summer0573

Jim and Vanessa are really helpful, we're lucky to have their comments

So I guess I have to tell hubby to follow your advice, THANKS

I also agree that the TB skin test will not be required for a K1 since the TB part of your medical was either cleared or not cleared at the visa medical.

The original FAQs about the TB skin test when it came out in summer 2008 did say something like:

Do I need to have a TST even if I had a chest x-ray in my home country?

The answer was YES. But many of us falling under that "new" rule didn't get a TST and got GCs without one. Later those FAQ were changed and modified several times. It seems like USCIS realized it was foolish to demand a TST when someone had a more conclusive test to see if they had TB. It may be that some Civil Surgeons are going by the original info and haven't kept up with subtle changes is how things are going.

Yeah, the xray is the 2nd step after you're found positive from skin test, so I guess there's no sense going back to step 1 after step 2...USCIS and CS should coordinate better, as not to rip off poor applicants, stressful

I didn't have to do TB test, just xrays and I didn't get any RFEs. I have my interview in two weeks and EAD is on its way, so I don't assume I'll be getting any. Good luck!

Thanks! Might as well, don't get it, since I find it time consuming to go back to the CS, I don't know if he's going to charge me again an appointment fee...

Not for a K1 it's not.

Not for a K1 it's not.

Yeah you're right and every reply so far is WRONG (Jim posted after I started, he's right).

As you had a full K1 medical less than 1 year ago you DO NOT have the TB skin test now you're here in the US. If you need to do a new medical because yours from the K1 has expired then you WOULD need to do it.

Here is a link: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextoid=1758d5b07655b110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD specifically this part:

"Q: If an applicant is required to receive only the vaccinations, and not undergo the entire medical exam, does he/she have to submit the entire Form I-693?

No. Applicants who are not required to have the entire medical examination need to submit only pages one, three and five of the new form. The required sections include Part 1, Information About You, the vaccination record portion of Part 2, and Part 5 (if the vaccinations are administered by a civil surgeon) or Part 6 (if the vaccinations are administered by a local health department). Pages two and four, that would have been left blank, do not need to be submitted."

As the TB skin test is part of the MEDICAL and not part of the vaccinations, as this page states you DO NOT have another TB skin test. Some CS's are idiots and some are scammers and MIGHT try and get you to do it. Show them the part I've shown you. Also take the I-693 instructions here: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-693instr.pdf specifically page 4 FAQ 2 which outlines what you need as a K1. Again, as we are only transcribing immunisations, and the TB skin test is part of the MEDICAL then TB skin test is NOT NEEDED for K1 AOS'ers as long as their medical is still valid.

I really appreciate the details, I also read this, that's why I did not bother to do the skin test, it seems to me that my medical is covered by the latest USCIS ruling about this TST thing and I don't think after paying a huge amount of money in my country's hospital, they would still allow me to have tests other than immunization here in the U.S., so did you mean that you also haven't done the skin test and did not get an RFE? thanks

Strictly speaking, you should not have to get the tuberculin skin test (TST). They don't usually administer this test in many countries where tuberculosis transmission is common, including Asia and the Pacific Islands. This is because a large percentage of the population have been exposed to the bacteria that causes tuberculosis, and will give a positive test reaction even though they don't have an active or latent TB infection. The panel physicians in these countries skip the skin test, and go to the secondary screening which is a chest x-ray. If they see indications of infection in the x-ray then they go to the third stage screening, which is a sputum culture.

If you had the chest x-ray and were cleared at the panel physician's medical exam in your home country, then you are not required by USCIS to have the test again, provided it was done within the previous year. However, a civil surgeon in the US who was following the CDC guidelines, and not specifically aware of the USCIS requirements, might BELIEVE you need the TST test. This is because the CDC guidelines don't specify an exception for applicants who had a chest x-ray by a panel physician - they only specify exceptions for applicants who have a documented history of a positive TST (they'll need a chest x-ray), or a documented history of severe blistering reaction to the TST (they'll also need a chest x-ray), or refugee/asylum applicants who only require vaccinations. In other words, there is a conflict between the USCIS requirements and the CDC requirements.

The civil surgeon we went to was absolutely convinced the TST was required, and even showed me the latest CDC requirements. I countered by showing him the latest USCIS requirements. He then showed me a short stack of I-693's that were awaiting TST results AFTER the applicant's had gotten RFE's from USCIS. He said we could skip the TST if we wanted, and he'd sign the I-693. Rather than risk an RFE, we decided to get the test. Only my step-son had a reaction, but it wasn't enough to be classified as positive. The civil surgeon reviewed his chest x-rays from Cho Ray hospital in Vietnam, just be safe.

