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Nich-Nick

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  1. Thanks
    Nich-Nick got a reaction from MysticFalls in Immunizations. DS-3025 or I-693?   
    This is a revision of my post that is often quoted as good information on the I-693 and DS-3025 question. The DS-3025 form has changed, so this update matches the new form that looks like this http://photos.state.gov/libraries/thailand/591452/iv/ds3025.pdf
    If your DS-3025 from your visa medical is sufficient to prove you have completed all required immunizations, then use it instead of seeing a Civil Surgeon. Read all this for information I have compiled.
    Do I need a medical exam?
    What if I am a K nonimmigrant visa holder and already had a medical exam overseas?
    Source: I-693 instructions page 6 &7, Part 3 FAQ, #3
    If you were admitted as a:
    A. K-1 fiancé(e) or a K-2 child of a K-1 fiancé(e); or
    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 you file your Form I-485 within one year of an overseas medical examination, and:
    (a) The panel physician did not find a class A medical condition during your overseas examination; or
    (b) The panel physician did find a class A medical condition, you received a waiver of inadmissibility, and you have complied with the terms and conditions of 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 Part 7. Vaccination Record completed by a designated civil surgeon. In this case, you must submit Parts 1., 2., 4., and 7. of Form I-693.
    Do you need an I-693 immunization sheet? Is my DS-3025 filled out properly?
    Look at your DS-3025. If it has the ALL of the following items, you don't need an I-693 (Adults 19-49 yrs old).
    1. Shots marked with a date (at least one of a series)
    MMR (two are required but if you have "insufficient time interval" Code B in the last column, then you get a waiver) Td or Tdap or DT or DTP or DtaP (One date must be no longer than 10 years ago) Varicella (Either a check by "Vaccine" with a date, OR a check by "Varicella History" if you had chickenpox. History gets you a waiver) Influenza (during flu season)** see note below because you may be okay without it. If it is not flu season, the waiver in the last column is Code F. Everything else marked "not age appropriate" Code A, insufficient time interval B, not flu season F, contraindicated C...things that allow a waiver. NOTE: If you have shots missing and no waiver for them, stop here and see a Civil Surgeon. "Most of the shots" isn't complete. A note from your home country doctor won't count. All shots must be recorded on the DS-3025 or waived. You will have to take your doctor note to a Civil Surgeon and get him to record it on an official form.
    2. The new form has a summary section. It may be marked:
    "US vaccination requirements COMPLETE (Requesting a Blanket Waiver)"
    But instructions I have seen says it is only marked for immigrant visas. I know In London they leave section 2 unmarked at K1 medicals.
    3. Signed and dated by the doctor
    The unknown with this new form is--will every adjudicator across the US know how to interpret the summary section? Their policy manual says:
    "The officer should be aware that civil surgeons may improperly mark the boxes because they may misunderstand the meaning of these boxes. Therefore, the officer should determine, from the vaccination assessment completed by the civil surgeon, whether the applicant received all vaccines, which blanket waivers should be granted, and whether the applicant requires any ​other waivers. The officer should exercise discretion in reviewing the vaccination chart and when evaluating the results boxes at the bottom of the vaccination assessment chart. ​ ​If the civil surgeon did not check any result boxes, the officer should only return the form for corrective action if he or she is unable to ascertain whether the applicant is admissible. "
    While this is not directly addressing the new form that has a "Summary" instead of a "Results" section, I believe the intent is that the adjudicator should look and see if the four required shots (or waivers) are present and accept the form even if the doctor doesn't do the summary to their liking. No guarantees, but I would certainly use the DS-3025 if I knew I had all the required shots.
    **Note on flu shot: Flu shots are required for adults of all ages 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 visa 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.
    See next post for more information.
  2. Thanks
    Nich-Nick got a reaction from YvetteS in Immunizations. DS-3025 or I-693?   
    More Information to read.
    My RFE says no medical results found. The USCIS is supposed to have your K1 medical files, but sometimes lose them or fail to match them up with your AOS. Do not get another exam unless you get an RFE that says they do not have results of your medical. It means they lost them, but you are probably stuck with paying for a new exam. Those kinds of RFE's are not about the immunizations or the form I-693; they are because USCIS failed to match up your other medical exam results with your AOS application.
    What if I only had one dose of MMR and it's marked "insufficient time interval"? Do I need to another dose and must I see a civil surgeon before AOS?
    NO you do not need to see a civil surgeon unless USCIS loses the whole medical file you turned in at POE. If you were up to date the day that DS-3025 was signed, then you're okay without getting 2nd or 3rd doses. You can get them for your health, or you can not get them ever. It was not medically appropriate for you to get dose 2 on top of dose 1. There's a time interval for doses. So you get a waiver for "insufficient time interval" if that is marked on your DS-3025.
    If you are one of the unlucky ones with a lost medical, then you will have to get a full medical again. By then, enough time would have passed for dose 2 so expect the CS to say you need it. Hopefully it won't come to that.
    If you just chose not to get a second dose that was due (because it was more than 4 weeks since dose 1) then you wouldn't have that "insufficient time interval" waiver marked on your DS-3025. It was medically fine to have the second dose and you didn't. You aren't complete and have no waiver excuse.
    What if I don't have a DS-3025?
    If you are positive that you got the needed shots, then actually mailing in a DS-3025 photocopy is not necessary. The original form is with your other medical results and was turned over to USCIS at POE. That's actually the one that counts because it remained in the "chain of custody" so you didn't have an opportunity to alter it. The photocopy isn't really an official copy and is more for a reminder that you got complete at your visa exam. Of course without having a copy, you don't have the opportunity to see if the rest of the form was completed correctly.
  3. Thanks
    Nich-Nick got a reaction from Zenchi in Immunizations. DS-3025 or I-693?   
    This is a revision of my post that is often quoted as good information on the I-693 and DS-3025 question. The DS-3025 form has changed, so this update matches the new form that looks like this http://photos.state.gov/libraries/thailand/591452/iv/ds3025.pdf
    If your DS-3025 from your visa medical is sufficient to prove you have completed all required immunizations, then use it instead of seeing a Civil Surgeon. Read all this for information I have compiled.
    Do I need a medical exam?
    What if I am a K nonimmigrant visa holder and already had a medical exam overseas?
    Source: I-693 instructions page 6 &7, Part 3 FAQ, #3
    If you were admitted as a:
    A. K-1 fiancé(e) or a K-2 child of a K-1 fiancé(e); or
    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 you file your Form I-485 within one year of an overseas medical examination, and:
    (a) The panel physician did not find a class A medical condition during your overseas examination; or
    (b) The panel physician did find a class A medical condition, you received a waiver of inadmissibility, and you have complied with the terms and conditions of 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 Part 7. Vaccination Record completed by a designated civil surgeon. In this case, you must submit Parts 1., 2., 4., and 7. of Form I-693.
    Do you need an I-693 immunization sheet? Is my DS-3025 filled out properly?
    Look at your DS-3025. If it has the ALL of the following items, you don't need an I-693 (Adults 19-49 yrs old).
    1. Shots marked with a date (at least one of a series)
    MMR (two are required but if you have "insufficient time interval" Code B in the last column, then you get a waiver) Td or Tdap or DT or DTP or DtaP (One date must be no longer than 10 years ago) Varicella (Either a check by "Vaccine" with a date, OR a check by "Varicella History" if you had chickenpox. History gets you a waiver) Influenza (during flu season)** see note below because you may be okay without it. If it is not flu season, the waiver in the last column is Code F. Everything else marked "not age appropriate" Code A, insufficient time interval B, not flu season F, contraindicated C...things that allow a waiver. NOTE: If you have shots missing and no waiver for them, stop here and see a Civil Surgeon. "Most of the shots" isn't complete. A note from your home country doctor won't count. All shots must be recorded on the DS-3025 or waived. You will have to take your doctor note to a Civil Surgeon and get him to record it on an official form.
    2. The new form has a summary section. It may be marked:
    "US vaccination requirements COMPLETE (Requesting a Blanket Waiver)"
    But instructions I have seen says it is only marked for immigrant visas. I know In London they leave section 2 unmarked at K1 medicals.
