K-1 people waiting for interviews at Montreal

[MapleLeafBaby 1]

Ruby, you're so right!!! We started this process last summer, and I'm still in Toronto. Mind you I'm leaving this week, but even through all the impatience...I try to make the most of it. I sold my house last summer, quit work a long time ago (more because I changed industries and I've wanted to do other stuff) but I spend my days with my son....we usually see eachother every few weeks, and we have been so busy planning and prepping, we haven't seen each other since the interview

But it's been worth the wait I'm thankful that we are from a country where you are pretty much guaranteed a visa. I'm thankful for our health and for having met the love of my life, as some people never are that fortunate in a lifetime.

I've always been the impatient one, my fiancé the calm calculated one. He really was my strength through all this.

And it could be worse, it could be dead of winter with winter blues, waiting for that interview...the weather is great, we are able to still travel to see our SO's... I've kept myself busy, getting prepped, going to the gym and hanging with my little guy

Ruby, I see that you guys met at Caribanna? That's cool, are you gonna try and catch it before you go? My ex husband was from the Caribbean, and I used to enjoy going when I was younger. I love that Toronto is so culturally diverse. I would have loved to catch the Taste of the Danforth before leaving

[seekersharer 0]

I too have learned the gift of letting it go. Not the easy way.

I spent some time obsessing over the timeline.

Heck, I had multi-tab spreadsheets with shortest to longest time lines... all related to VJ stats. I was calling once a day too. Every updated timeline adjusted my stats. While being an very infrequent poster, I was certainly around alot.

Then stuff happens and requires you to realize that you are not always in control and it's not what happens to you - it how you respond that counts.

Every page on my spreadsheets suggested we would be through State Dept/NVC and to Montreal after our NOA2 was approved in 6-9 days. There was pretty overwhelming proof here on the boards. Heck, we even got the form from them that said our application was forwarded to Montreal.

Almost 7 weeks later we got the Packet 3.

That tended to be a gentle {read - boot to the head} reminder that we do all we can to make the process work, and then let it go. We can't control it.

I like what poprocks suggests - use your energy in a positive way - although I suspect even poprocks believes it's easier said than done some days.

But, this I also discovered...

There's something magically delicious about letting it go for two entire weeks and not calling and stressing... letting the system work in it's own seemingly insane way... focusing attention on all the wonderful reasons we're doing this in the first place and then after that freedom, making the call to NVC only to hear the wonderful words of an NVC agent saying our interview got scheduled a few days ago.

That's sweeeet!!!!

Hang in there on this journey. Enjoy the ride. The destination is important, but getting there is where we learn alot about ourselves and our capacity to accomplish things.

Have fun.

Cheers!

[MapleLeafBaby 1]

So true. I didn't even discover VJ until I was at my medical, and I met someone who told me about it. Up until then, I just trusted my lawyer when he said 'about 8 months' and I went with it.

The day I saw that people posted they had just called and had interview dates, I never even thought it could be a possibilty for me, as these were people from filing two months before me. Bit I though, what the heck, and I called...expecting very well, I would hear 'no, nothing yet' and when I called, there was a pause, and I heard those magical words 'April 17th' I was like 'what???? Like you mean 2009???' haha! I got off and cried!!!! I never thought that I would get a date within 3 weeks!!!!! I was preparing for a June date.

I will say that without USCIS, my relationship would not have even been possible. I am thankful that there is even a process in place.

The way I see it is, they owe us nothing, and it is a privilege...when the CO said she was approving us, I cried and thanked her....I then said may I please know your first name?, without you, all if this would not even be a possibility' and indeed, 20 years from now, when me and my future husband will be sitting on our porch drinking tea LOL....I will remember 'Maureen'....

Life is beautiful! And when I get side tracked, I think of this great gal that was on here a few months ago, waiting to be interviewed around the same time as us...one day she was posting on how she was studying the time tracker, the next day she posted that she tragically lost her fiancé in an accident the day before....

