IR1 / CR1 - Montreal Timeline to Interview

La Souris · November 18, 2009

Yup, got this from them last week.
Dear Mr.

This is in response to your email to the U.S. Consulate in Montreal, Canada regarding the status of your immigrant visa application. Your email was forwarded to the Visa Office, Public Inquiries Division in Washington, DC for our response.

The U.S. Consulate General in Montreal is facing a backlog of immigrant visa cases which affects their ability to schedule immigrant visa cases. This backlog was caused by an unforeseen and unpreventable staffing shortage. The Consulate is making every effort to reduce the backlog.

For future inquiries you may wish to contact us directly. Visa specialists are available weekdays from 8:30 to 5:00 at 202-663-1225.

We trust this information may be useful.

Sincerely,

Public Inquiries Division

Visa Services

www.travel.state.gov

When I read the time line I can't help but think I've been overlooked.
andylans.......06/08/09..<-date filed I-130.--/--/--........--/--/--..sent pkt3>..07/22/09

LeprechaunSean.06/23/09..<-date filed I-130.--/--/--........--/--/--..sent pkt3>..07/30/09.....11/24/09....158

Did you contact them to make sure your file wasn't lost somewhere? When I saw your "line" my thought was: "oh, someone left VJ..."

I hope, for you, for us all, that they'll get moving. I feel quite powerless myself about the situation. I mean... beside giving tips about Montreal restaurants and stuff to do here :wacko: I just stopped talking about it with friends and family here and I don't know what I'll tell the border agent next Thursday when he'll ask me (again) why I'm still waiting for my interview...

Edited November 18, 2009 by La Souris

lgg · November 18, 2009

Hey Andylans...

I hear you guys. It sucks and I am SO sorry to hear about your wait.

Check this out --

lgg............06/25/09.....07/08/09........--/--/--........--/--/--........-.....08/12/09

Bern...........07/14/09.....08/11/09........10/30/09........10/30/09

Sierratango.EP.07/14/09.....--/--/--........07/28/09........--/--/--........-.....08/27/09.....10/13/09.... 47

That couple finished 2 weeks AFTER we did and they got an interview in October. They never really spoke much here or gave feedback and all, so we had no idea if they were some special case or anything. I really think not. This just proved to me that Montreal/NVC really do have their heads in their *ss with this stuff.

Not fair at all to pass someone through SO fast when there are a heapload of people waiting for many, many months.

Sorry about this, I really am. This is the hardest wait that I have ever waited. And I am not a patient person by any stretch of the imagination. This journey? It's taken all of my patience so much so, that I can't even wait normal amounts of time for food to arrive or phone calls.

I exaggerate but you get the picture...

Wyatt's Torch · November 18, 2009

Check this out --
lgg............06/25/09.....07/08/09........--/--/--........--/--/--........-.....08/12/09

Bern...........07/14/09.....08/11/09........10/30/09........10/30/09

Sierratango.EP.07/14/09.....--/--/--........07/28/09........--/--/--........-.....08/27/09.....10/13/09.... 47

That couple finished 2 weeks AFTER we did and they got an interview in October. They never really spoke much here or gave feedback and all, so we had no idea if they were some special case or anything. I really think not. This just proved to me that Montreal/NVC really do have their heads in their *ss with this stuff.

Yeah, the only thing I can think of is that Electronic Processing might have played a role in that. Maybe the consulate got the secured email with all of Sierratango's document and said, "Oh, here's one with everything included. Might as well use up that last available date on the October calendar..."

Who knows? That was one of the biggest attractors for me to do EP though. It looked like it might have made all parts of the process quicker. But given that Montreal's biggest problem is a lack of staff to do interviews, I don't think EP would be a factor.

If I had to do it over again (perish the thought...), I'd still do EP though. My time between NOA2 and NVC Case Complete is one of the fastest on that list because of it.

thedawghouse86 · November 18, 2009

Woohoo! I have to send a couple more things of financial evidence, but they kept my passport and he said I'll get the visa once they have that evidence!

lgg · November 18, 2009

SO, does this mean visa approved???