    3. Signed and dated by the doctor
    The unknown with this new form is--will every adjudicator across the US know how to interpret the summary section? Their policy manual says:
    "The officer should be aware that civil surgeons may improperly mark the boxes because they may misunderstand the meaning of these boxes. Therefore, the officer should determine, from the vaccination assessment completed by the civil surgeon, whether the applicant received all vaccines, which blanket waivers should be granted, and whether the applicant requires any ​other waivers. The officer should exercise discretion in reviewing the vaccination chart and when evaluating the results boxes at the bottom of the vaccination assessment chart. ​ ​If the civil surgeon did not check any result boxes, the officer should only return the form for corrective action if he or she is unable to ascertain whether the applicant is admissible. "
    While this is not directly addressing the new form that has a "Summary" instead of a "Results" section, I believe the intent is that the adjudicator should look and see if the four required shots (or waivers) are present and accept the form even if the doctor doesn't do the summary to their liking. No guarantees, but I would certainly use the DS-3025 if I knew I had all the required shots.
    **Note on flu shot: Flu shots are required for adults of all ages 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 visa 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.
    See next post for more information.
  4. Thanks
    Nich-Nick got a reaction from justinedr in Immunizations. DS-3025 or I-693?   
    This is a revision of my post that is often quoted as good information on the I-693 and DS-3025 question. The DS-3025 form has changed, so this update matches the new form that looks like this http://photos.state.gov/libraries/thailand/591452/iv/ds3025.pdf
    If your DS-3025 from your visa medical is sufficient to prove you have completed all required immunizations, then use it instead of seeing a Civil Surgeon. Read all this for information I have compiled.
    Do I need a medical exam?
    What if I am a K nonimmigrant visa holder and already had a medical exam overseas?
    Source: I-693 instructions page 6 &7, Part 3 FAQ, #3
    If you were admitted as a:
    A. K-1 fiancé(e) or a K-2 child of a K-1 fiancé(e); or
    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 you file your Form I-485 within one year of an overseas medical examination, and:
    (a) The panel physician did not find a class A medical condition during your overseas examination; or
    (b) The panel physician did find a class A medical condition, you received a waiver of inadmissibility, and you have complied with the terms and conditions of 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 Part 7. Vaccination Record completed by a designated civil surgeon. In this case, you must submit Parts 1., 2., 4., and 7. of Form I-693.
    Do you need an I-693 immunization sheet? Is my DS-3025 filled out properly?
    Look at your DS-3025. If it has the ALL of the following items, you don't need an I-693 (Adults 19-49 yrs old).
    1. Shots marked with a date (at least one of a series)
    MMR (two are required but if you have "insufficient time interval" Code B in the last column, then you get a waiver) Td or Tdap or DT or DTP or DtaP (One date must be no longer than 10 years ago) Varicella (Either a check by "Vaccine" with a date, OR a check by "Varicella History" if you had chickenpox. History gets you a waiver) Influenza (during flu season)** see note below because you may be okay without it. If it is not flu season, the waiver in the last column is Code F. Everything else marked "not age appropriate" Code A, insufficient time interval B, not flu season F, contraindicated C...things that allow a waiver. NOTE: If you have shots missing and no waiver for them, stop here and see a Civil Surgeon. "Most of the shots" isn't complete. A note from your home country doctor won't count. All shots must be recorded on the DS-3025 or waived. You will have to take your doctor note to a Civil Surgeon and get him to record it on an official form.
    2. The new form has a summary section. It may be marked:
    "US vaccination requirements COMPLETE (Requesting a Blanket Waiver)"
    But instructions I have seen says it is only marked for immigrant visas. I know In London they leave section 2 unmarked at K1 medicals.
    3. Signed and dated by the doctor
    The unknown with this new form is--will every adjudicator across the US know how to interpret the summary section? Their policy manual says:
    "The officer should be aware that civil surgeons may improperly mark the boxes because they may misunderstand the meaning of these boxes. Therefore, the officer should determine, from the vaccination assessment completed by the civil surgeon, whether the applicant received all vaccines, which blanket waivers should be granted, and whether the applicant requires any ​other waivers. The officer should exercise discretion in reviewing the vaccination chart and when evaluating the results boxes at the bottom of the vaccination assessment chart. ​ ​If the civil surgeon did not check any result boxes, the officer should only return the form for corrective action if he or she is unable to ascertain whether the applicant is admissible. "
    While this is not directly addressing the new form that has a "Summary" instead of a "Results" section, I believe the intent is that the adjudicator should look and see if the four required shots (or waivers) are present and accept the form even if the doctor doesn't do the summary to their liking. No guarantees, but I would certainly use the DS-3025 if I knew I had all the required shots.
    **Note on flu shot: Flu shots are required for adults of all ages 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 visa 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.
    See next post for more information.
  5. Like
    Nich-Nick got a reaction from Helen Quail in Things you need to do before leaving the UK   
    I have an opinion on that I will offer. Others may disagree.--I have been to many doctors and specialists in my life for myself and with family members. They never ask for previous records. They won't look at them if you bring them. They want to do their own tests and such. All have a survey to fill out so it is useful to know what surgeries and years you had them for the form, but nobody needs to read a report about those surgeries. If you are currently on medications, then they will want to know what meds and dosage.
    If there is something significant in you medical history that you want for your reference, then get it but I don't see a real need to have documentation of every doctor visit in your life.
    I think the educational records are more important if you have a university degree. Most jobs that hire non-degreed persons just want to know if you graduated from high school. Say yes and give a date and school name. Don't go into GCSEs. They won't get it. Nor do those kinds of jobs usually ask to see a high school transcript of your courses and grades.
    Again, it is an opinion.
  6. Like
    Nich-Nick got a reaction from jacq & ads in How do I go about bringing all my money in to the US?   
    You can bring any amount of money you wish to the US. It doesn't matter if you paid UK tax on it or not. You could have earned it from a job, or grandma could have given it to you. You are not taxed on it. In the US, you are taxed on income. That isn't income you are earning. It is already your money, not something you are earning in 2014. If you invest it and it earns $5.00 interest in 2014, then the $5 is income. Anything over $10,000 is reported...that says reported, not taxed. There is a difference. It is not reported on an income tax form either. Nothing to do with the IRS. . If you transfer it with a financial institution, they take care of doing the report and you won't even know it. If you are foolish enough to bring $10k+ into the country in your pockets, then you fill out the report with the customs. You are not punished, or taxed, suspect for bringing/transferring money to the US.
    Try xe.com for a good rate. Lots of UK people use them. My husband left his money in the UK bank so I don't have personal experience, but threads come up in the UK forum over and over on the topic and xe or HiFx seem well thought of.
  7. Like
    Nich-Nick got a reaction from A Polite Parrot in Immunizations. DS-3025 or I-693?   
    This is a revision of my post that is often quoted as good information on the I-693 and DS-3025 question. The DS-3025 form has changed, so this update matches the new form that looks like this http://photos.state.gov/libraries/thailand/591452/iv/ds3025.pdf
    If your DS-3025 from your visa medical is sufficient to prove you have completed all required immunizations, then use it instead of seeing a Civil Surgeon. Read all this for information I have compiled.
    Do I need a medical exam?
    What if I am a K nonimmigrant visa holder and already had a medical exam overseas?
    Source: I-693 instructions page 6 &7, Part 3 FAQ, #3
    If you were admitted as a:
    A. K-1 fiancé(e) or a K-2 child of a K-1 fiancé(e); or
    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 you file your Form I-485 within one year of an overseas medical examination, and:
    (a) The panel physician did not find a class A medical condition during your overseas examination; or
    (b) The panel physician did find a class A medical condition, you received a waiver of inadmissibility, and you have complied with the terms and conditions of 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 Part 7. Vaccination Record completed by a designated civil surgeon. In this case, you must submit Parts 1., 2., 4., and 7. of Form I-693.
    Do you need an I-693 immunization sheet? Is my DS-3025 filled out properly?
    Look at your DS-3025. If it has the ALL of the following items, you don't need an I-693 (Adults 19-49 yrs old).
