it was quick and painless.

Interview – July 10th, 2014

Most of the “interview process” was standing in lines and waiting. My appointment was at 10:00, but I got there early *just in case*, which I soon regretted because it was chilly and I had to wait outside. There is NO benefit to showing up early, and the minutes will feel like hours. Finally around 9:45 I was allowed to line up to go through the initial screening where they check your bags and then usher you into another line to enter the building. Only 5 people get to enter the building at a time, so the second line was super slow moving. Once inside, the next stop was going through more security screening like what you do at an airport. Then back to waiting – the next line was the elevator line (I had to go to floor 20).

Once on the 20th floor, I went to a window and gave a man all my documents (police check, 1-134, birth certificate, passport, etc.). He told me to sit and wait until I was called by name to another window where the actual interview would take place. When my name was called, I had to give my fingerprints, oath, and then answered some basic questions – what do I do, what does he do, how did we meet, how often do we see each other, have I met his parents(yes), has he met mine (no) … and then after about 5 minutes the guy interviewing me told me my visa was approved. Hurray! I then had to go back to the original window to receive some additional information about the visa.

The entire process took just over an hour, but it felt like I was there for MUCH longer. I was surprised when I looked at my watch while walking out and it was only 11:15.

Edited October 21, 2014 by Sweetmelissa

[Sweetmelissa 82]

Also - not sure if you have acquainted yourself with the Canuck forums, but there are more Vancouver reviews here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/347776-canada-immigration-and-k1-guide-for-vancouver/, with quite a few recent ones near the end.

[Syrina-ish 1]

Just copying and pasting the review from my timeline here for you. Honestly, I was WAY more nervous for the medical than the interview. Good luck and let me know how things go!

Medical - July 8th, 2014

My appointment was at 10:00, but I got there around 9:40. The lady at the front desk took all my paperwork right when I got in and Dr.Cheema saw me right away.

One of the assistants took my height and weight and then I waited in a room for the doctor. The examination felt super rushed- Dr.Cheema didn’t really ask me many questions … do I smoke, do drugs, any DUIs, random chit chat about work and moving. Did a little eye exam, took my blood pressure, examined eyes/ears/neck, listened to my heart (told me to relax and no need to be nervous because apparently my heart was beating so fast! hah), felt my abdomen and that was it. I was actually in and out before the appointment was even scheduled to start.

It was a gorgeous morning, so I walked to the building where I had to get the chest x-ray and blood work done, which took about half an hour. Both rooms were packed, so this part took a little longer, probably close to two hours. I was a little nervous to give blood because I had never had to do it before, but it was quick and painless.

Interview – July 10th, 2014

Most of the “interview process” was standing in lines and waiting. My appointment was at 10:00, but I got there early *just in case*, which I soon regretted because it was chilly and I had to wait outside. There is NO benefit to showing up early, and the minutes will feel like hours. Finally around 9:45 I was allowed to line up to go through the initial screening where they check your bags and then usher you into another line to enter the building. Only 5 people get to enter the building at a time, so the second line was super slow moving. Once inside, the next stop was going through more security screening like what you do at an airport. Then back to waiting – the next line was the elevator line (I had to go to floor 20).

Once on the 20th floor, I went to a window and gave a man all my documents (police check, 1-134, birth certificate, passport, etc.). He told me to sit and wait until I was called by name to another window where the actual interview would take place. When my name was called, I had to give my fingerprints, oath, and then answered some basic questions – what do I do, what does he do, how did we meet, how often do we see each other, have I met his parents(yes), has he met mine (no) … and then after about 5 minutes the guy interviewing me told me my visa was approved. Hurray! I then had to go back to the original window to receive some additional information about the visa.

The entire process took just over an hour, but it felt like I was there for MUCH longer. I was surprised when I looked at my watch while walking out and it was only 11:15.

Wow thank you so much! I really appreciate this! It's not easy to find a review about the same place I am going to, so this is awesome, thank you again!

Yes I am much more nervous about my medical than my interview. The medical just makes me more worried for some reason. You've made me feel better though!

Any advice for me? lol.

[raven52 233]

Just be prepared, as who knows what they may ask for. Be prepared with any paper work you have. After all you are the one coming to the USA,..,.,by a K-1 petitioner, so, I do not think it is a big issue for you, but be prepared!