Vancouver consualte visa wait times

[Lizeh 1]

I hope my topic title was clear enough hahaha

Anyway, I am curious how long it generally takes for an approved applicant to get their passport/visa after their interview from the Vancouver consulate. My fiance's interview isn't until April 2nd (Also, this date seems awfully far away, but i will take what i can get lol) but I'd really like to buy his plane ticket to the states really soon. I just don't know how far after the interview date I should schedule. Preferably as soon as possible!

I'm wondering if April 10th would be too risky of a date? That's my birthday and I think it'd be cute if he could come then, but it's okay if that can't happen. I'd rather be safe than sorry, but if others have had quick turnaround times then maybe? Please let me know of your experiences ;w;

[ricnally 258]

I got mine in 3 days.

[pro_star 52]

Honestly, wait. Book the flight when he's got visa in hand. Murphy's law likes messing with us on that accord.

[Lizeh 1]

weh, if i wait that long though i'd have to wait even longer for him to get here since i'd have to book quite a bit after he gets the visa to get a decently priced flight ;w; maybe i will just do two weeks after his interview.... :<

[NikLR 13,220]

I would make it however long he needs to give notice at work and wherever he's living. He may need time to get rid of a few things, say good bye to people, etc. Remember after activating his K1 he will not be able to travel to Canada for any reason until he has AP. He will not be able to work until he has the EAD. It's important to get married and file that paperwork, but he should also have the time he needs to make sure everything gets done before going. I spent the last month before my interview giving notice etc, and I was very fortunate to not be put into AP or denied. But I was also fortunate that I could have stopped the process of leaving my home and gone back to my job. It's really best to wait until you have the visa in hand. If anything I'd give him at least a month to get prepared and say his good byes. That's one thing I wish I'd had more time to do was say good bye to friends and family.

[sjs87 27]

I echo the sentiments of those above me... wait to book his flights. It might be cute and fun to have him there on you birthday (who wouldn't want that?!) but things can happen and delays can come up for one reason or another. I was in AP for 3 weeks due to our lawyer failing to submit the I-134, but once we were approved, I got my passport back the next day (less than 24 hours later!).

I know you probably want a 'good deal' on a flight, but should there be a hiccup and your fiance would not have his visa in time, then that flight is no longer a really good deal .

Keep checking the CEAC website for available dates. Back in November we were given a late January interview date, and I checked the website multiple times per day and was able to bump up my interview date by 3 weeks!

[Lizeh 1]

I have to say, everyone keeps thinking my fiance has obligations, but he doesn't hahaha. He does not have a job he needs to inform nor does he have family he needs to say bye to immediately. Either way, though, i decided to book the plane ticket a bit later heheh, It would be nice for him to get here on my birthday, but I think I'd rather be safe than sorry <:3

(also, what does AP mean?)

Edited January 31, 2014 by Lizeh

[Flames9_RN 358]

AP--Additional processing in this case. .........and another meaning Advance Parole

[Olive25 3]

You just want to be careful because even though you think you'll get approved on the spot, they may decide to do post decision activity before giving you your visa. It doesn't mean you're denied, but they may ask for more information that could delay it.

The safest is just to wait for the visa. Or purchase a ticket with extra insurance that lets you change your flight. But I guess that defeats the purpose of you wanting a deal on airfare.

[sjs87 27]

You just want to be careful because even though you think you'll get approved on the spot, they may decide to do post decision activity before giving you your visa. It doesn't mean you're denied, but they may ask for more information that could delay it.

The safest is just to wait for the visa. Or purchase a ticket with extra insurance that lets you change your flight. But I guess that defeats the purpose of you wanting a deal on airfare.

I hope, if you do buy a ticket, that it's refundable "just in case". I don't want to be a 'Debbie Downer' but it's risky to assume how quick (or slow!) things could go.

I know what it's like to be anxious to get the ball rolling and plan things and book things, but as I've learned, you need to expect the unexpected.