Montreal Consulate

[zenaxe 22]

Hey all, I'm wanting to start a thread to discuss MTL and share information people may have with respect to how fast or slow they are at present/backlog, scheduling of appointments, how long people are waiting, general experiences etc etc.

I'm hearing that Montreal may be getting somewhat caught up on some of the backlog...this is from reading different posts on VJ. Half the time, I can't find the posts again to follow up so I thought I'd try to focus some comments on a specific thread.

Comments?

[Angie'nMark 0]

I am at the same stage as you... a little before. All the paperwork is in and we are waiting for our notice that the case is complete. Now I am dreading how long it will take before we get the interview. I am freaking out...I knew it would take this long and possibly the full year, but this is the worst. I really can't stand waiting to be with my husband any more. No one can even believe how long and frustrating this process is. Everyone I tell is like,"Oh, but you are married, don't you just get to go and be with your husband now." Yeah....

[zenaxe 22]

I am at the same stage as you... a little before. All the paperwork is in and we are waiting for our notice that the case is complete. Now I am dreading how long it will take before we get the interview. I am freaking out...I knew it would take this long and possibly the full year, but this is the worst. I really can't stand waiting to be with my husband any more. No one can even believe how long and frustrating this process is. Everyone I tell is like,"Oh, but you are married, don't you just get to go and be with your husband now." Yeah....

You're still waiting for case complete then? I'm surprised that it's taking this long give your last entry was for Mar 18th or so. Did you get an RFE? Hopefully you get that soon.

It's funny how much misconception there really is out there when it comes to immigration issues. Most people I work with and know say 'well you can be a US citizen now that you're married , it's automatic' - ahh no it's not. And 'I thought you are instantly legal once you're married' - ahh no. People seem surprised when you explain the process and length of time required.

[canadian_wife 1,802]

There's been rumours of them being caught up for a long time. According to those recently interviewed:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/94768-ir1-cr1-montreal-timeline-to-interview/page__st__2640__p__3732234entry3732234

it looks like it's still anywhere from 3 - 5 months. When we interviewed 2 years ago, getting an interview 2 months after case complete was unheard of as it was very quick. So it's been 2 years and they are still slow

I wish it was faster, that's for sure

[Angie'nMark 0]

You're still waiting for case complete then? I'm surprised that it's taking this long give your last entry was for Mar 18th or so. Did you get an RFE? Hopefully you get that soon.

It's funny how much misconception there really is out there when it comes to immigration issues. Most people I work with and know say 'well you can be a US citizen now that you're married , it's automatic' - ahh no it's not. And 'I thought you are instantly legal once you're married' - ahh no. People seem surprised when you explain the process and length of time required.

Well I was a little confused with the timeline, but the last of our papers went in April 12th I think. I was not 100% clear about the police clearance and also my husband forgot to get his birth certificate even though I told him....soooo we were not as on the ball as you guys were. My husband kind of left a lot of the information gathering up to me...oh well. It is done now.

I am pretty frustrated with the whole process...I am sure you are no stranger to that!

[zenaxe 22]

Well I was a little confused with the timeline, but the last of our papers went in April 12th I think. I was not 100% clear about the police clearance and also my husband forgot to get his birth certificate even though I told him....soooo we were not as on the ball as you guys were. My husband kind of left a lot of the information gathering up to me...oh well. It is done now.

I am pretty frustrated with the whole process...I am sure you are no stranger to that!

Oh heck no, there were many days I was ranting like a lunatic lol. Mostly my frustration was seeing many getting NOA2s who filed often many weeks or even the following month to ours and being told by USCIS that they are completed in order of receipt...ya sure. I mean I was glad for everyone who got it but was thinking wt?? Then it was NVC's oddly timed emails requesting documents that I had already sent in. But know I fully understand what that was about - wish I knew then. Now the next leg of aaaaarrrrgggh will be waiting for the interview.

I think I'll finish my vaccinations tomorrow ie Tdap so there's nothing left to do but hurry up and wait lol. I've got my entire evidence package sorted, labeled and organized.