    1. Shots marked with a date (at least one of a series)
    MMR (two are required but if you have "insufficient time interval" Code B in the last column, then you get a waiver) Td or Tdap or DT or DTP or DtaP (One date must be no longer than 10 years ago) Varicella (Either a check by "Vaccine" with a date, OR a check by "Varicella History" if you had chickenpox. History gets you a waiver) Influenza (during flu season)** see note below because you may be okay without it. If it is not flu season, the waiver in the last column is Code F. Everything else marked "not age appropriate" Code A, insufficient time interval B, not flu season F, contraindicated C...things that allow a waiver. NOTE: If you have shots missing and no waiver for them, stop here and see a Civil Surgeon. "Most of the shots" isn't complete. A note from your home country doctor won't count. All shots must be recorded on the DS-3025 or waived. You will have to take your doctor note to a Civil Surgeon and get him to record it on an official form.
    2. The new form has a summary section. It may be marked:
    "US vaccination requirements COMPLETE (Requesting a Blanket Waiver)"
    But instructions I have seen says it is only marked for immigrant visas. I know In London they leave section 2 unmarked at K1 medicals.
    3. Signed and dated by the doctor
    The unknown with this new form is--will every adjudicator across the US know how to interpret the summary section? Their policy manual says:
    "The officer should be aware that civil surgeons may improperly mark the boxes because they may misunderstand the meaning of these boxes. Therefore, the officer should determine, from the vaccination assessment completed by the civil surgeon, whether the applicant received all vaccines, which blanket waivers should be granted, and whether the applicant requires any ​other waivers. The officer should exercise discretion in reviewing the vaccination chart and when evaluating the results boxes at the bottom of the vaccination assessment chart. ​ ​If the civil surgeon did not check any result boxes, the officer should only return the form for corrective action if he or she is unable to ascertain whether the applicant is admissible. "
    While this is not directly addressing the new form that has a "Summary" instead of a "Results" section, I believe the intent is that the adjudicator should look and see if the four required shots (or waivers) are present and accept the form even if the doctor doesn't do the summary to their liking. No guarantees, but I would certainly use the DS-3025 if I knew I had all the required shots.
    **Note on flu shot: Flu shots are required for adults of all ages 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 visa 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.
    See next post for more information.
  8. Like
    Nich-Nick got a reaction from Cyndy&Onyi in Immunizations. DS-3025 or I-693?   
    More Information to read.
    My RFE says no medical results found. The USCIS is supposed to have your K1 medical files, but sometimes lose them or fail to match them up with your AOS. Do not get another exam unless you get an RFE that says they do not have results of your medical. It means they lost them, but you are probably stuck with paying for a new exam. Those kinds of RFE's are not about the immunizations or the form I-693; they are because USCIS failed to match up your other medical exam results with your AOS application.
    What if I only had one dose of MMR and it's marked "insufficient time interval"? Do I need to another dose and must I see a civil surgeon before AOS?
    NO you do not need to see a civil surgeon unless USCIS loses the whole medical file you turned in at POE. If you were up to date the day that DS-3025 was signed, then you're okay without getting 2nd or 3rd doses. You can get them for your health, or you can not get them ever. It was not medically appropriate for you to get dose 2 on top of dose 1. There's a time interval for doses. So you get a waiver for "insufficient time interval" if that is marked on your DS-3025.
    If you are one of the unlucky ones with a lost medical, then you will have to get a full medical again. By then, enough time would have passed for dose 2 so expect the CS to say you need it. Hopefully it won't come to that.
    If you just chose not to get a second dose that was due (because it was more than 4 weeks since dose 1) then you wouldn't have that "insufficient time interval" waiver marked on your DS-3025. It was medically fine to have the second dose and you didn't. You aren't complete and have no waiver excuse.
    What if I don't have a DS-3025?
    If you are positive that you got the needed shots, then actually mailing in a DS-3025 photocopy is not necessary. The original form is with your other medical results and was turned over to USCIS at POE. That's actually the one that counts because it remained in the "chain of custody" so you didn't have an opportunity to alter it. The photocopy isn't really an official copy and is more for a reminder that you got complete at your visa exam. Of course without having a copy, you don't have the opportunity to see if the rest of the form was completed correctly.
  9. Like
    Nich-Nick got a reaction from CheriandRichard in London K1. A complete guide. (Do Not Post Questions in Thread)   
    Paying for the Visa
    Once you have your interview date, there's one last bit of admin to do and that's to pay your Visa/MRV Fee. Go to this site and follow these instructions: Hit “Register” then select the top option. Enter your details. Hit “Add Applicant” and then pick the middle option in the drop-down menu (“I need to register a K Visa Appointment”) Fill in the details here too, and then you'll be taken back to the main page. Hit “Continue” and select the closest DX Secure depot to your location (You can pay for home delivery afterwards if you want it delivered). Then enter your appointment information. Next up is paying the visa fee which is currently £150. Once that's confirmed, you can then print off a copy of the next page as evidence of paying. After that, you also now have the option of paying an extra $30 (currently about £19) for home delivery of the visa. Print off a copy of that receipt too – you get sent the confirmations via email as well so you can print those off at a library if you have to. Congratulations – your visa (and home delivery if you selected it) are now paid for.
  10. Like
    Nich-Nick got a reaction from CheriandRichard in London K1. A complete guide. (Do Not Post Questions in Thread)   
    All about the Medical
    Before you book the medical exam, you should have your UK police certificate and your LND case number. Some call to schedule the appointment as soon as they learn the LND number from the NVC, and before they have received notification that London has the file and is ready for the beneficiary to begin.
    The only clinic contracted to do the UK visa medical is
    Knightsbridge Doctors
    4 Bentinck Mansions
    Bentinck Street
    London
    W1U 2ER
    Website: http://www.visamedicals.info/us.asp
    Phone: 020 7486 7822 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
    The London embassy page discussing the medical and cost is here: http://london.usembassy.gov/immigrant-visas/medical-examination.html
    There is more information and a questionnaire to fill in here: http://photos.state....18a_medical.pdf
    Tips of things to do before your medical:
    Get your immunization records. If you need any of the shots (as noted in the first post of this thread) get those done before the medical. You can probably see the practice nurse without a doctor appointment if that is the only reason you are going.
    Look at the medical questionnaire. The Knightsbridge doctor may want a report from your NHS doctor if you answer yes about any of the conditions on the form. Exception: smoking, pregnancy. They are basically seeking more information about the diseases/conditions of a more serious nature like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, depression, asthma, etc, and not a broken arm or ingrown toenail. They will tell you to send them a medical report before they can complete the exam results. Save yourself some delays and take a report to your exam if you have or had any medical conditions or take medications. They want to know full diagnosis, date, cured or ongoing, if it requires medication, etc. It’s a letter/report from the doctor, not photocopies of you records. If you are claiming to have suffered from depression, there are some magic words your doctor needs to write—“You are not a threat to yourself or others.”
    FAQ
    Why do they need my police certificate?
    They are charged with evaluating if you have any addictions or things that fall under mental health. A view of your police certificate could reveal arrests for drugs, alcohol, drunk and disorderly, pub brawls, etc. It would clue them in to discuss those things further with you.
    What will they accept for immunization records?”
    Anything from your doctor office…a printout, handwritten, typed. Ideally something typed or handwritten would have a doctor name and address on it, or a signature by the nurse who did it. If your Mum has an immunization book or card from when you were a child, that works too. If you get a flu jab at Tesco or Boots, get it documented on paper. Knightsbridge can use all of that to make one record.
    What if the GP office doesn’t have my records?
    Not all records have been computerized. Ask them to dig out your paper records and make a list. Experiences vary with getting records, especially if you moved a lot. Some offices want to charge a fee. Work it out best you can.
    If I can't get my records, do I need to repeat all the baby shots to catch up?
    NO. Get only the shots required for adults.
    What if I get to Knightsbridge and the nurse says I am missing a shot but I can get it at my GP and send with AOS?
    The nurse does not know adjustment of status. You can’t send something from your GP to USCIS. You will pay a Civil Surgeon in the US to fill out a new immunization sheet. Get your records complete right then by paying. OR tell Knightsbridge to hold your results until you can get the shot and send them proof. Ask for their fax number. Have your doctor office fax the proof as soon as you have had the shot. Ask Knightsbridge to mail your copy of the DS-3025 after they have added the new shot and signed off.
