Pearljamm

9 hours ago, ajxl888 said:

Hi All,

 

I just received this email from the MTL consulate.  Is this any different from what I've been in since being placed in AP?  Or is this the final decision by the embassy?  I'm coming up to the year mark since my interview... Being in AP is one thing but I truly have no idea why I would be denied.  If anyone has any insight it would be appreciated. 

 

Good afternoon,

 

The consular officer, after carefully considering your application and reviewing all available information, determined you have not established that you are eligible for a visa and denied your visa application under INA 221(g).  Additional security screening is being conducted.  Depending on the screening results, a consular officer may reconsider your eligibility for the visa.

 

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

 

Regards,

I recieved a similar email recently, word for word. its the wording that set everything off but we're still under AP and nothing changed, I reached out to my lawyer and he confirmed the changes in wording in response of the lawsuits. "they're just using different words now, because the words they were using do not benefit them in a lawsuit". 

Reaching the one year mark next month and still nothing.

12 hours ago, ak47 said:

Was your interview in the end of March or April ?

 

We had ours in March but did not receive any update...

My interview was early April 

On 1/20/2024 at 11:34 AM, APRIL2023 said:

Got an unsolicited status updated on Thursday. Hopefully that’s a good sign. It has been a rollercoaster of 10 months waiting. 
 

I emailed my ds5535 info in after not hearing from them for three weeks post interview. I followed up to confirm receipt and they responded yes and provided date when info was entered into their system. 
 

For peeps who asked about emailing congressman for help. I tried before, congress, senate and even White House. No help. Congresswoman was a waste of time, her representative made it sound like they can help to influence process but literally ghosted on us after 4 months. We were referred to reps in DoS by the White House and got a “personalized” letter response… but pretty much saying nothing can be done. 
 

For those who received extension request after filing WOM, how much extra do lawyers charge? I inquired Goldstein but they cannot give me a straight answer. 

 

Same here, I got an unsolicited status update on friday! and we both had our interview around April, I rather not get my hopes up but any April received unsolicited status update on CEAC?

14 hours ago, LYV said:

Hello, 

 

I have created a spreadsheet for us all to use to track our progress. Another group used this type of sheet to track when their meetings would be scheduled from DQ date and it was really helpful to see approximate processing times. Please see attached online Excel Sheet. Let me know if you have any questions or think I missed anything that should be added. I've went ahead and added my information on the first line. Thanks!

 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jV7rzX2eCRVoEDRhOtN9a6hDoHRLNEf1P3ZGZbQ0_Dc/edit?usp=sharing

Added myself in! 

12 hours ago, throwitaway said:

Usually DOS’ Blinken, then consul general of MTL, then ambassador to Canada, then the legal affairs office of DOS

yup! that is correct!

12 hours ago, Tristan L said:

Hi Pearjamm,

 

Do you have any updates after wom? I am planning to sign with pic as well. How long it will take after you sign with them to file the WOM.

Thanks.

I believe it takes a week to prepare everything but they won't file until you have reached 90 days . 

We have been assigned a judge and the lawyer sent copy of the complaint to the US attorney's office, so the 60 days countdown for them to response started last week. 

3 hours ago, Tikitch said:

Hey guys! Some good news finally! 
After 9 months since my interview, they requested a new medical and my passport.

Does this mean there's a light at the end of the tunnel?

Ill be calling Telus health to rebook another dreaded apointment cause I can't seem to do it online.

And checking courier instructions.

however, I am travelling till beginning of august, is it ok to book my appointment for after? And how long does it take after I do the test and send my passport to issue the visa?
 

Could there be any other obstacles or am I close to the end? Thanks for any insight. 

Great news! it does sound like you're getting closer to the end of the tunnel!! very happy for you!

15 hours ago, Nbc16 said:

Hope it goes fast and you get approved in no time ! Who did you file with ? We’ve been talking to goldstein in preparation for the 90 day mark

We went with Palladino, Isbell & Casazza LLC! Christopher Casazza is representing us! 

Today, we have officially filed WoM. 

And now, we wait. 

