sierratango

Hi Everyone,

I've actually gone through this process from start to finish - and we were approved at the Montreal consulate last week. Many of the people on this forum answered a lot of my questions - and I'm very thankful for that.

I was asked to post some more detail about the process I followed (electronically), and will try to do so later this evening.

The one thing I will say - the waiting will still occur, and the responses from NVC (phone and/or e-mail) will not instill a great deal of confidence. And for anyone on here that is fairly technical - this is also not the most secure method of transmitting such sensitive information. However, the process was completed a lot quicker - and it seems that interview scheduling was handled a lot faster as well. However, it could have just been coincidence. The electronic process does involve a lot of "checking in" regularly and keeping an eye on things (for example, watching for the AOS and IV Fee bills to become payable on the site).

Will get back to all of you soon!

Has anyone here been to either of the panel physicians for Montreal? I know there's a Dr. Seiden, and also Medisys. Thoughts?

Well, I just called NVC. It looks like the interview is actually scheduled for October 13th, not the 18th! It's certainly a pleasant surprise - to say in the least.

Now, it's time to determine when a medical exam can be scheduled. Is there generally a long wait for the results of a medical exam?

lgg - Thank you! Best of luck to you - I'm confident that you'll receive your interview date soon as well. I would actually call to see if anything was scheduled. I just happened to receive the e-mail (with the incorrect date) because I had submitted another inquiry that they had just come across.

sdw - When you receive your initial package from NVC, you will also receive information about electronic processing. The link that trailmix included above mentions the initial process for "opting in":

http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_4410.html

Based on your profile, I presume the interview in question is for a Canadian citizen applying for CR-1. If so, your interview would be in Montreal - and the Montreal consulate is one of only 2 consulates participating in this "program".

Well, I'm going to call the NVC shortly to find out about the date. I'll report back as soon as I get through!

As to the time between NVC complete and interview - nothing was expedited. The only thing we did differently was electronic processing (via e-mail). To be honest with you, our case seemed to be complete some time ago. However, we received a false RFE regarding an unpaid IV Fee bill (which had been paid long before).

I just received an e-mail from NVC regarding my wife's CR-1 application. It says that her interview has been scheduled for October 18th (which is a Sunday). Everything I've read in the past seems to indicate that interviews take place during the week. Is this likely to be an error?

Also - does anyone know how long the Consulate tends to take to return a passport after a successful interview? My understanding is that you have to give them a prepaid envelope and wait for them to mail it back. As my wife is from Western Canada, it would be quite a drag (and an expensive one, for that matter) to return to her home town and then back to the U.S. Of course, if necessary - that's what we'll do.

I did end up using encryption for subsequent PDF's. Although, it's still not very secure (there are programs that strip the encryption off PDF's pretty quickly).

It's been a few days since I submitted the AOS & DS-230 to NVC (via e-mail). Funny thing was, the IV bill became available in the Fee section about a day after I paid the AOS fee. However, they just sent me the IV fee invoice (via e-mail) yesterday...after I already paid it.

At this point, I think I've completed all of the steps required. Now, I just have to wait for them to acknowledge receipt of each set of paperwork. And then, await information regarding the interview. We'll just have to schedule a medical exam at one of the 4 locations in all of Canada. :-P

I was in a similar situation. VSC updated their handling time to 5 months, and our application had reached 6. At that point, I called VSC and requested an "inquiry". They said they would look into it and provide me with an update within 30 days. I also received a letter from VSC, indicating that my case should be handled within another 5 months!

I decided to contact the Congressman's office for my district. The aide in charge of immigration matters there was quite responsive, and extremely helpful. She called VSC (I believe they have a specific department for inquiries from members of Congress). Long story short - that happened on a Thursday, and my I-130 (and, somewhat useless I-129F) were approved by Tuesday!

While I'm sure the results vary based on the situation, I think it's helpful to reach out to a Senator or Congressman/Congresswoman's office.

To answer your specific question now, you don't need to wait to hear from the NVC, as soon as your payment has process and the bar coded sheet available, you can send in your respective packages.

If you've paid the AOS fee and it shows as paid, send in the AOS package and iF the DS3032 has been accepted and the IV bill paid and shows as paid, send your DS230.

