Two Lost Souls

4 hours ago, Whanlin said:

My fiance has his medical Jan 17th. No one has any records of his treatment for depression. The only note in anything is a tiny little blurb about "was depressed". He saw a therapist and took medicine for under a year, he too has self harm scars. His GP doctor refused to write a letter for him. He did write a little snip-it on his actual summery that says he doesn't feel my fiance is a threat to himself or others, but added he wrote this at the request of my fiance who wants to immigrate. The clinic where he attended has went out of business and after contacting others (going down the chain) its clear his records have just vanished. We know this would be his biggest obstacle so we have been actively trying to get his stuff together since September. Now a month before the interview we have very very little to give Knightsbridge. We are heart sick. We are looking at an out right refusal at worst or a very expensive Psych Eval at best. Any advice? 

That sounds stressful On what grounds did the GP refuse to write a letter for him? On his patient summary, is "depression" or anything like that listed as an active problem/major prior illness/proper diagnosis, or is it just mentioned in passing?

As a precaution, he could try to book an assessment appointment with his GP (or a different GP at the same surgery if his isn't being very helpful). That way your fiance could go through his history with the GP and explain all the treatments he's had, and ask that the GP writes him a bit of a summary of his past depression and does an assessment of how he is doing currently. That way you have something concrete to give Knightsbridge. I imagine that will cost you, though - getting my GP surgery to give me my medical notes relating to my depression plus a summary letter from my GP was £75.00 and took about 2 weeks. I didn't have any reports from the psychiatrist I saw once, nor reports from the minor injuries units that patched me up a couple of times, nor did I have any correspondence from places where I'd received counselling. It was a letter from my current GP who had reviewed my notes, summarised them, and made her own judgement about my prognosis.

I imagine Knightsbridge will want to look deeper than what you currently have. They are looking for evidence that the depressive illness has been dealt with and is no longer an active problem. As Wuozopo said, worst case would be that they refer your fiance to their own psychiatrist for an assessment that you would need to foot the bill for. It is highly unlikely that they would give an immediate denial based on mental illness on a medical history - they will give you the chance to obtain more documents or to provide them with whatever they need.

Has your fiance been quite pushy with his GP surgery? I have found that you need to be quite pushy with them and very direct and clear with requests. For example, "the US Embassy requires that I have a letter from my GP detailing my mental health history and current mental state". They will probably want you to pay for it but at least you will be prepared. You could even show them the e-mail where it asks for a patient summary plus further evidence when major illnesses or mental health problems are involved.

I understand how stressful this can be, I was incredibly stressed about the medical as I knew there would be questions about my mental health. The more prepared you can be, the better. I will say that everyone at Knightsbridge is very friendly and reassuring, and they do not appear to be trying to catch you out or cause more stress or make a denial just for the sake of it. The doctor who did my assessment was absolutely lovely and friendly. They just need to cover their bases and make sure they have enough evidence that the mental health issue has been resolved and your fiance is healthy.

If you have any other questions and/or need moral support, feel free to inbox me!

As an update, Knightsbridge did not require anything further from me, and my medical has been sent to the embassy ready for my interview tomorrow

I had my medical appointment at Knightsbridge today and I thought my experience might be useful to others, particularly those with mental health issues in their past.

I arrived at Knightsbridge at 1.30pm for a 1.50pm appointment. I found the location instructions in the e-mail they sent me to be very useful and I found it easily (I walked, using google maps as a guide). The receptionist told me to wait in the waiting room as I was a bit early, and return to the counter when it was my appointment time. I was SUPER NERVOUS, I can't even begin to tell you. The waiting room is quite comfortable, and it was quite busy when I was in there. at 1.50pm I returned to the counter, and the receptionist requested all my documents (they give you a list of what to bring in the e-mail) so that she could photocopy them. She photocopied everything and returned it all to me, except my passport and ID photographs. She gave me a urine sample bottle and some more paperwork to fill out, which was mainly general medical questions. When I was done, I returned that to the counter and went back to the waiting room.

Almost immediately I was called to have my chest X ray. The technician was friendly and gave me clear instructions on what to do. You have to remove all clothing from neck to waist, but they give you a gown to wear and you're never exposed. It was very straightforward. He then took me straight to the nurse to go over my vaccinations, however I didn't even sit down with her as she said she'd looked over my immunisation record and everything was in order, and she had signed me off. (For reference, I'd gotten a flu jab, MMR 2nd dose, and DTaP at my GP prior to the appointment, and I had chickenpox as a child which they took my word for).

