To the Canadian filers out there

[mag2929 68]

Hi all,

this will be a bit of a "Woe is me" post, so if that bugs you please don't read. I know there are people in worse situations, but this is me, and right now I am not feeling too positive about all of this. Hence the post.

I've been looking at timelines of other Canadians out there, and it seems my wait for the NOA2, and the current wait for an NVC case # is a bit longer than others. I just want to see if I am wrong - is there anyone else with 8 or more months between the NOAs? Still waiting for case #? Why do people get approved in a couple of months versus others wait more than 6?

I know the NVC is not a fun experience for most, and I know some Canadians who are trapped with long NVC delivery waits, and I was somewhat happy today when I was told they did get my application in Dec, however, I got the 42 day wait spiel. Wouldn't take my emails. Should I just keep calling and calling and eventually someone will give me a case #?

I feel like my dream of finally moving by July may or may not happen. I guess I'm wondering what you guys think - is it realistic for me to think all this will get done by July so I can join my husband? We have been long-distance for four years, and it's really hard. I never expected to fall in love with an American and have to go through this, and I am not sure I anticipated how full of bumps this might be. We did get a lawyer who says my case is easy, but I'm not sure what that means anymore. I just feel dejected and was hoping for some advice from people who are removed from my inner emotional battle and can comment objectively.

Thanks so much!

M

[Ryan H 3,790]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to Canada regional forum.

[Ferroll 0]

Hi all,

this will be a bit of a "Woe is me" post, so if that bugs you please don't read. I know there are people in worse situations, but this is me, and right now I am not feeling too positive about all of this. Hence the post.

I've been looking at timelines of other Canadians out there, and it seems my wait for the NOA2, and the current wait for an NVC case # is a bit longer than others. I just want to see if I am wrong - is there anyone else with 8 or more months between the NOAs? Still waiting for case #? Why do people get approved in a couple of months versus others wait more than 6?

I know the NVC is not a fun experience for most, and I know some Canadians who are trapped with long NVC delivery waits, and I was somewhat happy today when I was told they did get my application in Dec, however, I got the 42 day wait spiel. Wouldn't take my emails. Should I just keep calling and calling and eventually someone will give me a case #?

I feel like my dream of finally moving by July may or may not happen. I guess I'm wondering what you guys think - is it realistic for me to think all this will get done by July so I can join my husband? We have been long-distance for four years, and it's really hard. I never expected to fall in love with an American and have to go through this, and I am not sure I anticipated how full of bumps this might be. We did get a lawyer who says my case is easy, but I'm not sure what that means anymore. I just feel dejected and was hoping for some advice from people who are removed from my inner emotional battle and can comment objectively.

Thanks so much!

M

I'm not associated with Canada, but I have heard that depending on certain times of the year, the USCIS location that your petition was sent to, may have received numerous cases to be reviewed ahead of yours, and the holidays do not help either. Just try and stay positive. If everything is In order, your petition will be approved. Good Luck to you both.

[Ms Hogan 295]

I don't want to be harsh, so I'll try not to be. But you really just have to suck it up and get through it. We all did it or are in the middle of it. Each person feels as much frustration and desire to be with their loved one as you do. So everyone really and truly understands. You pointed out yourself that you were posting a bit of "woe is me" scenario but it really isn't all that bad. You've got to be strong and be patient and know that once this is all over, it will be such a small part of the rest of your life.

I am not pretending to know the pain of a long wait because I was very fortunate having completed the process in a relatively short amount of time compared to others. I was also able to see my husband and visit easily while waiting. So I was very much okay with whatever time it took. It was just as stressful because I didn't want to have f'd something up and find out about it in an RFE but it wasn't horrendous waiting to finally make the move. That is MY scenario. I had other big issues to deal with which made it hard for my particular situation but those were my woes and mine to deal with alone.

There are so many people who wait for such a long, long time and we can't pretend to know what THAT feels like. And I mean YEARS, not a matter of months. With that said, it doesn't diminish the pain you feel and the impatience and the helplessness because there is nothing in your control right now during this part of the process. So what you CAN control is your choice to suck it up and do what needs to be done to prepare for each step along the way. Be ready with anything they might ask for well ahead of time so that not a single delay can be blamed on you. Be ready to provide additional documents if they ask. Be ready to book a hotel for your interview and have your medical done. Is your package ready to go to NVC already?

Keep calling every day until you get your case number and then jump on the next steps. These are the things you CAN control if you choose to. Make sure you make it easy for whoever receives your case file. I am confident that is one of the reasons I got through so quickly. Whoever got my file was probably like "phew, this is an easy one" because it was laid out easily without any need for confusion. Nothing was missing. No errors were made. Every blank was filled in. They made an error and asked for something that they had already been given but instead of dwelling on it I just sent it again and the correction was made immediately.

The control you have at this point is to stay on top of your case and be ready for everything before they ask for it. This will give you the peace of mind you need to know you've done everything YOU can to get through it quickly. The rest is up to the folks on the other end so hope for a little good luck and hang on to the patience you have, whatever amount that may be.

