Medical Examination Day
I remember my medical exam at Saint Lukes (SLEC) was a pain in the butt. If you happen to hear the phrase ‘ hurry up and wait’, well, you’re in when doing the medical test.
I stayed in San Carlos Mansion, a few blocks away from SLEC and is a 5 minute walk from and to SLEC. I and 2 ladies (who are also processing their fiancee visa and whom became my friends) got up at 3 30am to prepare for our medical exam day.
Here are the things we prepared:
- 3pcs visa photo’s (put your name on the back of each photo’s)
- Passport (bring the original and photocopy the biographic page for 2 copies). The purpose of this is that, the original passport will not be given back by the SLEC staff because they are the one who will forward the passport as well as the medical result to US Embassy in Manila -for the interview. I needed the photocopies for my CFO seminar and as an identification.
- Appointment letter ( bring the appointment letter and have it photocopied also). The photocopy willbe collected by SLEC staff and they will verify it with the original. They will stamp the original to prove that the medical exam has been performed.
- Cost of the medical exam - $95.00 USD (for adults -15 years and older)
– $67.00 USD for children 14 years and below.
- Repeat X-rays costs $7.00 USD/per person.
*Note: Memorize your fiance’s biographic information and the manila case number as you will need these information to fill up the PDS (Patient Data Sheet). If you do not know how to fill it up or doubtful of what to answer, do not hesitate to ask the SLEC staff. They may not be that friendly but they will help you fill it correctly. Also DO NOT leave any question blank, if it is not applicable to you, write N/A or NONE to minimize (if not prevent) delays.
We arrived at SLEC around 4 30am and there were around 20+ people that are ahead of us; so it’s a pretty busy clinic huh?
The guard gave us a what they called “priority number” since there are hundreds of applicants that are taking/retaking tests each day; priority number was issued (maybe to ensure easy process). The guard also gave us a paper that contains a step by step guide. I find the guide very helpful hence there is a step by step PROCESS to follow. If you cannot fulfill step 2, you can’t proceed to step 3. SLEC is also a 4 story building, there are steps that you need to take on the 2nd floor; some are on the 3rd then back to 1st floor and etc. So by having the guide in hand; it’ll lessen the burden. And lastly, the PDS or Patient Data Sheet to fill out.
After filling up the PDS, we decided that it was too early to wait (SLEC opens at 5 30am and we still have a couple of minutes to burn) so we left our PDS to the guard ( they don’t allow applicants to bring it outside the premises) and went outside to eat because we are starving.
We went back to SLEC around 6am and viola, there were more than a hundred people who were already lining up outside the the building. It was a chaotic and VERY crowded. SLEC’s fron’t office pathway is too small to accommodate hundreds of people. Plus the fact that it’s located in an intersection and car’s, trike’s (tricycle), people and etc are passing by; it feels like you would want to hurry everthing.
We gave our priority number to the guard inside the building near registration booth (Yes there is a registration booth). Registration booth is used to register applicants to their machine, SLEC’s staff collected our PDS, a copy of the appointment letter and cued us for the picture taking. This is probably their kept copy of photo of applicant’s info.
So that was pretty much the process on how to start the medical test. If I’ll put it in a simple sentence; line up to get your priority number, submit the required docs on the registration booth, have your picture taken and start taking the tests.
The next steps were to get all the needed medical tests:
- x-ray,
- urine test,
- physical exam (get naked and lay on the table so the doctor can examine your butt..lol),
- get some vaccine,
- eye test and etc (if I’ll say etc, that means I forget the test but I know there is more and I’m just making an excuses
..kasi nakalimutan)
As I’ve said, SLEC is a 4 story building and each of the test are taken on different floors. Not to mention that there are also VISA applicants from Australia, Canada and other countries that are also processing their med test so it is a bit challenging; meresay a challenge on your patience.
We weren’t able to get all our test done, me and my friends (Michelle and Vanessa) were pretty much exhausted around 5 in the afternoon so we decided to finish taking the test the following day.