After this I went straight to the bathroom to do my urine sample. As I came out of the bathrooms, the doctor was already waiting for me! I handed my urine sample in to reception and went straight in with the doctor. She did some ID checks, and then asked me some medical questions about my general health and medical history. I don't have much significant history, just mental health issues which I'll go onto in a minute. She took my blood pressure, and asked me if I was nervous, and I said I was very nervous! I'm guessing my pulse was high. She was very reassuring and said there were lots of horror stories online, but that it was simple process and I shouldn't worry. She was really friendly and reassuring and put me at ease as much as possible. She said all the information I had brought with me looked good. We then talked about my past mental health problems.

(Warning: discussion of depression & self harm ahead)

I had depression for most of my late teens and early twenties (I'm 32 now). I was a self-harmer for many of those years, which caused me significant physical scarring that is still very visible on my arms to this day. I was diagnosed with Depressive Disorder NEC, and I was on medications for a number of years. I didn't make any suicide attempts, and I was never hospitalised for depression, but I was treated by a GP, psychiatrist and mental health team. I've been off antidepressants since 2015 and have been stable since then. I had read lots of posts about the medical on VisaJourney, so in advance I spoke to my doctors and requested a patient summary, my medical notes relating to my depression, as well as a summary letter regarding my depressive illness from my current GP. It cost me £75 as it was classed as a "complex letter/report" by my surgery, but I figured it would be worth it if it meant there were no hitches with my visa medical. I'll post an example of what the doctor wrote for me at the end of this post.

After I answered her questions about my mental health history, she said she thinks the documents I provided will be sufficient. She said they *may* want copies of old letters between my GP and mental health services, and if they do (I'm not sure who "they" is! I should have asked), then they will contact me in the next few days. However, she said in her opinion the GP letter and report was enough. She said what they are mainly looking for is whether the illness is resolved or still ongoing.

After this, she took my height and weight and did some brief physical checks like lymph nodes, eyes/ears/mouth. I then had to undress to underwear and sit on the examination table (she said I could wear a gown if I wanted). She checked my chest, lungs, tummy, joint movement, and reflexes. I then dressed again and she took a blood sample. She said the blood and urine sample are to check for syphilis and gonorrhea, and the chest X ray for TB. After this she said I was all done, and I just needed to head to reception in order to complete payment! I had only been in there for 55 minutes total and I was expecting it to take longer.

I paid the £330 fee at the reception counter, and the receptionist gave me my immunisation record (that I need to keep safe for the Adjustment of Status phase), and my passport back.

And that was it! I was in and out of there in just under an hour. I'm hoping that they don't request any more information from me about my mental health history. If they do, I'll update this so that in future people might know exactly what they want for mental health history, as in the instructions e-mail they send it doesn't specify - indeed the doctor asked me how I knew to get the letter from my GP and I said I had read about it on web forums.

I hope this is helpful! In the end it was a lot less painful than I expected. I'm glad I had prepared by reading online about what documents to take with me, but equally doing all that research probably contributed to me feeling so anxious about the whole process. All the staff at Knightsbridge were friendly and gave good clear instructions about what to do so I didn't feel confused at any point. With mental health issues, it seems that they are looking to collect the full picture of diagnosis/treatment/prognosis in order to be sure that the issue has been dealt with. I imagine they ask further questions or want a bit extra info if you ever had suicidal intent. It seems you just need to have enough evidence to back up that you are now well and not a risk to anyone so it's probably worth collating that some time before the appointment to avoid the inevitable long wait for the GP surgery to get it all together.

---------------

Documents I requested from my GP 4 weeks prior to the appointment:

* Medical records relating to my Depressive Disorder NEC diagnosis. This was 2 and a bit A4 pages which just describes the visits to medical professionals that I made, that related to my diagnosis. It spanned 10 years, from my diagnosis in 2005 to my last visit when I was weaning off medication in 2015. It didn't include any details about visits to minor injury units after episodes of self-harm, though I did disclose these to the doctor when she asked. It also didn't include any info about the counselling I received, and I don't think there's anything on there from the psychiatrist either (though I think I only saw them once or twice - they only oversaw the changing of my meds, I can't really remember too well).