Edited April 26, 2010 by zenaxe

[Angie'nMark 0]

Oh heck no, there were many days I was ranting like a lunatic lol. Mostly my frustration was seeing many getting NOA2s who filed often many weeks or even the following month to ours and being told by USCIS that they are completed in order of receipt...ya sure. I mean I was glad for everyone who got it but was thinking wt?? Then it was NVC's oddly timed emails requesting documents that I had already sent in. But know I fully understand what that was about - wish I knew then. Now the next leg of aaaaarrrrgggh will be waiting for the interview.

I think I'll finish my vaccinations tomorrow ie Tdap so there's nothing left to do but hurry up and wait lol. I've got my entire evidence package sorted, labeled and organized.

I haven't been getting any e-mails from the NVC....I feel lke there has been a total lack of clear information. How did you hear about the vaccinations? Where are you getting them done. I found my records from when I was a kid, but I was hoping they would update vaccinations at the medical. Bad idea? Where do you get the check list...I thought the doctor at the medical would also recommend what was needed. I am so confused....uggggggggg

Also, please tell me about you evidence package. Did they tell you what to assemble? You help would be so appreciated.

I wonder if my husband is getting e-mails and just thinks I am getting them too. I have not been getting any info.

When you come for the interview, you could stay at the W hotel. It should be a walking distance, and it is really nice. Also it puts you close to Old Montreal...which is super romantic and you should totally check out. Go for lunch at a little place called Olive and Gourmando. Amazing!!

[zenaxe 22]

Great tips !!

I'm in BC so I'll be going to Woking Medical Centre - if you go on their website (google them) or any of the other civil surgeons identified here on VJ or on the Dept of State website, you'll see what's required. I've also been emailing Woking to inquire about a variety of things. Check the sites and you'll see what you need ie MMR (I had one way back but got a second dose- this is helpful also if you are going to work in hospitals or go to universities - they will required both series of MMR), also today I got my Tdap which is tetanus/diptheria/pertussis. I've had tet and dip before but the US requires the pertussis. So got that and my arm is a tad sore. They also require varicella which is chicken pox. If you don't have it - most of us had it as kids and they want a verbal declaration of which year you had it (according to Woking) or you can go to your physican and get a requisition for blood work ie titre - this will show in your blood work that you've had the virus and have antibodies.

I know that at the Woking clinic, if you show up not having all your vaccination in place, they will schedule you to go down the street to get it done, then you come back with the paperwork and you submit that. Your medical won't be complete until you have all the vaccinations. I figured I'll be proactive and get it done before I go to the medical appointment.

With respect to the evidence package I've put together all the original paperwork that went to NVC - because we did EP and only scanned the documents, I'm required to bring all the originals to the embassy; so that's both the I 864 package plus the entire DS230 package. Everything you sent to NVC you must produce in original or certified copy format. the rest of the evidence will be phone logs, I'll bring a photo album, trip itineraries, emails, boarding passes, joint bank account information etc etc.

I put everything thus far in vinyl sheet coverings and put each document in there; then I used post its to write what the documents were for easy access ie birth cert, I 864 form, taxes....this is the 864 and 230 packages etc. It's just more organized and when I look in there, it's easy to find everything. I intend to bring all that in a black plastic accordion folder and I've also got a second leather folder thingy that I'll use for the bonafides of the marriage folder - so two items.

The hotel is called the W??

[zenaxe 22]

Here are a few links from the Dept of State re vaccination/original documents.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_1331.html

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3747.html

This last link is good information for you as well and it identifies the various doctors that are contracted to perform this work. Don't forget there is a fee not covered by our Canadian health system booooo. I know Woking gives you the results on the same day and other clinics take a while longer. Ideally you're medical and interview are at least one week or so apart so it shouldn't be a problem. You cannot book a medical prior to getting your letter. Someone suggested that to me and I followed it up but was told no way ... so I wait

http://travel.state.gov/pdf/medical/MTL-MED-ENGL-0004-1003.pdf

Edited April 27, 2010 by zenaxe

[Angie'nMark 0]

Thanks Zenaxe you are the best!

I think I have most of those vaccinations so I guess I wont worry too much there.

The hotel is called The W...super nice design, but a little pricey. If you want me to source something a little less $$ let me know and I will check it out for you. A little further into Old Montreal there are some gorgeous hotels like the St. Paul and the St. Sulpice but those are slightly pricier than say the W.

I hope it is a great experience...Is this your first trip to Montreal? It is great in the summer.

