You can start going for your medical examination as soon as you have scheduled your interview. Leave around a week from your medical exam until your actual interview to give time for the team to forward your results to the embassy.
I hope you'll find my personal experience helpful to your journey.
I arrived at St. Luke's Medical Extension Clinic (SLEC) at around 4.20 am. The clinic starts to let people in at 4.30, and by the time it was my turn to enter, I was given number 61.
The previous night I arranged my requirements:
- my valid passport (mine has over a year validity still)
- 2 photocopies of the biometric page of my passport (that page where you have your personal info)
- two (2) copies of my appointment letter
- two (2) copies of my embassy notification
- two (2) copies on the online SLEC registration - optional but saves you a couple of minutes filling the form up. If you haven't got the chance to do this, make sure you have your petitioner's contact details as you will need to provide that.
- three (3) 2x2 pictures. Write your full name at the back.
REMINDERS ABOUT THE PHOTO: No teeth showing, neutral expression, no jewelry, ears visible, white background. My former photographer failed to inform about the jewelry, I had to have my photo taken again at the last minute. Glad that there was a service across the street at that time.
Other documents you may bring:
- divorce/annulment papers (a requirement if applicable)
- previous vaccine/medical records
- x-Ray taken within the last 3 months
BRING YOUR OWN PEN :)
ARRIVAL & REGISTRATION
The guards at the entrance check your documents, so make sure it's complete. After your number is issued you will be asked to sit and wait for your number to be called.
Once you're called you will be asked to go to the first window where they assess your documents, and register your fingerprint and take your photo for file. The staff will then give you a form where you should pay the corresponding visa fee.
PAYMENT is made thru local currency (PhP) at the current exchange of $223 for adults 15 years and over, and $185 for children under 15.
X-RAY. I was asked to go to the radiology section for my xray. Necklaces will be asked to be removed, so might be a good idea to come without it. Also long hair will be asked to be pulled up, so bring a hair tie. You change into a lab gown, nothing underneath.
BLOOD TEST. Next was blood test; followed by a pregnancy test if you are under 40 or as requested by the doctor.
PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT.
There was a 3-part physical assessment that followed. It was around 9.30 when I got to this stage. First was vital signs where they take your blood pressure. Next your height, weight and clarity of your eyesight. Finally a doctor's assessment, you will be interviewed by a doctor about your medical history (previous pregnancies, hospitalization cases, disease history, current medication); and he/she will do a quick inspection of your body.
FINAL ASSESSMENT. If all your exams are negative for communicable diseases, that is, you're clear of TB, syphilis, etc; and that you have no other psychological instability, ie, suicidal attempts, abortion or previous marriages; then you proceed to the vaccination.
If however you show positive you will be asked to take medication to cure you as doctors order.
For psychological instability, you may be asked to undergo counseling. After these are cleared, you may then proceed.
For me I reached this point after lunch. I was asked to return the following morning for my vaccination. I was released for the day at around 2 pm. I was given a copy of my Original receipt and a summary of the tests I have completed.
For the second day I was asked to arrive by 0900H, I arrived an hour earlier where at the entrance the guard inspected my papers and directed me to the next step.
VACCINATION. Once all tests have been cleared I queue up again for the final step which is to receive the required vaccination.I waited a little over and hour since I arrived. I received three shots. I know of one who had two, another one who got five. It's all dependent on the person and their medical history.
RESULTS. After the administration of the vaccine shots I was asked to wait for my results.
The results will be forwarded directly to the embassy for your interview. You will be given a copy of your vaccine shots and your X-ray image. Keep them and bring them to the US with you as you will be required to show them during your Adjustment of Status AOS.
SOME TIPS FROM ME
- pre register online if you can. it will save you some time and from having to check some documents. Find online registration here: http://www.slec.ph/us/registration//
- wear comfortable, loose, clothes and footwear, as you will be asked to remove/adjust them multiple times. Also there will be a lot of waiting and moving around involved. If you get cold easily, bring a sweater.
- prepare all your documents before coming so that it saves you time sorting through your things.
- be early. Although it's not a guarantee that you will finish in one day (as I did). But as the day progresses the lines become longer, being early gives you a head start.
- don't skip breakfast, there are drinking fountains inside but food isn't allowed. The tests may last the whole day and depending on the flow of the tests you may not have time to leave for food. SLEC states that the Medical tests don't require fasting.
- bring a book or something that will help you pass the time. The wait may be quite excruciating.
- for those with cars (like me) there is a pay-parking area along Roxas Boulevard across the embassy and a short walk from SLEC. For those who need accommodation the nearest hotel is Hotel Soriente (2-3 star) on the same street.
- don't be afraid and be honest. This test will be for your own good anyway and the doctors are nice and will help cure you if there's any negative findings.
- if you're an out-going person, try to chat with other applicants, you might just learn from their experiences
For more information please visit SLEC's website: http://www.slec.ph/us-visa-
Address and full contact details of SLEC here: http://www.slec.ph/contact-us.php
