The dreaded DS-5535 thread for Montreal. Post here and support each other (PART 2)

[Mmk2112 34]

11 hours ago, Pearljamm said:

Hey guys! 
 

I hope everyone is doing well. 

 

I just wanted to let everybody know I travelled to the states with no issues at all, in fact it was the smoothest process lol.

 

I am considering filing writ of mandamus and got in touch with Goldstein, Hacking, and PIC as we are discussing the best option for us.

 

Goldstien and hacking told us we would be eligible to file a case after 60 days (43 days left) and still waiting to hear back from PIC, they said they’ll contact us within 24 hours.

 

Will keep everyone updated.

 

for those who filed , which one did you find the best for you? 
 

When was your interview and how long it's been?

[Julia1994 0]

My husband passed his interview except they wanted him to send in the proper police certificate with his passport. The officer said he was a clear cut case and that is all they needed. I sent in his passport with the updated police certificate this week via Canada post (to expedite it). I saw via Canada post that it was delivered today. How long does it take to hear from them and have it approved? Has anyone gone through this? How do they communicate with you?

[Gha 14]

@Julia1994 round about 6 to 7 week more

It will issue first week of july

thank you 

[Pearljamm 40]

13 hours ago, Mmk2112 said:

When was your interview and how long it's been?

April 05,

 

it’s been one month . They said they would

able help if it passes at least 60 days, it would

be late June/early July to file 

[PZibran325 112]

UPDATE

 

Dear all, I hope this helps someone with decisions regarding WOMs and lawyers.

 

• we retained the services of PIC law firm on February 13th of this year.
• However, beginning February 14th I started noticing changes to our Case last updated date on CEAC so I requested Chris to hold off on filing the WOM.
• Meanwhile, I started emailing the Consulate weekly.
• I don't necessarily think it had anything to do with my emails or the lawsuit because the consulate had no idea that I had retained PIC but after my second email, I was informed that we had cleared AP.
• 2 weeks after that they requested a new medical.
• 6 days after they received the new medical out visa was issued and we received our passport the day after our visa was issued.

I highly recommend PIC for several reasons, Chris is extremely personable and you get direct access to your attorney, which to me is a plus point but most importantly if they haven't filed the WOM and you receive notification that you cleared AP, they will refund 78% of your money (at least they did for us). 

 

Technically, we cleared AP without a WOM. It took just shy of 9 months from the date of our interview to clear AP and an additional 1 month to complete a new medical and receive our passport with visa. As frustrated as I have been with the Montreal Consulate, I do think that  they are starting to at least attempt to clear people through AP without WOMs, but it is taking them6-12 months to do so. 

Edited May 18, 2023 by PZibran325

[throwitaway 189]

On 5/16/2023 at 11:31 PM, Pearljamm said:

Hey guys! 
 

I hope everyone is doing well. 

 

I just wanted to let everybody know I travelled to the states with no issues at all, in fact it was the smoothest process lol.

 

I am considering filing writ of mandamus and got in touch with Goldstein, Hacking, and PIC as we are discussing the best option for us.

 

Goldstien and hacking told us we would be eligible to file a case after 60 days (43 days left) and still waiting to hear back from PIC, they said they’ll contact us within 24 hours.

 

Will keep everyone updated.

 

for those who filed , which one did you find the best for you? 
 

PIC was the best for us.

 

Our case was complex but they handled it beautifully. They were always responsive, quick to file, and we felt they genuinely cared about the outcome. 
 

They actually took over for an incompetent lawyer so they were definitely a breath of fresh air. 

[Mmk2112 34]

17 minutes ago, PZibran325 said:

UPDATE

 

Dear all, I hope this helps someone with decisions regarding WOMs and lawyers.

 

• we retained the services of PIC law firm on February 13th of this year.
• However, beginning February 14th I started noticing changes to our Case last updated date on CEAC so I requested Chris to hold off on filing the WOM.
• Meanwhile, I started emailing the Consulate weekly.
• I don't necessarily think it had anything to do with my emails or the lawsuit because the consulate had no idea that I had retained PIC but after my second email, I was informed that we had cleared AP.
• 2 weeks after that they requested a new medical.
• 6 days after they received the new medical out visa was issued and we received our passport the day after our visa was issued.

I highly recommend PIC for several reasons, Chris is extremely personable and you get direct access to your attorney, which to me is a plus point but most importantly if they haven't filed the WOM and you receive notification that you cleared AP, they will refund 78% of your money (at least they did for us). 

 

Technically, we cleared AP without a WOM. It took just shy of 9 months from the date of our interview to clear AP and an additional 1 month to complete a new medical and receive our passport with visa. As frustrated as I have been with the Montreal Consulate, I do think that  they are starting to at least attempt to clear people through AP without WOMs, but it is taking them6-12 months to do so. 