    From shana.mike:
    Knightsbridge now require 4 passport pictures instead of just 1 now. Here is a quote from the email I received from them after booking an appointment:
    "4 X Identical Passport sized photo UK or US size (please note this has recently increased and may not be updated on the online medical packs)"
  11. Thanks
    Nich-Nick got a reaction from Aeiou1357 in Immunizations. DS-3025 or I-693?   
    This is a revision of my post that is often quoted as good information on the I-693 and DS-3025 question. The DS-3025 form has changed, so this update matches the new form that looks like this http://photos.state.gov/libraries/thailand/591452/iv/ds3025.pdf
    If your DS-3025 from your visa medical is sufficient to prove you have completed all required immunizations, then use it instead of seeing a Civil Surgeon. Read all this for information I have compiled.
    Do I need a medical exam?
    What if I am a K nonimmigrant visa holder and already had a medical exam overseas?
    Source: I-693 instructions page 6 &7, Part 3 FAQ, #3
    If you were admitted as a:
    A. K-1 fiancé(e) or a K-2 child of a K-1 fiancé(e); or
    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 you file your Form I-485 within one year of an overseas medical examination, and:
    (a) The panel physician did not find a class A medical condition during your overseas examination; or
    (b) The panel physician did find a class A medical condition, you received a waiver of inadmissibility, and you have complied with the terms and conditions of 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 Part 7. Vaccination Record completed by a designated civil surgeon. In this case, you must submit Parts 1., 2., 4., and 7. of Form I-693.
    Do you need an I-693 immunization sheet? Is my DS-3025 filled out properly?
    Look at your DS-3025. If it has the ALL of the following items, you don't need an I-693 (Adults 19-49 yrs old).
    1. Shots marked with a date (at least one of a series)
    MMR (two are required but if you have "insufficient time interval" Code B in the last column, then you get a waiver) Td or Tdap or DT or DTP or DtaP (One date must be no longer than 10 years ago) Varicella (Either a check by "Vaccine" with a date, OR a check by "Varicella History" if you had chickenpox. History gets you a waiver) Influenza (during flu season)** see note below because you may be okay without it. If it is not flu season, the waiver in the last column is Code F. Everything else marked "not age appropriate" Code A, insufficient time interval B, not flu season F, contraindicated C...things that allow a waiver. NOTE: If you have shots missing and no waiver for them, stop here and see a Civil Surgeon. "Most of the shots" isn't complete. A note from your home country doctor won't count. All shots must be recorded on the DS-3025 or waived. You will have to take your doctor note to a Civil Surgeon and get him to record it on an official form.
    2. The new form has a summary section. It may be marked:
    "US vaccination requirements COMPLETE (Requesting a Blanket Waiver)"
    But instructions I have seen says it is only marked for immigrant visas. I know In London they leave section 2 unmarked at K1 medicals.
    3. Signed and dated by the doctor
    The unknown with this new form is--will every adjudicator across the US know how to interpret the summary section? Their policy manual says:
    "The officer should be aware that civil surgeons may improperly mark the boxes because they may misunderstand the meaning of these boxes. Therefore, the officer should determine, from the vaccination assessment completed by the civil surgeon, whether the applicant received all vaccines, which blanket waivers should be granted, and whether the applicant requires any ​other waivers. The officer should exercise discretion in reviewing the vaccination chart and when evaluating the results boxes at the bottom of the vaccination assessment chart. ​ ​If the civil surgeon did not check any result boxes, the officer should only return the form for corrective action if he or she is unable to ascertain whether the applicant is admissible. "
    While this is not directly addressing the new form that has a "Summary" instead of a "Results" section, I believe the intent is that the adjudicator should look and see if the four required shots (or waivers) are present and accept the form even if the doctor doesn't do the summary to their liking. No guarantees, but I would certainly use the DS-3025 if I knew I had all the required shots.
    **Note on flu shot: Flu shots are required for adults of all ages 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 visa 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.
    See next post for more information.
  12. Like
    Nich-Nick got a reaction from Josephine Ann in Is I-130 form needed in AOS if i its K1 visa?   
    K1s are not the majority when it comes to doing AOS. People are also doing AOS who have lived in the US for years. They are adjusting from student, work, all kinds of visas. So when you read something posted about AOS, make note of their timeline and if they are also a K1. Otherwise their process may be different. This forum is a melting pot from many, many visas. So the I-130 with AOS is for people who are already here for another reason, who marry a US citizen while here. Now they want a green card. They haven't done an I-129F for a foreign fiance or I-130 for a foreign spouse. So they have to start with a petition. You're past that with your I-129F petition approval. You go straight to the AOS form.
  13. Thanks
    Nich-Nick got a reaction from Hemutian in Immunizations. DS-3025 or I-693?   
    More Information to read.
    My RFE says no medical results found. The USCIS is supposed to have your K1 medical files, but sometimes lose them or fail to match them up with your AOS. Do not get another exam unless you get an RFE that says they do not have results of your medical. It means they lost them, but you are probably stuck with paying for a new exam. Those kinds of RFE's are not about the immunizations or the form I-693; they are because USCIS failed to match up your other medical exam results with your AOS application.
    What if I only had one dose of MMR and it's marked "insufficient time interval"? Do I need to another dose and must I see a civil surgeon before AOS?
    NO you do not need to see a civil surgeon unless USCIS loses the whole medical file you turned in at POE. If you were up to date the day that DS-3025 was signed, then you're okay without getting 2nd or 3rd doses. You can get them for your health, or you can not get them ever. It was not medically appropriate for you to get dose 2 on top of dose 1. There's a time interval for doses. So you get a waiver for "insufficient time interval" if that is marked on your DS-3025.
    If you are one of the unlucky ones with a lost medical, then you will have to get a full medical again. By then, enough time would have passed for dose 2 so expect the CS to say you need it. Hopefully it won't come to that.
    If you just chose not to get a second dose that was due (because it was more than 4 weeks since dose 1) then you wouldn't have that "insufficient time interval" waiver marked on your DS-3025. It was medically fine to have the second dose and you didn't. You aren't complete and have no waiver excuse.
    What if I don't have a DS-3025?
    If you are positive that you got the needed shots, then actually mailing in a DS-3025 photocopy is not necessary. The original form is with your other medical results and was turned over to USCIS at POE. That's actually the one that counts because it remained in the "chain of custody" so you didn't have an opportunity to alter it. The photocopy isn't really an official copy and is more for a reminder that you got complete at your visa exam. Of course without having a copy, you don't have the opportunity to see if the rest of the form was completed correctly.
  14. Thanks
    Nich-Nick got a reaction from YvetteS in Immunizations. DS-3025 or I-693?   
    This is a revision of my post that is often quoted as good information on the I-693 and DS-3025 question. The DS-3025 form has changed, so this update matches the new form that looks like this http://photos.state.gov/libraries/thailand/591452/iv/ds3025.pdf
    If your DS-3025 from your visa medical is sufficient to prove you have completed all required immunizations, then use it instead of seeing a Civil Surgeon. Read all this for information I have compiled.
    Do I need a medical exam?
    What if I am a K nonimmigrant visa holder and already had a medical exam overseas?
    Source: I-693 instructions page 6 &7, Part 3 FAQ, #3
    If you were admitted as a:
    A. K-1 fiancé(e) or a K-2 child of a K-1 fiancé(e); or
    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 you file your Form I-485 within one year of an overseas medical examination, and:
    (a) The panel physician did not find a class A medical condition during your overseas examination; or
    (b) The panel physician did find a class A medical condition, you received a waiver of inadmissibility, and you have complied with the terms and conditions of 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 Part 7. Vaccination Record completed by a designated civil surgeon. In this case, you must submit Parts 1., 2., 4., and 7. of Form I-693.
    Do you need an I-693 immunization sheet? Is my DS-3025 filled out properly?
    Look at your DS-3025. If it has the ALL of the following items, you don't need an I-693 (Adults 19-49 yrs old).
