Journey to United States: Medical Examination Experience

Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
All applicants in an immigrant visa are required to take a medical examination as it is needed during the interview. Most of the time applicants would schedule their medical examination a week or less before their interview, I had mine five days after I received the letter which is like a month and eight days until my scheduled appointment to the U.S. Embassy.I just had in mind that I should finished it right away so if ever a problem occur I have sufficient time to fix it.

As for the medical facility, only St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic in Ermita is accredited by the U.S. embassy. I was aware that the facility strictly follows the first come, first serve rule whether you are a walk-in applicant or an online registrant. I chose the latter to atleast save processing time and make the whole process more efficient, I mean filling out numerous forms consume quite an amount of time, right? 

Required Documents
  • Valid Passport
  • DS-260 Confirmation Form
  • Interview Letter from the National Visa Center
  • SLMCEC Registration Form
  • Three 2"x 2" Photos (U.S. visa photo requirement) with name at the back
  • Photocopies of the following: biographic data page of valid passport, DS-260 confirmation form, and SLMCEC registration form.
  • Black Ballpen
  • Medical Fee - $245 / Php 11,270.00
Better have those required documents prepared the night before the medical examination.

Day 1 (August 06, 2015)

At around 05:45 A.M., I arrived at SLMCEC and as expected there are quite an amount of applicants at the area. First, I was asked by the guard to show my valid passport, interview letter and registration form then they gave me a blue queuing card (#64 if not mistaken) and stamped my hand. I went straight ahead to the reception area to wait for my number to be called, it took about 20 minutes. So I submitted the required documents which they'll use in encoding data, at the very moment they took a picture of me and had my fingerprint scanned. Right after I went straight ahead at the Cashier (5th floor) to pay the medical fee in Philippine currency.

As what I have noticed the steps differ by batch so it wouldn't be that crowded in a particular section/floor.

Step 1 - Immunization Interview 
The attending physician asked when my last immunization was and if I have my immunization/baby book with me (I didn't have one but it was fine). They also asked the first and last day of menstruation.

Step 2 - Radiology for Chest X-Ray 
My batch were told to undress and wear a hospital gown of our choice in a room which was very small, what was funny is that we were able to fit ourselves knowing that we were about six inside.

Step 3 - U.S.A Counter for vital signs, height & weight determination and eye test  

Step 4 - Blood Test
Every person at room waiting for their turn were obviously nervous and I'm no exemption. My nervousness turned into laughter because the nurse was having a hard time locating for the perfect vein. Some were small and some were probably hidden beneath my arm fat.. harharhar!

Step 5- Physical Examination 
The step that caused me butt pain for it took about three hours until my name was called. Contrast to the waiting period the whole examination just took about 10-15 minutes. The attending physician asked quite an amount of questions regarding my health which ofcourse I answered honestly. Then she asked me to undress to start the physical examination - they checked every single part of my body.

Just when I thought I would have the last step (immunization) finished I was instructed to go at the check-out counter wherein they told me to come back the following day to complete the whole process. Unfortunately, I couldn't because of the number coding scheme so I came back the following week.

Day 2 (August 11, 2015)

My appointment time was 08:30A.M but then I decided to come an hour early and it did help a bit. Also remember to bring your receipt as it asked by guard upon entry. While waiting for my name to be called, I had a chit-chat with other applicants.

Step 6 - Immunization
Basically the whole process just took me an hour, I had 4 vaccines shot -  TDAP, MMR, Varicella and Influenza. I was also told by the attending nurse that I might have fever afterwards and an arm might/will swell so I should just place a warm compress (my left arm did). 

Step 7 - Releasing of Results 
About 30 minutes of waiting I finally received the sealed medical result needed for the interview, vaccination record and chest radiograph result in a compact disc. Lastly, they asked for my passport wherein they placed an authentication stamp at the very last page.

I was beyond happy that I was able to accomplish the medical examination without any hassle and that I didn't have any health problems. All I need to worry is the interview - they nerve-racking part of the whole process. 

I hope this blog entry would help or enlighten my fellow immigrant visa applicant who are about to have their medical examination. As for my dear blogosphere friends, I hope you enjoy reading this experience of mine.

17 comments

  1. Congratulations on accomplishing your medical exam! Can't relate to it yet but hopefully soon when I will be undergoing the same experience, I'll read this again! haha

    xx, Janine | A Blissful Blog

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks dearest Janine :* Hope this would help you in the future~

      Delete
  2. How was everything? And congratulations for passing! Was the physical examination scary? I mean, cuz that's what I dread the most.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As long as you have the patience to wait for HOURS then you're good :D There were also some instances where the examination takes 3-4 days especially if they need further examination and test, glad I was able to finish it in 2 days and that I didn't have any health issue. Well the physical examination was nerve-racking since I really don't know what to expect and people seem to be really jittery but to be quite honest once you enter the doctor's room all the tension will wear off. They would just ask you countless questions which you need to answer honestly then they would usually end having every single part of your body checked (yes they would be asking you to remove your clothes and face them or recline.. If not mistaken there are usually two doctors)

      Delete
  3. This sounds like quite the experience! I hope everything else in this process goes well for you :)
    xo Kiki
    http://colormekiki.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was crazy to be very honest, I'm very much glad that I was able to accomplish everything XD Thanks Kiki :D

      Delete
  4. Oh, congrats on your experience! It sounds amazing! It sounds intense and so much work, I hope everything will be doing fine <3

    xx Bash | Hey Bash | bloglovin'

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Bash! It was quite an experience and definitely memorable. Awww! You're very sweet <3

      Delete
  5. The medical fee is THAT expensive? Wow, I wasn't expecting that :O Also, does it hurt? I'm so scared of vaccine shots :/ Thanks for this very informative article! Definitely helps a first time like me to get ready haha

    Mimi | Chasing Bleu

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The fee is no joke and it would really put a dent in your wallet. Once you step the vaccination room there's no way to hold back or even run, all you have to do is face the fear. It did hurt since they'll have ALL FOUR vaccines injected in 2-3 minutes with probably 10-15 second gap from one other. There's this particular vaccine that would definite make you feel heavy and sick plus the injected area would really hurt and sometimes numb but as nurse told me it part of effects. Your welcome my dear :)

      Delete
  6. Yay! You did it, girlie! It is a lot of work and I know exactly what you went through lol. Been there, done that. So happy for you, Tricia! :)
    xox Nadia
    http://mielandmint.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes Yes Yes! All the hard work was worth it! Thanks Nadia :*

      Delete
  7. Congratulations! It definitely sounds like such a process but glad you got it done! :)

    JennifHsieh

    ReplyDelete
  8. I seriously had no idea it was so intense just for a U.S.A visa. Hope it all goes your way.

    Meg | Meghan Silva's Blog
    @MeghanSSilva on Instagram

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You have to go through medical examinations and interviews and if you get approved you'll need to attend seminars. It does take a lot of work but I'm pretty glad I was able to survive those all I need now is to complete my seminars. Thanks Meg!

      Delete
  9. Sounds a great experience, congrats Tricia :)

    - Lily Widjaja
    www.Glowlicious.Me

    ReplyDelete

© Tricia Willa | A Lifestyle + City Adventures Blog of an Eccentric Earthling. Design by Fearne.