.....right now, life is truly wonderful and that is all that matters

[July09Bride 1]

I totally agree. This is not a process for the faint of heart. And, I believe that (as ugly as the process is) there is a reason for why the US Government does it this way. Again, everyone must remember that VJ is about 5% (at best) of all the petitions that go through the consulates/embassies. Vancouver dates tend to happen much faster, and if you want to find unfairness in something, find the unfairness there. From my understanding, Vancouver ONLY handles 1/2 of Canada's K1 Visa interviews along with other consular duties. Montreal, on the otherhand, handles the other 1/2 of K1s and ALL of the CR1s and other Visa applications. If you want unfair and something concrete to blame, blame that. Don't blame the actual process or system.

Unfortunately, the US government utilizes the National Guard for mostly state issues but when we went to "war", those personnel were pulled as well. As the daughter of a member of the Air Force and the sister of a member of the Navy, there are tremendoius differences between the 4/5 (if one counts Coast Guard) branches of the military and the National Guard. The National Guard are, for the most part, servicemen and women who serve stateside and typically do not go overseas. However, I do know that NG servicemen and women have been called to active duty and are still currently serving overseas. The Constitution of the US (actually in the preamble) states that the "We the people of the United States in order to form a more perfect union... promote the general welfare of the order, provide for the common defense... do ordain and establish this Constitution of the United States of America." It is a right that we are protected for the common defense and at one time, if all of our soldiers were overseas, who would be here in the US to protect us... and there we have the National Guard. Unfortunately, when it comes to international service, the National Guard generally does not get recognition, because they are more for stateside service - hence the probable reason for why someone in the NG would not be given "military expedite" privileges.

I can tell you, that while you're waiting, it seems as if no one is able to provide a good enough answer to any problem you might have, but PopRocks is right. We started making wedding plans last June when he proposed to me. We got our paperwork in during August and in September we received our NOA1. We were told, from beginning to end, 7-10 months IF WE WERE LUCKY. However, there is no guarantee of any timeline. To be honest, in March, I was beginning to think we would have to readjust everything for the wedding... change the date, lose $$$ that we had put on deposit, etc. I was too naive to think that how could I NOT be in the 7-10 month range? And, if it was 10 months, well, it would be the beginning of July and we'd still make July 17th. But, as time drew closer and we still weren't hearing anything, I began to panic. Of course, I panicked here on VJ. But, I had people who had travelled this journey before me to help me understand that the process is the process, and there is nothing I can do to speed it up. I would have to let life live its course. As soon as I stopped worrying (well, at least I stopped thinking about it 24/7 and only allowed myself to think about it in the afternoon after I got home), I actually felt better. I slept better, and felt as if I had allowed a huge burden to be lifted off my shoulders. Around that time, is when we got our date.

I know that waiting (especially 11 months) is very, very difficult. Someone posted somewhere on here about how he used to work for USCIS and at the CSC, I believe. Anyway, he said that if someone was "going through a box" and he/she left for vacation, was home sick, etc. that box would have to wait for him/her to return. That particular box of files was assigned to that particular person and someone else couldn't just pick it up can carry on. Fair or not, that's how it goes. I'm not sure how things work at the consular level with files and boxes, but I can assure you that there are multiple people working on each case. One guy knew the paperwork we had/had not submitted, and the interviewer read our case for she quoted informtation and dates from the info we had turned in prior to the interview date.

But again, the process is the process. We are someone else's mercy and the US Government has their protocol, by which we must follow and trust. This is a choice you're making. If you don't like the process, you can choose not to go through with it. But, just because you don't like the process, doesn't mean the process is unfair.

Personally, I don't think that a serviceman or servicewoman should have priority over someone else. I think everyone should have to wait their proper turn. But, again, the process is what it is, and I have to accept it.

PopRocks was right when she said that this used to be a happy place where people would come and get excited about the process and ask a gazillion questions about what the process was like. Now, it does seem like a vent thread and quite depressing. I know, I come visit this thread thinking I might be able to offer someone some advice that had once been offered to me, but instead, as we're offering our view of how the process works, people are getting upset and calling this whole thing unfair. Well, it is what it is. And that's all it is. A process that we, who choose someone from another country to be our SO, must go through.

