Min & Mark

This is an update from my previous post above yesterday. I called USCIS today to find out my interview date. Without having to wait for a letter to arrive, you can actually check it by calling them. It was scheduled for September 20. For your reference, I live in LA, applied for i-751 in May 24, 2019. It’s that time again: preparing all the documents to bring. I’ll leave a review on how the interview went in September. Have a good day!

Hello visajourney friends, I would like to share that USCIS website says my interview has been scheduled on August 10. I’m in LA, filed i-751 in May 24, 2019. I hope this info helps the applicants who reside in LA and applied for it around the same time as me. I’m still waiting for  a letter for details. Have a good day! 

I placed an infopass appointment request on January 19 and finally received a call today, February 3. It took 11 business days. I am assigned to LA office. I missed my first call and the agent left a voice message saying that she would call back within an hour. She called me again less an hour and helped me with the appointment. I hope this info helps! 

5 minutes ago, TimmyArya said:

I'm also in LA. I got an email after 15 business days that they have scheduled an appointment for me. I didn't call back just waited.  But be aware they will ask you to remove your masks once you are at the appointment. Good luck!

Thank you so much for the additional information, TimmyArya! 
I usually don’t put my phone on ringtone because of too many spam calls and messages and it’s been annoying to have it on ringtone for a while now for this call XD Hope you have a great week! 

Update from my previous comment above: I called back because the call was dropped. An agent was a lot nicer than the previous one but I received the same information: just wait because you are in queue. I asked if my request could be marked as urgent because it’s been 10 business days, however, the answer was that could make myself in the back of the line so just wait. I will keep waiting for the call. This is my guess but I think the call is being delayed because I’m in LA area where could be busier than other areas? But yeah, thank you for reading my update! 

I called for the infopass appointment on January 19 but haven’t received a call yet. Today is day 10 business days. I called back today (Feb 1) and the agent kept repeating “we can’t do anything else but wait because you already submitted the request” and the call dropped just like that.... I read others saying that they called back after day 7 and their request was marked as urgent and escalated. Since my extension letter expires on Feb 17 and the stamp is needed for my work, what do I need to tell the agent to escalate my request? Or, as the agent said, should I just keep waiting? 
Nothing they promised happens in a timely manner even for this simple infopass appointment.. 

4 hours ago, Harold_Oakland said:

Hopefully it means it got "touched" by someone taking action on your case and not a reason to make it longer.

Hi Harold. Thanks for giving me the positivity! Things have gotten out of norm and I think that’s why I interpreted this change negatively. Any update should be appreciated, actually. I’ll keep updating in this forum if I notice any other updates. Have a great day! 

Today, I found a weird change in my USCIS status. 
In May, it said my case was ready for an interview as of May 5. However, when I checked the status today, it said my case is ready for an interview as of September 9. This change of date gave me an odd feeling that USCIS modified this date on purpose to make it seem like there was a shorter wait time from now to the interview date and in reality, my file has been sitting there for an interview since May. Anyway, I feel like this delay really limited my freedom to travel, work, and more in everyday life. 

May 2019 filer checking in.. Case Number starts with MSC. Just to leave a record here that my status still shows "Interview to be scheduled." I see some people getting approved slowly here which is good  

@K&Kir 

I wrote a review of my medical check at Medisys like a week ago. I will paste it here.

Quote

I had my medical check yesterday at Medisys in Montreal, Canada.

I paid $435 dollars for vision, height, weight, blood pressure check, blood test, urine test, x-ray, doctor's consultation.

While I waited for the first very test (x-ray), I filled out a questionnaire asking my medical history, some basic information about my case (case number, passport number, etc)

It took exactly 2 hours and I was served right on time.

There was no unexpected situation.

Everything went smoothly 

I brought my vaccination record and submitted to a receptionist at the beginning.

The doctor didn't ask anything about vaccination.

Vaccination part could cost the most if you don't have them updated. *Varicella, MMR, Tdap, flu vaccine(applied only in winter)

 

One thing that draw my attention was *No one knew about the new system which caused a problem with Packet 4.*

I brought a copy of the email from NVC indicating the interview date.

The receptionist asked me to submit Packet 4 which is not the case for the new system.

I explained her I'm in the new system but she just kept saying that must be in my junk mail.

 

In a result, I was the first case they've seen with the new system and a person who seems to be a head receptionist let me go through.

Yet, that person also wasn't sure about the letter I brought. 

 

Anyway, it will take 3-5 days to pickup the result. 

I couldn't choose a doctor in advance. I think we are randomly assigned to a doctor there. The doctor was female, she was very kind and wasn't picky at all.

I had my medical check on Wednesday in the morning and I could pick up the result on Monday morning. If I had did it on Tuesday, I was told I could have picked up the result on Friday. So, it takes 3 business days. 

Staying in Montreal until you get the result & the interview sounds very pricey and also missing work for 10 days sounds almost impossible.