The next day we went to SLEC, it was easier; we finished taking our test and waited for our interview back in our hotel. By the way, after taking/clearing all the tests, we submitted some signed docs in an office located on the first floor and wait for another minutes or hours for the result . I tried asking the staff during that time if I did passed or failed but she told me, “we are not allowed to divulge the result, you will know it in the Embassy”. She also told me that my passport will be forwarded to the Embassy then handed me some papers ( I’m sorry I’ve completely forgotten what papers are those); it might be my receipt and some original docs..I don’t know .
So that was it, I was waiting for my interview with mixed emotion. Exhaustion, anxiety, excitement, joy…every emotion you can think of; is what I felt after I completed my med test. Here comes another day of waiting for interview and few days of waiting for the final verdict.
Anyway, here’s SLEC info; in case you’ll stumble on this article and would want to contact them:
Saint Luke’s Medical Center Extension Clinic Information:
Saint Luke’s Medical Center Extension Clinic
1177 J. Bocobo Street
Ermita, Manila
Contact Numbers: (2)-521-0020 or (2)-521-8647 or (2)-524-6083
Website: http://www.stluke.com.ph/
Just so you know, FEES and PROCESS may vary; I had mine in 2007 and if by chance you read this on the years to come; please consult the USCIS website or the US Manila Embassy website for the latest FEES or PROCESS.
last updated 1st of July 2009
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HI GUYS,
I JUST WONDERING ABOUT OUR VISA, MY HUSBAND APPLIED OUR VISA MARCH 2009, HE WORK AS A US NAVY, THEN IN MAY WE HAD MEDICAL IN ST LUKES, SO HOW LONG WE WAIT OUR US VISA, THANKS I HOPE YOU CAN ANSWER ME
jhulest,
k3 right? it takes longer journey in process than k1.
usually 9 months..but who knows maging mas maaga ung inyo. goodluck:)
Hi
I’m jel ,k1 visa im undergo screening of st Lukes medical extension i did sputum but i’m waiting for the culture results.im worry because i had lantent tb history before i take may medical in st Lukes.then the scar show’s if x-ray.may question; Itis possible my culture results is negative?if ever nagative how many days or weeks i got may interview.do you have any idea?thanks!God bless
JEL… I really hate to tell you this but St Lukes is gonna say you have TB weather you have it or not!!!! You will then have to take their medication every day AT St Lukes for 6 months!!! Look up above at what I wrote… Its a fact!! Your government just wants more and more money from the foreign spouses!!
jel,
it takes 2 or 3 weeks b4 the interview slec set ur interview date if ur done to them.
hi hope d.sorry for the late reply, im really so busy..well,my advice to you is, you have to arrange your stuff very neatly and label them so you can fine them easily.
they asked me when did i met my fiance, what site,what is he’s fav movie,his phone no.then they asked me if i went to other countries,what is the purpose, how long.they also asked about my family who are in the States.they asked about my job.then our future plans of getting married,when is our plan to get married, what kind of wedding.basically those were the questions that was asked to me.hope this can help u out.
Hi Ed,
…yes his family and his sisters are all concerned about me and our children. They are in fact very excited to see me and the children….everything is under my name so i dont have to worry about that…but it doesnt matter to me now…how much it is….but what matters is my hubby…i misss him very muchhhhhhhhh….
hope u guys will be together sooon that is my prayers…
Bam
bardge24,
thank you for sharing:)
i wish you all the happiness and luck
with your future husband..
have a safe and great trip:)
BAM, Im glad to hear that. hope everything works out for you and the kids. Sorry for your loss
finally! after 153 days of waiting.
i got my visa approved:)
PRAISE GOD!!!
atlast i’ll be with my hubby really soon:)
goodluck to everybody here..
God bless.
HOPE D… What was the 153 days for… Did it take that long after your interview
to all who has tb cases,u guys can fly and have treatment in america.
to ed beacham.I dont understand y u didnt do something about ur wife case.Y u waited so long.when in fact,ur wife can fly to u.s if u promise u will continue the treatment there.
Ed Beacham,
153 days was the whole process.
from I-129F ’till i got my visa approved.
