If you are applying for a K-1 fiancé visa, CR-1 spouse visa, or IR-1 spouse visa through the U.S. Embassy in Manila, you must complete a medical examination at St. Luke’s Medical Center Extension Clinic.

But what should you bring?

What happens during the examination?

How long does it take?

And what problems could delay your results?

This is Fred Wahl, the VisaCoach.

Today, I will walk you through the procedures for completing your U.S. visa medical examination at St. Luke’s in Manila.

Important 2026 Update

First, there has been an important change from the old procedure.

St. Luke’s now follows scheduled appointment times.

You should not arrive at midnight or wait in an overnight line.

Applicants are generally admitted only about 15 to 30 minutes before their scheduled appointment.

Arriving many hours early will not help you get inside sooner.

Because procedures, fees, vaccination requirements, and document rules can change, always review the current instructions on the official St. Luke’s website before attending.

Why the Medical Examination Is Required

Before a K-1 fiancé visa or immigrant spouse visa can be issued, the foreign applicant must complete a medical examination performed by an authorized panel physician.

For applicants processing their cases through the U.S. Embassy in Manila, the approved medical examination is completed at St. Luke’s Medical Center Extension Clinic in Ermita.

You cannot simply visit your family doctor or another private hospital.

A medical examination performed by a doctor who has not been authorized for U.S. immigration purposes will not be accepted.

The examination is designed to identify medical conditions that may affect eligibility to enter the United States.

It also includes a review of the applicant’s vaccination history and any vaccinations required under U.S. immigration rules.

When to Schedule the Medical Examination

The U.S. Department of State generally recommends scheduling the medical examination about two weeks before the visa interview.

Do not schedule it at the very last moment.

Some applicants finish the process quickly, but others may require additional testing.

For example, additional time may be needed if the applicant has:

• A history of tuberculosis
• An abnormal chest X-ray
• A significant medical condition
• Incomplete vaccination records
• A psychological or psychiatric concern
• A condition requiring evaluation by a specialist

Leaving additional time before the visa interview can help prevent avoidable delays.

Documents to Bring

Before going to St. Luke’s, carefully review the clinic’s current document checklist.

Requirements can vary depending on whether the applicant is applying for a fiancé visa or an immigrant spouse visa.

Applicants should generally be prepared to bring:

• The St. Luke’s appointment confirmation
• The visa interview appointment letter
• A valid passport
• A copy of the passport biographic information page
• The appropriate visa application confirmation page
• Available vaccination or immunization records
• Medical records relating to significant illnesses, surgeries, hospitalizations, medications, or continuing treatment

Make sure the applicant’s name, passport number, case number, and other personal information are entered exactly as they appear on the visa documents.

Even a small error could create confusion or delay.

Should You Fast Before the Examination?

Fasting is generally not required for the initial blood or urine testing.

St. Luke’s advises applicants to eat before arriving.

Food is not allowed inside the clinic, and the examination process may take several hours.

Eating beforehand can make the day more comfortable.

Children

Applicants who are 17 years old or younger must normally be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

The accompanying adult should be familiar with the child’s medical history.

If someone other than the parent or legal guardian accompanies the child, additional identification and authorization documents may be required.

Review the current instructions before the appointment to avoid being turned away or asked to return with additional documentation.

The medical typically takes two days.

What Happens on the First Day?

On the first day, Applicants normally move through a series of stations inside the clinic.

The process generally begins with registration, identity verification, and payment.

Clinic staff may then review the applicant’s:

• Medical history
• Current medications
• Previous illnesses or treatment
• Hospitalizations
• Vaccination records

Every applicant receives a physical examination.

Routine measurements may include:

• Height
• Weight
• Vision
• Blood pressure
• Pulse

Applicants age two and older may be required to complete an Interferon Gamma Release Assay, also called an IGRA test, for tuberculosis screening.

Applicants age 15 and older generally receive a chest X-ray.

Younger applicants may also need a chest X-ray when medically indicated.

Depending on the applicant’s age and medical history, testing may also include:

• Blood testing
• Urine testing
• Syphilis testing
• Gonorrhea testing
• Other laboratory tests requested by the physician

The physician may order additional testing or refer the applicant to another doctor or specialist when necessary.