I'm almost sure Medisys has "result delivery service" by mail but if you take the exam on 4th, it is too risky to get it delivered to your house on time. If you can find a cheap transportation (either train or plane), I think it's better to take the exam in July and get the result either delivered in a safe time frame or picked up by yourself on Friday before the interview since the medical centre closes on weekend. 

Lots of people are saying this stage is the most expensive one. 

However, you are almost done!

Medical check, Interview, and visiting Montreal are things that have to be done at some point.

I truly understand your pain but I hope you don't risk any chance to save some $$$.

So if I were you, I would take two trips to Montreal. One for medical check, one for interview. And result is picked up by myself on Friday before the interview (I don't even wanna take a chance to lose my result on the way by Canada post). And minimize missing days from work.

OR

I'll fly to Toronto, get my medical check done since it is almost $150 cheaper than in Montreal (you can spend that money on accommodation or transportation), pick up the result by myself and take Megabus (cost 30-40 dollars/ one way, cheap but takes 6 hours) or Viarail train (more expensive than bus but faster) for the interview. However, since the interview is in the morning, you will have to take bus or train at night on Sunday. 

Good luck and I hope this helps! 

Hello folks, 

I had my medical check yesterday at Medisys in Montreal, Canada.

I paid $435 dollars for vision, height, weight, blood pressure check, blood test, urine test, x-ray, doctor's consultation.

While I waited for the first very test (x-ray), I filled out a questionnaire asking my medical history, some basic information about my case (case number, passport number, etc)

It took exactly 2 hours and I was served right on time.

There was no unexpected situation.

Everything went smoothly

I brought my vaccination record and submitted to a receptionist at the beginning.

The doctor didn't ask anything about vaccination.

Vaccination part could cost the most if you don't have them updated. *Varicella, MMR, Tdap, flu vaccine(applied only in winter)

One thing that draw my attention was *No one knew about the new system which caused a problem with Packet 4.*

I brought a copy of the email from NVC indicating the interview date.

The receptionist asked me to submit Packet 4 which is not the case for the new system.

I explained her I'm in the new system but she just kept saying that must be in my junk mail.

In a result, I was the first case they've seen with the new system and a person who seems to be a head receptionist let me go through.

Yet, that person also wasn't sure about the letter I brought. 

Anyway, it will take 3-5 days to pickup the result. 

My interview day is in 2 weeks and few days at Montreal embassy.

I'll post a review..

I hope everything goes well.

Cheers.

26 minutes ago, Finayyy said:

I got an email today from the Montreal embassy reminding me to bring documents that they had listed: ie birth certificate, AOS forms, police clearance etc. Pretty stoked that its next week.

Did they send you that list by email or they meant all the original copies of the documents that you have submitted to NVC? 

I wish your interview goes well!!

1 hour ago, K&Kir said:

Thank you! 

I am too eager to log back in! Ha! Can I log in at anytime to check if fees paid or should I literally wait 3 days before logging back in?

 

Hope Toronto88 got started. And someone here has an interview in a week or so, wow! Prayers to all! And thank you Cat_Dad

I'm glad you moved onto the next stage!

Yes, you can log back in and check your payment status as many times as you want. 

I wish you best luck!

19 minutes ago, KimchiLumpia said:

Why risk it?  

 

I want to give you best wishes, however, there is no guarantee your Visa will be approved.   And once approved, it can take up to 2 weeks to receive.

 

Its pretty much agreed upon on VJ not to schedule definitive plans, weddings, or purchase airline tickets until the Visa is in-hand.  There are too many VJ posts from members that risked it regardless, and were left stressed out and disappointed.

I agree. 

However, my husband is coming to Montreal for a week for the interview and I have a lot to bring to US so I thought it would be very helpful to go back together.

I appreciate a lot your comment and I really reconsider buying a flight ticket too tight.  Thanks a lot and have a nice day!!   

Hello, 

My interview date is July 24 Monday at 8am in Montreal and I live in Montreal. I'm planning to buy a flight ticket to go to USA with my husband that Friday. 

Will Monday-Friday be enough time to get my passport back? 

I saw a couple who had their interview in May got theirs in two days because they lived in Montreal. 

Has anyone done the interview recently and received the passport back in a week? 

I really appreciate your time in advance. 

I brought a great news today!!!!!!!!!! 

Yesterday, my police clearance from South Korea was refused (because of it issuance date) and I was thinking to submit a current one next Monday.

However, last night I just submitted an explanation letter (The submitted police clearance was issued only four months ago and I have not lived in South Korea for 7 years now and I'll bring the current one to an interview) and a proof (study permit, work permit, and a copy of my passport that shows the latest entry of Canada). Today afternoon, NVC accepted all my documents and I was waiting for the interview date to be set. 

I was already very glad that the excuse letter was accepted.

However, a big surprise was waiting for me.

