simon wrote:
> Hi,
> Just put my application in for a 138.
> There seems to be a wait before a Case Officer is allocated (which I
> expected!)
> Can someone give me a quick overview of the medicals system. I have heard of
> people front loading them, does this mean I can do that now and send them
> off (maybe with the police checks), or do I have to wait untill an officer
> is allocated.
> Also, how long are the medicals valid for?
> Thanks,
> Simon (in the UK)
Hi Simon
I've been through the wars with the meds on behalf of my mother, who is
an applicant for a Contributory Parent visa.
Technically the meds - if clear - are only valid for 12 months, but
DIMA has a discretion to extend the validity period, ditto the police
stuff. However, whereas an experienced CO might exercise the
discretion in your favour, an inexperienced one or a Jobsworth might
not. Since you can't predict the CO, I would advise caution.
What a lot of people do is to 'semi-frontload.' That is, keep an eye
on the official feedback (do you know that you can send a blank e-mail
to the ASPC and get an auto-reply indicating current time-lines?) Also
watch the forums for other people's reported timelines.
Once you judge that you are not far off getting a CO, frontload the
police & the meds. Di it this way and you could save yourself a couple
of months without risking leaving yourself too short on the validation
period, I suggest.
Shout if you need any more help.
Best wishes
Gill
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