God so great because the usual journey of K1 is
6 months and my hubby and i made it a day before it’s 5 months..and without lawyers but God always with us that’s why we did all things through great:)
HOPE… Looks like my wife and I got screwed!!! When I was doing research, before going over there. Our own USCIS website said that the K1 visa would have required proof that I met her, in person, 1 year before filing the petition… Lately every one tells me how fast the K1 is… Our government SUCKS here… Just wait and see. They will fuck you/us any way they can!!!
gems,
i have tb cases in slec now going to 5th months taking treatment how come i could fly.sis ur too late giving that advise and take note only touring can do that…
sorry its tourist and everybody fiance or spousal doing that..
GEM who told you that…. So your telling me that 95% of every man and woman that go through St Lukes is being lied to??? I dont know what stage your in right now…. Maybe your talking about the way things were in the 70″s… The way it is now is that you have to report to St Lukes corruption center EVERY day and take their FAKE medication for 6 months. After that, the medical expires… Now, us foreigners have to pay for the medical again… How do you think they make their money…. The worst part about it is, the us embassy is in on it to.. Seems kind of funny that St Lukes is the only place the embassy trusts
Ed, jhoed & gems,
NOBODY CAN GO WITHOUT APPROVAL FROM SLEC. sad to say SLEC is the only hospital/clinic they autorized.
means u can’t treat ur tb in the US. don’t loose hope Ed, my friend before sucks with that kind of stuff also.
TRUST GOD for everything. i’ll say a prayer for u guys.
take care..
HI guys!!!
been very busy for a while…Bam, Charity (another friend) and I flew here in FL together!!!we got a vety memorable, exciting and exhausting flight going here!hihihi.our flight got delayed so we got here on 4th of aug at 4pm instead of aug 3 at 11:05 PM.
Congratulations Hope!finally you cna be with hubby too..
To Ed and Jhoed..we’ re still praying for you..you’re next in line!:-) just continue trusting and praying..
TO Gladys, once again, tnx for this site!you are such a blessing to all of us!
Bardge24,
congrats gurl:)..
yeah thats really tiring long flight but after that
your love welcome you with open arms and big smile:)
thank u..after 2 years of our great relation we will be together for good though his always here, this time i’ll be his shadow..
what state are u at?
feel free to add me on friendster:)
scotts_wifey14@yahoo.com
take care.
HOPE… Thank you… I dont know what era GEM is from, but I think shes been misinformed. Hell… If my wife could have taken the meds here… We would have done it!!! Lol
Barge/Bam. Thanks for keeping us in your prayers.. That is an exhausting flight… Ive done it 5 times now… Luckily with the back problems I have…I take a lil handful of my pills and pass out for 12 hours…. I dont know what part of Florida your in, but I think you guys are gonna love it… Just watch out for the hurricanes and alligators!!!
bam and barge,
u guys got me jelous!!! but anyway like what u said im next in line lol but im still hoping, just be careful and take care i wish to meet u guys there..good luck for every filipina going somewhere in usa.
HELLO GUYS…JHOED AND ED,
………finally im here in Florida, im here in gainesville the place of the Champions they said hehehe…the flight was exhausting, stressfull and wowwwww what an experience…just a little advice especially for Jhoed, take the easiest way…two stop over..like Manila to LA or SFO. then to ur destination..its really hard to travel with children, especially one year old or younger..wheewwwww..im so thankful that SiS Bardge and Charity were there..if not i cant make it on my own…my own system is being set up at this time in my room so i will have not so much time here…but surely i will keep in touch with you…
we are praying…knows that God is good all the Time.
Bam
Ed & jhoed,
your so much welcome:)
i include u guys to my rosary every night.
i don’t believed in sacrifices before. but
before we file our papers i pray to God and sacrifice one thing. NOT TO EAT RICE until i get approved. to show how much im serious with my prayers. filipinos love to eat rice that’s why it’s kinda hard on first week:) but God so great! i made it for Half year. when i got approved on aug 3 i ate fried rice:) kinda funny but meaningful to me. im doing something for u guys..
i want to hear great news from u.
reunited forever.
take care:)
and God Bless
ed beacham,
My friends sister fly to america feb.2007. She was diagnosed to have tb.But her husband and thier lawyer arrange an agreement to the u.s embassy and he wants his wife to be with him and continue the treatment in states.2 to 3 weeks of treatment in manila and boom!In that way tb cases will not spreading it in states. I say it,coz it does happen. And it will be possible to everyone to be with thier partners and do treatment.
jhoed,
I am expecting a letter from the embassy last quarter of this year. I just had an xray in my hometown just in case theres something wrong.And it does!My xray says I have Tb.My doc.here advice I have to go to st.lukes,see a doc and do sputum and culture.Im praying it’ll be negative.If positive,my husbands lawyer is ready what to do.I have my insurance ready for me in the states if I need a treatment.what I said about the treatment in america is possible! And its true! I didnt lie!
hope d,
how come I know someone who get out the country and continue her treatment in u.s? I will fly to manila on the 11th.I will ask more info.on how she make it to fly and be with her husband.
