Is Mumbai consulate scheduling interviews for IR5 (Parent of a U.S. citizen)

[GeoMac]

Does the Parent (IR5 Applicant) need to carry the original US naturalization certificate of the Petitioning Child?

1.Please do not send Naturalization certificate out of America.Rather it will be violation of rules.No need to carry that to interview as well. Upload it in CEAC account, thats all.
2.i864a as household member and all related docs and w2, IT Transcripts of both will have to be uploaded as both of you are filing IR jointly.

[Raj2022]

Hi all Green card holder stayed out side US for 10 months will be problem?

[raju_kulk]

No, should be 1yr I think.

[OOJOHN]

It is better to avoid stay outside more than 6 months in a year. In case u hv to stay outside because of any compelling reasons, it’s better to take approval.

[NF23]

Hi all Green card holder stayed out side US for 10 months will be problem?

It depends on how often this is happening (staying out of the US for more than 10 months & being in the US for just a couple of months), immigration officer has all the right to ask the reason of staying out of the US for a longer duration. From what I have heard in most cases, immigration officers don't question much to elderly people but it may not be entirely true. It's better to avoid this unless you have a valid reason to stay out of the US for a longer duration. Even a person can stay out of the US for more than a year after taking a valid reentry permit.

[ButterflyApril]

Hi,

I applied for IR5 of my parents. My parents went through the medical examination, my father was cleared but my mother had to go through the sputum test. My dad went to the interview and got the visa. Interview date was Nov 20, 2022. Medical Examination was on Nov 8, 2022. My mother called Max medical center Mohali to inquire about the results of her Sputum test since its been 2 months now. They said they will let her know tomorrow. I was looking to schedule her visa interview. I created another profile in CGI website for her since she is the only one for interview this time. When I entered her information and tried to save, it showed me error that the profile data already exist tied to my fathers profile from where I booked their OFC and Visa interview. My question is from which account should I book her OFC and visa interview, If I book from my fathers profile then my mother is listed as dependent and it does not let me book just for my mother. If I try to create another profile it shows me error, it asks me to transfer information which I know takes some days, Last time it happened to my fathers profile and I got late booking their appointment.
So I have 2 options
1. Book appointment from my fathers profile, it will be booked for both parents, my father and mother. My father already got the visa.
2. Create new profile for my mother and transfer the information, which might take few days
I am considering number 1, given that it would not cause any issues to my fathers visa.

If anyone can help in this matter that would be great! Thank you in advance.

Hello ggg1234,

I'm in the same boat. How did you manage to get appointment when the dependent parent went for sputum test.

Thank you

[ButterflyApril]

Dear collective braintrust,

Both my parents received their interview letters earlier this year. Subsequently they went for medical and biometrics. My mother progressed to interview but my father had to go through sputum test results. Now my father's sputum test results are back and he has run into challenges setting up a biometrics and interview appointment. For scheduling purposes the profile was created under my mother's details and my father was the dependent. However presumably since my mother has gone through the process, the site is not letting my father set up his appointments.

When he called the call center, se was informed to set up a separate profile with a separate email at ustraveldocs.com. He has done that and got this error. Any insight?

Since my father's sputum test results are valid only for 3 months, there is some anxiety in progressing to interview and taking next steps in very short amount of time.

Aanedo Were you able to figure out, how to take appointment in case like yours?

[ButterflyApril]

Following post is for Sputum test for TB.

Thank you, sapnaanagol and GeoMac , for sharing this information earlier.

I am in the same boat and for greater good of the community I have compiled all the information from different websites and other sources, along with frequently asked questions. Please feel free to edit or suggest any changes if you notice anything incorrect or incomplete.


A) What to do if Chest X-Ray shows significant abnormalities and you are asked to go for Sputum culture to rule out Tuberculosis (TB)?

• Sputum culture: You need to go for three consecutive days to provide an early morning sputum sample.
• Fasting required: You must fast (no water, food, or brushing teeth) for the test.

B) What's next after sputum samples are given?

• Sputum culture report: The results take 6-9 weeks to complete.
• Reports sent to Consulate/Rele Clinic: The reports will be directly sent to the Consulate or Rele Clinic.
• Negative reports: If the reports are negative, your reports will be submitted to the consulate when the final reports are available.
• Positive reports: If the reports are positive, you will be contacted and advised on treatment.
• Test charges: The charges for the tests will be borne by NVC/USCIS.

C) What happens to the interview?

• Interview cancellation: The interview for applicants sent for sputum reports is automatically cancelled.
• You may or may not receive any notification from NVC.
• New interview date: The medical reports, when completed, will be sent directly from Rele Clinic to the US Consulate. On receiving them, they will contact you for a new interview date.

D) What if both parents have an interview on the same date and time?

• Appointment cancellation: The appointment will be cancelled only for the affected candidate.
• Example: If the mother needs to go for a sputum test, the father's appointment will not be cancelled, and he can attend his interview.

