We're waiting for the materials that will tell us how much time we have for medicals, what we need to get now (e.g., proof of funds), whether we need new FBI cards (they're not four months old yet). The letter should be sent via FedEx in the morning so... soon!
I thought I'd post a note about the medicals here rather than as a comment. As folks suggest, there is a bizarre array of prices for the exam. There are only two places here that do them so shopping around isn't really an option. One place gets about $400 and I've heard good things about them. The other guy charges about $300 and seems creepy. I called one of the two people in Thunder Bay and he charges CAD120 plus CAD42 for the x-ray. But, it's 8 hours away. By the time we figure gas, hotel, etc. it's a wash and we only get to visit to beautiful downtown Thunder Bay. Now, if it were summer, or Toronto...
I checked nearby states and there is nothing in Wisconsin, one person in Des Moines, IA and one in Rapid City, SD. That's about 7 and 9 hours respectively. So, given that it's winter and the possibility that we get called back... I think we're just going to suck it up and go with the local for $400. You can't help but think that it's all about supply and demand when places with more providers are charging so much less. Grrrrr...
I'll just be glad to get it over with. I have BP issues (can ya' tell?) and here it is the end of the semester and the holidays. Oy! I'm hoping to be able to schedule them for the first week of January after a weekend in the country snowshoeing. Then, since the office is about 45 minutes away, I'm going to have P drive and listen to relaxation music - not the Dixie Chicks! - on the way down. Seriously. I have a plan. Keep your fingers crossed. I'm sure the follow-up would be fine, but I'd love to walk in there, get 80/120, and be done with it.
Well, off to class where tonight's activity is for the students who have returned from semester abroad programs talk with those getting ready to leave about the stereotypes about Americans that they encountered. Should be interesting to hear what they have to say!
10 months ago
6 comments:
Congratulations Melissa!
I am so happy for you all.
Hi, Tom. Good to hear from you. How are you guys doing?
Sounds like the process is finally moving forward - Good for you!
As for the medicals: From what I've read online about them they're pretty basic. I don't think your BP issues will be deal-breaker - Hope I'm right about that. Also you make good points about the Canadian vs. US doctors should you have to return for a follow-up.
Our immigration attorney assures us that FBI clearances will not have to be redone based on timing - it will be very revealing to see who is correct on this point . . . . Hope our attorney is, as ours are over a year old at this time.
Alan and I are pretty much coming to the same conclusion about where to get medicals, should we get that far in the process {sigh}. Even though we're pretty close to Vancouver, transportation, etc. still costs money -- and a call-back is almost guaranteed.
I love your calmness plan for your BP on the way to the doc. Good luck!
Nothing is a deal-breaker on the medicals. It is illegal in Canada for anyone to be denied immigration based solely on medical issues. All the regular medical issues that many of us have - hypertension, elevated cholesterol, depression, whatever - are all ok.
It's very common, however, to be asked for more info after your first medical. It happened to me, it happened to Nick - and to about 20 other people I've spoken to. (I wrote about this just recently. See "advice part 3" on wmtc, linked on the right.) And you do have to return to the same doctor for follow-up. Wherever you chose, keep in mind that you may have to make the trip twice.
Good luck with it! I know it's nerve-wracking, but try to keep in mind that it's just a formality.
YOU ARE ALMOST THERE. Keep telling yourselves (and each other) that.
Our immigration attorney assures us that FBI clearances will not have to be redone based on timing - it will be very revealing to see who is correct on this point . . . . Hope our attorney is, as ours are over a year old at this time.
From what I understand, FBI clearances are only good for one year. I'm pretty sure that's on the CIC website. But I hope I'm wrong.
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