Had Interview this Week in ATL

[dalmazan]

Hello,

I had my interview this week in Atlanta. It went pretty good, however, it appears the doctor my wife went to failed to do a TB skin test so the Officer indicated he could not approve on the spot. He indicated had we had that, he would have done it. Anyway, he told us to get the test done and send it in, and after he got it, they would proceed to aprove and send the GC.

It was kind of bitter sweet, since, he said there was no question we would be approved, but, until we sent the Test result.

From USCIS, we rushed to the doctor's office. The funny thing is that there was a few people there who we saw at the USCIS, meaning this was a common issue. We got the test results the following day and send them with Next Day delivery. Now we sit and wait.

But the interview in itself went well. There were a few silly questions. They also requested a few more papers. The officer was really nice to us.

Anyway, I just wanted to share with everyone. Thanks for listening

 

[ttinatl]

Hi dalmazan!

Thanks for your report! I'm in Atlanta, also.

I didn't have a TB skin test either, for a very simple reason: I would've tested positive as I was vaccinated against TB as a kid. However, I had my X-rays taken and everything was clear. Did your wife have X-rays done, or did the doctor simply forgot about TB altogether?

I hope that they're not going to send me to do the test, because it simply makes no sense in my case... Then again, I've heard of cases in which IOs, or even Civil Surgeons (!), don't seem to realize that some people can be vaccinated against TB and will test positive for life, but it doesn't mean they're sick.

By the way, which doctor did she go to? I went to the one on Mitchell St.

Oh, and by the way, congratulations on your almost-approval!

 

[dalmazan]

Hi dalmazan!

Thanks for your report! I'm in Atlanta, also.

I didn't have a TB skin test either, for a very simple reason: I would've tested positive as I was vaccinated against TB as a kid. However, I had my X-rays taken and everything was clear. Did your wife have X-rays done, or did the doctor simply forgot about TB altogether?

I hope that they're not going to send me to do the test, because it simply makes no sense in my case... Then again, I've heard of cases in which IOs, or even Civil Surgeons (!), don't seem to realize that some people can be vaccinated against TB and will test positive for life, but it doesn't mean they're sick.

By the way, which doctor did she go to? I went to the one on Mitchell St.

Oh, and by the way, congratulations on your almost-approval!

Hello,

It appears to be a CDC requirement, starting this year that the TB test be done. My wife had the X-Ray done, but that was not enough. The doctor was explaining that there is some confusion because, if the TB test were to react (Be positive), then the X-ray is required to confirm whether the person has TB or not. So in theory, the CDC should be able to use the X-ray without the Skin test to verify if the person has TB. But, they have been strict and need the TB Skin Test done.

I went to one called David Williams, on Delk road.

Even though it doesn't make sense, they will probably require it, unless the doctor stated something on the form.

And Thank you

 

[dr_lha]

I didn't have a TB skin test either, for a very simple reason: I would've tested positive as I was vaccinated against TB as a kid.

Sadly that doesn't cut it any more. I had the TB skin test despite having the BCG when I was a kid, the doctor told me that, yes it would probably come up postiive, but if he didn't do it USCIS would reject the medical. As it happens it didn't come up positive.

 

[ttinatl]

Thanks, dalmazan and dr_lha!

Man, that is so retarded! Sometimes, I can't believe how stupid those rules and regulations are! If an x-ray is the ultimate determinant for presence of TB, why wouldn't they accept it without a skin test, which will be most likely positive ayway!? Just doesn't make sense to me...

Even though it doesn't make sense, they will probably require it, unless the doctor stated something on the form.

My doctor checked "Skin Test Not Done" and "X-Ray Normal" and wrote on my I-693:
"Hx of + PPD skin test, x-rays required. Vaccine for Tb - 1976. Current chest x-ray negative for tuberculosis no sign of disease."

Do you think that will be enough? Did you guys have some remarks like that on your forms? How would that be different, if I had another skin test now, when I had my medical? I just don't get it...

One more question, dalmazan: did you have to pay for the test, or did they simply add it to your original exam?

 

[dalmazan]

Thanks, dalmazan and dr_lha!

Man, that is so retarded! Sometimes, I can't believe how stupid those rules and regulations are! If an x-ray is the ultimate determinant for presence of TB, why wouldn't they accept it without a skin test, which will be most likely positive ayway!? Just doesn't make sense to me...



My doctor checked "Skin Test Not Done" and "X-Ray Normal" and wrote on my I-693:
"Hx of + PPD skin test, x-rays required. Vaccine for Tb - 1976. Current chest x-ray negative for tuberculosis no sign of disease."

Do you think that will be enough? Did you guys have some remarks like that on your forms? How would that be different, if I had another skin test now, when I had my medical? I just don't get it...

One more question, dalmazan: did you have to pay for the test, or did they simply add it to your original exam?

A lot of things don't make sense, but, we have to do them unfortunately. I would ask your doctor. I'm not sure if what he wrote would help.

As to your last question, the answer is No. The doctor did not charge for redoing the test, which was good news.

 

[ttinatl]

A lot of things don't make sense, but, we have to do them unfortunately.

Yeah, tell me about it..

I would ask your doctor. I'm not sure if what he wrote would help.

Well, the doctor said it was OK with just an X-ray, so I don't know if she really knows. That's the problem, I think, that the USCIS changes their interpretation or rules and doesn't even notify the doctors.

As to your last question, the answer is No. The doctor did not charge for redoing the test, which was good news.

That's good that the doctor didn't charge you extra for that!

Thanks again for your answers, dalmazan! I guess I'll just sit tight and wait for now. Haven't gotten an RFE, so I'll probably find out during the interview.

 

[ttinatl]

It looks like we have another problematic case with the TB skin test in Atlanta: clicky.

Apparently, those were two different officers (a man and a woman), so I wonder if that's a problem with this particular office, or is it really happening elsewhere, as well?

 

[bljinadu]

Hello,

I had my interview this week in Atlanta. It went pretty good, however, it appears the doctor my wife went to failed to do a TB skin test so the Officer indicated he could not approve on the spot. He indicated had we had that, he would have done it. Anyway, he told us to get the test done and send it in, and after he got it, they would proceed to aprove and send the GC.

It was kind of bitter sweet, since, he said there was no question we would be approved, but, until we sent the Test result.

From USCIS, we rushed to the doctor's office. The funny thing is that there was a few people there who we saw at the USCIS, meaning this was a common issue. We got the test results the following day and send them with Next Day delivery. Now we sit and wait.

But the interview in itself went well. There were a few silly questions. They also requested a few more papers. The officer was really nice to us.

Anyway, I just wanted to share with everyone. Thanks for listening

Wow! I am glad I am not the only one in this same situation. Was your Doctor by any chance in Marietta? Anyways, like you, I headed straight to the Doctor's office after the appointment and got the test done. Sent it in that same day and it was delivered the next day...........I assume the officer gave you a yellow envelope to send it into some office downtown atlanta? Luckily, I kept a copy of the delivery confirmation and all. The Doctor also gave me a copy of the medical exam with the skin test. This was back in February (8th, to be exact). Since then, I haven't heard a single thing. They didnt even update my status online. Please let's keep in touch in case we need to gather some force on this issue and complain as a group.

Cheers