Richard-Y-Abigail

Oh, I never thought about that specifically, for the K-2 Visas. Looks like we will just do the I-485 and the rest of the packet, and just accept that we will need to have a two year conditional, and remove conditions later. We are just glad that we finally have the money for all three visas. Another two years doesn't really bother us. We plan on being married for the rest of our lives anyways.

We had new medicals within the past 4 months, because their first medicals were more than a year old. Will these work, or should we have a third medical? Are the medicals Visa specific?

Okay, I finally understand that we are better off filing for an I-130, since we have been married more than two years, to receive a 10 year GC, and not have to go through the 2 year conditional GC process. So, if you can all help me, I have a few questions:

We have two derivative K-2 Visas. When my wife came here on the K-1, she brought her two boys. If we went ahead and filed the I-485, etc... under the K-1 visa requirements we would be sending a check, I believe comes to $1,070 for my wife, and another $640 for each child (I think that's the price), if my memory serves me well. If we now apply for I-130, with the two derivatives, how much will we need to send? I am not sure if I am asking correctly...

Will we need to be interviewed once the I-130 is approved? What should we expect with these changes with costs, processes, and proof of evidence?

Has anyone gone through this before? I admit, I am sufficiently confused. Are we sending two checks? Are we sending two different packages? What more can you tell us?

Hi,

I went into the interview with my fiance in Ciudad Juarez, but I kind of insisted, and explained that without me, she could not care for all three children and interview at the same time. We both ended up getting interviewed, and we crossed the border in June of 2006.

My wife and I used a lawyer, and persuaded my son's biological father to sign a release for us to bring him to the United States. She needed full power in order to make life's decisions for him. We were not told to do this. We saw it as a prudent thing to do, and we wanted to advocate for our son's future. We have not cut off communication with our son's other side of the family, and once our son is able, and he wants to, he has our permission to go visit his first father, and his family.

There are many real, legal reasons to obtain permission from a child's first parent, especially here in the United States. Schools are always following the letter of the law, and we offer up a copy of this contract to whom ever we feel that it is necessary to have.

Sorry. I still stand by what I have said. Even Immigration expects us to file jointly. As I said, I will find book and verse that supports what I have been saying. I am going to make a leap here and hope that some of you can extrapolate my point. Of all the crimes that Al Capone was thought to have committed, the only thing that the Federal government could do, was to arrest him for not paying his taxes. Having said this, I am certain that any minor income that a visa applicant should happen to "make", as long as it was not derived from a formal work institution, is accepted, and considered abiding by the spirit of the law, i.e. no EAD, no formal employment.

Sorry for the confusion. I was trying to draw a point. This is probably why my wife doesn't always understand me either. In some of the earlier posts on the first page, compensation for work was brought up. I was just trying to say that there are other forms of labor, and ways to be productive, while waiting for the EAD. I know of many who do babysitting to earn money. Mentioning the lottery, and donating blood, are just other forms of income. I personally do not believe that if his wife serves food that she will lose her immigration status. The CO informed us that my wife can work with me in my job. I can't imagine that we received bad information. If we did, I guess we will just have to deal with it if it becomes an issue. Maybe that other poster is correct in that the companies bear the greater burden, and that with spousal visas, most things are forgiven.

Salud.

While I agree that we should never take any chances, therefore risking our immigration status, but we also have guidelines to follow, set forth by Homeland Security and the USCIS. Tim/Mav, I respect how you write, but you stated that there is a problem with the advice, or counsel that we received from the USCIS.

So, let us examine my work. I am a carpenter. I work by the job. I am the company. My wife helps me out on the job. The money that we receive is ours only. We file taxes on this income, and we file jointly. From the advice that we received, we know that we are not breaking the law. My wife does not receive a paycheck, but she benefits from the income. Are we breaking the law?

I would think that working as a waitress would fall into a grey area. You mentioned tips, and by chance who might be the one tipping. I can say nothing to this.