    1. Shots marked with a date (at least one of a series)
    MMR (two are required but if you have "insufficient time interval" Code B in the last column, then you get a waiver) Td or Tdap or DT or DTP or DtaP (One date must be no longer than 10 years ago) Varicella (Either a check by "Vaccine" with a date, OR a check by "Varicella History" if you had chickenpox. History gets you a waiver) Influenza (during flu season)** see note below because you may be okay without it. If it is not flu season, the waiver in the last column is Code F. Everything else marked "not age appropriate" Code A, insufficient time interval B, not flu season F, contraindicated C...things that allow a waiver. NOTE: If you have shots missing and no waiver for them, stop here and see a Civil Surgeon. "Most of the shots" isn't complete. A note from your home country doctor won't count. All shots must be recorded on the DS-3025 or waived. You will have to take your doctor note to a Civil Surgeon and get him to record it on an official form.
    2. The new form has a summary section. It may be marked:
    "US vaccination requirements COMPLETE (Requesting a Blanket Waiver)"
    But instructions I have seen says it is only marked for immigrant visas. I know In London they leave section 2 unmarked at K1 medicals.
    3. Signed and dated by the doctor
    The unknown with this new form is--will every adjudicator across the US know how to interpret the summary section? Their policy manual says:
    "The officer should be aware that civil surgeons may improperly mark the boxes because they may misunderstand the meaning of these boxes. Therefore, the officer should determine, from the vaccination assessment completed by the civil surgeon, whether the applicant received all vaccines, which blanket waivers should be granted, and whether the applicant requires any ​other waivers. The officer should exercise discretion in reviewing the vaccination chart and when evaluating the results boxes at the bottom of the vaccination assessment chart. ​ ​If the civil surgeon did not check any result boxes, the officer should only return the form for corrective action if he or she is unable to ascertain whether the applicant is admissible. "
    While this is not directly addressing the new form that has a "Summary" instead of a "Results" section, I believe the intent is that the adjudicator should look and see if the four required shots (or waivers) are present and accept the form even if the doctor doesn't do the summary to their liking. No guarantees, but I would certainly use the DS-3025 if I knew I had all the required shots.
    **Note on flu shot: Flu shots are required for adults of all ages 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 visa 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.
    See next post for more information.
  15. Like
    Nich-Nick got a reaction from EnglishLove in London K1. A complete guide. (Do Not Post Questions in Thread)   
    Wheatley and Nich-Nick have collaborated on this new guide. Because the mods want pinned threads to be for information only, please don't post your individual questions in this thread. Read it carefully and if you don't understand something or have a unique issue then start a new thread with your question. Keep this thread clear of your progress, fears, joys, and frustrations. If anything changes in London, we will add information. The basic guide, once posted, can not be edited by either of us, so read to the end in case there are corrections
    Pre-NOA2 Preparation
    US Petitioner
    Order your IRS Tax Transcript - Tax transcripts are an excellent source of evidence for your I-134 Affidavit of Support. They're certified by the IRS. You only need the most recent one. Start getting the I-134 ready with the supporting documents [e.g. proof of income].London will accept any proof on an I-134 that clearly shows income. Some ways besides a tax return/transcript are employer letter, pay stubs, pension letter, or banks statements showing direct deposits. Pick two. You don’t need to prove income five different ways. If you have a new job or earn more income since your tax return, then an employer letter and recent pay stubs are a better choice than a weak tax return. This one has to be sent the old-fashioned way with a “wet” signature on it. Copies of the form aren't accepted, but your proof of income can be scans or photocopies. London does not typically want to see relationship evidence. In the majority of cases they haven't asked for it. If it gives you peace of mind, get some photos printed but don't panic over it at all. Nor do they want to see your NOA2 or a photocopy of the I-129F packet– what do you think they have in front of them? UK Beneficiary
    Go get your photos done. You're going to need 2x UK size and 1x US size. The two UK size photos are for your Medical and for your Police Certificate. Your US size one is for the Embassy – no longer do you need 2 of them, only one as they scan them in digitally. US size photos can be done at most photo booths at a cost of around £7 for 4 photos.
    Go to your NHS doctor and get the immunizations you will need for Adjustment of Status. You can get a K1 visa without having any shots, but you will need them before AOS. It’s extremely wise to take care of it before getting to the US so you can avoid civil surgeon hassles and $$$. Many NHS doctors will do them for free, but they are not obligated to do so for immigration purposes. Get the shots documented by your doctor to take to your visa medical exam. If your doctor should say you don’t need something on this list, remember you have to go by US rules and that differs from UK standards. Here are the shots needed for 19 through 59 years of age: Td or Tdap - Tetanus/diptheria/pertussis or get DT, DTP or DtaP and it will be accepted for AOS also. The latest shot must be no longer than 10 years ago or you need a booster. If you have a record of receiving pertussis, then the Td is okay for the booster. MMR - (if born in 1957 or later)-Mumps/measles/rubella. It's two doses in your life, but if you get the first dose, and 4 weeks haven't passed by your medical, they will waive the second dose for "insufficient time interval". If you only had one dose as a child, get a second one before the medical. 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 – Required 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. The list on the London embassy website is out of date since 2009. Don’t follow it.
    Get all your documents together. Here is a link to London’s list of required documents. Be sure to click any links that say “please follow this link for more information” or you may miss details particular to you. Below are some links on how to get these documents or replacements of them:
    Police Certificate
    Birth, Marriage and Divorce Certificates
    Military Records
    Finally, make sure your passport is in order – You need to make sure you have at least 8 months until the expiry date on it, preferably more. If you've damaged it or gotten it wet, or the edges are wrinkled, it will need to be renewed. London is fussy about that.
  16. Like
    Nich-Nick got a reaction from MarkandCharity in passport pages for proof I-129F   
    In my opinion as an experience person who has completed the whole immigration thing from fiancé to US citizenship for my British husband without a stumble--
    1. More is not better if it overloads your file so much they can't find the relevant things that actually count. The important required things to document are:
    --one is a US citizen (birth certificate)
    --both are free to marry (divorce decrees if applicable)
    --and intend to marry within 90 days (statements from each)
    --have met in person at least once in the last two years
    2. Nowhere in the actual USCIS instructions does it say you have to convince them of your undying love with a hundred pages of Skype messages and social medial fluff. Maybe there is a usefulness to showing some communication samples if one is American and the other is Chinese, but you two speak English as your native language.
    3. Half a dozen photos is good. Twenty is clutter.
    4. If any part of this process requires more than a Priority Mail (light cardboard) flat mailer, you are sending too much.
    5. A color inkjet printer/scanner/copier is the BEST investment you can buy when you start immigration. This is just the beginning of years of paperwork. Don't depend on the office copy machine. Keep records of everything you mail off. But yes black and white will be okay for your photocopies.
    Now I'll quit preaching because it isn't even Sunday. Good luck to you.
  17. Like
    Nich-Nick got a reaction from bestofluck in RFE - Form I-693   
    Well geez, not a one of you with an RFE has a timeline to figure out where you are. So guessing....I think you are new K1 entrants who saw a civil surgeon this year (2013). The date of medical examination to which your RFE is referring, is the date you saw a civil surgeon, not the visa exam. Since a new form dated Jan 2013 is available, then I would use it. There was a gap between the form being ready and the end of the old form so they issued memorada to adjudicators and civil surgeons telling them the 2011 form would be used until the new form was ready and would have an overlap period where both were accepted. I forgot the dates. Anyway, the form name in the lower left hand corner of the 2013 version has a "Y" which means, yes the previous version is still accepted.
    Another reason for wishing you had timelines...I wonder if this RFE came early or if you are 5-6 months in. It does sound like somebody at USCIS is confused that the 2011 version is not still accepted, which it is. That's all I have to offer, not knowing your timelines, visa, etc.
  18. Like
    Nich-Nick got a reaction from amishbaby in TurboTax help for Joint filing- 2012   
    This is a walk through for doing a joint return using TurboTax Basic 2012. I have not looked at other versions like Deluxe or Home and Business or the online method this year. Maybe the screens are the same, maybe not.
