canadianjade

They told me it won't take that long, can there be that chance? I much hate this, as it was not my error. But life is what it is, gotta take it with the punches lol.

Thanks anyways

Hi there - I had my interview on August 3rd. Unfortunately our lawyer said that we did not need a specific document, but we did. This resulted in a 221g (is said "Visa Refusal"). I was able to get the necessary documents the same day Unfortunately they wouldn't take them at the consulate and requested that I submit them via courier. I sent the documentation from the Montreal DHL (in Dorval) since I was already there the same day. I tracked the package and it was received by the Consulate in MTL the following morning.

I received an email from the MTL Consulate after I inquired about the status of my Visa since every time I called DOS they said I was "in admin processing". This is what they said:

Good day,

Please note that all mail addressed to the U.S. Consulate General in Montreal undergoes thorough security clearance procedures at an offsite facility. This creates additional delays for the mail to actually reach our office. The date you claim the mail was delivered is not the actual date our office has received your mail. You may expect your case to be reviewed within 4 weeks from the date that the mail was sent.

I hope that this information may be useful.

Sincerely,

OP8

Correspondence Assistant | Immigrant Visa Unit

Montreal-IV-DV@state.gov

I ended up getting an email from DHL (Loomis Express) the evening of August 29th. My Visa was ready for pick up the next morning. It says it was "approved" August 26th. So in total it took 27 days from the time I sent the additional documents in to have the Visa in my hand.

If you don't mind me asking what additional documents did they ask for? Ours were around my husbands 2010 tax return and although it wasn't requested by the Consulate about 2 weeks after I submitted the requested documentation I sent my husbands recent job offer letter. I'm not sure if this helped, but I had the Visa in hand 10 days later!

Good Luck! And, hang in there. You'll be approved, it's just a little more waiting and the average is about 4 weeks. Start packing and enjoy a few more trips to Tim Hortons!

Ralyse and Saylin - you two in particular have been a huge support. Thanks for being such great cheerleaders (and immigration experts!)

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. And for your honesty. I just want to know that we're officially approved, I can handle the wait time for the actual Visa.

Keep us posted around when you actually get your Visa and passport back.

Hi All!

Just wanted to let you know that I received my DHL waybill number tonight after having to submit additional documents to the consulate on August 4th. I called DOS this past Friday and was still "in administrative processing".

Also, on Friday i had sent an email to the Montreal Consulate inquiring on the status of my Visa - I was getting concerned because I hadn't even gotten an "approval" yet when I called DOS. About 20 minutes after I sent the email they actually got back to me with this:

Good day,

Please note that all mail addressed to the U.S. Consulate General in Montreal undergoes thorough security clearance procedures at an offsite facility. This creates additional delays for the mail to actually reach our office. The date you claim the mail was delivered is not the actual date our office has received your mail. You may expect your case to be reviewed within 4 weeks from the date that the mail was sent.

I hope that this information may be useful.

Sincerely,

OP8

Correspondence Assistant | Immigrant Visa Unit

I did put in the subject line "PLEASE PRIORITIZE: URGENT Case # XXXXXXXXXXX" I'm not sure if that helped. Also, they wanted my husbands 2010 tax documents which I sent in the day after my interview on August 4th. But, I also sent in his recent job offer about two weeks later. The Consulate didn't ask for this specifically but, when I spoke to a lovely agent at DOS (Beth and Matthew are the absolute best there!) it was suggested that if it could help my case at all and was relevant to the additional required documentation that it wouldn't hurt to send it in. 12 days later I have my waybill number! Not sure if this helped but clearly it didn't hurt.

Thank you to everyone on here - this site was a Godsend! And, I'll continue to follow for the next steps! If anyone has any questions at all around sending additional documentation to the Montreal Consulate please feel free to message me.

Good Luck all!

