Taking 4 x longer to get NOA1 after filing I-130?

[mllover 0]

My husband filed our I-130 at the Consulate in Vancouver, Canada on June 10, 2010. We were told by the staff we'd get our letter (NOA-1?) from Montreal in about 2-3 weeks.

Well, it is Aug 5th (7 weeks since they should have received it) and no word!

Are things getting backed up? Is DCF still the faster way to go? I was hoping the whole process would not take more than 6-8months from start to finish, but should we be preparing for a year+?

[birdnerd 5]

My husband filed our I-130 at the Consulate in Vancouver, Canada on June 10, 2010. We were told by the staff we'd get our letter (NOA-1?) from Montreal in about 2-3 weeks.

Well, it is Aug 5th (7 weeks since they should have received it) and no word!

Are things getting backed up? Is DCF still the faster way to go? I was hoping the whole process would not take more than 6-8months from start to finish, but should we be preparing for a year+?

Yes, each step will probably take longer than you had initially thought (especially compared to other consulates around the world).

You are, however, entirely welcome to join us here while you are in the interminable waiting period.

Edited August 5, 2010 by birdnerd

[shing 0]

direct file removed your I-130 application from the normal automated process. So you have to take a more direct intervention process to keep your application on track. Read the "I-130 direct-file at Manila US Embassy, expedite procedure." for details which you can follow in the Consulate in Vancouver to get your application back on track. Remember the squeaky gate gets the oil. So make some noise.

[birdnerd 5]

direct file removed your I-130 application from the normal automated process. So you have to take a more direct intervention process to keep your application on track. Read the "I-130 direct-file at Manila US Embassy, expedite procedure." for details which you can follow in the Consulate in Vancouver to get your application back on track. Remember the squeaky gate gets the oil. So make some noise.

That's nice, but first off - Vancouver does not process spousal (immigrant) visas, only Montreal does.

Second of all, there is no expedite process for Montreal, unless you are active military. There is no phone number or fax number to contact the consulate, and they apparently do not have the manpower to answer emails.

Thanks for the tips, but they are not really relevant for people filing in Canada.

[mllover 0]

That's nice, but first off - Vancouver does not process spousal (immigrant) visas, only Montreal does.

Second of all, there is no expedite process for Montreal, unless you are active military. There is no phone number or fax number to contact the consulate, and they apparently do not have the manpower to answer emails.

Thanks for the tips, but they are not really relevant for people filing in Canada.

It's all good now. I just received my first letter and case file number from Montreal 2 days ago.

Just a note to others filing DCF in Canada that 2-3 weeks for your case number from MTL (as stated to me in person at the Vancouver Consulate) is NOT accurate. Expect to wait 6-8 weeks currently.