What Happens on the Second Day?

On the second day, applicants return for vaccinations, completion of remaining procedures, or instructions concerning their medical results.

Immigration rules require applicants to receive age-appropriate vaccinations.

The standard medical examination fee generally includes required vaccinations.

Applicants should bring all available vaccination records.

Complete records may help the doctor determine which vaccines have already been received and which vaccines are still required.

St. Luke’s states that copies of the immunization worksheet and IGRA result are generally emailed within three to five working days after immunization.

However, applicants should follow the specific instructions provided by the clinic.

Can the Examination Take Longer Than Two Days?

Not every case is completed within two days.

The process may take longer when the applicant has:

• An abnormal chest X-ray
• A tuberculosis screening issue
• Missing or incomplete medical records
• A medical condition requiring further review
• A pregnancy-related decision concerning the chest X-ray
• A psychological or psychiatric history
• A referral to an outside specialist

When additional testing is required, follow every instruction promptly.

Ignoring or postponing additional testing can delay completion of the medical examination and may also delay the visa interview or visa issuance.

What Happens to the Medical Results?

Depending on the clinic’s current procedure, St. Luke’s may electronically transmit the medical results or provide the applicant with a sealed medical envelope.

Follow the clinic’s instructions carefully.

Never open a sealed medical envelope.

Opening it could cause problems at the visa interview.

If the applicant receives X-ray images, the Department of State generally instructs the applicant to carry them when first traveling to the United States.

The X-rays are not normally required at the visa interview, but they may be needed after arrival.

Current St. Luke’s Medical Fees

As of July 10, 2026, the listed medical examination fee for applicants age 15 and older is:

29,995 Philippine pesos.

This fee includes required vaccinations, including the updated polio vaccination requirement.

For applicants under age 15, the listed fee is:

13,910 Philippine pesos.

The medical examination fee generally includes required vaccinations.

However, additional charges may apply for:

• Psychiatric evaluations
• Outside specialist referrals
• Additional medical procedures
• Tests not included in the standard examination

St. Luke’s lists payment options that include its online payment portal, cash, and credit card payment at the clinic cashier.

Because fees can change, confirm the current amount directly with St. Luke’s before paying.

St. Luke’s Location and Hours

St. Luke’s Medical Center Extension Clinic is located at:

1177 Jorge Bocobo Street,

Ermita, Manila 1000,

Philippines.

The clinic is generally open Monday through Friday from 7:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon.

It is closed on Philippine holidays.

Always check the official clinic schedule before traveling, particularly if your appointment is close to a holiday.

Tips to Avoid Delays

Here are several practical ways to reduce the chance of problems.

First, use only the official St. Luke’s website to register, schedule, and make any authorized payment.

Avoid unofficial agents and social-media payment requests.

Second, make sure all personal information matches the passport and visa documents exactly.

Third, bring complete vaccination and medical records.

Fourth, arrive during the permitted appointment window instead of arriving many hours early.

Fifth, do not schedule the examination immediately before the visa interview.

Finally, respond quickly to any request for additional testing, vaccination, medical records, or specialist evaluation.

How VisaCoach Helps

The medical examination is only one part of the fiancé or spouse visa process.

Applicants must also be properly prepared for the final visa interview.

At VisaCoach, I work personally with couples throughout the immigration process.

I help prepare a carefully organized, front-loaded petition designed to demonstrate that the relationship is real, sincere, and bona fide.

I also guide clients through the USCIS stage, the financial sponsorship requirements, document preparation, and final interview preparation.

The goal is not simply to submit forms.

The goal is to prepare the case carefully so the couple can move through the process with fewer surprises and avoid preventable delays.

Remember, St. Luke’s procedures and fees can change.

Before attending, review the latest instructions directly from St. Luke’s Medical Center Extension Clinic and the U.S. Department of State.

Do not rely on an old video, social-media post, or advice from someone who completed the examination several years ago.

For more guidance about fiancé visas, spouse visas, medical examinations, and U.S. Embassy interview preparation, visit VisaCoach.com.

This is Fred Wahl, the VisaCoach.

If you would like to learn more about how VisaCoach helps couples prepare their fiancé or spouse visa cases, click the video on your screen.

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