Hey, I am on day 9 coming up, when I called the DOS today they said it has not been printed yet and I am in AP. What does that MEAN? I thought approved actually meant we were almost there. I sent the IV unit an email earlier today, hoping they come back with something soon. I'm getting tired of this and being homeless

Unless they told you to submit additional documentation at the interview or, you're birth country is different then Canada you're not in AP, or very unlikely so. Here's a link to athread a few pages back. Read Luvillionois's posts.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/302129-waiting-for-our-passports-from-montreal/page__st__285

When you say bring originals of everything, what if originals were submitted to the NVC? Everything on the Interview letter is a Y R O or F.

Sorry, I should have clarified.

When you file online you scan your documents. I needed to bring original documents to the actual interview (birth certificate, marriage certificate, police clearance, medical sealed, AOS original document with live signatures not scanned).

I have for a K-1. My medical results were incomplete at the time of my interview. I mailed it afterwards through DHL and it took the consulate 4 weeks from the moment my package was signed for before they sent me my passport back with my visa.

If you go through your paperwork, they gave you a sheet notice that explains how to mail missing forms through DHL for an incomplete application. It does say it causes a 4 to 6 weeks delay. Anything going through Montreal's mail room implies more waiting

Hang in there!

Thank you so much for the encouragement. I just want to hear a "the visa has been approved" when I call DOS! The waiting for the actual passport and Visa is ok, I just feel like I'm in such limbo! How long did it take for you to hear you were approved or did you just wait to get the email rather then calling DOS?

It's so great to be able to have this kind of conversation - it makes the extra waiting bearable! And, thanks for continuing to post after already receiving your Visa!

Ok, so I needed to pipe in here!

You don't need a lawyer. I wish I had found this site early in our process. We DID use a lawyer and here's what I can tell you. The process was delayed because we needed to send things to her and then she needed to submit to the various govt agencies. Also, there were occasions when we wouldn't hear from her for 2 weeks and then she would request "the last piece of documentation" in order to complete our application. Basically, just buying herself some time when in fact we could have completed the entire process on our own in about an hour.

But, here's the kicker. After almost $4000 later I still don't have my Visa. My interview was last week and because our lawyer told us that a tax extenstion in lieu of my husbands 2010 tax returns were ok to use, I was refused my Visa until I provided the required documents. The CO said to me "your lawyer was very wrong". There's a link to my whole story here if you're interested - http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/322962-canadian-cr1-refusal-at-todays-interview-in-montreal-needs-additional-documentation/

The long and the short of it? Do this yourself and use Visa Journey as a guide. You'll find everything you need here. Learn to navigate the site and build relationships with other people going through the same process as you.

Thank you for the advice. I felt the same about the bed bugs. I didn't realize about the luggage. Good to know. I feel much better and I will look into the Holiday Inn.

I too stayed at the Holiday Inn Select Montréal Centre-Ville. It was great. They gave me an extended check out time (2pm!) just in case my interview was finished early (it was - 9:30am) I was able to go back to the hotel and shower, have a quick nap and put on comfy clothes for my train ride home that night. They checked my bags for no charge. This included my laptop. Luggage is kept in a locked room behind the reservations desk. The concierge was very sweet - extremely helpful with directions etc... Also, there's a business centre on the 9th floor with a desktop computer, printer etc.. There's complimentary coffee and fruit in there. Typically it's only for guests staying on the 9th floor but if you ask front desk for a key they'll give you one.

It's a five minute walk to Old Montreal if you wanted to do any site seeing the night before. Notre Dame Church is well worth it. And, there's a Tim Hortons across the street in the convention centre. I stopped by there on my way to the consulate in the morning so I'd have some caffeine and a quick bite to eat while waiting in line.

I booked my room online using Expedia but, I've been told that the hotel will also give you a matched, if not lower rate if you book through them directly. I paid $117.00 which included taxes.

Good luck!

I don't want to criticize, but the DOS is actually just a chance game. Some people will be more helpful than others and you might actually find out what is happening. Others will be so stubborn and tell you it is in "Administrative processing", and if you ask a followup question, they will actually REPEAT the previous sentence. I still have not received any email from DHL yet. Will wait till monday afternoon before I contact the consulate again. To answer your other question I was in regular email contact with the montreal consulate and I asked them about the status of my case. It took them a few days, but they responded to every email.