* Patient summary (everyone needs this, not just those with prior mental health issues)

* A letter detailing my mental health diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis from my GP containing a few key phrases (like that I am currently well and healthy, and I am not a risk to self or others). Here's what the GP wrote:

"Dear sir/madam,

I write in my capacity as GP at [GP surgery] where this patient is registered.

[Patient] was diagnosed with Depression in 2005 aged 19 years. She was treated with [medication]. At this time she was self-harming by making cuts to her arms. She was switched to several different SSRI antidepressants - [medication], then [medication]. She also received some counselling. She was referred to see a psychiatrist in 2009 and her antidepressant was switched to [medication]. She was stable until 2012 when she was referred back to mental health services and was again quickly stabilised back on antidepressants. She has never made a suicide attempt.

She has been off antidepressants since July 2015 and her mood has been stable since this time with no more episodes of self-harm or depression. There is no indication that we should expect her to have further episodes of depression. It is of my opinion that [patient] is of no risk to herself or others.

Yours faithfully,

[GP]"

So my case went to "In Transit" on the NVC tracker. I called Knightsbridge to book my medical, and booked a date I wanted - 5th December. They had earlier dates but I'm visiting my fiance from 13th Nov to 3rd Dec so I couldn't take them. 

I sent off my DS-160 and booked my interview for 2 weeks later, on the 19th December. (For anyone curious, I could have booked an interview on the 15th November so the appointment wait in the UK isn't too bad at the moment).

Reeeeeally hoping to be verbally approved at the interview before Christmas, and to hopefully receive my visa in Jan! Going for a January move date I think. It's getting a bit surreal now, I think it's all going to move pretty quickly.

😅

Just now, Lucy&Jason said:

Don’t submit it yet. So that you can still edit it after your visit.. 

Do I need to submit it in order to book the interview, or can it wait? As long as I do it prior to interview?

1 hour ago, Greenbaum said:

Many travel under the same circumstances you are anticipating with no problems. Just be sure to take some extra documentation to show that you will be returning.

 

1. Embassy appointment letter

2. Lease on your flat

3. If your job knows you are going to be away have them give you a letter that they are expecting you to return on such and such a date.

4. Anything else you can think of that ties you back to the UK

I just had (another) thought. If I fill in the DS-160 before my visit to the US, will I need to edit it when I get back? It asks about previous visits to the US, so there will be one more after I've filled it out but before the interview. I wanted to submit it prior to the trip so that I can get my interview booked in.

3 minutes ago, Greenbaum said:

Many travel under the same circumstances you are anticipating with no problems. Just be sure to take some extra documentation to show that you will be returning.

 

1. Embassy appointment letter

2. Lease on your flat

3. If your job knows you are going to be away have them give you a letter that they are expecting you to return on such and such a date.

4. Anything else you can think of that ties you back to the UK

That's what I thought - thank you for easing my fears

This may be a silly question. Since applying for the K1 I have been to visit my fiance in the US in May. I have a trip booked in November as well. I plan to fill out the DS-160 and book my medical and interview prior to this trip, so that I can do them as soon as I get back in December, spend Christmas with my family, and then move over to the US as early as I can in the new year.

I'm aware of the usual "risks" of travelling to the US whilst a K1 visa is being applied for. Are these risks any greater since I am towards the end of the process of the new visa? I just suddenly had this thought and now I'm nervous.

1 hour ago, LuFlolady said:

On what tracker?

https://ceac.state.gov/ceacstattracker/status.aspx

I've spoken to my GP surgery today and it looks like they will hopefully be able to give me MMR which is good. The diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis one I am struggling with.. the GP receptionist wasn't sure they stock it (she's going to check) and I can't seem to find a travel clinic that has it (they all have the one with polio instead of pertussis).

Maybe I'll have to leave that one and get it done at Knightsbridge? I just wanted to be prepared and have them all done before I went.

I received an e-mail on Friday from "Ask NVC (Inquiry Form)" which said "We recently received your visa petition. We will send NVC processing instructions within 8 weeks. Please resubmit your inquiry if you have not received any information after 8 weeks.". It was in response to my request for e-mail updates using the online form. Weirdly enough, my fiance received an e-mail the same day saying that they hadn't yet received our case!

I guess I will keep waiting!

13 minutes ago, Boiler said:

They sound basic injections, not travel.

 

I did not need MMR, is this a booster?

