spouse of scouse

I've read about a large white envelope marked 'do not open' that some people get prior to moving to the US. I know it has something to do with their visa but although I've tried to search for what's in that envelope, and why people aren't allowed to open it, I haven't had any luck. If some kind soul could satisfy my sticky beaking that would be great

tom169

It's taken by the beneficiary to present at the port of entry. I believe it contains medical information and other associated documents.

I think they have done away with it now and instead everything is handled electronically.

zzrmark

I, too, am under the impression that it has been done away with.

tom169

Just saw a post where someone received one "a couple of months ago"

robin1234

Years ago it just had a chest X-ray in it for TB. When I emigrated to the US in 1976 and then 1991, I had such an envelope, neither was claimed on entry to the country, so many years later, I opened them and gave the xrays to the kids for show & tell.

zzrmark

A very quick Google search suggests that it was introduced as an experimental measure to go electronic at some embassies in 2018, don't suppose you can recall the recipients embassy of origin?

spouse of scouse

Thanks for the replies. I'm still a bit puzzled though, if the information in the envelope is about the person who's migrating to the US, why aren't they allowed to see it?

zzrmark

That's your medical packet not the one that had to be given to customs upon entry, my medical packet had the x-rays on a cd - it was a right pain in the butt worrying about creasing the visa packet when stuffing it into the, then recently reduced size, carry-on baggage.

zzrmark

I assumed that it is for customs eyes and immigration don't want the entrant tampering with the contents, bit like sending your primary school aged kid off to school with their lunchbox and telling them not to open it before lunchtime...

robin1234

American Exceptionalism. Shining City on the Hill. “Oh say, can I see my X-ray? No.”

spouse of scouse

Thanks you two, I'm happy now. Can't stand not knowing things!

Former Lancastrian

Its a test. If you arrive with the envelope opened then it is a sign you cannot be trusted and therefore banned from entering the US. If arriving with the envelope intact then Voila Welcome to the United States. Probably also acts as a deterrent from whatever is in the envelope being tampered with etc etc.

Rete

The large white envelope is sent to the US visa recipient by courier if their US spousal visa (IR-1/CR-1) has been approved. It is marked 'DO NOT OPEN" because inside of the envelope is every piece of submitted forms, evidence and consular notations concerning the visa application, interview and results.

It is not to be opened so that when it is handed to the agent at the POE and they open it, they know that the recipient has not tampered with the paperwork and possibly substituted something or removed something of importance. The paperwork is then sent to the USCIS and will be filed in one of the salt mines in the US and will be called upon for future USCIS petitions submitted, i.e. removal of conditions, if applicable, naturalization, etc.

Rete

Rete

I know your answer is joking about but the x-ray is not in the envelope. It is in the recipient's possession and can/should be given to a future primary physician for their medical records.