Sharma Ali

2 hours ago, TSmith said:

Anyone know the closest hotels to the Montreal US Embassy for the interview? 

Best Western Plus Montreal downtown - Hotel Europa. It’s just less than 50 steps from the embassy.

48 minutes ago, NykahDeah said:

So another day of checking CEAC religiously.. no changes.

 

But I did want to share my communication experience:

 

My husband did get a response to the inquiry through Congress, and they got Template #1 which they copied and pasted into a nice official looking template. So I agree with previous suspicions that requesting an update through congress or senate does not mean you'll get movement on the case.

 

The last 2 updates I've received (one direct to my email and this one through congress) have not generated case updates on the CEAC website. 

 

Hopefully this provides at least some information for anyone curious.

Template #1:

 

This case is currently under review with a consular officer. As soon as the review is complete, the Visa Unit will advise of the next steps if anything else is needed to complete processing the case. While we cannot predict when the processing of your visa will be completed, please be assured that the Consulate and the Department of State are aware of your concerns and will contact you as soon as the processing is complete.

 

Template #2:

This case is currently under review with a consular officer. As soon as the review is complete, the Visa Unit will advise of the next steps if anything else is needed to complete processing the case.

 

We realize that these extended time periods cause frustration to many individuals, and we are sensitive to the fact that the purpose of the immigrant visa program is to facilitate legitimate travel to the U.S. Nonetheless, the Consulate in Montreal, like all U.S. Embassies and Consulates, must adjudicate visas in accordance with the provisions of the law, and, in some cases, this involves extensive consular review and administrative processing. 

 

While we cannot predict when the processing of your visa will be completed, please be assured that the Consulate and the Department of State are aware of your concerns and will contact you as soon as the processing is complete.

 

Slight different wording from the Congress email (Says it will be rather than currently under review):

The case will be reviewed by a consular officer. As soon as the review is complete, the Visa Unit will advise of the next steps if anything else is needed to complete processing the case

 

 

 

 

I had a similar experience and was wondering wether this was specific to me. The Senator was given the same template answer. 

1 hour ago, Hamlet said:

I got a response from OP03 just now. Their asking me to send my passport back. Hopefully this is good. 
 

Congratulations mate! 

3 minutes ago, Danii said:

Yes, you're allowed to do that. Just know that you will no longer be a resident of Canada (not sure what province you're in but you're no longer eligible for your provincial health care. There may be some other things like but I'm not sure of them. Maybe check the main Montreal thread FAQ for that info as I believe this question has been asked there before). Yes, as long as the covid test was taken 72 hours before your re-entry into Canada, it is accepted. 

@Danii thanks For the  prompt reply and thrilled for you making through this dreaded 5535. We’ll though miss your leadership. 

Hello Everyone, 

just a quick question, Is it allowed if someone just crosses the border to the US to activate a Visa and return through the next exit? Will the covid test also be active for same day return to Canada without making any contacts in the US. What about quarantine @From_CAN_2_US, @Danii, @Tony Nikolovski Do the border people have any idea? 
thanks

Hello Everyone, 

just a quick question, Is it allowed if someone just crosses the border to the US to activate a Visa and return through the next exit? Will the covid test also be active for same day return to Canada without making any contacts in the US. What about quarantine @From_CAN_2_US, @Danii, @Tony Nikolovski Do the border people have any idea? 
thanks

1 hour ago, canuckchic said:

Hopping on a plane to Montreal tomorrow morning for my interview on the 7th!

All the best! 

22 minutes ago, From_CAN_2_US said:

I have been thinking about this. Several people who were issued DS-5535, especially those that interviewed in late November and early December, reported the CO told them this was nothing to worry about. It was not uncommon to be issued, and should be resolved in a few weeks.

 

I suspect that this was something the consulate has trained COs to say after experiencing some people losing their cool when issued a DS-5535. I think they tell you that to keep you calm until you leave the building, because they know once you leave you can’t contact or bother them….

 

If this is true, it is really cruel.

@From_CAN_2_US this was the case with us. 

44 minutes ago, ice-qube said:

*Who* said that a lawsuit should be filed "within 60 days"? 

According to their website, it says AP should be resolved within 60 days. That’s where the number is coming from. 

2 minutes ago, Tony Nikolovski said:

Perhaps, however, if this is something illegal that the Consulate is doing, isn't it logical to file a legal lawsuit against illegality?

Yes it’s logic to file and many people have already done and succeeded. According to their website, it should be done within 60 days, but it may take sometimes years. BTW am for idea of asking for 5535 and AP before the interview but not to play with peoples lives and emotions. 

22 minutes ago, Tony Nikolovski said:

Would you guys recommend this?: Emailing the Consulate that you will take legal action if they don't consider your case. Do you think that this will convince them to look at your case and take it seriously?

I don’t think that would help. Whatever they’re doing is already illegal but trying disguise it under security vetting and AP which has no legal description. This is just one of the many black holes they’ve created to discourage legal immigration. 

1 hour ago, Tony Nikolovski said:

Is it true that a CR-1 Visa automatically changes to an IR-1 Visa if 2 years of marriage have passed but you still haven't obtained your CR-1?

It either changes at NVC when they’re creating case numbers or during the GC printing. If your two year anniversary came after the case was created, it will automatically change to IR1 during card printing. 

Hello everyone, 

I hope you’re all doing good and managing well this dreaded 5535 black hole. It’s really been draining me so bad and have had constant nightmares about it. They sent me this email today and we’re trying to contact our congress representative and see what she can do. Had the interview on December 6th. 