As for the volunteer work having a monetary benefit. As you wrote about the meaning of the word Volunteer. When one gives blood, are they selling their blood, or receiving compensation under some other mild heading? The last that I heard, it is illegal to sell body parts and organs. Does this mean that an immigrant cannot donate blood?

What about winning the lottery. This will be considered income by the IRS. Courts have ruled that immigrants are entitled to their winnings, and it does not affect their Visa status.

Forever the law is about boundaries, and drawing the lines between what is legal, and what is not. It is possible that the USCIS officer informed us incorrectly. For the record, I mentioned directly that there was a research company that was looking for volunteers to participate in Phase I medical drug trials. The research company states clearly that the "contract" between the clinic and the volunteer is no way an employment contract, and that the volunteer is a free agent, and no employment is offered. He checked this with his supervisor, and returned to tell us that we would not be breaking the law, if we should participate and volunteer for the clinical trials.

There are so many people who receive and give different advice. Each person has to weigh their situation, and do what is the right thing. I am not giving advice. I am telling you what happened during our infopass appointment. I will be back a little later to give actual references, as to where and what this law says exactly.

Meanwhile, please be kind on these pages. We truly need each other, even though, at times, we don't agree with each other.

I made an infopass appointment to ask this very same question. It was explained to me that the government is talking about working for a bonafide company, one that takes taxes, and is licensed. You get the idea. There are many ways for an intending immigrant to contribute without breaking the law. We were told that my wife can work with me, in any family business. We were also told that she can volunteer for companies that reward their volunteers with a gratuity. Naturally, any income must be reported. Just before the end of the infopass appointment, the man told me to stop sweating the small stuff. Of course, we still do, but I understood what he meant.

Just bring in your TB test results, along with the measurement of the skin test result. Bring your paper from the doctor that treated you with the tuberculosis medicine, showing that you completed the required medicine to clear this from your body.

The CS tried to tell us that my wife had to retake the TB skin test all over again. Someone forgot to record the skin test measurements, but what was even more rediculous, my wife had full blown TB, and stayed in the hospital for a month. We had a mountain of proof, and the CS still tried to tell us that she had to have the test done again. I stood my ground, and finally spoke directly to the office manager. We cleared that up right away, as I brought her the web site from the government visa pages that said directly that another TB skin test, nor the other culture test was necessary.

Welcome to Visa Journey.

I cannot tell you about what will happen to your mother while in Juarez, but I would like to offer up some advice about the physical experience of going through Juarez.

If you have chosen for your mother to stay at a hotel, ask them if they have a courtesy service that drives people around, helping them to get their papers in order. This service is normally part of the price of the room. If your mother is staying at a hostel, they, too, should have a service to help. They will take you wherever you need to go, and will take her to the consulate the day of her interview.

While waiting outside the consulate, trust no one. When we were there, there were very official looking people asking to inspect people's paperwork, to make sure everything was in order. What they really were doing was robbing people of their paperwork. The only consulate employees outside were the guards, and a lady outside that showed us what line to wait in, and she was inside the fenced area, not walking up and down the line. Like I said, do not trust anyone.

Do not take anything other than your identification, and your appointment letter, along with all your documentation. Money is okay. If you had to have a medical examination, the exam for women is very thorough. Your mother should prepare to have her entire body looked at, outside and in. It is best to go to the physical 3 or more days before your visa appointment. If she gets the TB test, 72 hours must pass before it can be read. The medical office will not accept any Cartilla de Salud, as being true, and real. They say that all Cartillas de Salud can be falsified, therefore every visa applicant must receive, and pay for all new vaccinations. They make alot of money doing this. It really is a sham. When your mother gets her envelope with the physical exam results, tell her not to open it.