As for photos? you mean the passport photos? I would go scan them and send them if I were you, send the package as they request if all scanned and via PDF...

Good luck. Do us a fave? Keep us posted and your timeline updated? It'll be interesting to see if this electronic filing thing is faster in the long run.

Best,

LGG

My wife and I opted for electronic processing with the Montreal Consulate. We submitted the DS-3032, and paid both the AOS and IV fee bills.

Once the fees were marked as paid, the cover sheet was available for printing. Those cover sheets basically indicated that we should go ahead and follow the instructions for the Affidavit of Support and Applicant processing. However, the NVC has not sent me any specific e-mails to indicate that I should submit them.

I jumped the gun and submitted my Affidavit of Support via PDF. However, I'm now hesitant to send out the DS-230 and supporting documents before I know for sure.

Related to that - does anyone know if you're required to scan a copy of the actual photos that will have to be submitted with the original documents? Our plan was to scan the following:

1) DS 230 (Part 1 completed, part 2 unsigned)

2) Data page of my wife's passport

3) Birth Certificate

4) Marriage Certificate

5) Police Certificate/Clearance

6) Photo(s)

Thoughts?

It seems like everything is being turned around fairly quickly (see my timeline). I only received the initial envelope from the NVC (with the AOS fee bill) this past Monday. Once I had the invoice number, I was able to proceed with everything else. However, now we'll see how long they take to process the AOS and the DS-230.

On one hand, I'm not very comfortable with the idea of submitting those documents (consider all the support docs that go with the DS-230) via PDF in a regular e-mail. Doesn't seem too secure to me. However, my anxiousness to get through this process has led me to bypass those thoughts...

I could be wrong about this but I think the electronic processing is only for the DS3032 and the bill payments, no? You cannot scan anything for the NVC, they want true, original copies, signatures and the like. Please correct me if I'm wrong. My husband thought the same thing but I believe for the AOS and IV package you have to send in all original documents and signatures.

Do let us know what you find out, okay?

Best,

LGG

My wife and I opted for electronic processing with the Montreal Consulate. We submitted the DS-3032, and paid both the AOS and IV fee bills.

Once the fees were marked as paid, the cover sheet was available for printing. Those cover sheets basically indicated that we should go ahead and follow the instructions for the Affidavit of Support and Applicant processing. However, the NVC has not sent me any specific e-mails to indicate that I should submit them.

I jumped the gun and submitted my Affidavit of Support via PDF. However, I'm now hesitant to send out the DS-230 and supporting documents before I know for sure.

Related to that - does anyone know if you're required to scan a copy of the actual photos that will have to be submitted with the original documents? Our plan was to scan the following:

1) DS 230 (Part 1 completed, part 2 unsigned)

2) Data page of my wife's passport

3) Birth Certificate

4) Marriage Certificate

5) Police Certificate/Clearance

6) Photo(s)

Thoughts?

Please refer to the following link and tell me what you think:

http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_4409.html

I think everything is submitted electronically....

My wife and I opted for electronic processing with the Montreal Consulate. We submitted the DS-3032, and paid both the AOS and IV fee bills.

Once the fees were marked as paid, the cover sheet was available for printing. Those cover sheets basically indicated that we should go ahead and follow the instructions for the Affidavit of Support and Applicant processing. However, the NVC has not sent me any specific e-mails to indicate that I should submit them.

I jumped the gun and submitted my Affidavit of Support via PDF. However, I'm now hesitant to send out the DS-230 and supporting documents before I know for sure.

Related to that - does anyone know if you're required to scan a copy of the actual photos that will have to be submitted with the original documents? Our plan was to scan the following:

1) DS 230 (Part 1 completed, part 2 unsigned)

2) Data page of my wife's passport

3) Birth Certificate

4) Marriage Certificate

5) Police Certificate/Clearance

6) Photo(s)

Thoughts?

As the Montreal consulate is allowing for electronic processing, we have requested this and submitted our DS-3032 via e-mail. In addition, both the AOS and IV fees have been paid online. However, what I can't tell is whether I have to wait for them to tell me to submit the Affidavit of Support. I see multiple warnings about not sending info until it is requested. However, at the same time, paying the AOS fee resulted in messages that mentioned the next step being the Affidavit of Support.