I had MMR vacc when I was 4, I was under the impression it needed to be within the last 10 years? I've also had "DT + Polio Booster" when I was 6, and Meningitis C vacc when I was 14. (I'm 32). That's all I have on my vaccination record.

1 minute ago, Boiler said:

Which vaccinations do you need?

MMR and Tdap. And the flu jab, but I can get that done easily enough at Boots.

I'm having some trouble getting my vaccinations scheduled via my GP. At first I was told I could just schedule them in with a nurse, but they have now said that since it is classed as a travel immunisation, I will need to go elsewhere and get it done privately. They didn't even offer for me to have it done at the GP surgery for a fee. I did explain that I am going over there to live, and not to travel.

I know plenty of people on here have had no issue getting them done at their GP at much reduced cost - or even for free. I looked at private clinics and they cost around the same as Knightsbridge.

Is there any argument I can use with my GP surgery in order to get the vaccinations done a reduced cost, rather than having to go privately? Every penny counts at the moment with all the visa costs and I'd rather not pay £100 for jabs if I don't have to.

Any advice would be most appreciated.

Hi all! We got our NOA2 on October 1st I will be keeping my eye on this thread for all info as I don't feel as confident in this part of the process. I'm currently trying to sort out all the documents I will need for the Medical and Interview when they finally come around  

22 minutes ago, BJ & Christine said:

You r the first one I have seen with 3 dates total. Uscis will go by the March 30th date if u have to inquire about ur case or, at least should. 

I've triple checked it and those are definitely the dates I've got. I wonder if it's because it was spread over Easter weekend? Perhaps they received it, actioned it, but didn't send the notice until April 2nd? I've got no idea really.

Thanks all for replying, I guess that officially makes me a late March filer then!

2 hours ago, BJ & Christine said:

U can go by that or u can take the time to actually look at ur I-797c and it clearly shows u 2 different dates

1. Revived date, located near the top/center area. Which for u should read March 27, 2018

2. Notice date, located right side of page at the top. Which for u should be March 30, 2018

 

hope this clears up any confusion.

 

sorry those dates are from the original person who posted asking the question.

My only confusion was that my received date on the i-797c is March 27, but the notice date on the i-797c is April 2nd, and the new website says March 30th. So I had three dates altogether.

I guess it doesn't matter too much at the end of the day, I'm just getting a bit obsessive over it! 😄

Congratulations to everyone who has received their NOA2s so far!

I'm a bit confused about NOA1 dates! Could someone clarify for me?

On the paper NOA1 it says received date March 27, and notice date April 2nd.

On the old website it says March 27.

On the new website it says March 30.

Which of these is the NOA1? Is it March 27/30? As I had assumed it was April 2nd.

Sorry for the silly question!

It's really exciting to see some approvals coming through now.

48 minutes ago, CBake said:

Yes I also know a 28th filer that’s been approved as well! 

Really? Goodness, that is getting close to us April filers now!

I'm an April filer too, I think our NOA1 was April 2nd. I'll be checking these forums a lot more frequently now we are getting closer to the projected NOA2 date. I have to say, it's a bit disheartening looking at the current processing times post-NOA2. I was hoping I might get to move out there in January but that's looking potentially over-ambitious with the NVC processing times and the wait for interviews etc!  

Oh well - here's hoping the process goes as smoothly as possible for us all.

I thought I'd share a quick summation of my recent visit to the US.

Our NOA1 came on 2nd April 2018, and I visited my fiance from 28th April until 27th May. I took with me a copy of the NOA1, a copy of my tenancy agreement, and a letter from my work (in case I needed to prove ties to the UK). I was very nervous - I knew being turned away would be highly unlikely but even the possibility of it made me jittery. Anyway, the conversation went along the lines of:

Officer: Purpose of visit?

Me: Visiting my fiance

Officer: Is that in Houston?

Me: He's picking me up here, but he is from [another Texan town]

Officer: Have a great trip [stamps passport]

It was very fast and straightforward! He didn't even ask how long I was staying, or for proof of return ticket, and he certainly didn't ask for any proof of ties to my home country. He actually asked me less questions than I've had on previous visits - prior to the filing of the i-129f. I'm hoping to visit for another month at the end of August so I'm hoping I will have the same smooth experience then!

Good luck to everyone filing! It's such a relief when the packet is finally all put together and sent off. It took my fiancé and I a good month and a half to get all the documents prepared!