1 hour ago, WatchingPaintDry said:

 

Successfully crossed the border yesterday morning via Pearson and reunited with my wife and baby girl. No issues on crossing. They took my fingerprints again and had my verify my US residential address. Now just wait for the physical card

Congratulations! I love hearing good news coming from this thread ! :D 

1 minute ago, WatchingPaintDry said:

Thank you! And you will. It's a ridiculously long process. Further expensive if you take the WOM route. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Hope so! I’m filing WOM next month. I’m wondering is there any updates for those who filed last month? 

2 hours ago, WatchingPaintDry said:

@justanamericangrl : my status changed to Issued today!! Still waiting on the email but FINALLY!!!

 

1.5 years of administrative process done!!!!! (January 24, 2022 to June 22, 2023). No WOM. Can't wait to see my wife and baby girl!!

Congratulations!!! Hopefully we all see you on the other side ! 

3 hours ago, justanamericangrl said:

Just wanted to update my husbands status changed to issued today! Says passport should be returned within 10 business days. Hope you get some good news soon! Can’t be much longer!

 

edit to add I’ll update again soon with our whole timeline in case anyone is interested. 

Congratulations!!!! How long did it take you after you filed WOM? 

1 minute ago, Nbc16 said:

Goldstein charges like 5500$ he seemed pretty good but that’s alot of money especially if others are charging a 1000 less

I highly highly recommend going for PIC, they’re amazing and you actually have direct communication with the lawyer.
 

I have no regret, 

they charge $4500 for legal fees + admin fee and complaint fee = $5000. My lawyer recommended to wait 90 days to avoid risk of dismissal. I notice other just rush to 60 days. 
 

My take is to go for PIC, he even gives you his work WhatsApp number where you can get a reply 24 hours or sometimes same day.

My lawyer is Chris and he’s amazing at his work and genuinely cares compare to others 

47 minutes ago, Nbc16 said:

Hi everyone,

still awaiting the clearance but went to visit my fiancé in the US and was only asked where i was travelling to… How are we being extreme vetted for security for MONTHS but allowed to visit without any issues? 
Nonesense

I agree!!  My lawyer was telling me that US-Canada already share information. I feel like the montreal consulate is really bad.. 

I don't mind waiting but I am having my first born this fall and I need to be with the wife and that left me with no choice but to file WOM early July. it'll be 90 days since the interview. 

9 hours ago, Canucklehead said:

Anyone try emailing the consulate and mentioning you intend to file a WOM? Seems like such a shitty way to start a life in a country by basically having to file legal proceedings against them, but as others have mentioned it seems like the only way to actually get someone to do something. 

I did, this was their response. We will be filing on July 05, 2023 when we reach 90 days. My lawyer is pretty conservative and prefer to wait 90 days instead of 60 days and I do agree with him. It's really sad that I have to spend this amount of money to force immigration to make a decision.... 

On 6/7/2023 at 11:14 AM, Pearljamm said:

I got a response back from Montreal Consulate after letting them know my intention to file writ of Mandamus 

 

"Good Morning, Thank you for this follow-up. Your case has been updated to note this.

 

We are constantly working to find mechanisms to improve our screening processes and to support legitimate travel and immigration to the United States while protecting U.S. citizens. The duration of administrative processing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case. The Department of State is continuously working to refine our visa application, assessment, and security screening procedures. We continue to aim to reduce the time required for certain types of administrative processing. As soon as we are able to do so, the Visa Unit will advise you of the next steps to complete processing the case.

 

We hope that this information is helpful in replying to your inquiry. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance. Regards,"

 

At least it's different than the usual generic email 

On 6/7/2023 at 1:26 PM, Pearljamm said:

 

21 minutes ago, APRIL2023 said:

No!!!! It doesn’t make sense. It has been 60 days since my interview and I have not received anything from the consulate. I asked multiple times and still, generic responses. This makes me wonder whether or not they actually touched my application at all. 

the new form indicates that 6 months is the processing time, nothing about the 60 days that was previously mentioned on their website. 
 

All status updates correlates with the date of generic email responses. 
 

I know many ppl inquired about WOM here and it really does frustrates me that it’s needed to get things going. Also makes me wonder will this delay timing for those who doesn’t file for WOM, since the WOM has totally become a “premium processing” equivalent for AP, only there’s no guarantee a decision within 15 days and if u have 5k to spare.
 

