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Hi All,

We randomly decided to log into CEAC and noticed that under IV Application it says Re-opened and the highlight box says "once you have made your changes, to resubmit DS-260".  Does this mean anything?  I don't really want to click on anything out of fear it will mess something up in the back end... It's been a while since I last checked but this is the first time I'm seeing it say "Re-Opened". 

Has anyone abandoned this route and decided to have their American spouse immigrate to Canada instead?  What is that process like?  Is it just as slow?

6 minutes ago, ak47 said:

Looks the email is in response to the WOM. Their screening is still in process based on the email format.

Thanks all.  Will keep the group updated with any movement.

13 minutes ago, CarmenD said:

Has there been any movement since filing?  Has the government filed a Motion to Dismiss, or requested/filed for an extension to reply? Thanks

They haven't since we're still within the timeframe they have to respond.  And no changes to my case in CEAC.  This email didn't even correspond with a case update, which it usually does when I get those generic email responses from them. 

2 minutes ago, Inveigh said:

Wait if you already submitted a DS-5535 than this might be a mistake. Either that or they want to go double or nothing on security vetting. Either way I would Triple Up on your part and a legal attorney ASAP as this is LOOONNNG overdue for you.

Yup lawyers have been informed, so awaiting their response.  We filed for WOM last month. 

4 minutes ago, Phil_K_IR1 said:

Wow I've never seen this kind of email personally.

 

221(g) is the standard refusal, but not a final refusal. They're saying you're in AP for security screening (SAO) like most likely everyone here at minimum. 
 

The wording is... weird, but I'm pretty sure they're just saying once the security screening results come in you'd be eligible for the visa (as in the visa officer would "reconsider" your case and adjudicate it again, likely an approval). 
 

Anyone else can chime in though, this is the first time I've seen this wording. 

Thanks.  Yeah, I'm guessing (and hoping) it means we're just continuing the wait... I haven't received/seen anything like this before either, which is why I had a mini panic attack. 

2 minutes ago, Inveigh said:

 

This isn't a final denial, its AP. They may or may not ask you for a 5535 at this point.

 

edit; I believe you are overstrength for WOM 

Hmm thanks... yeah, I submitted my responses to DS5535 last year... exactly 11 months ago today, actually!

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. 

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.

Hey Everyone,

I've been tracking the Google Spreadsheet and it's super disheartening to see that there have been very few updates and approvals.  How is everyone coping?  

I'm just at a loss and can't believe it's been now almost 6 months since my interview.  Filing for WOM is something we don't really have the bandwidth for but is this the only way forward?  This whole situation is just mind-boggling... 

On 8/8/2023 at 6:09 PM, APRIL2023 said:

Question - have anyone that had their interview in April and was placed on AP heard back yet? 
 

It has been close to four months and I’m hesitant to file a WOM, in hopes that something will happen over the next month or so. 

Hey There,

Had my interview April 13th and still waiting on my side.  Just at a loss at this point.  Last case update was July 5th.

On 5/19/2023 at 1:32 PM, Wcr984 said:

It appears the DS-5535 may now be processing quicker. Today, exactly 80 days after submitting my DS-5535, the Consulate has requested my passport back.

Great news!  Happy for you.

11 hours ago, emergence said:

My fiance just had his new medical done (he was in the US for a while after we got the request for new medical and passport). We are hoping the consulate will process everything quickly!

That's exciting!  You'll have to keep us updated.  How long has the wait been for you since the interview/DS-5535?

48 minutes ago, APRIL2023 said:

Mine was on the same day! I’d never received the questionnaire via email. I’d emailed them three times since the interview, with DS5535 info attached in my email. They have responded stating that co silage is aware of my situation, but never really acknowledged the DS5535 info. My status has been updated three times since their response, last being yesterday. 

Oh interesting!  What have the status changes been?  I haven't seen a status change but they've "opened" my case once or twice since, whatever that means...

1 minute ago, dennisv said:

Nov 9/22, you?

Few updates on like Nov 16 & 28 but nothing since... Very tough to swallow the WOM cost but part of the process now

Interview was on April 13th so still getting over the initial shock after getting the verbal approval at the embassy.