Make sure that your mother has her paid receipt for her visa. The guards out front will not let her in without it. Once the interview is done, and if she gets approved without having to stay in Mexico, they will take her Mexican passport, in order to put the visa inside on one of the pages. She will have to pay DHL delivery services. She can pick up her visa and passport at their office. Do not open the envelope that is inside the yellow DHL envelope. That is for the immigration officials at the point of entry. Make sure that she has $6 to pay for her I-94 entry permit. Do not lose it. You will need it later for other visa business.

We wish the best for you and your family.

Thank you everyone. Thanks be to God that we finally have the money to apply for their green card. Although we have a sponsor, we have not relied on them to help us financially. With the economy so bad, I have not had a whole lot of work to support us and pay for the AOS. We will be submitting the forms, along with the fees in about two weeks.

Phewww....I am tired.

Oh, I never meant to mean that we would file the N-600 for all three kids. I was just talking about filing this form for our youngest. After our two oldest do have their permanent residency, I hope to adopt them, and then we will file the N-600, so that they too, can receive their citizenship.

After reading about what you are all saying about the K-2 visas, I am getting the impression that the K-2 is not treated the same way that the K-1 is treated. In all my research, I have not yet found a deadline for filing for AOS, from a K-1 Visa. I have heard, often, how people with this kind of visa waited years without adjusting. Once they were adjusted, their days of illegal stay were forgiven. The way that I understand it, all out of status days are forgiven at the time of the AOS. USCIS is aware that people are here out of status, or if you will, illegal, but all is forgiven upon application of AOS. If, as all of you have said, our children fall under a different regulation or statute, can you please tell us what it is? One last point, if, as the K-1 is automatically invalid on the day that we marry, why is the K-2 treated differently? The fact that they are derivatives of the K-1 seems to not matter. There must be different rules for the K-2.

Sorry. I have been away. I am reading everyone's response, and I will tell you what steps that we took to get here.

We crossed the border in June of 2009. My then fiance, her two boys, and our one boy who we had together were given Visas. My fiance, now my wife, had her K-1 Visa, and our three boys did indeed receive their K-2 Visas. As many have said, obtaining a visa for our youngest, who is half American, is against the rules. We revealed all this to the American consulate before we crossed the border. They knew that our youngest has claims to American citizenship, but without a DNA test, because we were not married at the time of his birth, his citizenship was not recognized. We are under no law that says that we must register him, or obtain for him a CRBA certificate. Of course it would be wrong not too. Since he was not a recognized American, then a K-2 Visa was allowed under these conditions.

Now that we are in the United States, and have the luxury of time, we are now following steps to have our blood drawn, and establishing proof that he is indeed entitled to his American citizenship. The N-600 form states that children who were born in another country, and who now reside in the United States, are to use the 600 form to receive their citizenship. By extrapolation, children have entered the United States without having proved their right to be here. However, some time ago, after discussing this with the people here on VJ, I sent a letter off to USCIS explaining that we made a mistake obtaining a Visa for our youngest son, even though we did not hide this information from anyone along the way. The answer that we received is that we did not, indeed, break the law, and that once we apply for his citizenship, the K-2 Visa would become null and void. If you are still in doubt, I will copy the letter that we received, for all here to read for themselves. It may help others who are in our situation.

As it was pointed out to me that I jumped to conclusions about Harpa Timsah saying that my children are here, in some way, illegally, enrolled in school, then I would politely ask what law that it is we broke. Since there is no time limit to adjust one's status, and since the law says that all children under the age of 18 must attend school, and since we declared at the consulate, in writing where our children would be attending, how then are we breaking the law? Their K-2 visas became null and void the minute that we were married, and our children fell under protected status, not only because they are all under 18 years of age, but also will adjust status at the same time as their mother. Any time between our marriage, and the adjustment of status, meaning anytime that my family is "out of status" will be forgiven. It is understood that a K-1 is only valid until the marriage takes place.