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. And for your honesty. I just want to know that we're officially approved, I can handle the wait time for the actual Visa.

Keep us posted around when you actually get your Visa and passport back.

(sorry, didn't know how to keep both quotes, LOL)

I also agree that you shouldn't bother with DoS too soon and take what they have to say with a grain of salt...wait at least a week before attempting to call because I was told I was in Administrative Processing when I truly wasn't. If you search 'true' AP on here, you will see it is a long drawn out process. All the lady actually meant was it was still being printed. Two totally different things...she told me on Friday that I was in AP and I tell ya, that completely RUINED my weekend. If I had just waited one silly week, I would have the DHL email/call that my Visa was ready to be picked up. Patience was a virtue I didn't have, LOL

Thanks LuvIllinois!

Another member told me to call DOS numerous times throughout the week and poll what the agents say. So far they're all saying that my additional documents and passprt have been received and logged and is being reviewed. No on has said it's in Administrative Processing yet. So that's probably a good thing right?

If I keep calling DOS will I ever hear that I'm "approved" or will they continue to give me the same message and I just have to wait until I receive a message from DHL? The CO didn't say I was actually approved at the interview and I was too floored at the "Refusal letter" put in front of me to properly ask for clarification. The CO said "I need your husbands actually tax returns for 2010. Just show me that he's made over $20,000." And she said she tries to turn these things around quickly. But no actual, you're approved but...

I just want to hear that I've been approved - if it hasn't been printed etc... then fine, I can wait for that but at least I can start packing and tying up lose ends here, I'm worried that even though I've sent them what was requested on my 221g (2010 Tax returns and passport) they'll find something else wrong!

Thanks for responding - it makes the uncertainty in this a little more bearable!

Yep, agree with the above, assuming you have your medical before hand. Be in line at 6:30am. I was there at 6:50am and there were four people ahead of me.

Bring originals of everything including your AOS. I can't stress this enough.

Don't bring a purse, cell, etc... Only your documents in a binder or folder.

Sit closest to the elevator and go to the back and turn around the face the opposite wall (it opens from the other side. Follow the yellow lines on the floor and take your number.

I stayed one night at the Holiday Inn Express. It was $100 a night. It was clean, a $5 cab ride to the consulate (or could have walked it in about 10 min but I saved myself some time in the morning). It's about a 5 min walk to Old Montreal which I did the evening that I checked in - just to get a little site seeing in and grab dinner at the same time.

I took the train home the same day back to Toronto.

Message me if you have any more questions - I just had my interview last week. Unfortunately I was refused until I submitted one additional piece of documentation. There are a few things I would have done differently. Also there are some great reviews/tips in the Consulate review section here too - http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/index.php?cnty=Canada

Good luck!

Hi,

The immigrant petition I-130 for my wife is approved and forwarded to NVC for processing. While we are waiting for NVC case no, I have started to prepare documents for Affidavit of Support (I-864). As a supporting document, I am supposed to attached the latest Tax return papers (i.e. for year 2010). However, I have filed for Extension for 2010 tax and I have appropriate receipts for the same.

1. Is it acceptable to attach Extension receipt, for the most recent tax year (ie. 2010) ?

2. Is it recommended to pay the taxes for 2010 before filing for I-864 (and then later I could file for amendment, to get advantage of dependent spouse).

Please advise, if you have experience in this regard.

Thanks in advance.

I was just denied on Wednesday for only having my husbands 2010 tax extension paperwork and not the actual tax return. You MUST bring your most recent tax return - I can't stress this enough. Here's a link to my situation - http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/322962-canadian-cr1-refusal-at-todays-interview-in-montreal-needs-additional-documentation/

I don't want to criticize, but the DOS is actually just a chance game. Some people will be more helpful than others and you might actually find out what is happening. Others will be so stubborn and tell you it is in "Administrative processing", and if you ask a followup question, they will actually REPEAT the previous sentence. I still have not received any email from DHL yet. Will wait till monday afternoon before I contact the consulate again. To answer your other question I was in regular email contact with the montreal consulate and I asked them about the status of my case. It took them a few days, but they responded to every email.