PopRocks, Ruby, Seeker, and I... and I'm sure everyone else who has gone through this process... can come up with a gazillion things we wanted to have happen - but the reality is, you just have to wait it out.

Best of luck to everyone who is waiting for an interview date! I truly hope your dates come soon!!!

[ruby_mtl 0]

Ruby, you're so right!!! We started this process last summer, and I'm still in Toronto. Mind you I'm leaving this week, but even through all the impatience...I try to make the most of it. I sold my house last summer, quit work a long time ago (more because I changed industries and I've wanted to do other stuff) but I spend my days with my son....we usually see eachother every few weeks, and we have been so busy planning and prepping, we haven't seen each other since the interview

But it's been worth the wait I'm thankful that we are from a country where you are pretty much guaranteed a visa. I'm thankful for our health and for having met the love of my life, as some people never are that fortunate in a lifetime.

I've always been the impatient one, my fiancé the calm calculated one. He really was my strength through all this.

And it could be worse, it could be dead of winter with winter blues, waiting for that interview...the weather is great, we are able to still travel to see our SO's... I've kept myself busy, getting prepped, going to the gym and hanging with my little guy

Ruby, I see that you guys met at Caribanna? That's cool, are you gonna try and catch it before you go? My ex husband was from the Caribbean, and I used to enjoy going when I was younger. I love that Toronto is so culturally diverse. I would have loved to catch the Taste of the Danforth before leaving

Yup sure am! That's why I wanna leave after August 1st, no matter what! Plus, I'm dressing up to be part of the parade this year....can't wait!

[trailmix 77]

I found it interesting reading the comments in here today. It is very very true that after you have already had your interview it is much easier to see the upside of the visa application process (if anyone is unsure of this - just read the posts people made BEFORE they got their interview date).

[MapleLeafBaby 1]

Trailmix, I to agree that we are all basket cases prior to interview and easier to comment after the fact. However, I will say that I looked back, and even in the midst of frenzy, was hopefulness and well wishes.

I have yet to see one person congratulate the guy who got a June 22 interview?!

[Hugglebuggles 60]

I found it interesting reading the comments in here today. It is very very true that after you have already had your interview it is much easier to see the upside of the visa application process (if anyone is unsure of this - just read the posts people made BEFORE they got their interview date).

This is why I've said nothing!

Honestly, I won't tell you not to be a basket case and worry because you'll do it anyways. I didn't listen to anyone when they told me not to worry! Try not to dwell on it, because you'll lose your mind. In the time between my retrieval the packet 3 and the day of my interview I hardly slept, I was constantly stressed, I snapped at my fiance daily, and I'd randomly break down and cry for no reason at all. Nothing in this world is worth that much stress and anguish! You can't control when you'll receive the interview date and you cannot control the mind and attitude of the individual interviewing you when the day comes. Roll with it, and if you ever need a reminder of why you're going through all of this trauma, open a photo album, pick up the phone or just look down at your left hand. I didn't wait long for the interview, but there were plenty of people who sent back their packets after me who were interviewed before me. I have no idea why, and I don't care. Whats a week or two or three when you have the rest of your life ahead of you? Its nothing Keep your eye on the prize!

[childress_london 3]

My husband received the P3 from Montreal and he said it stated that the time to get an interview could take 4 to 6 months. Is this true? Has it really taken anyone 6 months to get scheduled for an interview?

[trailmix 77]

Trailmix, I to agree that we are all basket cases prior to interview and easier to comment after the fact. However, I will say that I looked back, and even in the midst of frenzy, was hopefulness and well wishes.

I have yet to see one person congratulate the guy who got a June 22 interview?!

I'm assuming from this thread that it is Jax&CJ?