AOS will be simple for us. As Harpa Timsah put it, we will need to file an I-130 along with our I-485, and other adjustment forms, i.e.: EAD, AP, etc... in order to receive a permanent, 10 year green card. When I posted this question, I was just fishing for a way to avoid the two-year conditional greed card. I have read here on VJ that others, who have waited until they were married for two years, received their 10 year green cards, and avoided the 2 year conditional green card. We are perfectly comfortable receiving a two year conditional green card, if that is what is decided at the time of the interview. And as suggested, if it is necessary to send in I-130's for the children, then we will do so, but nothing that I have learned up to this point tells me that it is required, only desired. We can just submit the I-485, along with the children's paperwork, and receive two-year conditional status for all. We are prepared to pay the $2,340 necessary.

Two years has passed since we were married, and my wife and children did return and did redo their physicals, including chest X-rays, passing proof of TB skin tests, and blood test for Syphilus. Unfortunately, immigration law does not allow immigrants with active Tuberculosis to be processed, and cannot adjust status until they complete the medical testing and take all medicines, and treatments, and to finally have a clean X-ray. My wife was hopitalized in October of 2009 with active Tuberculosis, pneumonia, and a collapsed lung. Only once cleared of TB could my wife then apply for her AOS. And as a side note, all our children tested positive for TB, and each child underwent 9 months of TB testing, and took their medicine every week.

I am sure while some of you may have ideas as to if we should have a lawyer, or if in some way we have broken the law, and if I offend people here, it is not on purpose, nor will I be offended by what others say, but we have gone through this process with a fine tooth comb, we have dotted our I's, and we have crossed our T's, and still we have made mistakes. Please, don't simply tell me that we are doing something illegal. If you know for sure that we are breaking the law, intentionally, or unintentionally, give me some documentation, or at least explain your answer.

This was long, and I hope that I have filled in the blanks. I am sorry to all that I hurt with my words. It is not in my nature to be rude, and I apologize. Please forgive me. If you have other advice, or questions regarding my post, do not hesitate to bring your ideas to the conversation.

I look forward to hearing from you all.

Hi. Yeah, I said, oops, the I-130. My children are not illegally here or in school illegally. There is no statute of limitations when we file for AOS. Our youngest crossed the border with his own Visa. This is another story. We are at worst, out of status. We are following the law. Forgive me, but I feel that you are jumping to conclusions. As with every case, there are variables, and I assure you that we have broken no laws.

I looked at the link for obtaining citizenship for our son. Perfect. I knew that there was a better way than packing up and going back to Mexico to do the DNA tests. Of course, I don't know what other companies charge, but the one near us wants about $700 to do the tests. I will read the instructions on how we submit the DNA test results along with the application. I am surprised to see that it is the same application that I will use to adopt my wife's two boys that she had before we met. They are here also, on K-2 Visas, and are doing well in school, having learned English rather quickly.

We will send in the CR-1, along with the other forms for AOS. It is cheaper, and maybe since we will need to add the other two boys to the CR-1, it will really save us much more money.

oops. I mean the I-130. Sorry.

I will need to change our profile. It is a mistake. I will look into the sites that you suggest. It was a long time ago, but it seems to me that the US government has steps to take when each person is all ready here in the United States. As for us all being here, we started out rough, argued alot, and are just now settling into our marriage. It has been rough on my wife not being able to work, and not having her green card.

Yep. You are right. We entered on a K-1.

Here we go again. Forgive me. It seems the more I know, the less I know.

We have not filed for our temporary, two-year conditional green cards, and we just passed our two-year wedding anniversary. If, and I do understand, IF we somehow do not need to go through the two-year conditional phase because we have been married two years at the time of application, is it advisable to include the fees necessary to remove conditions at the same time that we pay the original fees of $1,070? The fee to remove conditions are: $505 plus $85 biometric fee. In other words, do we send in $1,660. Two application in one.