Keep us updated on that process.  Good luck! 

Hah I feel you . How long have you guys been waiting?

Any DS-5535 approvals lately?

1 minute ago, can_do said:

@PZibran325

 

I just saw your timelines at the bottom of your response.

Have you been in AP since June 2022? Seriously?!

Have you thought of WoM?

Has anything else been asked of you besides the DS-5535?

 

I feel sorry for your situation but salute your patience... I've been here for 4 weeks and already getting super irritated by the process and lack of clarity.

 

Hi There - I'm with you, and it hasn't even been a week since I submitted mine Question - has your status changed at all?  Like refused to AP?  Mine is still saying "refused"... 

Anyways, seems like we're on a similar timeline so I'm looking forward to getting updates from you.  The lack of visibility and uncertainty of it all is the worst part. 

16 hours ago, haruharu said:

No updates regarding my status however I was able to travel to USA via Montreal connection with no issues. They asked the usual 2-3 questions that I’ve had in the past prior to DS5535. I went to the customs officer with my husband. Very friendly. Just wanted to share my experience for anyone thinking to travel. 

Thanks for sharing... that is super helpful.  I'm planning on flying to NYC this weekend. 

6 minutes ago, throwitaway said:

Montreal either keeps or returns your passport at interview, and applicants have had to request for them back when necessary. Some embassies though will keep your passport at interview, perhaps the CO meant to issue, but it’s later mailed back with a 221g slip. 

Got it.  Yeah, they kept mine but got DS-5535'd yesterday.  I just got an email though from them saying my passport is being sent back along with the Purolator tracking number.  So just a little confused.

Hey Everyone - another question! 

For anyone who was received DS-5535, would the embassy send your passport back proactively?  Has this happened to anyone?  Or would you have to request for them to send it back?

Thanks!
Amanda

45 minutes ago, P3P said:

I had my interview 13 months ago, not many updates during that time. I've gotten a few updates throughout the past month, so I think I may finally be moving onto the next step! The medical exam is only valid for 6 months, so those of us stuck for 6 months+ have to go through the process of getting an updated medical exam once the consulate requests it.

 

Also, you can request your passport back for in the meantime if you're wanting to travel.

Wow - I'm so sorry.  That's super discouraging to hear 😔

If you could share how to request my passport back, that would be greatly appreciated. 

11 minutes ago, P3P said:

Hi Amanda. Welcome to this crappy club. I had the same situation as you happen. My interview was short and seemed to go very well. My interviewing officer said she will recommended me for approval and even told me to enjoy my stay in my fiances state. My passport was kept. Two hours later I was shocked to receive the DS-5535 email.

 

I'm so sorry you're here 😞 

Hi there, thank you.  I'm sorry you're in the same boat too.  Have you received any updates?

This is really such an awful process.

Hi Everyone,

I had my interview this past Thursday. Everything went well, and the officer even told me she intended on approving me and took my passport.  She told me to expect it within 2 weeks.  I received an email today to fill out the DS-5535 and status in CEAC is showing "refused".   

I have seen people denied at interview and then asked to fill out the form, but has anyone been in the situation as me where they have my passport now and was told they were going to approve?

At a loss and feeling super discouraged and confused.  I have a pretty extensive travel history so filling that out for past 15 years seems very daunting.  Any insight welcome.

Amanda

1 hour ago, thenextman said:

Yes, it's normal. Don't panic!

Gosh - this process really puts you through the wringer 😥.  But thanks so much.

1 hour ago, mam521 said:

The status always goes to "refused" before it switches to "issued".  Don't stress...it's normal

Thank you!  Grateful for the info and support from this group. 

19 hours ago, thenextman said:

My interview was also on a Thursday, but due to other factors my visa wasn't approved immediately and didn't become "ready" until 13 days later (the second Wednesday following my interview)

Hey everyone - I'm panicking a bit now because my status has switched to "refused", which is really confusing because I was told they planned on approving me, took my passport, and told me to expect within 2 weeks.  I'm super confused and I haven't heard anything from the embassy regarding any information they might've missed or additional questions they have.  Has anyone experienced this before?