What did they need more financial evidence for? From your wife? The USC?

If you don't mind... please explain, dawg, cuz we wanna know how it went for you and those of us waiting will find this information valuable!

Congrats on getting it done finally!

Were they busy? Did they say there were going to more interviews ever??? Oh... never mind... you have to be focused on yoru own stuff.

Sorry, got all selfish there...

Woohoo! I have to send a couple more things of financial evidence, but they kept my passport and he said I'll get the visa once they have that evidence!

Bern. · November 18, 2009

oops.

Edited November 18, 2009 by Bern.

CanAmerican · November 18, 2009

Regardless of how they schedule interviews, I wish people were given more information about the interview day itself. Im talking about what I've heard about other cases where ppl were asked for documents that were not even listed in the interview invite. It must be so frustrating to wait 4 - 5 months to get an interview only to find out you had to bring in something that wasn't mentioned anywhere. If I wasn't on VJ, I wouldnt have known to bring that darn envelope. It doesn't say anywhere in the stuff that was sent to me with the interview date. If I had not been on VJ and not taken the envelope, I wonder what would have happened??

Anyways, LGG I feel ya. The only reason I didn't feel like it was forever to my interview date b/c I was finishing up school (just graduated in July) and I visited quite often...every time I had reading week, Christmas holidays, etc. But now when I look back and see it took 5 months...yes FIVE months to get an interview from case completion, it's ridiculous. Hang in there...you've made it through the bulk of it...now it's gonna happen any day. Easier said then done, but that's all we can say

lgg · November 18, 2009

Yeah, I know this too, CanAmerican -- it's the thought that keeps me going is that we HAVE done (hopefully) the bulk of the waiting. We visit as often as we can -- we're not THAT far away but for me, its' a question of time off from work! For xmas, I'm already into taking days from next years vacation! Day's that I'll probably have to 'pay back' w hen I get get my visa and move, ya know?

I appreciate the kind words and observations -- it really does make it easier...

LGG

Regardless of how they schedule interviews, I wish people were given more information about the interview day itself. Im talking about what I've heard about other cases where ppl were asked for documents that were not even listed in the interview invite. It must be so frustrating to wait 4 - 5 months to get an interview only to find out you had to bring in something that wasn't mentioned anywhere. If I wasn't on VJ, I wouldnt have known to bring that darn envelope. It doesn't say anywhere in the stuff that was sent to me with the interview date. If I had not been on VJ and not taken the envelope, I wonder what would have happened??
Anyways, LGG I feel ya. The only reason I didn't feel like it was forever to my interview date b/c I was finishing up school (just graduated in July) and I visited quite often...every time I had reading week, Christmas holidays, etc. But now when I look back and see it took 5 months...yes FIVE months to get an interview from case completion, it's ridiculous. Hang in there...you've made it through the bulk of it...now it's gonna happen any day. Easier said then done, but that's all we can say

thedawghouse86 · November 18, 2009

SO, does this mean visa approved???
What did they need more financial evidence for? From your wife? The USC?

If you don't mind... please explain, dawg, cuz we wanna know how it went for you and those of us waiting will find this information valuable!

Congrats on getting it done finally!

Were they busy? Did they say there were going to more interviews ever??? Oh... never mind... you have to be focused on yoru own stuff.

Sorry, got all selfish there...

Woohoo! I have to send a couple more things of financial evidence, but they kept my passport and he said I'll get the visa once they have that evidence!

lol be selfish! It's the only way that we'll learn.

Basically, as long as I give them the extra documents they requested (my lawyer was surprised they would ask but that's another story), then they'll send my passport back with the visa. The interviewer kept my passport, and since the documents he requested aren't a problem to get (mainly for us just proving asset value, equity, and stuff like that), he said that he'll approved it as soon as he gets them.