What I am thinking is to just apply for the two-year conditional residency permit, and let the chips fall where they may. It seems like an awful lot of money. This has already cost us more money having waited for so long. When others have bypassed the two-year conditional green card process, and received their ten-year green card, did you include both fees for the two and ten year green cards? What forms did you use?

One other question. To receive a Consular Birth Abroad Certificate for our Mexican born son, can the three of us do it state side? Can we take our DNA tests here in the United States without returning to Mexico? We were not married at the time of his birth.

I know this is not the answer that you would expect, but maybe with a pre-nuptial contract, if the business goes under, you cannot be held liable for their debts. On the other hand, if you do not have a contract, and the business goes under, you will be held liable. I don't know if this is true, but it seems reasonable.

Once you got married, the K1 Visa is no longer valid. This Visa is just to get married. The I-94 will eventually run out. There is no time limit to file for AOS. Of course, anyone that has gone through this knows that it is mentally difficult waiting for that EAD and the residency permit. After marrying, any time spent out of status will be forgiven once the AOS is applied for. Until you apply for the AOS, keep copies of everything that shows that you are following the law in case you get tied up with the police or USCIS. Oh, hang onto the I-94. You have to send it in when you apply for AOS. Renew his passport before the AOS meeting. They may want to put a stamp in the passport, to show you have been approved for a green card.

I wish immigrating were simple. Now, ICE is not going after illegal immigrants unless they break the law. While we here debate whether someone needs a TB test, thousands of illegals are walking around potentially infected, and infecting others.

Here is the link showing what I have been saying. Am I still wrong here?

Questions & Answers:

Changes to the Tuberculosis and Vaccination Requirements Required for Adjustment of Status

Tuberculosis

Q: What are the new requirements for tuberculosis (TB) testing and treatment?

Detailed information on the new requirements are available in the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention¿s (CDC) document, Tuberculosis Component of the Technical Instructions to Civil Surgeons for the Medical Examination of Aliens in the United States. A link to this document, along with a memo outlining the changes to the TB testing requirements and frequently asked questions, is available in the related links section of this page.

Some of the major changes to the TB requirements include:

Applicants with Class A tuberculosis must complete a full course of TB treatment before receiving medical clearance by USCIS for adjustment of status.

A chest x-ray is required for all applicants with a tuberculin skin test (TST) reaction of less than 5 mm who have signs or symptoms of TB or immunosuppression.

A chest x-ray is required for all applicants with a TST reaction of more than 5 mm, including pregnant women.

Sputum cultures and drug susceptibility testing for positive cultures are required for applicants with chest x-ray findings suggestive of active TB disease.

Q: Who is required to have a TB test?

All applicants two years of age or older are required to have a tuberculin skin test (TST). Children younger than age two are required to have a TST if there is evidence of contact with a person known to have TB or if there is other reason to suspect TB. If evidence of TB infection is found, a chest x-ray is required. Any person with a positive skin test reaction of more than 5mm will also be required to undergo a chest x-ray.

Q: When did the new TB requirements become effective?

The new TB testing and treatment requirements became effective on May 1, 2008. However, CDC allowed a 30 day grace period. Therefore, any medical exam that takes place on or after June 1, 2008 must be performed in accordance with the new TB testing requirements.

Q: Will USCIS accept Form I-693 if the civil surgeon performed a chest x-ray without the TST?

No, the civil surgeon must administer the TST, unless one of the exceptions listed in the Technical Instructions applies. If the civil surgeon performs a chest x-ray without giving the applicant the TST, the reason for omitting the TST must be noted on Form I-693.

Vaccinations

Q: What are the new vaccination requirements?

The CDC has revised its vaccination requirements. As of July 1, 2008, the following additional vaccinations are required in order to adjust status to legal permanent resident:

Rotavirus

Hepatitis A

Meningococcal

Human papillomavirus

Zoster

NOTE: Some of these vaccinations are required for certain age groups only. During the examination with the civil surgeon, he or she will review the vaccination history, and may determine that certain vaccinations are not necessary or not appropriate. Specific information on vaccines, including tables on age-appropriate vaccines and ACIP recommendations, are available at CDC¿s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) website, accesible in the related links section of this page.