Congratulations on getting your interview date Jax&CJ - and wishing you ALL a really zippy visa processing time

Edited May 25, 2009 by trailmix

[July09Bride 1]

I found it interesting reading the comments in here today. It is very very true that after you have already had your interview it is much easier to see the upside of the visa application process (if anyone is unsure of this - just read the posts people made BEFORE they got their interview date).

Absolutely! I KNOW I was a basket case, and fully admit to it!! (Not sure if that is a good thing or not... admitting to being a basket case, that is!) But, I now (now that I'm on the other side) see how/why others who have gone before me were able to attempt to give me the reassurance I so desperately sought at the time.

For those awaiting the interview, is there anything we can do to help you get prepared for the actual interview? Any questions about what will happen once you're there? Curious as to what you will need/want to bring? Unsure of how many copies of which form to have in original vs. copies?

I wish everyone the best of luck and hopes for a quick(er) process!!!

[MapleLeafBaby 1]

Trailmix, I to agree that we are all basket cases prior to interview and easier to comment after the fact. However, I will say that I looked back, and even in the midst of frenzy, was hopefulness and well wishes.

I have yet to see one person congratulate the guy who got a June 22 interview?!

I'm assuming from this thread that it is Jax&CJ?

Congratulations on getting your interview date Jax&CJ - and wishing you ALL a really zippy visa processing time

I hope the interview goes well for Jax too

I also hope that everyone waiting for a P4, get it soon and timelines turn around speedy

JulyB.....haha! You and I both! We used to call DOS weekly....on top of my emails!

I think the K1 process is worse than the AOS, as you can wait out the AOS with your SO together.

I know I for one, have guarded that sealed envelope with my life!.... The landlords at my condo have been trying to sell this place since I gave them notice, and have been doing showings...everyday I check to make sure it's still in my secret hiding spot like they would steal that over jewellery or something! Haha!

My biggest paranoia is when I drive up to the condo building, I always have this horrific image of fire trucks out front and a 5 alarm blaze!!! Hahaha!

[July09Bride 1]

Trailmix, I to agree that we are all basket cases prior to interview and easier to comment after the fact. However, I will say that I looked back, and even in the midst of frenzy, was hopefulness and well wishes.

I have yet to see one person congratulate the guy who got a June 22 interview?!

I'm assuming from this thread that it is Jax&CJ?

Congratulations on getting your interview date Jax&CJ - and wishing you ALL a really zippy visa processing time

I hope the interview goes well for Jax too

I also hope that everyone waiting for a P4, get it soon and timelines turn around speedy

JulyB.....haha! You and I both! We used to call DOS weekly....on top of my emails!

I think the K1 process is worse than the AOS, as you can wait out the AOS with your SO together.

I know I for one, have guarded that sealed envelope with my life!.... The landlords at my condo have been trying to sell this place since I gave them notice, and have been doing showings...everyday I check to make sure it's still in my secret hiding spot like they would steal that over jewellery or something! Haha!

My biggest paranoia is when I drive up to the condo building, I always have this horrific image of fire trucks out front and a 5 alarm blaze!!! Hahaha!

Absolutely!

[JillA 2]

My husband received the P3 from Montreal and he said it stated that the time to get an interview could take 4 to 6 months. Is this true? Has it really taken anyone 6 months to get scheduled for an interview?

I think that's just the standard cover letter, and they never change it. Mine said that too, but I knew from VJ it was wrong

[hapycloud 0]

Wow, I missed so much over the weekend apparently, do not have time to read all the posts now but will when I get home. I am coming home today from Montreal, last visit to see my man until the interview (hopefully that will be in June since we are used to seeing each other at least once a month LOL) If not, then I guess July it will be.

I am suppossed to call DOS today but it is a holiday so they are closed. Just FYI to those who may not know that.

MY fiance was telling me this weekend how he is ready to move now and feeling excited about it. He is done with the waiting. This is the first time I think I have heard him express this. Before he was much more laid back. I think its because we are on the last step and he just wants to move. He has started plans for our house and wants to get on painting