Congratulations. Update from my side:

 

By the Blessings of God, my Status says Visa Issued today May 18th, 2023. It's without WOM and here's my timeline. IR1 Case:

 

- Interview Date: 12th Sept 2022

- DS5535 Email send: 13th Sept 2022

- Sent a query to embassy every month after 3 months passed

- Visited wife on Canadian passport without single problem. Crossed border about 6 - 8 times till today.

- New medical request came in, 6th April 2023.

- New medical completed 2nd May 2023. Sent RCMP updated certificate (wasn't asked about it)

- New medical sent 15th May 2023

- Visa status says 'Issued' 18th May 2023

 

I wish all and everyone here the best wishes. I know it's a painful journey, however my suggestion is that recently embassy has picked up pace on AP cases, so think before you file a WOM. Good luck to everyone!!!!

 

[PZibran325 112]

4 minutes ago, Mmk2112 said:

 

I wish all and everyone here the best wishes. I know it's a painful journey, however my suggestion is that recently embassy has picked up pace on AP cases, so think before you file a WOM. Good luck to everyone!!!!

 

^^^ Congratulations to you too my friend. I agree with this. As I mentioned in my earlier reply, the embassy did not know I had retained a lawyer for a WOM, and I had asked Chris from PIC law to hold off on filing and serving when I started noticing the case last update date change. So my husband's case is one of those who cleared AP without the WOM but it took nearly 9 months. My suggestion also is to have patience. 

Edited May 18, 2023 by PZibran325

[Mmk2112 34]

2 hours ago, Mmk2112 said:

Congratulations. Update from my side:

 

By the Blessings of God, my Status says Visa Issued today May 18th, 2023. It's without WOM and here's my timeline. IR1 Case:

 

- Interview Date: 12th Sept 2022

- DS5535 Email send: 13th Sept 2022

- Sent a query to embassy every month after 3 months passed

- Visited wife on Canadian passport without single problem. Crossed border about 6 - 8 times till today.

- New medical request came in, 6th April 2023.

- New medical completed 2nd May 2023. Sent RCMP updated certificate (wasn't asked about it)

- New medical sent 15th May 2023

- Visa status says 'Issued' 18th May 2023

 

I wish all and everyone here the best wishes. I know it's a painful journey, however my suggestion is that recently embassy has picked up pace on AP cases, so think before you file a WOM. Good luck to everyone!!!!

 

Can anyone please tell me what's the steps from here! Just cross the border with stamped visa and tell CBP officer to stamp green card number on passport? TIA

[Chancy 6,233]

1 hour ago, Mmk2112 said:

Just cross the border with stamped visa and tell CBP officer to stamp green card number on passport?

 

Cross the border with the visa.  CBP officer will stamp the visa with the entry date, not GC number.  The officer may forget to stamp, so check that your passport has the entry stamp before you leave the CBP office.

 

[dennisv 23]

18 minutes ago, Chancy said:

 

Cross the border with the visa.  CBP officer will stamp the visa with the entry date, not GC number.  The officer may forget to stamp, so check that your passport has the entry stamp before you leave the CBP office.

 

Don’t forget to pay the IV fee (green card) fee $220 prior to crossing but it’s okay to pay after crossing too (just will delay producing of your Physical GC)

[Mmk2112 34]

4 minutes ago, dennisv said:

Don’t forget to pay the IV fee (green card) fee $220 prior to crossing but it’s okay to pay after crossing too (just will delay producing of your Physical GC)

Thank you. That's already paid. Do I have to fill any form?

 

So as i understand the process is simple. Pay the fees, cross the border and get your visa stamped ? And the green card will arrive in mail? Where do we have to provide mailing address? TIA

[dennisv 23]

1 minute ago, Mmk2112 said:

Thank you. That's already paid. Do I have to fill any form?

 

So as i understand the process is simple. Pay the fees, cross the border and get your visa stamped ? And the green card will arrive in mail? Where do we have to provide mailing address? TIA

@Mmk2112 the address was provided on your DS260 form and that will be the address your GC will be mailed to. Estimated 4 weeks up to 6 months.  Your SSN should come within 2week upon arrival, but if you need it sooner for work or such, you might need to visit a SSA office to get the number sooner. 

[Mmk2112 34]

8 minutes ago, dennisv said:

@Mmk2112 the address was provided on your DS260 form and that will be the address your GC will be mailed to. Estimated 4 weeks up to 6 months.  Your SSN should come within 2week upon arrival, but if you need it sooner for work or such, you might need to visit a SSA office to get the number sooner. 

Thank you for quick reply and sorry for confusion. In DS 260 the canadian mailing address was provided. Is that the address GC will be mailed to? if yes, then how can i change it to US address?

 

[dennisv 23]

6 minutes ago, Mmk2112 said:

Thank you for quick reply and sorry for confusion. In DS 260 the canadian mailing address was provided. Is that the address GC will be mailed to? if yes, then how can i change it to US address?

 

Check your DS260, it would have asked for the intended US address / “Please provide the following information on where you intend to live after arrival in the United States.”