K1 Visa Medical Exam at St. Luke’s Medical Center Extension Clinic, Manila (SLEC)

By Erika Presson
Last Updated: December 13, 2013

Paid K1 Visa Fee. Check. Scheduled Visa Interview Online. Check. Now it’s time for your K1 Visa Medical Exam at St. Luke’s Extension Clinic! (SLEC)

 

Why do I have to register online for my K1 Visa Medical Exam at SLEC?

Why not? It’s hassle-free. No need to write and cram in line. You’re going to be at SLEC in the wee hours of the morning, I assure you, you’d be sleepy. I kid you not. I had to line up at 4:30am and I was person number 40. (Well, vendors say there’s a lot more people a day after a holiday). Also, there’s a separate line / number queue for those who registered online, and those who are writing their information on-site.

 

Is this registration considered as my QUEUE and/or would it guarantee me a number in line at SLEC?

No. It does not guarantee you a number in line. This registration is mainly to facilitate a faster registration process when you’re at the reception area. You will still line up outside of SLEC. You will still be given a queue number by the guard.

This online registration is NOT a medical appointment reservation/registration.

 

What information do I need in order to register online at SLEC?

1. NVC / MNL Case Number – It is highly suggested (though not required) to send an email to NVC 1.5 weeks before your Medical Exam. Ask them for confirmation of your MNL Case Number. Though sometimes, people are allowed with just saying the “I got my MNL Case Number through a phone call” spiel.

2. Your Personal Information and Contact Details – Remember, all the details you put in here are going to be passed onto your K1 Visa Case at the US Embassy.

3. Your Passport Information (Passport Number, Issuance Date, Expiry Date) –  Keep in mind that your Passport must be valid and not expiring soon. If your passport is expiring within 6 months, it is better to renew your passport before scheduling your K1 Visa Interview at showing up for your Medical Exam.

4. Your Petitioner’s Information – You must provide this information a number of times during the K1 Visa process. Even at the CFO Seminar.

5. Your Nearest Relative’s (in the U.S.) Information – You don’t need to list all your relatives. Just pick one. If not applicable, just put in your petitioner’s information.

Now you’re ready to register for your K1 Visa Medical Exam online at SLEC.ph here.

Review every bit of information before you submit the page. After you submit your registration, they will send you a confirmation email and you need to print 2 copies of this confirmation email when you show up for your K1 Visa Medical Exam at SLEC.

What do I need to bring with me to my K1 Visa Medical Exam?

1. Valid Passport

2. A Photocopy of your Passport Bio page. Same size, not enlarged nor reduced. (I always say bring 2 photocopies just in case)

3. Three (3) pieces 2×2 visa photos (2 for submission to the U.S. Embassy, 1 for SLEC’s clinic file). Don’t forget to put your Full Name, Birthday, Visa Class and Country of Destination at the back with a felt tip pen. SLEC handles not just USA Visa Applicants but other countries as well.

4. Visa Interview Appointment Confirmation Email/Letter (From K1 Visa Interview Scheduling)

5. Two (2) photocopies of your Visa Interview Appointment / Eligibility Letter (If this is not available, See Number 6.)

6. NVC Letter / Confirmation Email (Instructions on NVC and CEAC Status Tracker – Country-specific Instructions: Philippines)

7. Two (2) copies of your Confirmation Page (*some have it sent to their emails*) from your Online SLEC Registration

8. Additional documents that may be required of you if applicable. (Annulment / Divorce papers, Immunization records, Old chest x-ray film, etc. Please check SLEC.ph’s website for more information)

9. Don’t forget your K1 Visa Medical Fee Payment! They do not accept checks or credit cards. It’s currently at USD $245. This must be paid in Pesos using the day’s prevailing exchange rate. For updated fees and peso conversion, please check SLEC’s website.

10. DS-160 Confirmation Page – (Part of the New procedure since December 29, 2014)

*NOTE: Beginning 1 October 2014, new fees will be in place. $245 for Adults / $185 for children 14 years and below.*

 

This K1 Visa Medical Fee is inclusive of what services?

Everything’s included in this K1 Visa Medical Fee. Immunizations / Vaccines. Chest X-ray. Consultations within the clinic and all stages during that 2-day medical exam.

 

How long will the K1 Visa Medical Exam take?

It usually just takes 1.5 to 2 days to complete everything from Physical Exam to Immunization. Some people are extremely lucky to complete everything in 1 day. Some, will have to endure a longer period due to Sputum/TB results and may need to reschedule their visa interviews. Also, it’s a 30-minute to 1 hour waiting time in between steps.

 

When is a good time to have the K1 Visa Medical Exam?

It depends on you really. I had my K1 Visa Medical Exam a month before my K1 Visa Interview. Some say a week or two before your K1 Visa Interview is good enough. This is, of course, assuming that your K1 Visa Medical Exam is clear, and you don’t have to go through the Sputum Exam. Your K1 Visa validity is tied to your Medical Exam. Usually, its validity is 6 months from your Medical Exam date. I had my K1 Visa Medical Exam on May 15th, and my K1 visa was valid until November 15th. Meaning, I needed to fly out and use my K1 Visa on or before November 14th. So don’t get overly excited to take your medical exam right away if you plan on flying out / having your interview 3-5 months later. Do your own estimates wisely. Oh, and don’t go there on your “red” days if you know what I mean. Everyone’s required to take a urine test. (Some say they don’t do this anymore)

 

Where is this St. Luke’s Medical Center Extension Clinic  you speak of located?

