Waiting for our passports from Montreal

[ray of sunshine 5]

No update for me all day,

I am going to email the consulate tonight, and see I get response early morning. I am going to ask if they have received my documents and what is the timeframe issuing IV - hoping to be with my family for Christmas.

Do you think I am exaggerating by expressing my desire ?

For sure they received your documents, whenever is sent via mail from wed-fri it's received at their sorting facility within 24 hrs but it's delivered to the consulate on Tuesday or Wednesday. That has been the pattern so far for the last 3 month. But since November 18th it's been a delayed in issuing a visa for those of us who had to submit additional or new documents. Those who were before us the wait was up to 3 weeks. But who don't what the delays are it could be because of the holidays but hopefully we will be issued soon. And this just my opinion from watching and reading other members who posted on here. And as far as emailing them you can do that just hope they reply back fast. But for sure they did receive your documents you should not worry about that part.

[ray of sunshine 5]

Let me know if they reply to your email because they seem to be ignoring me lol

I think they have definitely received your documents though, given that your status updated the 8th & 9th. It is odd they would look into your case two days in a row, without having the additional documents they asked for. There was a weekend between the time it hit their mailing facility, to the time it arrived at the actual consulate, right? So the monday (7th) they may not have had it just yet, but the tuesday and wednesday (8th and 9th) I am sure they got it! but if you're anything like me, i would still email lol. but rest assured tonight that they probably have it.

It really sucks, being so close to the holidays and not having answers. I had a tiny little breakdown tonight, just overwhelmed I guess. But I think it was much needed, as I have now finally accepted the fact that we will have to cancel the wedding tomorrow if there is still no update.. and that is ok. but christmas? I haven't accepted that yet lol.

This has been such a long process for all of us... I can't imagine those who have been stuck in AP for months... for me, each day is a feeling of hope that turns into disappointment and it has only been three weeks. Sarah03 is right... tomorrow is a new business day! Everyone try to think/stay positive! We will have those visa's soon:)

I know it ain't easy especially after they tell you, "you are approved" and then they slap you with bs and hold on to your passport with no clear answer. Hopefully you will be done soon and you get to have a beautiful wedding. And live happily ever after. And if they update yours it gives me a little hope too since our documents reached at their office almost the same time.I know it's hard but try to stay positive:).

[Friend2ya 9]

no no, they definitely didn't forget to read your email! i sincerely think they received the documents on the 8th or the 9th. Mine hit the consulate a day after it arrived at the facility. I think the weekend just sort of messed things up a bit maybe for you or because there was more than one document, it took a bit longer. who knows. but i am sure they have them by now! everyone else's seemed to have made it within two to four days of mailing it out.

and yes... Canada is just not the same in December without snow:( lol

Tell me about it, Blue Mountain and Ski Dagmar what a disappointment. I was hoping one last ride on my snowboard before heading to South Beach!!

[Friend2ya 9]

JennNMike,

This is the replied

Good morning,

Thank you for your email!

Please note your documents were received on December 8th, 2015 and have been forwarded for review. We ask that applicants allow for 8 weeks of processing time from the day we receive the documents at post.

Are you kidding me, 8 weeks? Now, I know how it feels to be in the Pain Club.

Status updated triggered Dec 11. What am I going to do, I feel heartbroken. .

[JennNMike 6]

JennNMike,

This is the replied

Good morning,

Thank you for your email!

Please note your documents were received on December 8th, 2015 and have been forwarded for review. We ask that applicants allow for 8 weeks of processing time from the day we receive the documents at post.

Are you kidding me, 8 weeks? Now, I know how it feels to be in the Pain Club.

Status updated triggered Dec 11. What am I going to do, I feel heartbroken. .

I know how you feel, this is probably the worst part of the entire process. All you can do is stay positive, but trust me, I know how hard that is.

I just don't understand why it takes weeks:(

[Friend2ya 9]

Well I am at work, cant do much texting?

Is this just an estimate when you sent updated documents?

I have seen some others, get their visas less than 3 weeks.

In the meantime, I have faith for everyone to get it fast including me.

[JennNMike 6]

Well I am at work, cant do much texting?

Is this just an estimate when you sent updated documents?

I have seen some others, get their visas less than 3 weeks.

In the meantime, I have faith for everyone to get it fast including me.

The consulate confirmed in an email that they had received the passport on the 25th. So I know it is there. They seem to have looked into my case the past two Wednesdays... but nothing happens. Nothing changes. I have seen others too get their visa's in like 7 business days after sending documents in. We don't seem to be so lucky. Maybe because of the time of the year?

Another business day practically over... sigh. Hopefully next week we will all get some good news.

[idyllic420 31]

I picked up my passport this morning from the Canada post location in Brampton. The Do Not Open envelope was ripped open from one side due to the handling by the Canada post staff. I contacted the Consulate and they asked me to re-submit my passport and the packet. I can't do it, I just booked my tickets and traveling to Asia and Europe tomrorrow. If I have trouble when I enter USA in late Jan then I don't have an option! The thrill and anxiety of this journey continues...

[sarah03 2]

Another business day, no change. Still in AP, and no status update since Dec 7. Feeling pretty low, but coming to terms (after a week of daily stress and anxiety) that there is little to be done. Still no reply to the email I sent the consulate yesterday.

I guess we should all try to enjoy the weekend and put this out of our minds as best we can, at least until Monday.

I'm starting to wonder how long they can really keep my passport with no explanation. I think by Wednesday of next week, if there is still no change, I will begin to look into that.

Thinking of everyone who is also in this annoying position , but still holding out for the best outcome....next week!

