K1 Visa Part 3: Medical

The thought of going to a clinic or hospital is never easy for me. I’m not used to it. My parents barely send me there and thank God I am never sick enough to be admitted. But getting a medical screening and vaccination is included in the deal of K1 Visa. St. Luke’s medical hospital is the only accredited hospital to do the screening of US applicants.

I registered online on SLEC website, printed the confirmation mail and prepared all my medical requirements. I made sure everything is in order and put together because the guards will inspect the papers before I get inside the building.

SLEC operates as early as 6AM. You don’t need to make an appointment with them. As long as you register online, your information is already in their system. You can come a couple of days after the registration. In my case, I went there a week after. I arrived at 7:30 AM, October 16.

Verification of US Embassy packet

First stop is the guard station. They examined my requirements and since I made sure it’s all put together in order, my check-in was smooth. They stamped my hand with ink. This will allow me to go in and out of the building. They asked me to go to the releasing area in ground floor.

Fill-up Patient Data Sheet (PDS)

If you already registered online you don’t need to fill up form. Your information is already in their system.

Submission of PDS

On the right side of releasing area, there’s a window for online registrants. Since I fill out my form online I just went to asked someone where I can pass my papers and pay my fee. They took my requirements with my passport and told me to sit on the waiting area. It’s not a very busy morning so I had a chance to pick a seat closest to the counter. A male attendant called my name and asked me basic questions (Name, Age, name of petitioner and my relationship with him, what kind of visa I am getting, etc.) He told me that I am way ahead for my interview date (Nov. 15) and I said it is okay because I plan to reschedule my interview to an earlier date. He took a picture of me and was instructed to put my index finger on finger scanner. He gave me my Patient Data Sheet then told me to proceed to 5th floor to pay my fee in cashier.

Payment at the cashier

After paying the medical fee costing ₱17,025.00, I am ready for my laboratory.

DAY 1

• Chest Xray – They ask me to take of my clothes (except underwear) and tie my hair up. Lab gown will be provided. If you are pregnant, make sure you tell your attendant so they can provide protection for your belly.

• Urine Test -Submit your PDS in the counter on. The attendant will give you coded sticker. A urine bottle will be provided.

• Blood Test

• Vital signs

1. Step1 Height and blood pressure, and ears inspection.

2. Step2 Eye check up

3. Step3 Physical examination: I think attending physicians depends on applicants on gender. Since I am female, my doctor is a woman. She asked me questions regarding health, ex. tattoos, piercing, allergies on food or medicine, history of being admitted to the hospital, if i have complete set of teeth, etc. She then asked me to take off my clothes behind the curtains. Don’t worry, you will wear a hospital gown. Laying down in examination bed, she checked body marks and wounds. When completed she told me to get dress, behind the curtain. There is no bending down that happened! Lol what a relief

• Immunization Interview – The physician asked me if I have history of vaccination. If you guys have your records, it will help so bring it. Since I cannot provide a chicken pox markings, they told me they will give me 3 shots of vaccine such as MMR, anti tetanus, and chicken pox.

By 10 in the morning I am done. They gave me my receipt with a stamp behind telling I am advised to come back the next day at 8am for my vaccines and releasing.

DAY 2

I arrived 30 mins early and told the guards I am there for vaccines. They scanned my finger print for identification and let me in. I went straight to 2nd floor where Immunization room is located, informed the reception I arrived and then took my paper. I think I only waited 15 mins or less, then they call my name. As per protocol they will ask your name, birthday, visa and questions according to your health. While doing that they start mixing the vaccines. They said they’ll give me 3 shots – Tdap (a combination vaccine that protects against three potentially life-threatening bacterial diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), MMR, and Varicella vaccines. One on right arm and two on left.  Needles always have a sting but after that you’ll start feeling your arms heavy or like someone punched you. It took me weeks before the uncomfortable feeling stop.

After the immunization, I went down to the releasing area. They asked for my passport then waited. They gave me a summary of vaccines I just had and a cd of my xray. I am meant to bring that to use which I can use for future work. They also handed me a sealed short brown envelope indicating only the consul can open it on the interview day.

By 8:30 am I completed my medical and got the records with me. Lucky me I didn’t encounter a busy day!

Tips:

• If you are pregnant, tell ahead so they can give you protective shield on xrays and won’t give you vaccines if you do.

• Just only bring papers you are required for medical and keep it organize.

• Go there early as you can because it is first come first serve.

• Only one guardian is allowed to go inside with the applicant.

• Make sure your interview is within one month of your medical date. It is better to get your medical 1 to 2 weeks before your interview. Medical records are only valid for 6 months to use for travel.  Your visa validity starts once you have your medical done so you have to fly before it ends. In my case, since I had my medical Oct 16 2018, I am expected to leave Philippines before April 4 2019.

---

When I get home I rescheduled my interview to November 6. The idea is overwhelming but it is easy. Keep yourself healthy so you won’t have trouble !