NVC sent me an interview date right away which is July 24 at 8am !

Everything was happening even before I blinked my eyes once. 

No word can describe how happy I am now. 

I'll make an appointment for the medical check next Monday. 

It has been a long journey and I always felt so warm having you guys around cheering each other. 

I'll keep posting further process. 

Thank you God, and Thank you guys.

Oh, I feel like I already miss Montreal!

1 hour ago, Min & Mark said:

Probably in a day if one of my family member has time to go to a local police department to request it. 

 

I remember you wrote a letter about your birth certificate (you will submit it at the interview) when they rejected it.

I'd like to write a letter to appeal it has been only 4 months from its issuance date and I haven't lived there for 7 years now. 

As @Cat_Dad mentioned, usually police certificate is valid for a year except very few countries.

 

Did you select its criteria "OTHERS" when you uploaded your explanation letter?

(I'll add in the end of the letter that I'll bring a current police certificate to the interview, if that would make them feel better.)

 

 

I decided to submit a new police clearance instead of an explanation letter. 

It takes only a day to get it in South Korea (my family will do that for me) and mostly, I want to avoid unexpected delay.

Thank you for your opinions. 

40 minutes ago, Finayyy said:

Expect it by the next day. 

 

How long did it take to get the original police clearance?

Probably in a day if one of my family member has time to go to a local police department to request it. 

I remember you wrote a letter about your birth certificate (you will submit it at the interview) when they rejected it.

I'd like to write a letter to appeal it has been only 4 months from its issuance date and I haven't lived there for 7 years now. 

As @Cat_Dad mentioned, usually police certificate is valid for a year except very few countries.

Did you select its criteria "OTHERS" when you uploaded your explanation letter?

(I'll add in the end of the letter that I'll bring a current police certificate to the interview, if that would make them feel better.)

18 hours ago, Finayyy said:

If everything is well, you'll get the approval and case closed tomorrow afternoon.

You were right, Finayyy.

However, they rejected my Police certificate from South Korea because it is 4 MONTHS old. I didn't even doubt my police certificate that was issued "ONLY" 4 months ago would be expired already. (I haven't lived there more than 7 years now.)  They requested a current police certificate. Sigh.  

Yet, I heard it only takes from a few hours to a day for them to re-review it once I upload it, if I'm not mistaken... right.?

1 hour ago, Jnicole said:

Hi everyone!

 

So I submitted all of our documents yesterday and we got our case complete and interview scheduled today!! I am in shock it was so fast! 

 

The only weird thing is that my fee payments were rejected for apparently no reason. I called the NVC and they said it was no big deal and to pay when my husband goes for his interview, so i'm just wondering if this has happened to anyone else? 

 

 

Congrats!! I submitted all the documents yesterday as well and waiting for them to be reviewed  

it sounds interesting that "start now" button was activated for uploading the documents without the payment status being "PAID" 

I agree to the idea to check with the embassy if what NVC said to you was right. 

23 hours ago, Finayyy said:

The price was $300. If you pay by debit, $301 ($1 service charge).

 

The overall experience was pleasant. Dr. Lyndon was extreme kind and polite. We spent more talking about cultural backgrounds (we both are Indian) then actual exam. He just checked my blood pressure and went over my vaccinations. Also asked if I drink. Was in and out within 30 minutes.

 

The X-Ray was also the same. Waited about 5 minutes, then got called to the back. Waited another 2-3 minutes before getting called and having the X-Ray done.

 

The blood work took forever as there was a huge line up. But as soon as I was called, it took literally 30 seconds.

 

Just for clarification, X-Ray is done to check for TB , blood test is for syphilis, urine is for Gonorrhea Testing. 

 

Hope this helps and will be posting this in the Canada section.

Thank you for sharing the experience.

How long did everything take? maybe an hour or two including the blood test?

And could you please show me the link for the Canada section? I'd like to join there too. 

Could you please share the price for the medical check once it is done?

I live in Montreal so I probably will go to Medisys in Montreal but I found the price difference was huge between Montreal and Toronto.

People who got their medical exam in Montreal paid around $450 in 2016 but only $300 in Toronto.

2 hours ago, Cat_Dad said:

I finally got my interview date letter, June 27th.

In the "Check My Visa Application Status" part of the CEAC website my case is now "In Transit" to the consulate.

Congratulations!!! I am so happy for you and Finayyy who got the interview date in June too.

I hope you guys do wonderful at the interview!!  

My payment status for both AOS and IV were reset today (I took 3 days) and paid them successfully on Internet explorer.

I'm seeing myself getting closer to the finish line and put an end to this long journey. 

51 minutes ago, felizcasado said:

Same thing happened to me, it unlocked this morning and I paid the fee with Internet Explorer. 1 week lost because of using Google Chrome!

Hello! Felizcasado. I'm glad you got it unlocked! Keep it up!