Montreal Consulate EB-2 Interview Wait Time - Part 3

[Mano17 14]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share our full timeline and experience, hoping it helps others who are waiting or going through something similar. This forum has been incredibly supportive, and the updates shared here truly helped us stay calm during the process.

 

Our family’s immigrant visa case was placed under 221(g) and went into Administrative Processing. We received the standard response stating that processing could not be predicted and that the Consulate would contact us once completed.  Thankfully, our case was cleared within 5 weeks, and we received our visa approvals from the Montreal U.S. Consulate.  As I mentioned earlier Montreal Consulate office was very friendly during our Interview process and the AP query is based on individual case by case in our case there was no extra documents requested and Passports held with Visa Officer.  During the interview officer mentioned response all the time it was very positive approach.

 

One of our biggest concerns was our daughter’s eligibility under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA)—and we are relieved and grateful to share that her visa was approved under CSPA as well.

 

Yesterday, we crossed the U.S. border, and everything went very smoothly. The CBP officers were professional and reassuring; they informed us that we should be receiving our Green Cards in the mail soon.

 

I updated our Google Sheet. This community has been truly helpful throughout the journey, offering timely information and genuine support. I wanted to give back by sharing our positive outcome and to let others know that even a 221(g) situation can resolve smoothly. Wishing everyone still in the process the very best and speedy approvals. 🙏💙

Edited Saturday at 11:51 AM by Mano17

[SAHK 9]

8 hours ago, Mano17 said:

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share our full timeline and experience, hoping it helps others who are waiting or going through something similar. This forum has been incredibly supportive, and the updates shared here truly helped us stay calm during the process.

 

Our family’s immigrant visa case was placed under 221(g) and went into Administrative Processing. We received the standard response stating that processing could not be predicted and that the Consulate would contact us once completed.  Thankfully, our case was cleared within 5 weeks, and we received our visa approvals from the Montreal U.S. Consulate.  As I mentioned earlier Montreal Consulate office was very friendly during our Interview process and the AP query is based on individual case by case in our case there was no extra documents requested and Passports held with Visa Officer.  During the interview officer mentioned response all the time it was very positive approach.

 

One of our biggest concerns was our daughter’s eligibility under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA)—and we are relieved and grateful to share that her visa was approved under CSPA as well.

 

Yesterday, we crossed the U.S. border, and everything went very smoothly. The CBP officers were professional and reassuring; they informed us that we should be receiving our Green Cards in the mail soon.

 

I updated our Google Sheet. This community has been truly helpful throughout the journey, offering timely information and genuine support. I wanted to give back by sharing our positive outcome and to let others know that even a 221(g) situation can resolve smoothly. Wishing everyone still in the process the very best and speedy approvals. 🙏💙

Congratulations! Do CBP officers put I-551 Stamp on passports when endorsement? as many Canadian return back for some time to finalize their move.

[Mano17 14]

Yes they do stating that we Admitted as Green Card Holder with Date.  From that day we will have 1 Year time permanently move to USA.  While waiting for the Physical Card this stamp allows us to start working Immediately.

[SAHK 9]

2 hours ago, Mano17 said:

Yes they do stating that we Admitted as Green Card Holder with Date.  From that day we will have 1 Year time permanently move to USA.  While waiting for the Physical Card this stamp allows us to start working Immediately.

May I ask, what was Port of Entry?

[Lunguboy 1]

The IV tool says they are now processing cases DQed in October 2024

[kk_canada 1]

2 minutes ago, Lunguboy said:

The IV tool says they are now processing cases DQed in October 2024

Wow, I haven’t seen anyone in any chat or forum mention getting an IL dated October. Mine is in the second half of October and I haven’t gotten anything yet.

Has anyone received one?

[Lunguboy 1]

5 minutes ago, kk_canada said:

Wow, I haven’t seen anyone in any chat or forum mention getting an IL dated October. Mine is in the second half of October and I haven’t gotten anything yet.
 

They are probably in the first few days of October. Im more interested in people who DQed in September. There two people on the spreadsheet with late September dqs who have not received ILs.

[appleblossom 5,480]

On 12/6/2025 at 6:28 PM, Mano17 said:

Yes they do stating that we Admitted as Green Card Holder with Date.  From that day we will have 1 Year time permanently move to USA.  While waiting for the Physical Card this stamp allows us to start working Immediately.

 

It's not a year to permanently move, it's a year that it acts as your temporary green card whilst in the US. You really shouldn't leave it a year to move, that's risking your LPR status. 

[Saphrin 8]

4 hours ago, kk_canada said:

Wow, I haven’t seen anyone in any chat or forum mention getting an IL dated October. Mine is in the second half of October and I haven’t gotten anything yet.

Has anyone received one?

Do you mind sharing your info below? Wanted to make sure its captured correctly in the spreadsheet (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NnYTWRgdQB9gj2SyQjBL3fzz5-OS9FJZQXFXCbSe0Ig/edit?gid=0#gid=0) 

Country of Chargeability

Priority Date

DQ Date

 

 

[mam521 2,806]

On 12/6/2025 at 2:05 PM, SAHK said:

Congratulations! Do CBP officers put I-551 Stamp on passports when endorsement? as many Canadian return back for some time to finalize their move.

Just remember, when you endorse that visa, you become a permanent resident of the US and are then subject to US taxes.  If you sell your home after endorsement, for example, the capital gains are subject to US taxes.  It is advisable to try to close out your affairs and endorse prior to the expiration.  At the very least, seek guidance from a cross border accountant.