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. And for your honesty. I just want to know that we're officially approved, I can handle the wait time for the actual Visa.

Keep us posted around when you actually get your Visa and passport back.

I don't want to criticize, but the DOS is actually just a chance game. Some people will be more helpful than others and you might actually find out what is happening. Others will be so stubborn and tell you it is in "Administrative processing", and if you ask a followup question, they will actually REPEAT the previous sentence. I still have not received any email from DHL yet. Will wait till monday afternoon before I contact the consulate again. To answer your other question I was in regular email contact with the montreal consulate and I asked them about the status of my case. It took them a few days, but they responded to every email.

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. And for your honesty. I just want to know that we're officially approved, I can handle the wait time for the actual Visa.

Keep us posted around when you actually get your Visa and passport back.

Well, if it helps, my interview was on the 5th of July. I was told that everything was in order (except for the joint sponsor package which I did not bring). Then I mailed them that package on the 12th of July (which was received by them on the 13th [http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/320679-sending-documents-to-montreal-via-dhl/]). Later, I get an email from the consulate asking me to send in my passport on the 25th. I sent it on the 26th and they told me that it would probably be out on DHL today :-)

That's great news! That's like 2 weeks from the time you sent the requested documents! Much quicker then I would have expected.

I called DOS today and confirmed that my package was received yesterday (and logged). I asked if this meant if it was just received at the consulate or if it went to a real live person. The DOS agent was so sweet - she laughed and said that "yes, that means it was received by a real live person". So I'm assuming that means it's being reviewed right now?

Did you just wait to hear from them via email or did you make calls to DOS yourself and if so, were they accurate?

Thanks for sharing your story and updates!

Jade

Well, if it helps, my interview was on the 5th of July. I was told that everything was in order (except for the joint sponsor package which I did not bring). Then I mailed them that package on the 12th of July (which was received by them on the 13th [http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/320679-sending-documents-to-montreal-via-dhl/]). Later, I get an email from the consulate asking me to send in my passport on the 25th. I sent it on the 26th and they told me that it would probably be out on DHL today :-)

That's great news! That's like 2 weeks from the time you sent the requested documents! Much quicker then I would have expected.

I called DOS today and confirmed that my package was received yesterday (and logged). I asked if this meant if it was just received at the consulate or if it went to a real live person. The DOS agent was so sweet - she laughed and said that "yes, that means it was received by a real live person". So I'm assuming that means it's being reviewed right now?

Did you just wait to hear from them via email or did you make calls to DOS yourself and if so, were they accurate?

Thanks for sharing your story and updates!

Jade

Hi guys,

Just an update. I got an email from the Montreal consulate telling me that my visa was issued today and will be sent out by DHL tomorrow. For the record, I was asked to send in the i864 for a joint sponsor after the interview which the consulate later processed. I sent my passport to them (at heir request) on the 26th of July and today I got the aforementioned email. Hang in there!

Oh my goodness, I can't tell you how great I feel reading this. Here's a link to my situation: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/322962-canadian-cr1-refusal-at-todays-interview-in-montreal-needs-additional-documentation/

But the long and the short of it I was required to submit my husbands 2010 tax documents after yesterdays interview. DHL is showing that it was received by the MTL consulate this morning. I'm hoping the review and approval will be as quick as yours. Any tips or any follow up from your end you care to share?

I might actually be able to sleep tonight! Thank you so much for posting this good news.

Jade

Hi guys,

Just an update. I got an email from the Montreal consulate telling me that my visa was issued today and will be sent out by DHL tomorrow. For the record, I was asked to send in the i864 for a joint sponsor after the interview which the consulate later processed. I sent my passport to them (at heir request) on the 26th of July and today I got the aforementioned email. Hang in there!