My lawyer is saying that we technically don't need any of that information according to various laws on the subject. Worst comes to worst they'll just send them a memo directly where it actually says it in the law, but honestly, the stuff the guy asked for is more than enough evidence. Might as well not argue and just give them what they want lol

The consulate was surprisingly empty. We had no more than a handful of people in the room, with the vast majority waiting for non-immigrant visas. Honestly, it was only me and a handful of others in the immigrant section, and the U.S. citizen section had a couple people (including a fellow VJer). I lined up at 6:30 am but people didn't start coming until 7:15. Security was quick and painless, went downstairs and I waited about 2 minutes for the guard to come and look at our number tags (it's first come, first serve at the consulate from what I saw). Sat in the waiting room, got called back and forth a couple of times.

The place is in like an L shape with a number of the windows beyond the waiting room (and the guard told us about the famous view from the waiting room, and it's spectacular btw). They will call you on loudspeaker when they're ready for you. The actual interview rooms are pretty small; it almost felt like ordering a bus ticket with the glass window! The man was pretty friendly, and we got chatting about our county since Billy Graham lives not far from me. He didn't ask for anything really, not even pictures, phone bills, etc.

But yeah, he asked like 5 questions about what I did, what my wife does, etc. (the same stuff we've read here over and over). It was pretty quick and painless, he was very informative about what I needed to give them for my visa to be issued and I gave him my number in case he needed anything else. Basically, I'm approved as long as I give them the info they need.

There only seemed to be a few people actually working then (I only saw four or five people back in visa land). When I left just before 9, there wasn't any more of a line-up. The signs on the door says that they only take interviews from 8:30 until 11:30. Honestly, they have to go through everything with fine-toothed combs, so that's most likely why there's such a delay.

I don't know what it was about my interviewer, but I kept thinking he looked kinda like Conan O'Brien but without the awful hair lol

thedawghouse86 · November 18, 2009

Regardless of how they schedule interviews, I wish people were given more information about the interview day itself. Im talking about what I've heard about other cases where ppl were asked for documents that were not even listed in the interview invite. It must be so frustrating to wait 4 - 5 months to get an interview only to find out you had to bring in something that wasn't mentioned anywhere. If I wasn't on VJ, I wouldnt have known to bring that darn envelope. It doesn't say anywhere in the stuff that was sent to me with the interview date. If I had not been on VJ and not taken the envelope, I wonder what would have happened??
Anyways, LGG I feel ya. The only reason I didn't feel like it was forever to my interview date b/c I was finishing up school (just graduated in July) and I visited quite often...every time I had reading week, Christmas holidays, etc. But now when I look back and see it took 5 months...yes FIVE months to get an interview from case completion, it's ridiculous. Hang in there...you've made it through the bulk of it...now it's gonna happen any day. Easier said then done, but that's all we can say

100% agree. Thank God for VJ! If you need the XpressPost envelope, it does tell you on the door of the consulate where you can get one. The Pharmaprix at the end of the street sells them, so at least you're not having to go a number of blocks. What I don't understand is that if the NVC approved and accepted everything as meeting requirements, how come I have to provide more information? I think that the NVC really is just a document collection agency lol I did have to change the number of dependents because of my new daughter, but nothing else really changed. I think that might have been what it was -- no matter; we have everything they asked for.

They were impressed I had everything all ready for them. One guy even said that I was the one making things go faster today lol

But you really don't appreciate just how simple the interview step is until you actually do it. I spent months worrying about it, but then I get there and I'm 100% fine. Just follow directions, and you're golden. I only wish things were a little more laid out for people without having to resort to coming onto these types of sites to find out.

There are differences between what they do at the consulate and what it actually states in the law book from what it looks like. If they give you some hassle over some things, just don't argue, and give them what they want. They're the ones who say yea or nay.

trailmix · November 18, 2009

There are differences between what they do at the consulate and what it actually states in the law book from what it looks like. If they give you some hassle over some things, just don't argue, and give them what they want. They're the ones who say yea or nay.