Hi Hope!im here in Tampa, Fl!:-)
Yes im loving it Ed….Jhoed..dnt be jealous darling..you’re next in line!!!yyeeeppeeehhh!!!!how i wish someday we’ll have a reunion huh????how’s dat sound guys???haahahhaha
hi hope!i added you up!see me guys on friendster!hihihihih!!!!
hello Bardge,
ahhh, kinda far from Ohio:)
but im not sure yet if were staying there because my hubby’s job kinda travelling around the world:)
so im going with him where ever he go.
grrrr!!! gurl is your primary photo on fs is your wedding day?
is that u?
Gems,
nsa US knb?
hi ok lang kahit may almoranas?makapasa ba sa medical?thanks
BAM… Yeah, I know about all the stop overs… Its cheaper that way, but I dont like more than 1 stop. Ive always went from texas to california they always need to refuel in guam, then on to manila. On the way home, its straight to california, then to texas. Thats the route my wife will take… She will be traveling with my 2 step kids
GEM… I really wish I knew how you did what you did… Every one we talked with said the medication had to be taken there @ St Lukes
juliana,
the doctors in slec nothing to do in ur butt who cares about it! that is not a contagious illnes lol good luck
Ed,
as far as i know your right.
because when SLEC approved your medical they
will forward your papers, means USEM will wait all papers from their trusted/authorized clinic.
but if Gem is in the US now. why not give a try like what she said.
Bardge, Tampa is nice…. Its been a long time but im sure Ive been there.. I have been to several places in Florida… Tampa is very close to the ocean right? Like I said… Be careful of the alligators… Florida is loaded with them. The last time I was there was to be certified for scuba diving. My brother and I were walking back to the hotel from the restraunt we ate at. We were walking along a large creek/water way/drainage gully. We heard something splashing around. When we went to the edge to see what it was, we were to shocked to see a 15 foot alligator!!! This was in the middle of the suburbs!!!
HOPE… Gem says her sister did it in 07??? Maybe things were different then?? Well, my wife will be on the 5th month of medication… If her results still come back pos… Im gonna have to get the number of gems attorney… Things are always changing… May now its true?? Who knows….. I/we can follow gems posts and see if it works for her
wwwhoooaa!!!aaallliigggaattoooorrr!!!!!ggrrrrrr!!!!!now i made a decidion ED, i wont get out of the house forever!LOLZ!
Ed,
im not sure friend, but like you said if it’s positive again try to get her’s attorney number.
things changing almost every months.
just try all the possible ways then.
thanks jhoed…because alot says if have it wont pass the medical….really true they wont check ass?thanks
juliana,
oo, they dont check ass, konteng silip lng then your done:) i had my medicam exam last july 17 & 20 and it’s fine.
hello Bardge,
ahhh, kinda far from Ohio:)
but im not sure yet if were staying there because my hubby’s job kinda travelling around the world:)
so im going with him where ever he go.
grrrr!!! gurl is your primary photo on fs is your wedding day?
is that u?
thank you hope d…so when your flight?
yup Hope..that’s me and my husband..:-)
BARDGE… I didnt mean to scare ya… Just talk with the locals/neightbors. Be careful of forrested and swampy areas. When I was about 18 years old I was there in Tampa/St Pete with a friend.. His sister told us that once a year they have open season hunting/killing of the gators… It meant that if you see them in yards, then you can shoot them
Juliana,
your so much welcome..
i have to wait for my hubby to pick me here and leave on 31st:)
good luck on your medical and interview.
Bardge24,
awwww!!! that’s what i figure out..
sorry gurl kc di ko alm n ikaw un..
i sent u a friend request back:)
tc..