[Friend2ya 9]

I picked up my passport this morning from the Canada post location in Brampton. The Do Not Open envelope was ripped open from one side due to the handling by the Canada post staff. I contacted the Consulate and they asked me to re-submit my passport and the packet. I can't do it, I just booked my tickets and traveling to Asia and Europe tomrorrow. If I have trouble when I enter USA in late Jan then I don't have an option! The thrill and anxiety of this journey continues...

I bet you they might had thrown it like frisbee. Also just curious, how is the stuff really come in, I meant the envelope..is it cardboard or Manilla? We should email the consulate to report these kind of problems such as No Recipient Address(Wont release) and the way Post Staff handle the package during transits.

That is a big gamble when you finish your trip around the world. I wonder how ripped was the envelope on the side, were you able to take documents out..? If not, It should be ok. I don't think POE would suspect you are doing something you are not supposed to. Hope you took some pictures, and prove it just in case. Keep that packet safe during your journey..

On behalf of everyone, congrats and have a nice holiday trip.

Let us know if you made it through..POE

Edited December 12, 2015 by Friend2ya

[Friend2ya 9]

The consulate confirmed in an email that they had received the passport on the 25th. So I know it is there. They seem to have looked into my case the past two Wednesdays... but nothing happens. Nothing changes. I have seen others too get their visa's in like 7 business days after sending documents in. We don't seem to be so lucky. Maybe because of the time of the year?

Another business day practically over... sigh. Hopefully next week we will all get some good news.

Jenn, does the person who answers people emails also handles cases or just there to give you estimated time like an operator? Because it sounds to me, its forwarded for review. Maybe we still have hopes.

After seeing that email saying 8 weeks to process. I feel I have slow down my anxiety, meaning I don't have to keep checking ceac...but frustration is there big time. I was so mad, I even shout at my co-worker - so much hunger and I realize I was wrong for no reason.

Let's enjoy the weekend, and forget it about - until next round - Dec 14-18

[k_stacky 65]

I picked up my passport this morning from the Canada post location in Brampton. The Do Not Open envelope was ripped open from one side due to the handling by the Canada post staff. I contacted the Consulate and they asked me to re-submit my passport and the packet. I can't do it, I just booked my tickets and traveling to Asia and Europe tomrorrow. If I have trouble when I enter USA in late Jan then I don't have an option! The thrill and anxiety of this journey continues...

I'm so sorry idyllic. hopefully it will still be accepted at POE

I bet you they might had thrown it like frisbee. Also just curious, how is the stuff really come in, I meant the envelope..is it cardboard or Manilla? We should email the consulate to report these kind of problems such as No Recipient Address(Wont release) and the way Post Staff handle the package during transits.

That is a big gamble when you finish your trip around the world. I wonder how ripped was the envelope on the side, were you able to take documents out..? If not, It should be ok. I don't think POE would suspect you are doing something you are not supposed to. Hope you took some pictures, and prove it just in case. Keep that packet safe during your journey..

On behalf of everyone, congrats and have a nice holiday trip.

Let us know if you made it through..POE

Everything is packaged in a shipping bag (the thin white ones with the grey lining), the passport is floating around loose inside, and then the "Do Not Open" package is just a manilla envelope with one of the sides taped down and stamped with a seal from Montreal along the seam. Nothing sturdy or protective about it all.

[k_stacky 65]

But I picked up my passport today from the Waterloo location with no problems at all. I briefly showed them the e-mail with the tracking information, they asked for my ID and then I signed for it and that was that. My packet inside was still sealed with only the corners a little roughed up and all of the information printed in my visa was correct, all of which I feel very lucky for.

Here is my CEAC timeline for anyone interested:

Dec. 2nd: Interview. Status: Ready, Immigrant Visa. Updated Date changed to Dec. 2nd

Dec. 3rd: Status still Ready, Immigrant Visa. Case Status Updated date changed to Dec. 3rd

Dec. 4th: Status still Ready, Immigrant Visa. Case Status Updated date changed to Dec. 4th

Dec. 5th + 6th: Weekend. No changes.

Dec. 7th (AM): Status still Ready, Immigrant Visa. Case Status Updated date still says Dec. 4th

Dec. 7th (PM): Status changed to Ready, Non-Immigrant Visa! Case Status Updated date and Case Creation date both changed to Dec. 7th

Dec. 8th: Status changed to Non-Immigrant Administrative Processing. Case Status Updated date changed to Dec. 8th
Dec. 9th: Status changed to Issued!
Dec. 10th: Received tracking number from Canadapost.
Dec. 11th: Package ready for pick up in Waterloo, Package picked up and Visa in hand.

[Friend2ya 9]

Previously said, K-1 is moving fast ..approved on spot within 2 weeks visa issued.

If it taped and has a seal untampered it should be ok I guess..

I think this is reference wise - to be safe for everyone, take a picture and even record a video before opening the envelope

My recap for this week,

Status Updated -

Dec 7 - Email

Dec 8 - Documents received

Dec 9 - ?????

Dec 11 - Email (confirmed docs received)

By the way, what is mean on the signature of the email an operator 11 ?

Best regards,

OP11
Correspondence Unit | Immigrant Visa

U.S. Consulate General in Montreal

If it just a person that give you information, JennNMike,myself and others might have a chance towards the end of December

Edited December 12, 2015 by Friend2ya

[idyllic420 31]

I picked up my passport this morning from the Canada post location in Brampton. The Do Not Open envelope was ripped open from one side due to the handling by the Canada post staff. I contacted the Consulate and they asked me to re-submit my passport and the packet. I can't do it, I just booked my tickets and traveling to Asia and Europe tomrorrow. If I have trouble when I enter USA in late Jan then I don't have an option! The thrill and anxiety of this journey continues...