Hey congratulations dawg :thumbs:

Yes, they ask for things that aren't in their guidelines - anddd yes, it's odd! Not because I don't think they have a right to do it - I do and they know they do - just because I don't understand why they want to make it harder. For instance, if they want - whatever document from you - why not give you a quick call and let you know?

As for extra financial info, not sure what assets you used, but basically for cash in the bank they want 12 months worth of bank statements or a letter from your bank manager stating your balances and deposits/withdrawals over the last year.

For hard assets, like a house, it has to have an appraisal etc etc.

Edited November 18, 2009 by trailmix

trailmix · November 18, 2009

The thing I think, this is just a theory - with sierra's timeline - they filed way back in May of 08 - so in fact his total timeline was 18 months. Now, we have never determined that this plays a role in scheduling, but it certainly looks like it did in his application.

Could be EP - but we need more to go through I guess before we can determine that.

Member...........NOA2......Case# @NVC.....Mailed I-864....Mailed DS-230....RFE....Done @NVC....Interview...DTI

AnaGRicky.IR5..12/08/07.....--/--/--........06/20/08........--/--/--........N.....04/29/09.....08/11/09....104

to_hope........07/08/08.....--/--/--........--/--/--........--/--/--........-.....11/26/08.....03/15/09....109

thebradshaws...08/18/08.....08/22/08........09/08/08........09/26/08........-.....11/05/08.....01/13/09.... 72

Rexalite.......09/03/09.....--/--/--........--/--/--........--/--/--........-.....02/05/09.....05/07/09.... 91

Shiri..........09/12/08.....09/24/08........10/04/08........10/29/08........Y.....12/01/08.....03/24/09....113

sly_wolf.......09/17/08.....09/24/08........10/04/08........10/29/08........-.....10/30/08.....01/07/09.... 69

Shaesta........--/--/--.....--/--/--........--/--/--........--/--/--........-.....12/05/08.....03/26/09....111

ohmy...........11/07/08.....--/--/--........--/--/--........--/--/--........-.....02/20/09.....05/15/09.... 84

Reeena..DCF....11/07/08.....--/--/--........--/--/--........01/04/09........N.....01/04/09.....04/24/09....110

Travis&Kim.....12/01/08.....12/04/08........12/27/08........12/27/08........Y.....01/14/09.....04/16/09.... 92

jonesg111......12/22/08.....--/--/--........--/--/--........--/--/--........-.....03/24/09.....06/17/09.... 85

Steve_Treible..12/--/08.....04/--/09........04/--/09........--/--/--........Y.....06/04/09.....10/26/09....144

carslo.........01/06/09.....01/12/09........03/21/09........03/21/09........N.....04/07/09.....06/22/09.... 76

Moosker........01/06/09.....01/13/09........01/28/09........02/12/09........Y.....02/25/09.....05/19/09.... 83

OBX............01/20/09.....01/26/09........02/07/09........02/07/09........N.....02/13/09.....05/12/09.... 88

A&M............01/21/09.....01/23/09........02/03/09........02/18/09........N.....02/26/09.....05/20/09.... 83

thedawghouse...02/--/09.....05/--/09........--/--/--........--/--/--........-.....06/19/09.....11/18/09....152

Argent.........02/03/09.....--/--/--........--/--/--........--/--/--........-.....03/13/09.....05/26/09.... 74

elsoar..DCF....02/03/09..<-date filed I-130.--/--/--........--/--/--........N.....03/17/09.....06/18/09.... 93

svirac.........02/23/09.....02/26/09........03/05/09........03/24/09........N.....04/15/09.....06/02/09.... 48

Greenhaus......02/--/09.....--/--/--........--/--/--........--/--/--........-.....07/14/09

Serendipity....03/05/09.....03/10/09........03/23/09........04/01/09........N.....04/23/09.....08/13/09....112

Holliday.......03/19/09.....04/03/09........04/10/09........04/27/09........N.....05/07/09.....08/19/09....104

cmls...........03/20/09.....04/07/09........04/18/09........04/28/09........N.....05/08/09.....08/07/09.... 91

