You will have to start the entire process over, including paying the fees again, if you skip your GAMCA medical appointment. The appointment slip you created is only good for a certain amount of time, after which it automatically expires if you don’t show up for the medical checkup.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of what happens and the steps you must take.
1. The Immediate Consequences
- Financial Loss: The fee you paid for the online appointment slip is a service charge for generating the booking and assigning you to a medical center. This fee is non-refundable. You will not get your money back, and you will have to pay the full amount again for a new slip.
- Invalidation of the Slip: The appointment slip has a strict expiry date printed on it. If you arrive at the medical center even a day late, they will not accept the slip, and your application will be rejected on the spot.
- Significant Delay: Missing your appointment causes an immediate and often stressful delay in your visa application and subsequent travel plans. This can affect your start date with your new employer, who may have a specific timeline for your arrival.
2. The Required Re-Application Process
The only way to move forward is to treat this as a completely new application. You cannot reschedule or extend the validity of your old slip.
Step 1: Wait for the Old Slip to Expire: You cannot create a new medical appointment slip while a previous one is still active in the system. The system needs to clear your record before you are allowed to book again. This can take a few days after the slip’s expiry date.
Step 2: Re-register on the Official Portal: You must go back to the official online portal and initiate a brand new medical appointment application. This involves:
- Filling out all your personal details again.
- Uploading a recent passport-size photograph.
- Selecting your visa category and country of travel.
Step 3: Pay the Full Fee Again: Just like the first time, you will be required to pay the full online service fee to generate a new appointment slip. This fee covers the cost of a new booking and assignment to a medical center.
Step 4: Attend the New Appointment on Time: Once your new slip is generated, you must treat this as a top priority. Make sure you plan your day carefully, arrive on time at the assigned medical center, and bring all the required documents, including your passport and the new slip.
Tips to Avoid Missing Your Appointment
To prevent this from happening again, consider these proactive measures:
- Mark Your Calendar: Immediately after generating your slip, write down the appointment date and time in a prominent place, such as on a physical calendar or in your phone’s calendar with a reminder.
- Confirm Location: Before the day of your appointment, confirm the exact address of the medical center and know the best way to get there. Consider potential traffic or public transport delays.
- Prepare Documents: Gather all necessary documents (passport, copies, photos) a day or two in advance. This avoids last-minute stress and the possibility of forgetting something crucial.
- Maintain Contact with Your Sponsor: Inform your employer or sponsor about any issues that arise. They may be able to offer guidance or help you manage the timeline.
