MEDICAL EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR IMMIGRANT, "K" AND "V" VISA APPLICANTS
Under U.S. immigration law, ALL applicants for immigrant, "K," and "V" visas are required to undergo and complete a medical examination, regardless of age. The medical examination findings by a panel physician are binding on the consular and used to determine eligibility to receive a visa.
St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic (SLMCEC) is the Embassy's accredited medical facility. It is located at 1177 J. Bocobo St., Ermita, Manila. The telephone numbers are 521-0020 and 521-8647, and it is open for business Monday through Friday (except on Philippine holidays), from 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and from 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. When you go to SLMCEC for medical examination, you must bring your interview appointment letter, passport, and one photo (size: 2" x 2").
It is important that you must have completed your medical examination when you come to the Embassy for your visa interview. Otherwise, your visa application will be refused or you may be asked to return for another appointment. The medical examination results are delivered directly to the Embassy.
I. First-Come, First-Served
Applicants are examined on a first-come, first-served basis. Medical examinations may take more than one day to complete. Female applicants may request a female doctor to perform the examination. Unless it is necessary, do not bring companions due to space limitation at the clinic.
II. Fees
The medical examination fee is $95 USD for adults (15 years of age or older) and $67 USD for children (14 years of age or younger). Repeat X-rays will cost $7 US each. Fees must be paid in their Philippine peso equivalent at the prevailing U.S. Embassy exchange rate.
III. X-Rays
A chest X-ray is not required for children below 15 years old, unless symptoms of tuberculosis (TB) exist, there is a history of TB, or there has been possible exposure of TB with a known case such as contact with a family or household member with TB.
Chest X-rays for pregnant women are not dangerous if taken with the proper shielding. U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS)/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has approved an exception to the chest X-ray requirement for pregnant women if they do not want to take it. However, pregnant women visa applicants are advised to obtain a tuberculin skin test and any necessary follow-up at the local health department after arriving in the United States.
Applicants who have previous chest X-rays must bring the results with them to SLMCEC for comparative analysis.
IV. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Test
HIV infection, which may lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), is a communicable disease of public health significance. ALL applicants 15 years of age or older must be tested for evidence of HIV infection. Those under the age of 15 may be tested if there is reason to suspect HIV infection (for example a child whose natural parent is HIV-positive).
V. Divulgence of Contents of Medical Exam Reports
Visa records, including medical exam reports in support of a visa application, are confidential under the law and are generally NOT releasable. Consular officers may not divulge the particulars of an applicant's physical or mental health.
VACCINATION REQUIREMENT FOR "K" VISA APPLICANTS
U.S. immigration law requires that ALL intending immigrants be vaccinated against certain vaccine-preventable diseases before they can be admitted to the United States for permanent residence.
Vaccinations currently required are as follows:
- Mumps
- Measles
- Rubella
- Polio
- Tetanus and Diphtheria toxoids
- Pertussis
- Influenza Type B
- Hepatitis Type B
- Varicella
- Pneumoccocal
"K" visa applicants, as non-immigrant visa applicants, are technically not subject to the vaccination requirement. "K" visa applicants who refuse to comply with the vaccination requirement WILL NOT be denied a visa on that basis. As a matter of expediency, however, it is encouraged that "K" visa applicants meet the vaccination requirement before they are admitted into the U.S.
Bring your Vaccination Records for the Panel Physician's Review
You should bring records to show that you have already received vaccinations against certain vaccine-preventable diseases. The panel physician will review the vaccination records and will determine if you meet the vaccination requirement. Only the panel physician can determine which vaccinations are medically appropriate. This could mean that you may be required to repeat doses of vaccines that you have already received. Administering a second dose, however, will not endanger your health.
Adjustment of Status Application After "K" Applicant's Admission Into The U.S.
After you have been admitted to the U.S. in "K" status and apply for adjustment from non-immigrant to a permanent resident (green card holder), the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will use the panel ph
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