Just a thought. I’m frustrated. 

OMG! this is soooo frustrating! I am so sorry you have to go through this

Can you just email them the DS5535? this is ridiculous to be honest.. 

I got a response back from Montreal Consulate after letting them know my intention to file writ of Mandamus 

"Good Morning, Thank you for this follow-up. Your case has been updated to note this.

We are constantly working to find mechanisms to improve our screening processes and to support legitimate travel and immigration to the United States while protecting U.S. citizens. The duration of administrative processing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case. The Department of State is continuously working to refine our visa application, assessment, and security screening procedures. We continue to aim to reduce the time required for certain types of administrative processing. As soon as we are able to do so, the Visa Unit will advise you of the next steps to complete processing the case.

We hope that this information is helpful in replying to your inquiry. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance. Regards,"

At least it's different than the usual generic email 

We hired PIC to work with Chris to file Writ of Mandamus. 

We will be filing early July as we will reach  3 months since the interview. 

Also, I notice they focus on when we submitted I130 and when it was approved. Does anyone why ? 

I recently came back from the states with no problem.  Officer asked the same question as before, I also spent 10 days there and came back.

Day 40 since submitting the form.

hoping to be done with this by day 80 - 100 

3 hours ago, PZibran325 said:

I do think this is true. Although we waiting from June 2022 to march 2023 (about 9 months) ours was cleared without a WOM. We had retained PIC for a WOM but were cleared through before we had a chance to file. There have been a few others on here that I've seen recently clear through without WOMs and a couple others that have cleared through within a 4 month timeline. So I would recommend waiting a bit rather than jumping to file a WOM.

I hope so!! I think I will wait until October to file, hopefully 6 - 7 months is enough time to get approved without needing to file WOM. 

15 hours ago, ShawnK said:

I'm thinking of PIC too, how much were you quoted?

Legal fees: $4500

Admin fee: $98

Complaint:402 

Total: $5000

I am going to file as soon as I am eligible because honestly, I am very disappointed with Montreal consulate and their lack of proper communication. 

On 5/18/2023 at 10:07 AM, throwitaway said:

PIC was the best for us.

 

Our case was complex but they handled it beautifully. They were always responsive, quick to file, and we felt they genuinely cared about the outcome. 
 

They actually took over for an incompetent lawyer so they were definitely a breath of fresh air. 

So We decided to go with PIC and met with Chris, 

He was an amazing guy to speak with and compared to the others, we were really comfortable with him. he will take on our case late june/early july should we not hear anything back.  

He also mentioned if we get approved before filling, he would refund us the money which is amazing! The only downfall is that there's no monthly payment and it would have to be one payment and that'll take a hit in my wallet lol. 

Also,  Does Montreal consulate copy paste their response to every email? I am a little disappointed that I got the same email it was a completely different question. 

Chris did mention how Montreal was one of the worst US consulate, and i can see why 😕 

Anyways, Hopefully we all get approved sooner than later. Wishing everyone the best! 

13 hours ago, Mmk2112 said:

When was your interview and how long it's been?

April 05,

it’s been one month . They said they would

able help if it passes at least 60 days, it would

be late June/early July to file 

Hey guys! 
 

I hope everyone is doing well. 

I just wanted to let everybody know I travelled to the states with no issues at all, in fact it was the smoothest process lol.

I am considering filing writ of mandamus and got in touch with Goldstein, Hacking, and PIC as we are discussing the best option for us.

Goldstien and hacking told us we would be eligible to file a case after 60 days (43 days left) and still waiting to hear back from PIC, they said they’ll contact us within 24 hours.

Will keep everyone updated.

for those who filed , which one did you find the best for you? 
 

When filling out

"DS 5535 - Have you ever held a passport other than the passport listed in your visa application? (YES or NO): 

If yes, provide the following information:"

I am assuming I need to fill out the old passport number, my questions is, I only have the pervious expired passport. my parents usually threw them out. Should I just put down the last expired passport? Been trying to search every where to find the old passports but no luck.