34 minutes ago, Danii said:

You can try reaching out to them using public inquiry, from my experience they reply a bit faster: https://ca.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/public-inquiry-form/

I was sending the inquiry while you replied to my question. Thank you so much Danii. I hope our cases are resolved as soon as possible. 

Quick question, 

I’ve submitted form 864W for my two young kids, and CO said that if I’ve sent forms today (Dec 6th ) I will have their visa approved right away. It’s been a week and the refusal haven’t changed. The auto reply from the email, we’ve sent said you will be replied within 5 business days. What should I do ?

thanks 

3 hours ago, Hamlet said:

I emailed them right after they sent me the email that they are returning my passport. I received a generic response 2 weeks later. I will try the public inquiry and see where that goes. 
 

Honestly, I don’t want my passport returned back to me without the Visa stamped inside. They can keep it!

 

 

I hope it goes well for all of us. These people don’t this they’re playing with families and children and just numbers. 

4 hours ago, canuckchic said:

Happy to say we FINALLY recieved our IR this morning as well after being skipped twice as everyone knows - thank you to all who tried to help along the process!!
 

DQ'd Feb 19, 2021 

Interview Jan 7th at 9:00am

I am glad you finally did. This was long overdue. All the best! 

3 hours ago, From_CAN_2_US said:

Update:

 

Interview - Dec 8, 2021 Approved

Dec 8, 2021 - Issued, Administrative Processing

Dec 9 2021 - Issued, Final Processing

You’re so luck! Am very happy for you! 

1 hour ago, From_CAN_2_US said:

Yes, use new name and new passport info for registering appointment. 

 

I am sure, if it is the standard for Canada to take the old passports back Montreal consulate would be aware of it and you will be fine with a photocopy.

 

 

@__monicabb My daughter had a new passport before the interview, her old one has been returned to us. And when we went to the interview they just asked a copy of the new one since it’s not in ceac portal. It’s should be fine for you. 

54 minutes ago, Sharma Ali said:

@Hawk Riders am still trying to come to terms with their decision. I’ve been sent a DS 5535 form and my two kids were missing 864W request for a waiver, which I haven’t heard of before Monday. Does anyone know how long does the DS 5535 form take? Hoping the best for our good friend @From_CAN_2_US any body having their interview. This process is draining. 

@From_CAN_2_US They’ve sent me the DS5535 in an email format, do I just reply to email answering questions or do I need to print and sign the DS5535. Please let me know if anybody has an idea. URGENT. Thanks 

On 12/6/2021 at 11:21 PM, Hawk Riders said:

@PA93 & @Sharma Ali how did things go for you?

@Hawk Riders am still trying to come to terms with their decision. I’ve been sent a DS 5535 form and my two kids were missing 864W request for a waiver, which I haven’t heard of before Monday. Does anyone know how long does the DS 5535 form take? Hoping the best for our good friend @From_CAN_2_US any body having their interview. This process is draining. 

On 11/18/2021 at 4:16 PM, canuckchic said:

Hi everyone – I’m sure most of you have seen my posts about being skipped over for the Nov and now Dec interviews as we were DQ’d Feb 19, 2021.

I have been in touch with our local Congress rep and they spoke to the NVC. They confirmed that yes, they scheduled by DQ'd dates. Admitting no error on their part because they have no way to compare cases to say that we are the same as people who have been scheduled for interviews who were DQ’d after us. Ridiculous of course. The Congress rep said the only option at this point is to "prove that the NVC has scheduled people for interviews after our DQ date". To do this we must find at least one person who is willing to submit to the NVC all of their case information along with interview info, etc along with our case info to "compare" to prove our issue.

My ask is of anyone who would be willing to help us with this. I believe what we could do to protect your privacy (from myself) would be for whoever would be willing; to send me your info in a private message – like your contact info and DQ date and interview date, along with your phone number and email for the NVC to contact you to verify your case info and details that I’m sure you’d like to keep private from myself. Then I could use all of that in my correspondence to them.

I see the following people who were DQ'd after us that have had or will have November interviews;

 

@Quangerfeb 21 interview nov 18

@Torrjr feb 22 interview nov 18

@Canada5 feb 25 interview nov 22

@NadiaL mar 5 interview nov 29

@SS_V mar 10 interview nov 29

@Colorado bound mar 15 interview nov 1

 

please reach out if you’d be willing to help us. We are desperate to have our family back together, my two babies miss their Daddy so much. Also if anyone that hasn’t had their interview yet and is scheduled for December would like to help, please do let me know.

Thank you very much!

 

 

Sorry for reaching out to you late. Please let me know if there’s anyway I could help. My DQ June 4th interview Dec 6th. 

5 hours ago, From_CAN_2_US said:

I am not entirely sure. @CanadianJeff sought help from their spouse's senator when their passport return took over 4 weeks. I suggest reading through their latest posts. I think it all starts by visiting the senator's website (senator of the state where your spouse resides).

 

@CanadianJeff Hope you don't mind me referencing you. I don't know of anyone else who has the experience... 

@canuckchic please check your husband's senator's or congressman's office/web and tell them you need help with this issue. They have a liaison office that deals with governments' agencies. I know of a friend who was assisted quickly. praying for everyone impacted by this @From_CAN_2_US

7 hours ago, From_CAN_2_US said:

Yep! Getting the same error. I'll try tomorrow as well. 

Getting the same response @From_CAN_2_US Where can I find the DS260 number? is it the one with barcode next to MTL2021 case number on the Ds260 confirmation page?

Thanks 🙏 God, received the IL. My appointment is on Dec 6th at 8:15 am. @From_CAN_2_US did you get it? DQ June 4th.