Any thoughts on this? Also, does anyone here know how long it generally takes to get a passport back from the Montreal consulate (with the visa affixed), if an approval is granted? Is it required to wait for it via ExpressPost mail, or can an individual go to the consulate and pick it up a day or two afterwards?

Hehe yeah I know that feeling very well. I was approved after 7 months so I had all the wheels turning. Got a response to my service requests around 2 weeks after my NOA2s saying, "We no longer have your case. Please contact NVC with any further questions." Gee thanks guys!

So, an NVC case number was assigned for the I-130. It doesn't indicate that any additional paperwork has been sent as of yet (says beneficiary will receive information within X number of weeks). However, I just received a notice in the mail from NVC regarding the I-129F (K3) application. It says it will be sent to the Vancouver consulate within 1 week for additional processing.

Call NVC and give them both of your email addresses. Then they'll email you all the paperwork. Much quicker than waiting X number of weeks for the mail.

Now, clearly, the K-3 is somewhat of a useless option to pursue (since they were approved at the same time). So, I do want to drop that application and just pursue the CR-1. Should I just ignore any further requests for the K-3 and look out for ones for the CR-1? Will ignoring the requests for the K-3 jeopardize the CR-1 application?

Yes just ignore the rest of the K-3 process. No, it won't hurt the CR-1 application. The petitions have been separated now.

I've noticed some posts where people have thought about writing a letter to withdraw the I-129F. I've seen responses that seem to indicate that writing to withdraw could cause the withdrawal of the I-130 as well. Any thoughts on the best route to pursue here?

You wouldn't be withdrawing the petition. They're referring to when they are both still at USCIS. If anything you'd just be sending a letter to the embassy to let them know you're pursuing the CR-1 and you no longer wish to continue with the K-3. It's not necessary though. People abandon petitions all the time.

Thanks for the info! We went ahead and e-mailed with the DS-3032 response (as per the shortcuts listed on the WIKI). I tried to call the NVC to see if I could obtain an IIN to pay the AOS fee of $70. They said they don't have access to that. However, I did provide them with both of our e-mail addresses. I hope to receive the request for the AOS fee soon.

Hehe yeah I know that feeling very well. I was approved after 7 months so I had all the wheels turning. Got a response to my service requests around 2 weeks after my NOA2s saying, "We no longer have your case. Please contact NVC with any further questions." Gee thanks guys!

So, an NVC case number was assigned for the I-130. It doesn't indicate that any additional paperwork has been sent as of yet (says beneficiary will receive information within X number of weeks). However, I just received a notice in the mail from NVC regarding the I-129F (K3) application. It says it will be sent to the Vancouver consulate within 1 week for additional processing.

Now, clearly, the K-3 is somewhat of a useless option to pursue (since they were approved at the same time). So, I do want to drop that application and just pursue the CR-1. Should I just ignore any further requests for the K-3 and look out for ones for the CR-1? Will ignoring the requests for the K-3 jeopardize the CR-1 application?

I've noticed some posts where people have thought about writing a letter to withdraw the I-129F. I've seen responses that seem to indicate that writing to withdraw could cause the withdrawal of the I-130 as well. Any thoughts on the best route to pursue here?

It's possible that the two NOA2s just went into the mail at different times. Give it a few more days. Call NVC and enter the USCIS case number for the I-130 to see if they have a record of it yet. If they don't, don't panic- it's only been three days. If you received the case status update for the I-130 then you're fine. There's no reason they would hold the I-130 and force you to pursue the K3.

It's possible that it's gotten lost... but don't start thinking about that yet. It's waaay too soon to worry.

Oh and the A# on the NOA2 for the I-129f will be the same for the the I-130.

And congrats!

Thanks for the prompt reply! And, it's nice to see that you're almost at the end of the process! No panicking here. However, I'm always a bit apprehensive - considering the types of replies I've received while calling USCIS.