Oh my goodness, I can't tell you how great I feel reading this. Here's a link to my situation: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/322962-canadian-cr1-refusal-at-todays-interview-in-montreal-needs-additional-documentation/

But the long and the short of it I was required to submit my husbands 2010 tax documents after yesterdays interview. DHL is showing that it was received by the MTL consulate this morning. I'm hoping the review and approval will be as quick as yours. Any tips or any follow up from your end you care to share?

I might actually be able to sleep tonight! Thank you so much for posting this good news.

Jade

Thanks!

I called today and they confirmed that the package has been received but that`s all the info they had. She basically said all I can really do is keep calling for updates every now and then. So now I`m just hoping for the best!

Hi there - I'm just wondering if you've had any luck receiving your passport and Visa yet. I ended up in a similar situation today. Here's my post. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/322962-canadian-cr1-refusal-at-todays-interview-in-montreal-needs-additional-documentation/

Any info you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you and, hope all is well!

Jade

Oh no, so sorry to hear you had trouble!! I know there were a couple posts on the Canadian forum from those who had to send documents in after the fact. Nothing incredibly recent, but this: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/320304-additional-documentation/ & this: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/296695-i-am-frustrated-with-the-us-consulate-in-montreal/ might have some useful information.

Hopefully it's quick from here for you!

Thank you - I'll have a look see! FYI I was the redhead in the white dress who went right after you! Congrats to you guys! And again, thank you for all of your informative posts. It's so appreciated!

Hi all,

First and foremost thank you all for the informative posts. Despite having a lawyer (big mistake) the information found on VJ has not only proven to be accurate but a beacon in the night while navigating these rough waters of immigration.

Today I had my interview in Montreal for my CR1 visa. I had all my "ducks in a row" was there bright and early (got c3) etc... But, we ran into an obstacle. Our lawyer told us that using my husbands "2010 Application for automatic Extension of Time to file for US Individual Income tax Return" (Form 4868) was sufficient for the 2010 tax requirements. I did bring all of his 2007, 2008, 2009 documents as well as his affidavit of self employment, current 2011 pay stubs and cheques, invoices to his clients with outstanding money owed to him etc... All of which the CO wouldn't even require despite he made an average of $60K annually. Nevertheless, the CO said that she could not approve the Visa unless she had his 2010 tax returns or 1099's. Note: We had not filed my husbands 2010 taxes because he is self employed and it was taking too much time to gather the W2's from his multiple sources of income. We were advised by our lawyer that we did NOT need to provide my husbands 2010 returns if we had the extension form which by the way was approved through the online system at NVC.

The CO asked if I wanted my passport back or if I wanted her to keep it and then just send in the necessary documentation. I opted to keep it so I could send everything in together including the passport. She said sending this kind of additional documentation wasn't a really big deal and that she tries to turn these things around fairly quickly. She said everything else was ok.

My husband was able to quickly file his 2010 taxes (his accountant is a family friend) and have them emailed to our hotel. I then printed them out and tried to get back into the US Consulate in Montreal to hand deliver them instead of submitting them back using DHL. The security officers were friendly, remembered me from earlier in the morning and went "upstairs" to ask if they would accept the requested documents. Unfortunately the CO who reviewed my file said "no" and that I needed to submit via DHL.

So, I took a very expensive taxi to Dorval (the closest DHL location) with all my documents in hand and sent them to the US consulate along with my passport. I decided to send them from Montreal instead of from my home DHL branch in Ontario in hopes that they will reach the Montreal Consulate tomorrow (DHL said they will get there tomorrow).

My question - has anyone else had to send additional documentation to the Montreal Consulate via DHL after their interview? And, if so, how long did it take for you to get you passport and visa approved and back in your hands? I've tried tirelessly to find some topics around this but no luck. Any insights, experiences suggestions would be most appreciated. What happens now?

I'm devastated by this but need some honest feedback so I can prepare and not live in this constant state of anxiety. After a year of all of this I'm emotionally and now physically exhausted. But I know you all get that!

Thank you in advance friends!

Jade