Hi folks, just wanted to give an update
Interview 08/04, given DS-5535. No apparent reason, Canadian born without a history of international travel. Working in the finance sector for reputable employers. My wife (the petitioner) suspected it might be because she has an online presence as a conservative/republican, but who knows. I also suspect it might be because I've done a few back and forth to visit my wife in the U.S. over the last year. Could also be just random.
On 08/04 and 08/05, my wife and I contacted the consulate. We reminded them that earlier this year, the consulate had approved our expedited interview request as my wife has a life-threatening condition. We sent the doctor's note again and waited. On 08/05, the consulate acknowledged the receipt of the DS 5535, but did not say anything else.
Early last week, we sent a few physical letters in the mail specifically addressed to higher-ups in the consulate, and their IV processing division. The case updated on 08/05, 08/08 and 08/09 but still said refused.
On 08/10, the status updated to issued, and I received a tracking number that very day. On 08/11, I received my passport with the approved visa in it.
All in all, we don't know whether it was our emails or our physical letters that generated a movement in our case, but we feel very blessed. We were in AP for 6 days which appears to be an anomaly, likely because of the petitioner's life-threatening condition.
Our thoughts are with those that are still stuck in AP for no apparent reason. There's some case law arguing that family separation is a form of irreparable harm. I suggest perhaps trying to get in touch with the consulate's higher-ups and making a case for your current situation. Not sure if that's what helped us but it's worth a shot.