    This is geared toward people who married in 2012 and the foreign spouse moved to the US in 2012. If you do not have a greencard yet, the IRS will allow the foreign spouse to be treated as a resident alien for tax purposes for the entire year by electing to be treated that way. It is a perk allowed to those who married US citizens. There are many discussions about if you are physically present in the US for 183 days, you don’t have to make that written election. I go by this from the IRS:


    First Year of Residency
    If you are a U.S. resident for the calendar year, but you were not a U.S. resident at any time during the preceding calendar year , you are a U.S. resident only for the part of the calendar year that begins on the residency starting date. You are a nonresident alien for the part of the year before that date.
    Reference: IRS Publication 519, Chapter 1
    I think it’s easier for most here to be a resident alien for the entire year, rather than a dual status alien. When you make the election, then worldwide income must be reported, meaning any money the foreign spouse earned abroad. Most will qualify for the foreign income exclusion, so don’t panic and think you are going to pay taxes twice. I personally don’t trust H&R Block to get it right. They aren’t trained on immigrant issues, especially the oddities of K1s. They have steered many people wrong. If you file a joint return, you do declare worldwide income. If you don’t want to do that, then the USC does “married filing separately” and the non-greencard holder new spouse who earned no US income files nothing.
    Here's an example of a statement you both will sign and date:
    Statement: Nonresident Spouse Treated as a Resident
    We declare that on the last day of tax year 2012:
    •Mary Jo Smith is a U.S. citizen
    •Sam John Smith is a nonresident alien
    •Mary Jo Smith and Sam John Smith are married.
    We choose to be treated as U.S. residents for the entire tax year.
    ___[sign here]_______________________________ 2/4/2013
    Mary Jo Smith SSN: 123-45-6789
    410 Happy St.
    Jackson, WY 83001
    ___[sign here]_______________________________ 2/4/2012
    Sam John Smith SSN: 987-65-4321
    410 Happy St.
    Jackson, WY 83001
    - - - - - - - - - - - -
    Okay, back to TurboTax
    Begin and fill out your names, address,etc. I’m going to call the people USC for the American and FC for the Foreign Citizen spouse. TurboTax will use your names when you fill it in.
    Some questions that you will come across
    Asking your state of residence. That is mostly for TurboTax to know if you are going to be filing a State Income Tax return.
    For the FC—
    Were you a resident of [state] for the entire year? Say YES for this
    Did you make money in another state? Say NO
    Again, it’s trying to figure out if you need to pay taxes in another state and doesn’t affect your federal return.
    Both USC and FC—
    Do you have children or support another person? Just want to say here that your spouse doesn’t count here as a person you are supporting and your spouse is never called a dependent in IRS language. If you have no kids, then your answer will probably be NO.
    Then work on USCs W2 information. Do not enter W2 information for FC unless they worked in the US and got a W2. Ignore their foreign income for now. Keep clicking “continue”, working your way through each section on income saying yes or no as appropriate about your interest, dividends,rents and royalties, retirement, business items…each of us have different things.
    Next. Next. Next until you finally hit the section called LESS COMMON INCOME. You will see Foreign income and exclusion in the list so say yes at the bottom. It will take you through Alimony, jury pay and finally----
    Did you make any money outside the US? Yes
    What form was Foreign Income Reported On? A statement from my foreign employer
    Enter your foreign earned wages. Put in converted to US $
    Did FC’s income come from any of these sources? NO
    Confirm FC’s wages. Probably no adjustment needed.
    Employer provided goods. Skip
    Enter Amount employer paid you cash for. Skip if none apply.
    Whose foreign income would you like to exclude. Tick the name.
    Did FC live and work outside the US? Yes
    Was FC a citizen? No
    Was FC a resident alien? YES, because to the IRS, you are a resident alien for the whole of 2011 because of the statement you wrote electing to be treated that way.
    Income tax treaty? YES (you'd have to look that up, but NO won't allow the exemption) Treaties are covered here http://www.irs.gov/publications/p901/ar02.html#en_US_publink1000219371
    Do either of these situations apply to you? FC is required to pay foreign taxes.
    Choose how to qualify for this exclusion. Bonafide resident test
    Date started living in foreign country? Probably date of your birth
    Date stopped living there? Entry to US date if already here.
    Enter info about US travel. Self-explanatory
    Deductions related to Foreign Earned Income. Shouldn’t be any. You weren’t moved because of work so can’t take moving expenses for example.
    Foreign address. Enter it.
    Separate family address. No doesn’t apply to this situation. For Americans transferred overseas and wife stayed home maybe.
    Housing. None. Skip.
    Country of citizenship. Type in.
    Employer information. Type in. Tick no US address. Fill in foreign address.
    Type of company (at the bottom of the page). Pick one.
    Did FC take a foreign exclusion before? NO
    Did FC's family live with him? NO. It doesn't really apply except to American's living abroad for work who get exclusions for expenses.
    The next two aren't so important. Again more for American’s living abroad.Just pick something for-
    Did family live with you?
    Describe your housing.
    Does FC have an employment contract. NO. That questtion is for Americans abroad.
    Type of visa? Don't tick any of the four. You don't have a visa TO the foreign country in this question. The United States is not a foreign country on this IRS form. The visa to the US you got is not the visa in this question. For Americans working abroad.
    Does your visa limit the time you can work outside US? Tick nothing on this.
    Next screen should say Congratulations, you qualify.
    Now you can look at your Form 1040. If you did this properly,
    Line 7 should be both incomes added together
    Line 21 will show the exclusion with a minus sign in front of it.
    NOTE: This is general information. Each of you arrived at different times of the year or married in 2012 but haven't arrived, earned a little or a lot, have babies or not, earned wages or were self employed. This can't be an all inclusive tax guide but hopefully will help many of you in fairly plain language.
    If you do the statement, you can't efile this year. I called the IRS and confirmed this twice. I always ask twice because they don't always have the same answers.
  19. Like
    Nich-Nick got a reaction from Steph & Nick in Immunizations. DS-3025 or I-693?   
    This is a revision of my post that is often quoted as good information on the I-693 and DS-3025 question. The DS-3025 form has changed, so this update matches the new form that looks like this http://photos.state.gov/libraries/thailand/591452/iv/ds3025.pdf
    If your DS-3025 from your visa medical is sufficient to prove you have completed all required immunizations, then use it instead of seeing a Civil Surgeon. Read all this for information I have compiled.
    Do I need a medical exam?
    What if I am a K nonimmigrant visa holder and already had a medical exam overseas?
    Source: I-693 instructions page 6 &7, Part 3 FAQ, #3
    If you were admitted as a:
    A. K-1 fiancé(e) or a K-2 child of a K-1 fiancé(e); or
    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 you file your Form I-485 within one year of an overseas medical examination, and:
    (a) The panel physician did not find a class A medical condition during your overseas examination; or
    (b) The panel physician did find a class A medical condition, you received a waiver of inadmissibility, and you have complied with the terms and conditions of 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 Part 7. Vaccination Record completed by a designated civil surgeon. In this case, you must submit Parts 1., 2., 4., and 7. of Form I-693.
    Do you need an I-693 immunization sheet? Is my DS-3025 filled out properly?
    Look at your DS-3025. If it has the ALL of the following items, you don't need an I-693 (Adults 19-49 yrs old).
    1. Shots marked with a date (at least one of a series)
    MMR (two are required but if you have "insufficient time interval" Code B in the last column, then you get a waiver) Td or Tdap or DT or DTP or DtaP (One date must be no longer than 10 years ago) Varicella (Either a check by "Vaccine" with a date, OR a check by "Varicella History" if you had chickenpox. History gets you a waiver) Influenza (during flu season)** see note below because you may be okay without it. If it is not flu season, the waiver in the last column is Code F. Everything else marked "not age appropriate" Code A, insufficient time interval B, not flu season F, contraindicated C...things that allow a waiver. NOTE: If you have shots missing and no waiver for them, stop here and see a Civil Surgeon. "Most of the shots" isn't complete. A note from your home country doctor won't count. All shots must be recorded on the DS-3025 or waived. You will have to take your doctor note to a Civil Surgeon and get him to record it on an official form.
