Physical exam required for immigration

[Hamlet]

All,

I am corresponding with a Vietnamese woman who has had tuberculosis in the past.  Is this something that is likely to be detected and which would prevent her from getting a visa to move here to the US?

Hamlet

[SteveG]

... in response to Physical exam required for immigration, posted by Hamlet on Sep 8, 2001

Hamlet,
 My wife was shown to have the TB virus and it didn't stop her VISA.  We were both surprised to see the results of the test because she had no idea of any health problems until the day of the required health exam in Manila just prior to the VISA interview.  As a result of the test being positive, we had to go back to the health clinic 3 more times on 3 consecutive days for maybe an hour each time.
 
 The only problem I can see in this situation is if you don't have time left between the day the TB is detected and the interview to fit in the extra 3 days of tests.  Luckily we came to Manila a few days early and had the time before the VISA interview - but we only had exactly enough time.  It was close and we got lucky!!   I'm not sure if it would be possible to easily move the interview a few days in this case or not and I wouldn't want to tempt fate by trying it.
When you get to that point, go early just in case!

 After she came to the US, we had to take the X-Ray and records from the exam in Manila to our local Health department and then go back over a period of time for a few visits.   She had to take some pills for a while too.  It really is no big problem as far as the VISA is concerned.
Good luck!
                              SteveG

[Ray]

... in response to Physical exam required for immigration, posted by Hamlet on Sep 8, 2001

My guess is that it will likely be detected even if she leaves it off of her medical history. But it should not affect her chances of getting a visa. Even if she has active TB, she will probably require treatment either before or after she arrives in the States, but I never heard of anyone being denied a visa for life just because they had TB at one time.

Ray