Medical and Interview Review (K1 Visa) - Vancouver Consulate

[MJM10 1]

Hi everyone,

This website has been so incredibly helpful throughout this entire process, so I thought I'd share my review of the medical exam and interview at the Vancouver consulate in hopes that it may help someone else.

For anyone who is worried - the medical exam is extremely easy (at least it was for my experience)!

First of all, if you are staying in downtown Vancouver, it is really easy to get to Surrey using the skytrain. A day pass is $9.00 which really came in handy since I didn't have a car. I got off at the Scott Road Station and took a cab to the clinic. One thing to be aware of is that it's about $25 to the skytrain to Dr.Cheema's office (one way). I'm sure there's a way to take the bus if you prefer.

I arrived at Dr. Cheema's clinic almost an hour early (the skytrain from downtown Vancouver only took about 35 mins and the cab ride was another 15 mins). There are a lot of cabs waiting at the Scott Road station which is convenient. The staff at the clinic are friendly and were able to take me in a few minutes early which was a bonus. The first thing they do is ask for your vaccination records, your appointment letter, photos and passport. You'll also be asked to complete an information sheet (make sure you know your US address as you will be asked for this information as well). Finally you pay the medical exam fee (only cash or debit is accepted). Once all the paperwork is in order, you get to start the actual exam.

Dr.Cheema is very personable and made friendly conversation which definitely put me at ease. He also asked one of his female staff members into the room during the exam (side note -I wasn't required to get undressed). My exam consisted of a vision test (make sure to bring your glasses!), height and weight. He then took my blood pressure, checked my heart beat and finally pressed on my stomach. That was it! Afterwards you go back to the front desk and you will be given forms to go to the lab for your x-ray and blood work.

The staff at the clinic were very helpful and offered to call me a cab since the x-ray and blood work are done at a different location. It's about an 10 minute drive from Dr.Cheema's to the lab (cab ride costed me about $12).

I would suggest getting your waiting number at the lab first for your blood work (it's on the second floor). The lab is packed and the wait was about 45 minutes. The chest x-ray is done on the main floor and only took a few minutes, so save yourself some waiting time, grab a number on the second floor, go back to the main floor, get your chest x-ray and then head back up for the blood work. The blood work also only takes a couple seconds, it's just waiting for your turn that takes time as it is really busy in there.

As you probably know, it takes a full day for the results to be prepared. Since I did my medical on a Friday, I had to return to Dr. Cheema's office on Monday afternoon for my results packet. They were able to give it to me around 3:30pm. You will receive an envelope with a CD (from your chest x-ray) and a document that you can review. You will also receive a sealed envelope that you will need to bring with you to your interview.

Overall the experience was straight forward and relatively seamless.

My interview was scheduled for June 9th at the Vancouver Consulate. They won't let you in more than 20 mins before your scheduled interview. Luckily there is a starbucks next door which is where I hung out at while I waited. Something to note - ensure you review the security guidelines for entering the consulate. There are a lot of items that you aren't able to bring in (i.e. phones, keyless remotes etc.). There are also no storage facilities at the consulate so make sure to keep unnecessary belongings at the hotel or in your car.

Before you can even enter the consulate you'll need to show them your DS-160 confirmation form and passport. Once they let you in, you'll go through a series of security checks (similar to an airport security check). Once you clear security you'll be escorted into the waiting room. For K1 visa applicants, you'll go to the window and have to flick a switch to be helped (the officer will direct you before you go in). You'll immediately be asked to present all the required documentation (original birth certificate, police clearance, evidence of financial support, etc.). Make sure to have photocopies of your documents as you will be asked for them. Once they have all your documents, you will be given a number and then wait for your actual interview. My interview was scheduled for 8:00am, however my number didn't get called until about 9:30am. I would recommend bringing a book or something to read while you're there as everyone seemed to have been waiting for quite some time.

The interview itself was very quick. You get called to another window, where you'll have to swear that you are telling the truth and then your finger prints are taken. The questions they asked were how and when we met, if we've met each other's families, when did he propose and what are wedding plans are. Oh and if I have any other family in the US. It was pretty straightforward After you answer the questions you're told right away whether or not you are approved (happy to say that we were)!

After that you are directed back to the window where they originally took your paperwork and are given information on what to expect next. I was told that typically it takes 3-5 days to get your visa unless there are computer issues (unfortunately there were in the past few weeks so I'm still waiting to receive mine). The courier (loomis) will send you an email once your visa is ready for pick up. You can also check the website for status updates.

That's it! Very straightforward process! Hopefully this is helpful.