    2. The new form has a summary section. It may be marked:
    "US vaccination requirements COMPLETE (Requesting a Blanket Waiver)"
    But instructions I have seen says it is only marked for immigrant visas. I know In London they leave section 2 unmarked at K1 medicals.
    3. Signed and dated by the doctor
    The unknown with this new form is--will every adjudicator across the US know how to interpret the summary section? Their policy manual says:
    "The officer should be aware that civil surgeons may improperly mark the boxes because they may misunderstand the meaning of these boxes. Therefore, the officer should determine, from the vaccination assessment completed by the civil surgeon, whether the applicant received all vaccines, which blanket waivers should be granted, and whether the applicant requires any ​other waivers. The officer should exercise discretion in reviewing the vaccination chart and when evaluating the results boxes at the bottom of the vaccination assessment chart. ​ ​If the civil surgeon did not check any result boxes, the officer should only return the form for corrective action if he or she is unable to ascertain whether the applicant is admissible. "
    While this is not directly addressing the new form that has a "Summary" instead of a "Results" section, I believe the intent is that the adjudicator should look and see if the four required shots (or waivers) are present and accept the form even if the doctor doesn't do the summary to their liking. No guarantees, but I would certainly use the DS-3025 if I knew I had all the required shots.
    **Note on flu shot: Flu shots are required for adults of all ages 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 visa 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.
    See next post for more information.
  20. Like
    Nich-Nick got a reaction from Karmachewy in DS - 3025 complete or not?   
    I have "majored" in this topic (LOL) and studied it extensively so I'm giving you an answer not based on gossip but reading volumes of USCIS, DOS, and CDC info.
    NO you do not need to see a civil surgeon unless USCIS loses the whole medical file he turned in at POE. If he was up to date the day that DS-3025 was signed, then he's okay without getting 2nd or 3rd doses. He can get them for his health, or he can not get them ever. It was not medically appropriate for him to get dose 2 on top of dose 1. There's a time interval for doses. So he gets a waiver for "insufficient time interval."
    If you are one of the unlucky ones with a lost medical, then he will have to get a full medical again. By then, enough time would have passed for dose 2 so expect the CS to say he needs it. Hopefully it won't come to that.
  21. Like
    Nich-Nick got a reaction from Karmachewy in DS - 3025 complete or not?   
    Your form sounds complete. Here's my copy/paste answer I've posted many times before.
    Look at your DS-3025. If it has the ALL of the following items, you don't need an I-693 (Adults 19-49 yrs old).
    1. Shots marked with a date (at least one of a series)
    •MMR
    •Td or Tdap or DT or DTP or DtaP (One no longer than 10 years ago, ie.have a booster)
    •Varicella or VH written by it if you had chickenpox
    •Influenza **see note below because you are most likely okay without it.
    2. Everything else marked not age appropriate
    3. RESULTS section filled in with "incomplete" and "may be eligible for blanket waiver" ticked.
    4. Signed and dated by the doctor
    If it's not completed like that then see a civil surgeon for the I-693. If it is complete, send a photocopy of your DS-3025.
    The USCIS is supposed to have your K1 medical files, but sometimes lose them or fail to match them up with your AOS. Do not get another exam unless you get an RFE that says they do not have results of your medical. It means they lost them, but you are probably stuck with paying for a new exam. Those kinds of RFE's are not about the immunizations or the form I-693; they are because USCIS failed to match up your other medical exam results with your AOS application.
    **Note on flu shot: Flu shots are required for adults of all ages (changed Nov 2010) if your UK 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.
  22. Thanks
    Nich-Nick got a reaction from scottybrittas in Immunizations. DS-3025 or I-693?   
    This is a revision of my post that is often quoted as good information on the I-693 and DS-3025 question. The DS-3025 form has changed, so this update matches the new form that looks like this http://photos.state.gov/libraries/thailand/591452/iv/ds3025.pdf
    If your DS-3025 from your visa medical is sufficient to prove you have completed all required immunizations, then use it instead of seeing a Civil Surgeon. Read all this for information I have compiled.
    Do I need a medical exam?
    What if I am a K nonimmigrant visa holder and already had a medical exam overseas?
    Source: I-693 instructions page 6 &7, Part 3 FAQ, #3
    If you were admitted as a:
    A. K-1 fiancé(e) or a K-2 child of a K-1 fiancé(e); or
    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 you file your Form I-485 within one year of an overseas medical examination, and:
    (a) The panel physician did not find a class A medical condition during your overseas examination; or
    (b) The panel physician did find a class A medical condition, you received a waiver of inadmissibility, and you have complied with the terms and conditions of 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 Part 7. Vaccination Record completed by a designated civil surgeon. In this case, you must submit Parts 1., 2., 4., and 7. of Form I-693.
    Do you need an I-693 immunization sheet? Is my DS-3025 filled out properly?
    Look at your DS-3025. If it has the ALL of the following items, you don't need an I-693 (Adults 19-49 yrs old).
    1. Shots marked with a date (at least one of a series)
    MMR (two are required but if you have "insufficient time interval" Code B in the last column, then you get a waiver) Td or Tdap or DT or DTP or DtaP (One date must be no longer than 10 years ago) Varicella (Either a check by "Vaccine" with a date, OR a check by "Varicella History" if you had chickenpox. History gets you a waiver) Influenza (during flu season)** see note below because you may be okay without it. If it is not flu season, the waiver in the last column is Code F. Everything else marked "not age appropriate" Code A, insufficient time interval B, not flu season F, contraindicated C...things that allow a waiver. NOTE: If you have shots missing and no waiver for them, stop here and see a Civil Surgeon. "Most of the shots" isn't complete. A note from your home country doctor won't count. All shots must be recorded on the DS-3025 or waived. You will have to take your doctor note to a Civil Surgeon and get him to record it on an official form.
    2. The new form has a summary section. It may be marked:
    "US vaccination requirements COMPLETE (Requesting a Blanket Waiver)"
    But instructions I have seen says it is only marked for immigrant visas. I know In London they leave section 2 unmarked at K1 medicals.
    3. Signed and dated by the doctor
    The unknown with this new form is--will every adjudicator across the US know how to interpret the summary section? Their policy manual says:
    "The officer should be aware that civil surgeons may improperly mark the boxes because they may misunderstand the meaning of these boxes. Therefore, the officer should determine, from the vaccination assessment completed by the civil surgeon, whether the applicant received all vaccines, which blanket waivers should be granted, and whether the applicant requires any ​other waivers. The officer should exercise discretion in reviewing the vaccination chart and when evaluating the results boxes at the bottom of the vaccination assessment chart. ​ ​If the civil surgeon did not check any result boxes, the officer should only return the form for corrective action if he or she is unable to ascertain whether the applicant is admissible. "
    While this is not directly addressing the new form that has a "Summary" instead of a "Results" section, I believe the intent is that the adjudicator should look and see if the four required shots (or waivers) are present and accept the form even if the doctor doesn't do the summary to their liking. No guarantees, but I would certainly use the DS-3025 if I knew I had all the required shots.
    **Note on flu shot: Flu shots are required for adults of all ages 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 visa 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.
    See next post for more information.
  23. Like
    Nich-Nick got a reaction from Khagen88 in Immunizations. DS-3025 or I-693?   
    More Information to read.
    My RFE says no medical results found. The USCIS is supposed to have your K1 medical files, but sometimes lose them or fail to match them up with your AOS. Do not get another exam unless you get an RFE that says they do not have results of your medical. It means they lost them, but you are probably stuck with paying for a new exam. Those kinds of RFE's are not about the immunizations or the form I-693; they are because USCIS failed to match up your other medical exam results with your AOS application.
    What if I only had one dose of MMR and it's marked "insufficient time interval"? Do I need to another dose and must I see a civil surgeon before AOS?
    NO you do not need to see a civil surgeon unless USCIS loses the whole medical file you turned in at POE. If you were up to date the day that DS-3025 was signed, then you're okay without getting 2nd or 3rd doses. You can get them for your health, or you can not get them ever. It was not medically appropriate for you to get dose 2 on top of dose 1. There's a time interval for doses. So you get a waiver for "insufficient time interval" if that is marked on your DS-3025.