Q: When will the new vaccination requirements become effective?

The new vaccination requirements became effective on July 1, 2008. However, CDC approved a 30 day grace period until August 1, 2008. Therefore, for any medical exam conducted on or after August 1, 2008, the new vaccinations, if appropriate, must be administered in order for USCIS to approve the applicant for adjustment of status.

Q: Is there a waiver available for applicants who cannot afford the new vaccinations?

No. The qualifications for a waiver remain unchanged.

Q: Where can I find additional information on the new vaccination requirements?

The Technical Instructions to Civil Surgeons for Vaccination Requirements includes detailed information on the vaccination requirements, including a full list of required vaccinations. A link to the Technical Instructions and any updates to the medical exam requirements can be found in the related links section of this page.

Q: Does USCIS require that all shots in each vaccine series be completed before applying for adjustment of status?

No. The applicant must have received all the required age-appropriate vaccines that could be given at the time of the medical exam. If the applicant has started the vaccination series, but is not able to complete all the required shots because, at the time of the medical exam, the minimum time interval between shots has not passed, the applicant may still apply for adjustment of status. A waiver is available in cases where, due to required time intervals, it was impossible for the applicant to receive all shots in the series before submitting the application for adjustment of status.

For example, the Hepatitis A vaccine requires that applicant receive two doses of vaccine, six months apart. If the applicant receives the first dose in January, he or she does not have to wait until July, when the second dose would be given, to submit the adjustment of status application. However, the applicant must have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, if appropriate, before applying for adjustment of status.

Form I-693

Q: When did the new Form I-693 become effective?

The revised Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (edition date 04/02/08), became effective on May 1, 2008. USCIS allowed for a 30 day grace period in which it would accept the prior version of Form I-693. Therefore any medical exam conducted on or after June 1, 2008 must be recorded on a revised Form I-693.

Q: Why was Form I-693 revised in April 2008?

Form I-693 was revised to include the new requirements that CDC made to its TB Component of the Technical Instructions and was released at the same time as the new Technical Instructions. Other significant changes to the form included a new referral section with requirements that all necessary follow-up treatment and evaluations be completed prior to the applicant or civil surgeon signing and completing the form. Additionally, the prior vaccination supplement was assimilated as part 2, section 5 of the revised form.

Q: Why does USCIS now have an even newer edition (06/05/08) of Form I-693 on the web?

When CDC added new vaccination requirements to its Technical Instructions for Vaccination, effective July 1, 2008, there were concerns that civil surgeons may forget to add in the new vaccinations in the vaccination chart, resulting in incomplete forms. This revised edition includes the newly required vaccinations by name.

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.

Q: Does a designated civil surgeon have to sign Part 6 of Form I-693, or can the health department immunization staff sign it?

The signature in Part 6 must be the physician at the health department. It may be an original or stamped signature. The health department nurse or other health care professional may, but is not required to, co-sign the vaccination supplement. Part 6 will only be completed for those applicants who are filing based on refugee status.

Q: Does the civil surgeon have to complete both the Vaccination Table and the Results section to properly complete the vaccination portion of Form I-693?

Yes. USCIS requires the civil surgeon to completely fill out the vaccination table and the Results section. The civil surgeon must note in the vaccination table the complete vaccination history, date(s) of vaccinations given by the civil surgeon, and any waiver requests.

Q. I had my medical exam completed before the new TB or vaccination requirements went into effect, and have not yet submitted it to USCIS, or I have submitted it but it has not yet been reviewed. Am I now required to have a new medical exam that meets the new TB and/or vaccination requirements before I can adjust status?