You'll get through it and down the road you'll realize it really wasn't that bad. All that matters in the end is that you're with your loved one and enjoying your life together. There are way more years ahead of you than this one single one you have to get through to officially be together.

[mlh 93]

I don't have anything to do with Canada either, but looking at your timeline, the reason you had 8 months between NOAs was because you got an RFE. The date of the RFE is right in line with the 5 months or so that Nebraska was processing, and then looks like you went back into line waiting for your RFE response to be reviewed. We were also at Nebraska and ours went through in 5 months, 5 days with no RFE

It took about 3 weeks for Nebraska to even send our case to the NVC, about 2 weeks before the NVC even acknowledged that they had received it, and another 4 weeks before we got our case number.

With the holidays, it'll probably be another few weeks before you'll get your case number. I know it sucks, but it will come and you'll be moving before you know it. We just kept calling every couple days, and then surprise, we had a number.

Good luck!!!

[mag2929 68]

Thanks everyone!! I appreciate the supportive comments. Again, I realize this is a bit of "poor me" and I usually hate that but my husband just left this morning, and I won't see him till June and it just all came crashing down. oh and I have a horrible cold that's making me even whinier. I really love this site and I appreciate the support!! I only hope I can reciprocate to others once it's all done.

Best

M

[Dualie 185]

I don't want to be harsh, so I'll try not to be. But you really just have to suck it up and get through it. We all did it or are in the middle of it. Each person feels as much frustration and desire to be with their loved one as you do. So everyone really and truly understands. You pointed out yourself that you were posting a bit of "woe is me" scenario but it really isn't all that bad. You've got to be strong and be patient and know that once this is all over, it will be such a small part of the rest of your life.

I am not pretending to know the pain of a long wait because I was very fortunate having completed the process in a relatively short amount of time compared to others. I was also able to see my husband and visit easily while waiting. So I was very much okay with whatever time it took. It was just as stressful because I didn't want to have f'd something up and find out about it in an RFE but it wasn't horrendous waiting to finally make the move. That is MY scenario. I had other big issues to deal with which made it hard for my particular situation but those were my woes and mine to deal with alone.

There are so many people who wait for such a long, long time and we can't pretend to know what THAT feels like. And I mean YEARS, not a matter of months. With that said, it doesn't diminish the pain you feel and the impatience and the helplessness because there is nothing in your control right now during this part of the process. So what you CAN control is your choice to suck it up and do what needs to be done to prepare for each step along the way. Be ready with anything they might ask for well ahead of time so that not a single delay can be blamed on you. Be ready to provide additional documents if they ask. Be ready to book a hotel for your interview and have your medical done. Is your package ready to go to NVC already?

Keep calling every day until you get your case number and then jump on the next steps. These are the things you CAN control if you choose to. Make sure you make it easy for whoever receives your case file. I am confident that is one of the reasons I got through so quickly. Whoever got my file was probably like "phew, this is an easy one" because it was laid out easily without any need for confusion. Nothing was missing. No errors were made. Every blank was filled in. They made an error and asked for something that they had already been given but instead of dwelling on it I just sent it again and the correction was made immediately.

The control you have at this point is to stay on top of your case and be ready for everything before they ask for it. This will give you the peace of mind you need to know you've done everything YOU can to get through it quickly. The rest is up to the folks on the other end so hope for a little good luck and hang on to the patience you have, whatever amount that may be.

You'll get through it and down the road you'll realize it really wasn't that bad. All that matters in the end is that you're with your loved one and enjoying your life together. There are way more years ahead of you than this one single one you have to get through to officially be together.

Wow. I can't add a thing to this. Everything this poster said echoed in my mind. All I can say is echoing the previous post. If you feel something is wrong, keep calling. Be prepared for every step and be proactive. Everybody's case is unique. Do what you can to control yours and be ready for what is to come.

Good luck!

[sharda 8]

Hi all,

this will be a bit of a "Woe is me" post, so if that bugs you please don't read. I know there are people in worse situations, but this is me, and right now I am not feeling too positive about all of this. Hence the post.

I've been looking at timelines of other Canadians out there, and it seems my wait for the NOA2, and the current wait for an NVC case # is a bit longer than others. I just want to see if I am wrong - is there anyone else with 8 or more months between the NOAs? Still waiting for case #? Why do people get approved in a couple of months versus others wait more than 6?

I know the NVC is not a fun experience for most, and I know some Canadians who are trapped with long NVC delivery waits, and I was somewhat happy today when I was told they did get my application in Dec, however, I got the 42 day wait spiel. Wouldn't take my emails. Should I just keep calling and calling and eventually someone will give me a case #?

I feel like my dream of finally moving by July may or may not happen. I guess I'm wondering what you guys think - is it realistic for me to think all this will get done by July so I can join my husband? We have been long-distance for four years, and it's really hard. I never expected to fall in love with an American and have to go through this, and I am not sure I anticipated how full of bumps this might be. We did get a lawyer who says my case is easy, but I'm not sure what that means anymore. I just feel dejected and was hoping for some advice from people who are removed from my inner emotional battle and can comment objectively.

Thanks so much!