    If you are one of the unlucky ones with a lost medical, then you will have to get a full medical again. By then, enough time would have passed for dose 2 so expect the CS to say you need it. Hopefully it won't come to that.
    If you just chose not to get a second dose that was due (because it was more than 4 weeks since dose 1) then you wouldn't have that "insufficient time interval" waiver marked on your DS-3025. It was medically fine to have the second dose and you didn't. You aren't complete and have no waiver excuse.
    What if I don't have a DS-3025?
    If you are positive that you got the needed shots, then actually mailing in a DS-3025 photocopy is not necessary. The original form is with your other medical results and was turned over to USCIS at POE. That's actually the one that counts because it remained in the "chain of custody" so you didn't have an opportunity to alter it. The photocopy isn't really an official copy and is more for a reminder that you got complete at your visa exam. Of course without having a copy, you don't have the opportunity to see if the rest of the form was completed correctly.
  24. Thanks
    Nich-Nick got a reaction from jeanieCZ in Immunizations. DS-3025 or I-693?   
    This is a revision of my post that is often quoted as good information on the I-693 and DS-3025 question. The DS-3025 form has changed, so this update matches the new form that looks like this http://photos.state.gov/libraries/thailand/591452/iv/ds3025.pdf
    If your DS-3025 from your visa medical is sufficient to prove you have completed all required immunizations, then use it instead of seeing a Civil Surgeon. Read all this for information I have compiled.
    Do I need a medical exam?
    What if I am a K nonimmigrant visa holder and already had a medical exam overseas?
    Source: I-693 instructions page 6 &7, Part 3 FAQ, #3
    If you were admitted as a:
    A. K-1 fiancé(e) or a K-2 child of a K-1 fiancé(e); or
    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 you file your Form I-485 within one year of an overseas medical examination, and:
    (a) The panel physician did not find a class A medical condition during your overseas examination; or
    (b) The panel physician did find a class A medical condition, you received a waiver of inadmissibility, and you have complied with the terms and conditions of 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 Part 7. Vaccination Record completed by a designated civil surgeon. In this case, you must submit Parts 1., 2., 4., and 7. of Form I-693.
    Do you need an I-693 immunization sheet? Is my DS-3025 filled out properly?
    Look at your DS-3025. If it has the ALL of the following items, you don't need an I-693 (Adults 19-49 yrs old).
    1. Shots marked with a date (at least one of a series)
    MMR (two are required but if you have "insufficient time interval" Code B in the last column, then you get a waiver) Td or Tdap or DT or DTP or DtaP (One date must be no longer than 10 years ago) Varicella (Either a check by "Vaccine" with a date, OR a check by "Varicella History" if you had chickenpox. History gets you a waiver) Influenza (during flu season)** see note below because you may be okay without it. If it is not flu season, the waiver in the last column is Code F. Everything else marked "not age appropriate" Code A, insufficient time interval B, not flu season F, contraindicated C...things that allow a waiver. NOTE: If you have shots missing and no waiver for them, stop here and see a Civil Surgeon. "Most of the shots" isn't complete. A note from your home country doctor won't count. All shots must be recorded on the DS-3025 or waived. You will have to take your doctor note to a Civil Surgeon and get him to record it on an official form.
    2. The new form has a summary section. It may be marked:
    "US vaccination requirements COMPLETE (Requesting a Blanket Waiver)"
    But instructions I have seen says it is only marked for immigrant visas. I know In London they leave section 2 unmarked at K1 medicals.
    3. Signed and dated by the doctor
    The unknown with this new form is--will every adjudicator across the US know how to interpret the summary section? Their policy manual says:
    "The officer should be aware that civil surgeons may improperly mark the boxes because they may misunderstand the meaning of these boxes. Therefore, the officer should determine, from the vaccination assessment completed by the civil surgeon, whether the applicant received all vaccines, which blanket waivers should be granted, and whether the applicant requires any ​other waivers. The officer should exercise discretion in reviewing the vaccination chart and when evaluating the results boxes at the bottom of the vaccination assessment chart. ​ ​If the civil surgeon did not check any result boxes, the officer should only return the form for corrective action if he or she is unable to ascertain whether the applicant is admissible. "
    While this is not directly addressing the new form that has a "Summary" instead of a "Results" section, I believe the intent is that the adjudicator should look and see if the four required shots (or waivers) are present and accept the form even if the doctor doesn't do the summary to their liking. No guarantees, but I would certainly use the DS-3025 if I knew I had all the required shots.
    **Note on flu shot: Flu shots are required for adults of all ages 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 visa 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.
    See next post for more information.
  25. Like
    Nich-Nick got a reaction from Iguana Rain in London 2012- K1s from NOA2 to interview thread   
    There's been many similar threads started in the last week with the topic I got my NOA2--Now what?? If all the questions are in one thread, people may find the information they need more easily. I'll start off with some general information specific to London K1s.
    Advance preparation for the London part of the K1 process
    When your NOA2 is near, it’s a good time to start your preparation.
    Petitioner:

    Order your tax transcripts. Only the most recent tax return is required, but you can order three years at a time for free from the IRS. Tax transcripts are summaries of your whole tax return provided free by the IRS. They can't be faked because it's a copy/summary of your whole tax return picture, basically certified by the IRS because it's issued by them. That's why you don't have to include any 1040, Schedules, W2s or 1099s if you send a transcript. They are free from the IRS. Transcripts take the place of sending a complete tax return.
    If you call 1-800-908-9946 (the transcript line) , there is an automated system for ordering transcripts. You'll have to enter your Social Security number and the numbers of your street address. It will generate an automated request to mail your transcripts. You can also order online on the IRS website http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=232168,00.html
    Start filling out the I-134 Affidavit of Support. It will have to be signed and mailed to the UK the slow way. Get familiar with the form. When the NOA2 is received is a good time to finalize it with the supporting documents and get it in the mail.
    Don't obsess printing Skype logs, emails, photos, or Facebook status. London does not want to look at that. Really they don't. London does not want to see a copy of your I-129F petition or NOA2. They got that in the file from NVC.

    UK beneficiary:

    Get some passport photos taken. You will eventually need
    2 US sized for the Embassy
    1 UK sized for the police certificate
    1 either size for the visa medical exam.
    (and for AOS in the US, 6 more US sized photos)
    You can take your own and size it using this uploader tool from the Dept of State. Scroll halfway down the page. http://travel.state.gov/passport/pptphotoreq/pptphotoreq_5333.html Save the jpg file and print at home or at a photo place. Also available at Snappy Snaps, Photo-Me booths, Jessops, Gould's Pharmacy (by the embassy), near the Bond St Tube station (Oxford St) which is closest Tube to the medical exam.
    Go to your NHS doctor and get the immunizations you will need for Adjustment of Status. You can get a K1 visa without having any shots, but you will need them before AOS. It’s really wise to take care of it before getting to the US so you can aviold civil surgeon hassles and $$$. Many NHS doctors will do them for free, but they are not obligated to do so for immigration purposes. If you had these shots as a child, Tdap/Td must be no longer than 10 years ago or you have to do them again. Get the shots documented by your doctor to take to your visa medical exam. Here’s the shots needed for 19 through 59 years of age:
    Td or Tdap - Maybe not available in the UK, so get DT, DTP or DtaP and it will be accepted for AOS
    MMR (if born in 1957 or later) Get a second shot 4 wks later if you have time
    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.
    Order your police certificate. It takes some preparation because you need a passport photo signed off on by somebody officialish who’s known you two years. Here’s the application. Read the instructions. A police certificate is good for 12 months. Must take it to medical exam. http://www.acpo.police.uk/documents/Application_Form.pdf
    Look at your passport and make sure it will have 8 months remaining after visa issuance. If not get it renewed now. If you've damaged it or gotten it wet, it will need to be renewed.
    Study the list of original documents London wants you to bring to the embassy and get those in hand or ordered. http://london.usembassy.gov/application_documents.html
    Make photocopies of any document you want back. They will verify the original and file the photocopy.

    Ready, Set, Go!! - Ask your questions or post your tips...........
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