Generally, no. When reviewing a Form I-693, USCIS will note the date the exam was conducted and refer to the Technical Instructions, medical requirements, and form edition that were in effect at that particular time, remembering that for each revision of the Technical Instructions there was a 30-day grace period. If the civil surgeon conducted the medical exam properly and in keeping with the exam requirements and form edition in effect on that particular date, there is no need to return for a second exam or to have the results recorded on a newer edition of Form I-693, as long as you submit the Form I-693 before its one-year expiration.

Guide to Revised Form I-693, TB Testing/Treatment and Vaccination Requirements

Date of Medical Exam

Do I have to submit the revised Form I-693?

Does the medical exam have to be done in accordance with the new TB requirements?

Do I have to receive the new vaccines (if age appropriate?)

Before June 1, 2008

No

No

No

June 1 ¿ July 31, 2008

Yes Edition dates 4/2/08 and 6/5/08 are acceptable

Yes

No

On or after Aug. 1, 2008

Yes - must submit Edition date 6/5/08

Yes

Yes

Civil Surgeon Questions

Q: Form I-693 now states patients who require a chest X-ray must include the copy of the X-ray report with the I-693 packet. What type of X-ray report is acceptable?

USCIS will only accept a full and formal radiologist¿s chest X-ray report, whether a copy or an original, signed by the radiologist and on official hospital or medical office letterhead. USCIS cannot accept any preliminary or incomplete evaluation, whether handwritten or not, that does not describe the full evaluation or findings. In most cases, the civil surgeon will have to wait a day or two before this report has been sent by the reviewing medical office and can therefore not sign off on the Form I-693 until this report has been received.

Q: Both the CDC and USCIS have revised their requirements for medical referrals, as notated on Form I-693. In what instances must the referral section in Part 3 be completed?

Only complete Part 3, Referral to Health Department or Other Doctor / Facility, if the referral was required, such as when a Class A condition is suspected and needs further evaluation. Do not complete Part 3 if the referral was merely recommended by the CDC. Instead notate the (recommended but not required) referral in the Remarks box under that particular disease or disorder. This will help alleviate the possibility of USCIS rejecting the Form I-693 due to an erroneous assumption that a follow-up evaluation was needed before completion of the form.

Q: How can I contact USCIS for more information?

Applicants for adjustment of status may call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833). Civil surgeons should contact their civil surgeon coordinator at the USCIS field or district office where they obtained their civil surgeon designation.

Related Files

Questions & Answers: Changes to the Tuberculosis and Vaccination Requirements Required for Adjustment of Status (50KB PDF)

Missy, I know that sometimes each person here has a different experience. What one person says is not necessary, another will say that it is. For example, the US government says that a Visa will not be issued to anyone that is considered an American citizen, to enter into the United States, and yet we did that very thing, openly, and without lying. Yet, it is written that it is the law.

You say that a TB test is not necessary, but I can tell you that I not only have read the requirements that it is necessary, but I have sent out emails to the USCIS, and received replies that it is necessary, and I have corresponded with the CDC who sets the health requirements for people immigrating into our country. In fact, we just went through the process of examinations with the civil surgeon to redo our I-693, and we got into it with them. Through some kind of error, when the results were read, from the skin test that my wife had, no one wrote down the measurements of the little bubble that grows on your arm. The size, and reaction indicates if a person has TB. The civil surgeon(or if you prefer, the doctor's office) told us that my wife would need to undergo another TB skin test, or they would not sign off on the I-693. We were told by the Health Department that if this test were done again, after taking the medicine for months until the risk is gone, that my wife could become very sick, and that her arm could possibly swell up, or something to that effect. I had to show them on the web sites from Homeland Security, and the CDC, where she would not, indeed have to take the more expensive biopsy culture test, because she had been treated for TB and is declared free from TB. Unless a person has some religious reason as to not be checked for Tuberculosis, it will be required. If you are just visiting, conducting business, or simply are not immigrating to the USA, then it is not required. I wish that I can send you links, but it is late, and I am sure that you will check to see if I am right.