SLEC’s address as found on their website is: 1177 J. Bocobo St. Ermita, Manila. It is quite near Robinson’s Place Manila and the University of the Philippines, Manila.

***

SLEC K1 Visa Medical Exam Walkthrough

It is highly recommended to be there as early as possible if you want to finish the first part of the Medical Exam before 12 noon and come back for results and immunization the next day. Like I’ve said before, some have been lucky enough to complete everything just in 1 day. (Just an observation, most of them went for the X-ray part before 9am and was able to get results after 12 noon.) Eat a full heavy breakfast too. Food and drinks are not allowed inside the SLEC premises.

The walkthrough found below is based on my experience at SLEC on May 14-15, 2013.

Flowcharts are also available on the SLEC Website.

Day 1

1. Line up as early as 4:30 to 5:30am. Lines grow long very quick. Doors / reception open at 6am.
2. Present the required documents to the guard. The guard will give you a number… and stamp the back of your hand.
3. Take a seat and wait for your number to be called. Registration opens at 7am.
4. Present the necessary documents at the registration window.
5. Pay the necessary fees at the cashier on the 5th floor. They will give you your receipt and a “checklist”.
6. Hand over your checklist to the Nurse’s Station for USA Applicants on the 5th floor for your Physical Exam / Vital Signs / Eye Test, etc. They will call your name. They will perform the necessary tests. They will give you back your checklist and instructions on where to go next.

7. Go to the Immunization Section at the 2nd floor and hand in your checklist to the Nurse’s Station. Wait for your name to be called. This is where the Interview with the Immunization Panel/Tuberculin Skin Test happens. They will determine which Immunizations you’d have to take. Remember, all immunizations are paid for by the medical fee.

8. Go to the Radiology Department on the 3rd floor. Hand in your checklist. Wait for your name. You’ll have your X-ray taken.

9. Head for the Laboratory. Hand in your checklist and wait for your name. This is where you’ll have your blood and urine tests. Wait for additional instructions.

By that time, I was done with mostly everything. The X-rays will be studied by the designated doctor so you’d have to come back the next day for the results.

Day 2

10. Show your receipt to the guard by the door, inside the lobby. He will check on his computer if you’re clear for immunization.
11. If your X-ray is clear, you’ll get a stamp on your receipt that will say “For Immunization”. If your X-ray has anomalies, you will have to undergo a sputum exam which might delay your K1 Visa Process for a few months. (Sorry, I don’t have extensive knowledge on the Sputum Exam subject)
12. If you’re stamped with Immunization, go directly to the 2nd floor and submit your checklist to the Nurse’s Station and wait for your name to be called.
13. After getting your immunizations, you will be asked to go to the 1st floor receiving area.
14. Your results will be released and you have to wait for your name to be called.
15. At this point, you will have these returned to you:

• Passport (WithaSLEC Stamp and Signature in one of the pages; Proof that you underwent the Medical Exam)
  

  SLEC Passport Stamp | K1 Visa Medical Exam at St. Luke’s Medical Center Extension Clinic, Manila (SLEC) | © SLEC.ph (www.mrspresson.com)

• DS-3025 – Vaccination Record Sheet (Only one copy will be returned to you; Make sure you make multiple photocopies because you need it for your Adjustment of Status [AOS] in the US)
• SLEC Medical Exam Receipt
• SLEC Chest X-ray CD *SEALED* (This *might* get asked of you at your Point of Entry [POE]; Take care of it and DO NOT OPEN or TAMPER with it; In my case, it wasn’taskedofmeandiscurrently just locked away in my file case)
• Your complete medical results will be released to you. Please read the update below dated January 8th.
  (NEW PROCEDURE, From the Official U.S. Embassy Manila, Philippines K1/K2 Visa Instructions – December 2014)

Note: You might get feverish and/or your arms that had the vaccines may hurt for few days to a week. It is normal.

Now, you’re ready for your K1 Visa Interview »

 

Update as of 8th of January 2015:
This information is directly lifted from the Official U.S. Embassy K1/K2 Visa Instruction Packet (Page 6) available online:

SLMCEC will release the medical exam results directly to the applicants unless instructed otherwise by the Panel Physician. Applicants are required to bring the sealed medical report to their scheduled interview at the U.S. Embassy Manila. Tampered pouches will not be accepted in the interview and applicants will be instructed to return the pouch to SLMCEC for reseal.

It is important that you have your medical examination report with you 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 photos below are from my good friend, Jen G. (We know each other from high school! :D)

These are the items that will be given back to the K1 Visa Applicant after Day 2 of the Medical Exam:

• Sealed envelope to be opened by the consular officer during interview.
  (Stapled behind it is DS-160 Confirmation form)
• DS-3025 Vaccination Sheet (Now with the applicant’s photo.)
• St Luke’s Medical Exam Receipt
• Chest X-ray CD
• Interview appointment confirmation with note
• Passport with SLEC’s Stamp

***Do not forget to bring all these with you on your K1 Visa Interview!***

 

 

Source:

• St. Luke’s Medical Center Extension Clinic, Manila – http://www.slec.ph
• Official U.S. Embassy K1/K2 Visa Instruction Packet (UPDATED: DECEMBER 2014)

 

***

Disclaimer: I do not work for nor am I affiliated with St. Luke’s Medical Center Extension Clinic, Manila and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs. This guide was made with the sole intention of helping other K1 applicants to register on SLEC.ph online and help them about the workflow during the Medical Exam day(s). For the full disclaimer, please click here.

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