Great reply, thank you so much and the CS that we went to is not strict about TB Skin Test and right away signed the I-693, his only concern is to fill out the immunization records part.

I'm pretty sure it is a must. But it's no big deal. just a little poke and as long as there is no skin reaction, you're good to go!

Thanks...cuz from other threads, they got GCs without the skin test, cuz from their country, they had complete medical but without the skin test (but had xrays)...also I am done with my I-693, so kinda confused if I get skin test at health center and go back to CS again...

but, thanks for the reply, I appreciate it!

It's a must.

THANKS!!!!

I am following this thread...cuz we don't have 2009 tax too, we are only planning to submit 2008 and 2007...Thanks for bringing this up

Goodluck, please keep us updated...thanks!!!

Hi everyone,

I am yet to submit our AOS docs to USCIS and so I am anxious to know, how important is the TB Skin Test ( I haven't done this test in my country), but I am confident that my medical in my country is complete and having been done with chest Xray, for me is more reliable. I am done with I-693, the CS as required, filled out the parts 1, part 2 (vaccination), and part 5 (CS certification)...the CS was really kind enough and didn't ask anything but my immunization records..but I am just anxious to know if TB Skin Test is a MUST, since I know of other K-1's who really did this when they got to the US.

I had been checking out other VJ'ers thread about this issue, but I guess, at this point I would like to know any updates...

Thanks as always for the help.

K1 Visa

Service Center : Vermont Service Center

Consulate : Philippines

I-129F Sent : 2009-10-09

I-129F NOA1 : 2009-10-09

I-129F NOA2 : 2009-11-30

Consulate Received : 2009-12-04

Interview Date : 2010-01-28

Interview Result : Approved

Visa Received : 2010-02-05

US Entry : 2010-03-15

Marriage : 2010-05-01

Estimates/Stats : Your I-129f was approved in 52 days from your NOA1 date.

Your interview took 111 days from your I-129F NOA1 date.

So happy for all of you guys!!!

I am yet to submit my AOS soon, so I am really interested to following this thread..

Thanks for your generous sharing of information, KEEP IT UP!

K1 Visa

Event Date

Service Center : Vermont Service Center

Consulate : Georgia

I-129F Sent : 2009-10-09

I-129F NOA1 : 2009-10-09

I-129F RFE(s) :

RFE Reply(s) :

I-129F NOA2 : 2009-11-30

NVC Received :

NVC Left :

Consulate Received : 2009-12-04

Packet 3 Received :

Packet 3 Sent :

Packet 4 Received :

Interview Date : 2010-01-28

Interview Result :

Second Interview

(If Required):

Second Interview Result:

Visa Received : 2010-02-05

US Entry : 2010-03-15

Marriage : 2010-05-01

Comments :

Processing

Estimates/Stats : Your I-129f was approved in 52 days from your NOA1 date.

Your interview took 111 days from your I-129F NOA1 date.

thanks a lot for this detailed info you selfishly shared to every1...this would be very helpful to those that'll still go for medical exam...just had mine last January 25, 2010 and YES! u'll feel like you had enough exercise climbing from 1 floor to another,

thanks! cuz, I was in search for the vaccines that are offered at St. Luke's recently cuz we did not do vaccines and decided to do it here in the U.S. , good thing they stopped HPV vaccines now cuz I'd go wild why I didn't take it in the Phil, its $175 here, if you do it at CDC, how much more if you let a private doctor do it...was advised to have 3 to 5 vaccines though..@14.75/dose inclusive of tax, these are TDAP, MMR,V2V ( hopefully, we will not pay anything using my fiance insurance)...they quoted me HPV but will just show them my DS3025 with a BOLD advise "NOT REQUIRED", as per Dept of State Notice..hehe

thanks again for this post, very helpful

oi congratz sau!!!

Thanks...yup! I'm counting the days until I get to see the man of my dreams....sooo happy

Finally, my visa arrived just now.. ^________________^

Congratulations!!!

I got mine today too, I picked it up from Air21( I am not at all excited ) and I am very happy...but bcuz of the weight( it's almost 2 inches thick) of my docs coming from the embassy, the yellow envelope has a 1inch tear aside from the triangular tear...but I don't worry that much, just a 'lil paranoid ...maybe that happened during the shipping...I know at POE, they'll not doubt me of trying to open it...I will also ask Air21 to provide me a letter, about that incident (just in case)...