E) Sputum culture is negative, how to schedule an appointment now?

• Results communication: The results of the sputum test will be communicated via phone by the medical facility. You may or may not receive notification from the medical facility or NVC otherwise.
• No notification from NVC: If the sputum test results are clear, there will be no notification from NVC to reschedule the appointment. You need to book an interview appointment yourself through the CGI website.
• Consulate mail: Once the hospital submits the sputum test result clearing you, you will receive a mail from the consulate within a week (4-5 working days) asking you to schedule your appointments.
• Close current application: Close the current application once you see the confirmation under messages that the medical process is complete.
• Select "CLASS B MEDICAL": Ensure you select "CLASS B MEDICAL" under the visa category list.
• Biometric and interview dates: While fixing the appointment, it goes through biometric and then interview dates. So, you need to fix biometric dates first (biometrics need to be done again) and then the interview date.
• Unable to schedule: If unable to schedule the interview, contact: [email protected] (usual response time is within 24-48 hours).
• US Travel Docs Support line: You can call the US Travel Docs Support line - India time after 8:00 am, and they will help answer your questions. However, for sputum tests, you need to wait and communicate with the medical facility.
  From within India, please dial 91-120-4844644 or 91-40-4625-8222. From the United States, please call 1-703-520-2239.

F) Steps to follow for getting an interview slot after sputum results are negative:

• Visit website: https://ustraveldocs.com/in/en
• Choose Visa category: Immigrant Visa and log in (signup for first-time users)
• Schedule appointment: On the left side, there is an option for Schedule appointment
• Fill personal details: Fill all your personal details, and then take the VAC appointment
• Select Visa Class & category:
  • Visa Class: IR5
  • Visa category: Class B medical applicants (select "CLASS B MEDICAL" option)
• Answer questions:
  • Have you received instructions from the US consulate? - YES
  • Did one of the U.S. Consulate General Mumbai's approved panel physician sites require you to undergo additional medical testing? - YES
• VAC appointment: This will give you a VAC appointment option; even if you have already done biometrics, you need to take it again and then proceed.
• AT VAC: Tell them that you have been asked to get it done again, and they will stamp a new DS 260 and put a new stamp on passport.
• Schedule interview date: After VAC appointment confirmation, schedule a date for the interview

G) If you face issues with the menu on the left-hand side not showing up:

• Clear cache and cookies: Clear them first, open a new window, and access the CGI webpage again.
• Log through another system: Otherwise, you can always log through another system.

H) Do I need to redo Biometrics if I completed them before receiving sputum results?

• Unclear requirement: This is a grey area. Although some responders contacted customer service and were told to redo Biometrics, it's best to reschedule and complete Biometrics as soon as possible before the interview, and they will stamp again on your DS-260.

I) What is the validity of the VISA after sputum culture results?

• Medical validity: The medical validity for applicants who have undergone sputum culture tests is three months from the date of the final sputum culture result.
• Receiving results: You will receive the medical results and sputum test results in a sealed envelope, which you must provide to the CBP officer at the port of entry.

J) Do I need to obtain a new Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)?

• PCC validity: The PCC is valid for 2 years. If your current PCC is within the validity date, you do not need to obtain a new one.

[Raj2022]

It depends on how often this is happening (staying out of the US for more than 10 months & being in the US for just a couple of months), immigration officer has all the right to ask the reason of staying out of the US for a longer duration. From what I have heard in most cases, immigration officers don't question much to elderly people but it may not be entirely true. It's better to avoid this unless you have a valid reason to stay out of the US for a longer duration. Even a person can stay out of the US for more than a year after taking a valid reentry permit.

87 years old after receiving new greencard stayed 10 months. 6 months rule for becoming US citizens apply

[raju_kulk]

Following post is for Sputum test for TB.

Thank you, sapnaanagol and GeoMac , for sharing this information earlier.

I am in the same boat and for greater good of the community I have compiled all the information from different websites and other sources, along with frequently asked questions. Please feel free to edit or suggest any changes if you notice anything incorrect or incomplete.


A) What to do if Chest X-Ray shows significant abnormalities and you are asked to go for Sputum culture to rule out Tuberculosis (TB)?

• Sputum culture: You need to go for three consecutive days to provide an early morning sputum sample.
• Fasting required: You must fast (no water, food, or brushing teeth) for the test.

B) What's next after sputum samples are given?

• Sputum culture report: The results take 6-9 weeks to complete.
• Reports sent to Consulate/Rele Clinic: The reports will be directly sent to the Consulate or Rele Clinic.
• Negative reports: If the reports are negative, your reports will be submitted to the consulate when the final reports are available.
• Positive reports: If the reports are positive, you will be contacted and advised on treatment.
• Test charges: The charges for the tests will be borne by NVC/USCIS.

C) What happens to the interview?