On an amusing note, I made an inquiry regarding the I-130 before contacting the Congressman's office. I inquired because VSC had 5 months posted as processing dates on their site, while mine was at 6. They said it would take up to 45 days for the inquiry to be complete. Today, along with the NOA2 for the I-129F, I received a notice saying that they'll process my applications within the next 5 months!

I'm just thankful for all of the information on this site. I probably wouldn't have thought of contacting a Congressman's office regarding such matters. And, they ended up being very helpful and courteous throughout!

Hello Everyone,

After intervention from the Congressman for my district, my I-130 was approved. I received a Case Status update via e-mail to indicate this. Today, I received a mailed NOA2 regarding the I-129F (which also has an A-number on it now).

Now, the only reason I filed for a K-3 was just in case it was processed faster than the I-130. Clearly, that wasn't the case.

My concern is that I received a mailed NOA2 regarding the I-129F, but not for the I-130. Is it possible that they will refrain from forwarding the I-130 to NVC and hold for I-485 Adjustment of Status?

I would really like to abandon the I-129F and just pursue the I-130. Any suggestions? Will I have to pursue VSC or NVC to ensure that the I-130 is forwarded to NVC?

I'm in the same situation. The I-130 I filed for my wife was approved a few days ago. Thought I couldn't see its status online, I've now learned that the I-129F (K-3) has been approved as well.

Will ignoring one application be detrimental to the processing of the I-130?

My concern is similar to LeprechaunSean. We just received an NOA2 for my wife's application. We're taking a trip to Europe next month, and would like to be able to have my wife stay here for a month or so....maybe even until her interview in Montreal (I'm only 4 hours away - she lives in Western Canada).

I've seen various threads about this issue on the board. However, I am curious to know if anyone has specific experience with this. From Europe, we'll be landing in the United States upon return. My wife has not sorted out any of her affairs in Canada (financial, etc), and would have proof that she'll return (return ticket, etc). When arriving from a third country, is it likely that they would ask her to get on a plane and go on to Canada? Ultimately, I would think it's at the discretion of the officer at the POE.

OBX, thank you!

Wow, it does take quite a bit of time between receipt of NOA2 to the date of the actual interview. It seems to take at least 2 months or more to get an interview in Montreal.

In terms of the NVC process, my understanding is that the I-864 portion (that I'm supposed to complete) would be included in the packet to my wife. Can she complete her portion, and then mail the whole thing to me? After which, I would send it back together myself? Or, does it have to go directly from her residence to the NVC?

trailmix,

Thank you for the information you've provided. The explanation is much appreciated.

The small number of panel physicians in Canada does pose a bit of a challenge. However, we'll do whatever it takes! My wife has already gotten in touch with the Calgary Police to obtain a police clearance. However, she has lived in another city before moving to Calgary a few years ago. I have to make sure that the clearance provided by Calgary Police is adequate.

On a happy note, I just received an e-mail to indicate that our approval notice (NOA2) was sent! We were about a month beyond the timeline for the Vermont Service Center. After reading information on this board, I decided to send a letter to the Congressman for my district here in Massachusetts. The Congressional Aide for Immigration matters responded promptly, and made an inquiry. That was last Thursday, and our application was approved today!

I'm very thankful for all of these resources. I hope I can be of help to others here.

Civil Surgeons are US based only.. as they are designated by the USCIS

Panel Physicians are located abroad..... and are designated by the Department of State/Consulates

Sorry - I guess I'm trying to find out about panel physicians then....

Hello Everyone,

First of all, I have read information that many of you have provided throughout the site over the last few months. While I have not actively participated, the information has been extremely helpful. Thank you!

I am actually trying to figure out what the situation is related to civil surgeons in Canada. I've read various threads elsewhere that indicate that they have reduced the number of civil surgeons in Canada. My wife resides in Calgary, and I was trying to find out who could conduct the exam there. There was one doctor listed in the past that I've read very bad things about. I'm almost hesitant to ask my wife to go there.

Any ideas about this? Also, we have yet to receive an NOA2. I'm trying to figure out if there are things that we can take care of in advance to avoid delays. One of the things I thought of was the medical exam. Is it true that it is valid for 12 months, and that one can have it done before receiving an interview date or NVC case number?