I also got very nervous after I tear the plastic pouch, this is such a thrilling journey ....but it's fun and thank God for all the help and guidance...

I was interviewed last Jan28, Thursday...and I felt the same...but as long as you follow the USEM required docs, you'll be fine...about the chats, we both use Skype (latest chats) and Ym(old chats), I didn't gave them my Skype chat logs coz I dunno how to do it..but I provided them my Skype phone bills and ym chat logs, they will just check the consistency and the frequency...they will ask you about your photos and greeting cards which should include the envelopes...

St Luke's will only ask for you appointment letter both email copy and sent through mail and 3 visa photographs...

Goodluck, no need to worry, when I first stepped in the consul's room, I already saw all my required scanned and they returned to me my original copies, and I saw the word "approved" on those scanned docs even before the interview, the consul only asked funny questions both from me and my children...

Goodluck and keep praying...just be sure also that you don't bring any electronics with you, the vendors outside will ask you to pay them P150 if you wish to leave your electronics with them, which includes USB, etc....be ready with your appointment letters, the guard at the embassy will look for that before they will let you enter...on the 1st window, be sure your visa photographs are pasted on the required forms, for fast processing ( they are so in a hurry cuz of the very long queue)

k1

Service Center: Vermont Service Center

Consulate :Philippines

Filed I-129F :10/ 9, 2009

NOA1 :10/ 9, 2009

NOA2 : 11/30, 2009

NVC letter :12/5, 2009

Interview Date :01/28, 2010

Interview Result :was told by the consul, that we will be approved after they receive medical certificates (as per St. Luke's they're fit) of our 2 kids, got their cd's already, so it's waiting time for the visa...weeeeee

yes you have 90 days after entering to marry.

but you have 6 months after k1 is issued to enter the usa. so that is 9 months

also you can hold court house signing and then have formal wedding when time is best for you

a few options for you

i am looking at same thing.. most of my family can attend in summertime.

good luck

WOW! thanks...that's a fast reply...VJ is heaven...thanks...yeah, needs to stall it, coz of other stuff I have to do here in my country before leaving.... :dance:

Hi! we got approved at USCIS on Nov30, 2009(will expire March30,2010)...then my interview will be on Jan28,2010...

My question is, isn't it, for K1..."the marriage must take place within 90 days of your fiancee entering the U.S.", this is the rule right?

My kids still on school and it'll still end on March 2010 or early April 2010...When I get approved and get visa on Feb2010...how long can we still stall my flight to the U.S.?

We plan to get married March , but if it's not attainable, the month of May is both our birth month, but considering months after that, coz of some matters here I need to settle(house selling, etc...)...

Thank's for your prompt reply everyone!!!

Thanks everyone for taking time to give your thoughts about this matter...

Just really want to make sure that there will be no delay at USEM, coz I live far from Manila, we're an hour and a half travel by plane...So, now I feel better...Big Thanks!!!

When I did my interview I didn't have an e-mailed copy at all, and they did ask for the mailed one. I'm not sure if the e-mailed one would suffice. I'd call the consulate and tell them you don't have the hardcopy that comes with packet 4 so that they can mail it again.

Thanks...we asked the operator about the mailed hardcopy and we were informed that it's not necessary, coz we have the email copy...just worried, coz as I go through with my reading here, base on their personal experiences, they're asked about the hardcopy and the email...seems, we just have to accept the operator's answer, we just hope that USEM will not ask for the copy from the mail...

Hi Everyone...need help here...

My interview is soon approaching, so im kinda anxious, I've asked a couple of fellow VJ'er about this issue...and I thank them for that...

About the appointment letter, I read a step by step experience at the embassy by a successful applicant, and she clearly stated that upon entrance of USEM, they will ask for an appointment letter, both the email copy(which of course will be printed out) and the mailed copy...I just want to make sure, if this means that we still need to wait for the hardcopy from the mail, coz we confirmed our appointment last Dec18 and up until now, I haven't received anything yet from the mail ( which i think also is not necessary, coz I have the email from USEM, but thought that it may also be important, if they want to validate my address)...Today, my fiance called and was told by the operator that the email is enough....

Anyone who has the same issue? Thanks

Feelin' so lucky that we got approved at USCIS for only 52 days...God moves in mysterious ways...To God be the Glory!!!