• Interview cancellation: The interview for applicants sent for sputum reports is automatically cancelled.
• You may or may not receive any notification from NVC.
• New interview date: The medical reports, when completed, will be sent directly from Rele Clinic to the US Consulate. On receiving them, they will contact you for a new interview date.

D) What if both parents have an interview on the same date and time?

• Appointment cancellation: The appointment will be cancelled only for the affected candidate.
• Example: If the mother needs to go for a sputum test, the father's appointment will not be cancelled, and he can attend his interview.

E) Sputum culture is negative, how to schedule an appointment now?

• Results communication: The results of the sputum test will be communicated via phone by the medical facility. You may or may not receive notification from the medical facility or NVC otherwise.
• No notification from NVC: If the sputum test results are clear, there will be no notification from NVC to reschedule the appointment. You need to book an interview appointment yourself through the CGI website.
• Consulate mail: Once the hospital submits the sputum test result clearing you, you will receive a mail from the consulate within a week (4-5 working days) asking you to schedule your appointments.
• Close current application: Close the current application once you see the confirmation under messages that the medical process is complete.
• Select "CLASS B MEDICAL": Ensure you select "CLASS B MEDICAL" under the visa category list.
• Biometric and interview dates: While fixing the appointment, it goes through biometric and then interview dates. So, you need to fix biometric dates first (biometrics need to be done again) and then the interview date.
• Unable to schedule: If unable to schedule the interview, contact: [email protected] (usual response time is within 24-48 hours).
• US Travel Docs Support line: You can call the US Travel Docs Support line - India time after 8:00 am, and they will help answer your questions. However, for sputum tests, you need to wait and communicate with the medical facility.
  From within India, please dial 91-120-4844644 or 91-40-4625-8222. From the United States, please call 1-703-520-2239.

F) Steps to follow for getting an interview slot after sputum results are negative:

• Visit website: https://ustraveldocs.com/in/en
• Choose Visa category: Immigrant Visa and log in (signup for first-time users)
• Schedule appointment: On the left side, there is an option for Schedule appointment
• Fill personal details: Fill all your personal details, and then take the VAC appointment
• Select Visa Class & category:
  • Visa Class: IR5
  • Visa category: Class B medical applicants (select "CLASS B MEDICAL" option)
• Answer questions:
  • Have you received instructions from the US consulate? - YES
  • Did one of the U.S. Consulate General Mumbai's approved panel physician sites require you to undergo additional medical testing? - YES
• VAC appointment: This will give you a VAC appointment option; even if you have already done biometrics, you need to take it again and then proceed.
• AT VAC: Tell them that you have been asked to get it done again, and they will stamp a new DS 260 and put a new stamp on passport.
• Schedule interview date: After VAC appointment confirmation, schedule a date for the interview

G) If you face issues with the menu on the left-hand side not showing up:

• Clear cache and cookies: Clear them first, open a new window, and access the CGI webpage again.
• Log through another system: Otherwise, you can always log through another system.

H) Do I need to redo Biometrics if I completed them before receiving sputum results?

• Unclear requirement: This is a grey area. Although some responders contacted customer service and were told to redo Biometrics, it's best to reschedule and complete Biometrics as soon as possible before the interview, and they will stamp again on your DS-260.

I) What is the validity of the VISA after sputum culture results?

• Medical validity: The medical validity for applicants who have undergone sputum culture tests is three months from the date of the final sputum culture result.
• Receiving results: You will receive the medical results and sputum test results in a sealed envelope, which you must provide to the CBP officer at the port of entry.

J) Do I need to obtain a new Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)?

• PCC validity: The PCC is valid for 2 years. If your current PCC is within the validity date, you do not need to obtain a new one.

Super info. I went through All steps in Section E. unfortunately, the US travel docs guys were not clear. Had to escalte multiple times to get an answer. This post is very helpful

[Djran]

My parents got consulate appointment confirmation for June 10, 2024 which was scheduled by NVC but Mumbai consulate wants me to setup biometrics appointment which I tried on usvisascheduling.com by creating account for both my parents but any time I login it says slots not available it’s not even letting me select different locations for biometrics as well , please someone can help me to resolve this . Since without biometrics appointment consulate interview is not possible

[Familygc2024]

That's so neat and written for best intentions by Shanaya. Thank you
Can somone share process how they requested police clearance for parents in India for IR5
My parents are in Pune

[OOJOHN]

Go to passport seva and book online

[Mrk_19]

For HepB vaccination for US immigration, had two doses of BVAC Hepatitis B vaccine (attached) in India for a three doses series, now I am already in the US, the third and final shot is due now, but the product BVAC is not available in the US pharmacies, Engerix-B is the product available (three series Hepatitis B vaccine in the US), can BVAC and Engerix-B interchangeable, Can Engerix -B taken to complete the series, any recommended course of action is highly appreciated.

[OOJOHN]

I have received IR5 immigration visa and planning to enter US by the first week of September. I have already paid the green card fees and have the receipt. I have also got the vaccination certificates. Anything else I need to carry at the port of entry in US?

thanks