M

I feel your pain....I am at NVC right now. I called them 30 days after and got my case # then I filled out the DS261 and pay AOS fee....The website shows to pay IV fee but I am unable to do so apparently I have to wait for the IV voice which wasn't rec'd as yet. I plan on calling then on Friday since its a been a month now since i filled out the DS261... January 10 will be 3 month since my approval / NOA2

[Bonnie&Bob 33]

Getting your NOA2 will take a while. I am Canadian. This will be our 2nd Anniversary in separte countries on Jan 11th. We filed our papers in April 29, 2013. Got our NOA on May 2, 2013. Got our NOA2 on March 25, 2014 (11 months later) and this whole process of 22 months later and I am still waiting for NVC to pass me over to the Montreal Consulate. AOS, Civil Docs, DS-260, all sent & Fees all paid since the 1st week of June 2014. They have lost our paperwork 4 times since with a receipt from the courier that they have infact got the paperwork. Each time we re-sent all the paperwork it added another 60 days each time for review. Still nothing. We have a senator involved now and amazingly they admit they have all the papers now. All 4 sets of them but now we still sit yet another 60 days for review. It is a long & frustrating journey. As all have told me, sit tight and be patient. It will happen.

[ChristinaG 91]

Looking at your timeline (and thank you for filling it out), the hardest part is over!! The wait for the NOA2 is some of the hardest, because there is nothing you can do but wait..... at least at the NVC stage there are milestones (case rec'd, case #, fees invoiced, send ppwk, etc....) and while there might be 2-6 weeks in between these milestones, you just finished 8-ish months of doing nothing!!

I'm still waiting for my NOA2 (any day now!!)..... I'm a bit of a research nut, so in the 4.5 months we have been waiting I have read, re-read more than a few times, what to expect at the NVC stage and what is needed.... and have our files scanned and ready to go the moment they give us the green light....

On the bright side, there have been some recent changes - like being able to send the civil documents and AOS paperwork all at once, and we can email all the documents (electronic processing), so really from the NOA2 to the Case Complete could realistically be 4-5 months (with no checklists).....

Saying goodbye for another long stretch always makes it feel so much harder. I got to spend 2.5 weeks with my husband through the holidays and saying see you later ('cause we won't say goodbye) was especially hard to do......

Hang in there!! We will get through this!!

Best wishes!!

[Canadatousa 7]

Hang in there! It took ten months for our NOA 2 and then NVC became delayed, 60 day wait to find out we made an error, another 60 days later and then everything came flying! Almost two whole years but we're finally approved. We've been LD for five years, I know how much it sucks!

[mag2929 68]

Hang in there! It took ten months for our NOA 2 and then NVC became delayed, 60 day wait to find out we made an error, another 60 days later and then everything came flying! Almost two whole years but we're finally approved. We've been LD for five years, I know how much it sucks!

Congrats on the approval!!!!! I have seen your posts before and I thought how patient you guys are with this process. I am super happy for you both!! Thank you for the kind words, I've been overwhelmed with the support and level-headed advice.

Best

M

[mag2929 68]

Looking at your timeline (and thank you for filling it out), the hardest part is over!! The wait for the NOA2 is some of the hardest, because there is nothing you can do but wait..... at least at the NVC stage there are milestones (case rec'd, case #, fees invoiced, send ppwk, etc....) and while there might be 2-6 weeks in between these milestones, you just finished 8-ish months of doing nothing!!

I'm still waiting for my NOA2 (any day now!!)..... I'm a bit of a research nut, so in the 4.5 months we have been waiting I have read, re-read more than a few times, what to expect at the NVC stage and what is needed.... and have our files scanned and ready to go the moment they give us the green light....

On the bright side, there have been some recent changes - like being able to send the civil documents and AOS paperwork all at once, and we can email all the documents (electronic processing), so really from the NOA2 to the Case Complete could realistically be 4-5 months (with no checklists).....

Saying goodbye for another long stretch always makes it feel so much harder. I got to spend 2.5 weeks with my husband through the holidays and saying see you later ('cause we won't say goodbye) was especially hard to do......

Hang in there!! We will get through this!!

Best wishes!!

Thank you so much for the wonderful response!! I appreciate the positivity. I hope that NOA2 comes soon for you! And yes, I agree that true love exists, that is the ONLY explanation I can imagine that would make us crazy enough to go through this process;)

All the great responses and support have gotten me through the down point and have redirected my efforts to moving forwards, regardless of what happen for what hiccups I come upon.

Best

M

[Rob L 3,811]

I looked at the NVC processing times spreadsheet and compared the average of 2014 and the current open cases. We don't have a lot of data from December approvals but we do see some consistencies between the current cases and 2014 (you need to click on the graph, it came out small

Edited January 8, 2015 by Rob L

[mag2929 68]

I looked at the NVC processing times spreadsheet and compared the average of 2014 and the current open cases. We don't have a lot of data from December approvals but we do see some consistencies between the current cases and 2014 (you need to click on the graph, it came out small

Presentation1.jpg

Cool, thanks for that. Is the y axis the number of days?

Best

M