[Jadenjewel 9]

Hi,

Enjoyed reading your thoughts on this process and Angie n' Marks.

I'm at the waiting for interview process as well. I also had the same problem as you did with Optin at NVC. Somehow they lost us and we had to re-submit.

I'm hoping I'll get an interview in June but who knows. I've started packing for the move... slowly I admit! Too much stuff...

It took them 6 days to acknowledge the Optin and now we're waiting for them to send it to the consulate.

I hope we all get the interview soon.

I'll miss Vancouver that's for sure! Prettiest city in the world I think... things we do for .

[zenaxe 22]

Hi,

Enjoyed reading your thoughts on this process and Angie n' Marks.

I'm at the waiting for interview process as well. I also had the same problem as you did with Optin at NVC. Somehow they lost us and we had to re-submit.

I'm hoping I'll get an interview in June but who knows. I've started packing for the move... slowly I admit! Too much stuff...

It took them 6 days to acknowledge the Optin and now we're waiting for them to send it to the consulate.

I hope we all get the interview soon.

I'll miss Vancouver that's for sure! Prettiest city in the world I think... things we do for .

Vancouver is beautiful as is all of BC. I'll miss BC and Canada for sure. And of course family and friends. I'm quite excited about moving to Arizona, although the state has been getting hammered on that immigration bill they have going on. I don't like the language in the bill myself from what I understandn of it.

Looking back I'm still glad we did the EP for sure. I don't know if our case left for the consulate or not. Is it that they sent it to Montreal once you an interview date or do they send it anyway and then grant you an interview date? Not sure how that flies, I'll have to ask an operator next time thru.

Happy friday !! woot woot

[Angie'nMark 0]

Vancouver is beautiful as is all of BC. I'll miss BC and Canada for sure. And of course family and friends. I'm quite excited about moving to Arizona, although the state has been getting hammered on that immigration bill they have going on. I don't like the language in the bill myself from what I understandn of it.

Looking back I'm still glad we did the EP for sure. I don't know if our case left for the consulate or not. Is it that they sent it to Montreal once you an interview date or do they send it anyway and then grant you an interview date? Not sure how that flies, I'll have to ask an operator next time thru.

Happy friday !! woot woot

So I am happy to report that all our papers including the police check are in and I am now waiting for my interview just like you. I know you will get it first, because we took longer ironing out all the details. I wish you a quick date. Living in Arizona is going to be amazing. It is such a fabulous state, and there is so much to see and do. Good luck and I hope you hear word real soon!

[zenaxe 22]

So I am happy to report that all our papers including the police check are in and I am now waiting for my interview just like you. I know you will get it first, because we took longer ironing out all the details. I wish you a quick date. Living in Arizona is going to be amazing. It is such a fabulous state, and there is so much to see and do. Good luck and I hope you hear word real soon!

Hey !! excellent news, good to hear all your paperwork/scanning lol is in to NVC. Ya now is the next leg of ugh and more waiting. I'm, like many of us, hoping to hear something my mid May. what I'm not clear about is whether they only contact you, for example, in May for a June date or whether they would contact you in May for a July date etc. I'll take the June miracle or July. It's hard to really get any information on the MTL consulate - I've asked them if they could provide a general timeline from the time NVC completes a case to when the consulate may do interviews and was told they know nothing until NVC arranges an interview. Well that answers that...right. NVC says they can only schedule interviews when Montreal has available dates...so really between the two, each says it's the other's issue. All we have is wait patiently knowing it's coming and it's just a matter of time.

Yes Arizona will be amazing !! I love the feel down there and oddly enough has always felt like home at some deep level. And there is a strange sense of being ''home' whenever I visit. It's very exciting thinking about finally being together with my wife after the long distance thing over these two and half years, buying a house, and getting into the lifestyle and rhythmn of Arizona life. Mind you AZ has been under fire lately for that immigration bill.

So here's hoping for news in mid May !!

[CdnMN 0]

NVC completed the paperwork for my son on April 16th. He is getting an IR2 (Minor child of a US citizen).

Anyway, The recorded msg on NVC still says "You case was completed blah blah blah...please allow 6 to 8 weeks blah blah blah."

I guess we're all in the same life boat wiating patiently (or not) for Montreal to arrange for us to come in for a chat. All this waiting for what is normally an interview lasting no more than a few minutes.

Cdnmn