A U.S. Visa Medical Guide: My Immunization Day at St. Luke’s Extension Clinic

U.S. Visa Medical Guide: My immunization day at St. Luke’s Extension Clinic, plus passport drop-off tips at VAC Parqal for 221(g) applicants.

U.S. Visa Medical Guide at St. Luke’s Extension Clinic

Going through the U.S. visa process is no small task—especially when it comes to the medical exam and passport submission. If you’re preparing for this journey and unsure about what lies ahead, this U.S. Visa Medical Guide will help ease your mind.

In this post, I’m sharing my honest and complete experience during my immunization day at St. Luke’s Extension Clinic and how I dropped off my passport at VAC Parqal after receiving a 221(g). If you’re feeling nervous, keep reading—I’ve been there, and I want to walk you through every step.

Head Over to the Article:

About St. Luke’s Extension Clinic (SLEC): U.S. Visa Medical Guide

St. Luke’s Medical Center Extension Clinic is an authorized medical facility designated by the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines. It’s located at 1177 J. Bocobo Street, Ermita, Manila, specifically catering to medical examinations for visa applicants.

The clinic operates from Mondays to Fridays, 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. It’s best to book an appointment online through their official website. Their contact number is (632) 8521-0020.

U.S. Visa Medical Guide: How to Prepare for Immunization Day

Eat a full breakfast. It’s important to have energy, especially since you’ll spend time waiting.

Make sure to arrive at the clinic at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. My immunization was set for 9:00 AM, and I was already at the clinic by 8:30 AM. Early arrival helps you avoid stress and ensures a smoother flow of activities.

Don’t forget to bring the sputum test clearance paper you received after your sputum test. This paper is essential throughout the process. Also, bring your passport, wear comfortable clothes, and bring a water bottle just in case.

Waiting Time, Tips & Next Steps After Immunization

As soon as you arrive, show the guard your sputum clearance paper. They will stamp your hand and issue a queue number.

You’ll be instructed to proceed to the second floor, where you wait in the designated area. The sputum clearance paper will tell you exactly where to go. I waited in a room with beige chairs until my number was called.

Once called, I was brought near the immunization rooms. There are four rooms, and the entire immunization process is quick. My shots were done in about five minutes.

Waiting Time and Additional Instructions: U.S. Visa Medical Guide

Even though the shots were quick, I waited from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM before being called. Some delays are normal, since some cases needs clarification or further verification.

We were moved to a different waiting area near the immunization rooms, this one had black chairs. This change signaled that you’re closer to your turn.

When it was finally my turn, the nurse explained each vaccine I would receive. She also advised taking paracetamol in case of fever. She instructed me to breathe deeply before administering the vaccine. She did it so quickly and gently that I almost didn’t feel a thing—but honestly, it was still a little scary! 😅

After receiving the vaccines, the nurse instructed me to stay in the waiting area for at least 30 minutes. This is to monitor for any potential allergic reactions or side effects, which is a standard medical precaution.

She also warned me about scams. If anyone outside the clinic claims to be staff and asks for money, do not entertain them. Remember, all payments for the medical examination are made only once—directly through the official clinic channels.

She also mentioned that if your sputum test is positive, you’ll be contacted by hospital staff for further instructions. The sputum result will be sent via email 8–10 weeks after testing.

Post-Immunization Experience

Post-Immunization Experience – U.S. Visa Medical Guide

After receiving my four vaccine shots, I felt a bit nervous but remained calm. I was handed a document stating the validity of my medical exam results, which is three months from the date of the sputum result.

Fortunately, I didn’t get a fever. I just rested the whole day, watched a movie with my husband, and resumed my normal routine the next day.

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed before your immunization day, but knowing what to expect truly helps reduce anxiety.

How to Drop Off Your Passport at VAC Parqal – U.S. Visa Medical Guide for 221(g)

Once you receive your medical result from St. Luke’s Extension Clinic (SLEC)—mine came two days later than the expected date—you’ll get two emails. The first one, which I received at 6:00 AM, was about the IGRA test. The second email came at 10:30 AM, stating that my medical result had been submitted to the U.S. Embassy.

Only the second email is required for submission. The first email is simply for your reference.

See the image below for reference.

If you were issued a 221(g) pink slip, here’s how to submit your passport:

VAC Parqal Address:
Parqal Building 8, Level 3, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd, Tambo, Parañaque City

Operating Hours:

• Passport Drop-Off & Pick-Up: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM
• Biometrics: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM–4:00 PM; Saturday, 7:00 AM–11:00 AM

Required Documents: Bring the following documents and download the form here:

1. Passport
2. 221(g) pink slip
3. Medical exam confirmation email

You can also go to authorized LBC branches (100 branches nationwide). Fee: PHP 430.00.

LBC Drop-Off Steps:

• Bring printed document checklist
• Include prepaid LBC airway bill
• Confirm branch eligibility by calling (+632) 8858-5999

Helpful VAC Tips:

• Cellphones are allowed—take a photo of the signed submission form for reference
• No need for a specific folder—they provide an envelope and return your folder

Full details: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/en/submitting-your-documents-iv

Join Support Groups for the U.S. Visa Medical Process

During the start of this process, I had tons of questions and doubts. One thing that really helped me was joining Facebook support groups dedicated to the U.S. visa application journey.

These groups are filled with people sharing their real-time experiences, advice, and moral support. Many strangers helped answer my questions, share documents, and walk me through what to expect.

In time, I found reassurance, friendship, and clarity through these communities. It’s comforting to know that you’re not alone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What should I bring on immunization day?
Bring your passport and sputum test clearance paper.

2. How long does the immunization process take?
The actual vaccination takes around 5 minutes, but the waiting time can be 1-2 hours.

3. What vaccines are given?
It depends on your age, medical history, and visa type. For CR1 (Immigrant Visa) applicants, common vaccines required may include MMR, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and others, depending on the applicant’s age and vaccination history.

4. What happens if I have a reaction to the vaccine?
You will be advised to take paracetamol. The staff will also brief you about possible symptoms and what to do.

5. How long is the medical exam valid?
Your medical exam is valid for 3 months from the date of your sputum result.

6. Is there a follow-up after the immunization?
Not unless your sputum result is positive, or you experience side effects that need attention.

Grateful for the Journey: U.S. Visa Medical Guide

I’m incredibly thankful to everyone—both in-person and online—who guided me during this visa application journey. I met kind-hearted souls, gained friends, and found virtual “sisters” and “aunties” who always had my back.

If you’re just starting or nearing your medical examination, don’t worry too much. You’ll get through it. One step at a time.

To everyone on their journey to the United States—good luck and may your process be smooth and full of blessings. Stay healthy, stay strong, and celebrate every milestone.

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