Frankly speaking, not every country is so vigilant for the health of its' citizens. Because of this law, we discovered that my wife and children had been exposed to Tuberculosis. They received treatment free through the Health Department, and are healthier for doing so.

Please check into this further. It is better to be safe than sorry. Can you get through this without it. Sure. But only by error. We know now that we received the Visa in error, and we have taken steps to eliminate this problem. We are all ultimately responsible for our case. And of course we know that the USCIS do not make mistakes. Choke choke.

Right now I can't remember this form that you are looking for... I do want to respond to a couple of things. The medical that was done in Juarez is not the only medical that your husband will have to have. This is not a full-medical check up and it is not where the decision is made as to whether your husband has all his vaccinations, and that they are up-to-date. This will be done in the United States. You said that the medical office in Juarez did not accept your husband's Cartilla de Salud. When we went through there, others with other type of Visas were not so lucky. Their Cartillas De Salud were not accepted either. It was explained to us that there is too much fraud in Mexico, and that they have no way of knowing if the record is valid or not, therefore everyone that wants to continue with their Visa at the consulate must, without exception, receive every shot required by the US government. Let me say, "What a Sham". My wife and I took good care of our children's health. Every shot recorded was administered to my children, and MY wife, my then fiance. Our Cartillas de Salud were not fraudulent. Having said that, people with K-1 Visas do not have to have the same medical check-up as others, and you and your husband are fortunate that this is the case. From what we could tell, everyone that passes through Juarez are legally robbed by the civil surgeon in Juarez. People were paying ungodly amounts of money, held virtually hostage by their hope of receiving an American Visa. They were receiving vaccinations that were already administered in their home town.

I want to add a side note about these vaccinations that are sold in Juarez. We all know that some shots affect us. Some get a fever afterwards, maybe a headache, or even a little sick. We saw people after they received their shots, and they did not seem affected. It was as if they were give vitamin B-12 shots, or some other placebo. I am suggesting that this is a sham perpetrated by this medical office. The are taking advantage of people's hopes, and ignorance. I tried reporting this, and every US officer told me that this office could not be cheating people, after all, they ad to certify through the US government to obtain this certification!

Consider this a blessing. Go to an American doctor. Get the required shots. You don't need to worry about this anymore. I just feel sorry for the people who do not get this choice. Oh, make sue that your husband gets a TB Skin test done. Some doctors did not want to do this for my wife. In Juarez, we received a digital disk. Did you?

After we went in for the medical exam, here in the United States, the doctor's office gave us not only the sealed envelope with the I-693, but also gave us copies for our records.

We did not use a certified translator. We tried, and discovered that their translation was inferior to my own. I did all the translations for us, and nothing was questioned.

We received a good piece of advice at the USCIS office: Do your best, and you will get through this. There is just too much out there, and the chances of making a mistake will always be a possibility. We can't erase the human factor.

Correct me if I have this wrong. You are the father, but recently found out that your children have the DNA from another man. You have cared for the children since their mother left you guys to fend for yourselves. Now you are engaged to get married, and the children stood to get a K-2 Visa. Because you and the mother's children were born out of wedlock, immigration required the DNA tests, as this is normal procedure.

Okay. Not easy to fix, but not impossible. The biological father would need to surrender their rights as the legal father; considering that "he" has had nothing to do with them up to now, I don't know that you will have all that much trouble. You would then go before a judge, present your case, and legally adopt them. Then, once they are yours, you can then submit the necessary forms for foreign adoption to USCIS. Once the children are cleared, they will receive their American citizenship automatically. This may be better in the long run.

No sacrifice is too great for your children. Time is your biggest investment. Follow your heart. Don't think of this as suffering, or as a sacrifice. It is your obligation of love. I will do anything for my children, and it is no secret that I am their stepfather, but they will never be my "stepchildren." Understand?

I am sorry if I have this wrong. Gather what you can from my words. I wish you the best.