Transferring consulates

[AlinaH 38]

Hi all....sorry if this has already been asked. I searched but I really need some answers asap.

So my US Fiance got a letter today saying that our case will be processed through the Montreal consulate (for those that don't know, that is very East Canada). When we filed our petition, I put Vancouver down as the consulate a) because I am as westcoast as you get and live three hours from there! b) They file K-1 petitions c) I can't afford to go to Montreal!!

Soo....my questions are:

1. How likely is it that I can get my petition transfered to Vancouver?

2. How do I go about this? What number does my fiance need to call and when can he call?

Thank you!

[Anh map 2,098]

All immigrant visas are processed in Montreal. See this page (about half way down) for confirmation -->> http://montreal.usconsulate.gov/content/content.asp?section=visas&document=immigrant_visa

[AlinaH 38]

All immigrant visas are processed in Montreal. See this page (about half way down) for confirmation -->> http://montreal.usconsulate.gov/content/content.asp?section=visas&document=immigrant_visa

Unless they changed it in the last week, Vancouver handles them too. Only Montreal handles CR-1, but both handle K-1.

[HeatDeath 430]

Hmmm, that's odd.

As far as I know, Vancouver has been, and should still be handling K-1 visas for beneficiaries who live west of the Manitoba-Ontario border. Montreal handles K-1 visa applicants from Ontario eastwards, and all Canadian spousal visas. If that policy has changed no one here has heard about it, and there's been no announcement.

And yet, you're the second K-1 couple from Western Canada I've heard of getting assigned to Montreal in the last 2 weeks.

I'll give you the same advice I gave them:

Wait a couple of weeks for the petition to get from NVC to Montreal. Then call or email Montreal with the consulate case number from your NVC letter and ask them about it. Chances are they will have noticed the error [made by NVC] and transferred your case to Vancouver themselves, because that is where you should be. Give Montreal a week or two to notice it and then follow up with them. As far as I know, Montreal are still recovering from their backlog, and won't want to handle any case they don't have to.

Let us know what they say.

[AlinaH 38]

Hmmm, that's odd.

As far as I know, Vancouver has been, and should still be handling K-1 visas for beneficiaries who live west of the Manitoba-Ontario border. Montreal handles K-1 visa applicants from Ontario eastwards, and all Canadian spousal visas. If that policy has changed no one here has heard about it, and there's been no announcement.

And yet, you're the second K-1 couple from Western Canada I've heard of getting assigned to Montreal in the last 2 weeks.

I'll give you the same advice I gave them:

Wait a couple of weeks for the petition to get from NVC to Montreal. Then call or email Montreal with the consulate case number from your NVC letter and ask them about it. Chances are they will have noticed the error [made by NVC] and transferred your case to Vancouver themselves, because that is where you should be. Give Montreal a week or two to notice it and then follow up with them. As far as I know, Montreal are still recovering from their backlog, and won't want to handle any case they don't have to.

Let us know what they say.

Thanks! Will just got off the phone with NVC. They told him that they only have the Montreal Consulate in their system, not Vancouver? which is wierd. But they said pretty much the same thing, to just call Montreal. So, he's going to try in the morning. And if it's too early to do anything than I'll do what you said and wait a couple weeks for them to get it. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one, and this seems to be an easier fix than I originally thought. I can't tell you how much of a relief it'll be if I only have to go to Vancouver!

I will update when i have more info

[Canadiandggal 49]

That is quite odd. I would do what heat said but maybe also call/email Vancouver to see if they are still processing fiance petitions.

[AlinaH 38]

Ok so, we called Montreal. They only have an automated phone service that tells you nothing except to email them. So last night I emailed them and requested that our case be transferred to Vancouver. It immediately sends you a message back that says not to expect a reply for two weeks. So I was a little bummed, just because that was going to hold us up another two weeks. HOWEVER....this morning, I check my email and:

"Great, I have the case right in front of me and will gladly transfer it to VAC. Please contact them in 2 weeks. Regards Op1"

THE NEXT DAY! I was soo happy.

So now I just need to contact Vancouver. But it was a completely painless process

[Ontarkie 14,218]

That's great news

[OBX 51]

Congratulations and good luck in Vancouver.

[Inky 1,110]

Ok so, we called Montreal. They only have an automated phone service that tells you nothing except to email them. So last night I emailed them and requested that our case be transferred to Vancouver. It immediately sends you a message back that says not to expect a reply for two weeks. So I was a little bummed, just because that was going to hold us up another two weeks. HOWEVER....this morning, I check my email and:

"Great, I have the case right in front of me and will gladly transfer it to VAC. Please contact them in 2 weeks. Regards Op1"

THE NEXT DAY! I was soo happy.

So now I just need to contact Vancouver. But it was a completely painless process

Whoever "Op1" is, that person responded to my emails to Montreal in the past very quickly too!

Glad you got your file re-routed to the proper place.