likethefox

Hey everyone, Meant to send this update awhile ago... I received my approved US visa back from the Montreal Consulate on January 31st! My initial interview was July 13 2022 with a DS 260 issued on July 14 2022. We had filed a WOM with Hacking Immigration Law in late October 2022. The consulate filed for a 30 day extension on Dec 27 and almost immediately I began to see movement on the CEAC page (case updates). Second medical and new passport photos were requested on January 9. My visa status changed to "issued" on January 30 and then unbelievably, I had the passport in hand with visa the next day on January 31st. I hope this is enoucraging for those still stuck in the dreadfully long and frustrating limbo. I did go the WOM route and had a great experience with Hacking Immigration Law. I've seen a lot of complaints that it's hard to talk to an actual lawyer after the initial filing, which is true, but true because it's mostly unnecessary. The paralegal that handled the case was responsive, clear, and helpful throughout each step of the lawsuit process. My advice to those considering a WOM would be to get all of the questions out in the free consulation phone call with a lawyer because otherwise, you will only be in contact with a paralegal. Keep your heads up and I hope everyone here gets clear soon!

We filed a WOM with Hacking Immigration Law in late October after being given the DS 5535 on July 14 (DS 5535 came one day after my interview in Montreal). The initial 60 day deadline was December 27... however, as expected from other reports and stories, the department of state filed a 30 day extension request on December 20 (new deadline of January 26) CEAC hadn't updated since July but we've recently had updates on December 28, January 5, and now today, Jan 9. Also today, the consulate requested a new medical and two new passport photos (my 1st medical expired like 3 weeks ago... argh!) I'm wondering if anyone has a recent experience or an estimate of a timeline for visa approval AFTER the second medical is sent to the consulate. The second medical appears to be the last hurdle before in the consular officer's words they can "finalize processing" of the visa. Thanks in advance!

Hey Mam521 - Yes, I have Canadian citizenship. I was able to cross the US land border successfully with a full colour copy of my Canadian passport and my Canadian birth certificate. Very few issues, though i titi help that I have crossed the border by car multiple times per year with my American spouse.

Hi everyone! First time poster here. Had my interview yesterday in Montreal and was put into administrative processing with no reason given. The consular officer even admitted he did not know why it was happening. I'm still awaiting the follow-up email from the consulate... I suspect it will the DS-5535 questions because we used to live abroad but have lived in Canada for 8+ years. We are planning to cross the land border and drive from Toronto to Maine (my US citizen spouse has a family cottage there). I have a second passport (UK citizenship) and we are hoping I can cross using that passport as Montreal still have my Canadian passport. We've called the CBP and the actual border office (Buffalo, NY) and have received positive yet not totally clear messages. Has anyone else attempted this in the past? Thanks in advance!