So happy for you!!! I will have my interview soon, you serve as an inspiration... :dance:

K1

Service Center: Vermont Service Center

Consulate : Philippines

I-129F Sent by mail to USCIS : 10/ 9, 2009

I-129F NOA1 : 10/ 9, 2009

I-129F NOA2 left USCIS by mail : 11/30, 2009

I-129F NOA2 received by mail: 12/7, 2009

Received NVC letter : 12/10, 2009

USEM rec'd our docs: 12/4,2009

Interview Date : 01/28, 2010

Interview Result :

Visa Received :

US Entry :

Marriage :

Comments : Our docs arrived in Manila already when NVC mailed us the letter, NVC letter dated 12/05, was given Jan 4 interview date but asked for Jan28

Processing

Estimates/Stats : Your I-129f was approved in 52 days from your NOA1 date.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great Post and very thrilling...as I was reading it, I would like to rush at the bottom for the ending, lol...

Just like reading a book and can't wait to see if it's a happy or sad ending...

But this is nice and yes, our life seem to depend on 1 interview, a make or break. But as long as we give everything to Jesus, He will guide us all the way...

hello everyone!!!... i just done my CFO seminar last week....i came from cebu city philippines, but got my cfo seminar at st mary's......i dont have visa yet but i take seminar in advance.... i think its near on citigold quirino avenue manila. i supposed to attend the 10:30 seminar but i came there late...the guard give me an instrustion where i will attend the cfo seminar and its the PRISM.. so, i hurry ride a taxi and go to the prism office, cant remember the adress but all i know is it is lacated in taft avenue,beside BDO bank...when i get there....the guard told me that i cannot able to attend the 10:30 seminar because i am too late, so he said that i just wait for 1 pm seminar...perhaps, he instruted me to regester first for 1:30 pm seminar, so, i go to third floor on that office where the seminar can be held and the acounting is located too. upon paying,they will going to ask your birth certificate, and the 250 pisos, after that, i hang around and wait for 1:30 seminar...the 3 hours wait done...and its 1 o clock already,,i get in the prism office.....stay at the seminar hall, and talk to somebody in there, before the real seminar started, the BDO bank will going to get maybe two or 1 and half hour of our time for their bank profit...sucks!!!!!!!!!( i expect that the seminar will be done only 2 hours)!!!!!!!at last the bank is done and its now the real cfo seminar......it is just a short conversation, and one on one interview to the interviewer...in my case, they ask a photocopy of my passport, original copy of divorce paper of my fiance and a photocopy of it, be sure to know the maiden name of your fiance!!!!! and later on...maybe 5 minutes to wait..you will be giver a yellow certificate, in my case, no need for me to go rigth away in the st mary cfo office to get the green sticker because i dont have visa yet, ill just get there when i already have visa, and ill just show my yellow certificate and fcorse 450 pisos to pay for the sticker!!!!!!

First of all after checking your timeline, found out your done with your journey for 94 days!!!

Woot woot....what a great Christmas Gift...So happy for you...

This post is the post I've been looking for coz I am eager to really know what CFO is and where to get it....now I'm thinking after medical and while waiting for my interview date, might as well take CFO in advance...

Thank you for being generous to post your adventures here, it really helps newbie's like me :dance:

If we will just rely on the email from USEM about the appointment letter, does it mean that instead of sending the packet, they will also email the forms to be filled up and we will email it back to them after answering it?

Bug thanks...Happy weekend

We just received our NVC letter and I was told (by fellow VJ'ers) to call USEM to set for my interview.

As what I had learned from fellow beautiful and helpful VJ'ers that after getting the interview schedule, they will email us the appointment letter.

After doing this, will I still receive any packets from USEM? Or I will just rely on that email from USEM containing the appointment letter...

As I do my reading here in the site, I read packet 3 and 4...received and sent...Just wondering...

Thanks for your time in replying to this post...

Feelin' so lucky that we got approved at USCIS for only 52 days...God moves in mysterious ways...To God be the Glory!!!

K-1 Visa

Service Center : Vermont Service Center

Consulate : Philippines

I-129F Sent by mail to USCIS : October 9, 2009

I-129F NOA1 : October 9, 2009

I-129F NOA2 left USCIS by mail : November 30, 2009

I-129F NOA2 received by mail: December 7, 2009

Received NVC letter : December 10, 2009

Interview Date :

Interview Result :

Visa Received :

US Entry :

Marriage :

Comments :

Processing

Estimates/Stats : Your I-129f was approved in 52 days from your NOA1 date.