YVRDualCouple

Hi Trenz--
Sorry, your request slipped past me. After receipt of our privacy release and explanation letter, our congresswoman's office sent me a confirmation within about 24-48 hours (I'm a little hazy, but it was quick), stating that they had submitted a request to the appropriate department (I assume that is the US Department of State).
Hope that helps.

Hi Trenz--
Sorry, your request slipped past me. After receipt of our privacy release and explanation letter, our congresswoman's office sent me a confirmation within about 24-48 hours (I'm a little hazy, but it was quick), stating that they had submitted a request to the appropriate department (I assume that is the US Department of State).
Hope that helps.

Very important suggestion: YOU ask some questions, too!



Don't let the interview officer be the only one to ask questions, you owe it to yourself to ask the questions noted toward the end of this post.



We had our Montreal Interview in mid-April (2015). Everything was in order, the interview went smoothly. The consular officer (interviewer) told us in clear, unmistakable terms, "we will be issuing your visa," and that we should be hearing about the courier/Loomis delivery to Vancouver within 7-10 days. My Canadian husband was handed the "Welcome to the United States of America" form letter.There were no caveats, and no mention of potential delays. Have a nice day.



More than SIX (yes, 6) full weeks have now gone by, and we have not received his visa packet (including his Canadian passport). Trying to get an informative, helpful answer out of the Consulate, on our own, has proven impossible. Online, our file still says "ready," not "issued." On the phone the Consulate receptionist actually told me to contact my member of congress. I've done that, and am awaiting their response.



Here's the suggested questions:



At the end of your interview, if you are led to believe you are approved (as we were), ASK THEM TO CONFIRM THAT THEY HAVE APPROVED YOU. THEN ASK IF THERE IS ANY POSSIBLE REASON WHY YOU WOULD NOT RECEIVE YOUR PACKET ON SCHEDULE. Ask if they are overloaded, or working on schedule. Tell them you've heard cases are sometimes substantially delayed post-interview without explanation, and ask them why this might happen. If they say it's possible, ask them how you can best get it resolved.



I'm not advocating that you be pushy or combative--that will not get you anywhere. Just polite, and inquisitive. It's good for them to be reminded that people on the outside of their consular bubble talk about their service.



The person on the other side of the glass is real and has feelings. This is your ONE chance for you to connect with someone, inside the machine of your visa journey, on a human level. Take advantage of that. I can only wish we'd had this advice 2 months ago. You can thank me later.



Mind you, I'm no immigration expert--other than the fact that I immigrated (successfully) from the US to Canada over a decade ago, and am now sponsoring my Canadian spouse for the reverse journey.



Chances are the Consulate will do just what they say they will. But YOU could also end up like us: more waiting, being filled with anxiety, emotionally exhausted, and financially stressed ... and even watching job opportunities for my spouse slip by.

Very important suggestion: YOU ask some questions, too!
Don't let the interview officer be the only one to ask questions, you owe it to yourself to ask the questions noted toward the end of this post.
We had our Montreal Interview in mid-April (2015). Everything was in order, the interview went smoothly. The consular officer (interviewer) told us in clear, unmistakable terms, "we will be issuing your visa," and that we should be hearing about the courier/Loomis delivery to Vancouver within 7-10 days. My Canadian husband was handed the "Welcome to the United States of America" form letter.There were no caveats, and no mention of potential delays. Have a nice day.
6 full weeks have now gone by, and we have not received his visa packet (including his Canadian passport). Trying to get an informative, helpful answer out of the Consulate, on our own, has proven impossible. Online, our file still says "ready," not "issued." On the phone the Consulate receptionist actually told me to contact my member of congress. I've done that, and am awaiting their response.
Here's the suggested questions:
At the end of your interview, if you are led to believe you are approved (as we were), ASK THEM TO CONFIRM THAT THEY HAVE APPROVED YOU. THEN ASK IF THERE IS ANY POSSIBLE REASON WHY YOU WOULD NOT RECEIVE YOUR PACKET ON SCHEDULE. Ask if they are overloaded, or working on schedule. Tell them you've heard cases are sometimes substantially delayed post-interview without explanation, and ask them why this might happen. If they say it's possible, ask them how you can best get it resolved.
I'm not advocating that you be pushy or combative--that will not get you anywhere. Just polite, and inquisitive. It's good for them to be reminded that people on the outside of their consular bubble talk about their service.
The person on the other side of the glass is real and has feelings. This is your ONE chance for you to connect with someone, inside the machine of your visa journey, on a human level. Take advantage of that. I can only wish we'd had this advice 2 months ago. You can thank me later.
Mind you, I'm no immigration expert--other than the fact that I immigrated (successfully) from the US to Canada over a decade ago, and am now sponsoring my Canadian spouse for the reverse journey.
Chances are the Consulate will do just what they say they will. But YOU could also end up like us: more waiting, being filled with anxiety, emotionally exhausted, and financially stressed ... and even watching job opportunities for my spouse slip by.

Very important suggestion: YOU ask some questions, too!



Don't let the interview officer be the only one to ask questions, you owe it to yourself to ask the questions noted toward the end of this post.



We had our Montreal Interview in mid-April (2015). Everything was in order, the interview went smoothly. The consular officer (interviewer) told us in clear, unmistakable terms, "we will be issuing your visa," and that we should be hearing about the courier/Loomis delivery to Vancouver within 7-10 days. My Canadian husband was handed the "Welcome to the United States of America" form letter.There were no caveats, and no mention of potential delays. Have a nice day.



More than SIX (yes, 6) full weeks have now gone by, and we have not received his visa packet (including his Canadian passport). Trying to get an informative, helpful answer out of the Consulate, on our own, has proven impossible. Online, our file still says "ready," not "issued." On the phone the Consulate receptionist actually told me to contact my member of congress. I've done that, and am awaiting their response.



Here's the suggested questions:



At the end of your interview, if you are led to believe you are approved (as we were), ASK THEM TO CONFIRM THAT THEY HAVE APPROVED YOU. THEN ASK IF THERE IS ANY POSSIBLE REASON WHY YOU WOULD NOT RECEIVE YOUR PACKET ON SCHEDULE. Ask if they are overloaded, or working on schedule. Tell them you've heard cases are sometimes substantially delayed post-interview without explanation, and ask them why this might happen. If they say it's possible, ask them how you can best get it resolved.



I'm not advocating that you be pushy or combative--that will not get you anywhere. Just polite, and inquisitive. It's good for them to be reminded that people on the outside of their consular bubble talk about their service.



The person on the other side of the glass is real and has feelings. This is your ONE chance for you to connect with someone, inside the machine of your visa journey, on a human level. Take advantage of that. I can only wish we'd had this advice 2 months ago. You can thank me later.



Mind you, I'm no immigration expert--other than the fact that I immigrated (successfully) from the US to Canada over a decade ago, and am now sponsoring my Canadian spouse for the reverse journey.



Chances are the Consulate will do just what they say they will. But YOU could also end up like us: more waiting, being filled with anxiety, emotionally exhausted, and financially stressed ... and even watching job opportunities for my spouse slip by.