SomberCat......03/25/09.....04/10/09........04/17/09........04/21/09........Y.....05/20/09.....08/19/09.... 91

Dalene.........03/05/09.....03/19/09........05/06/09........05/06/09........Y.....06/22/09.....11/23/09....154

Brocku00.......03/--/09.....--/--/--........--/--/--........--/--/--........-.....04/24/09.....08/12/09....110

BradnKim.......04/01/09.....04/20/09........04/29/09........05/01/09........Y.....06/24/09.....11/25/09....154

Blitz..........05/04/09.....--/--/--........11/04/09........11/04/09

bradleyboy.....04/15/09.....--/--/--........--/--/--........--/--/--........-.....05/11/09.....08/12/09.... 93

eklondon.......04/17/09.....04/17/09........--/--/--........--/--/--........-.....07/24/09.....12/18/09....147

americana2009..04/20/09..<-date filed I-130.--/--/--........--/--/--..sent pkt3>..07/23/09

hisgirl........04/17/09.....--/--/--........--/--/--........--/--/--........-.....07/30/09

Avery..DCF.....05/05/09..<-date filed I-130.--/--/--........--/--/--..sent pkt3>..06/03/09.....10/13/09....132

Lilsmor..DCF...05/11/09..<-date filed I-130.--/--/--........--/--/--..sent pkt3>..06/25/09.....11/12/09....140

Canamerican....--/--/--.....--/--/--........--/--/--........--/--/--........-.....06/16/09.....11/16/09....153

andylans.......06/08/09..<-date filed I-130.--/--/--........--/--/--..sent pkt3>..07/22/09

LeprechaunSean.06/23/09..<-date filed I-130.--/--/--........--/--/--..sent pkt3>..07/30/09.....11/24/09....158

lgg............06/25/09.....07/08/09........--/--/--........--/--/--........-.....08/12/09

Bern...........07/14/09.....08/11/09........10/30/09........10/30/09

Sierratango.EP.07/14/09.....--/--/--........07/28/09........--/--/--........-.....08/27/09.....10/13/09.... 47

Malrothien.....07/15/09.....07/22/09........08/07/09........09/08/09........Y

Kuds1..........07/17/09.....07/23/09........--/--/--........08/28/09........Y.....10/01/09

Lyn & Lisa.EP..07/22/09.....08/08/09........08/30/09........08/31/09........-.....10/09/09

La Souris.EP...07/30/09.....08/14/09........09/15/09........09/25/09........N.....10/02/09

redBlue........08/13/09.....08/17/09........09/12/09........09/16/09........-.....09/26/09

She_Fitz.EP....08/13/09.....10/06/09........10/16/09

skhiman.EP.....08/26/09.....09/08/09........09/17/09........10/21/09........N.....11/02/09

sdw..EP....... 08/28/09.....09/08/09........09/12/09........09/26/09........Y.....11/12/09

andyw1.........09/09/09.....--/--/--........03/16/09........05/12/09........Y.....09/23/09

redmen99.EP....09/11/09.....09/28/09........10/09/09........10/27/09........N.....11/09/09

mast3r12.EP....09/17/09.....10/01/09........10/17/09........10/22/09........Y.....11/12/09

wmtc...........09/18/09.....09/30/09........10/11/09........10/19/09

WyattsTorch.EP.10/01/09.....10/14/09........10/26/09........10/26/09........Y.....11/12/09

lonie.EP.......10/03/09.....10/06/09........11/13/09

Edmontongirl...11/02/09..<-date filed I-130

Timeline page for 2007 and 2008 interviews Montreal: link

CR1/IR1 interview letter: link

DTI - Days between completion at NVC and interview

DCF - Direct Consular Filing - EP - Electronic Processing

Edited November 18, 2009 by trailmix

wmtc · November 18, 2009

Hey traimix i mailed out my ds-230 and I-864 Nov,11,2009 now just waiting for case to be complete

trailmix · November 18, 2009

Updated wmtc!