Montreal Interview Waiting Room Thread

[CutienPurg 0]

Fellow USC's ........

does anyone think there's anything we can do or anyone we can call to maybe find out why Montreal is so slow, as well as so difficult to deal with? No one is going to convince me that they are busier than any other consulate in the world. Granted they have picked up the pace SOME but overall their performance isnt up to snuff. This is U.S. gov't agency and it seems to me we should , as tax payers, be entitled to some reasonable answers. We are following the legal and proper steps regarding immigration and it seems to me we are being punished for it. It would be just as easy for our loved ones to follow the behavior of our southern neighbors , yet that isnt the approach we're taking(although it sure seems tempting more and more lately). I'll parrot what almost everyone I talk to says " ITS CANADA FOR GOD'S SAKE", the most peaceful country in the friggen world and we have to endure this kind of garbage from the consulate.

I dunno , maybe Im just overly frustrated lately , just seems theres gotta be something we can do.

[mercy 1]

I feel awful for being the bearer of bad news! Like I said though, take it with a grain of salt. Maybe you could call today and see when they say you could expect an interview? I will keep you all updated on what happens with my transfer, so you know what you can expect if you choose to do the same.

Mozplay, if I knew my contact better I would absolutely ask them to do the same favour for you! They are my brother-in-law's family, and I've never met them. If you want to considered it, ask around with your friends and family to see if anyone knows someone trustworthy.

[hockeygal 0]

criminy. why does it take so much longer in Montreal? Could it be becaue they handle all the K3's too? But how many more of those can there be?

Sorry you guys. Waiting sucks!

[Flames9_RN 358]

I'm sure the new DCF option doesnt help and I suppose they have more security paperwork to do as well. My wife worked for the US State Dept and were short manned at times, so I would think a Consulate has the same problems. Looking at it from a governement perspective, They don't really need to speed things up, there is more than enough people coming into the USA. Hope it picks up for you guys.

[James and Daniela 0]

Fellow USC's ........

does anyone think there's anything we can do or anyone we can call to maybe find out why Montreal is so slow, as well as so difficult to deal with? No one is going to convince me that they are busier than any other consulate in the world. Granted they have picked up the pace SOME but overall their performance isnt up to snuff. This is U.S. gov't agency and it seems to me we should , as tax payers, be entitled to some reasonable answers. We are following the legal and proper steps regarding immigration and it seems to me we are being punished for it. It would be just as easy for our loved ones to follow the behavior of our southern neighbors , yet that isnt the approach we're taking(although it sure seems tempting more and more lately). I'll parrot what almost everyone I talk to says " ITS CANADA FOR GOD'S SAKE", the most peaceful country in the friggen world and we have to endure this kind of garbage from the consulate.

I dunno , maybe Im just overly frustrated lately , just seems theres gotta be something we can do.

I think we can respectfully complain to the consulate and ask that they change their procedures so that the process would be less frustrating for us and our spouses (or spouses to be).

One change would be to receive an interview letter as soon as the consulate receives the Packet 3 checklist, even if the interview is scheduled months in the future. And also be more flexible with interview dates, allowing petioners to choose dates. They don't even allow us K visa applications to book our dates on-line like they do other non-immigrant visa applications. Why does it take months to get a letter that they have scheduled an interview. You are not even notified that they have your Packet 3. By contrast, I hear that Vacouver is very fast and efficient. Receiving some documents (including the checklist and DS-230) via fax and communicating via email.

I am not sure how their scheduling system works, but it would seem to me that one person could do that job fulltime and another person could handle emails/phone calls/customer service. The scheduling system should be more customer service focused becuase they are doing a service for us and our spouses! But you get the feeling that they are passive (and detached) and make you contact them to get information. Their mission should be to weed-out the ineligible people, but in the process welcome those many eligible people. Every successful family-based visa is a major relief and joy to a family. Our consulates should be happy for us to be reunited with our loved ones, not adding to the stress of being separated.

Canada may be Peaceful, but Montreal Consulate is slow!!!

Go Vancouver!!!

[mozplay 29]

Mozplay, if I knew my contact better I would absolutely ask them to do the same favour for you! They are my brother-in-law's family, and I've never met them. If you want to considered it, ask around with your friends and family to see if anyone knows someone trustworthy.

Thanks, Mercy. I wasn't serious but it was nice of you all the same to say that you would ask if you could. I am just frustrated now is all. If you get your interview quickly I may do exactly as you suggest. Have not made up my mind yet. Happy for you if you can change your "Mtl Fate" though.

Monique

[CutienPurg 0]

so points of contention are:

-not being able to fax forms

-having to use the forms they send ...as if theyre special

-conflicting answers on a regular basis

-RUDE responses

-takes months to get a letter that they have scheduled an interview

Feel free to add on

I realize they can be overwhelmed and understaffed but for crying out loud, even the service centers realize they have a backup and do things to shorten the wait(transfer to other centers etc). Then we get to the consulate level and hit a brick wall. It's not like Montreal is the only consulate that's equipped to handle k visa's and DCF. Didnt someone post here that Calgary(?) processed family based visa's not too long ago? It is feasible for them to transfer to Vancouver. We shouldn't be the ones requesting those transfers. Does it cost more to mail from Vancouver the same packets as Montreal does? I cant even see what the purpose of having to have an address on the west coast to receive mail is. If they transfered those from the middle of the country, it wouldnt make any difference, flying one way or the other. Flames you're right , there are an awful lot of people coming to the US yet how many are coming illegally? One would think our gov't would want to encourage those who are taking proper channels to become tax paying productive members of this nation. It's no wonder we have so much illegal immigration taking place , what with the cost and time it takes to do it right, who can really blame them for wanting to skip that headache. Not suggesting Im in favor of their process but I sure can relate to why they would wanna cut corners.

Anyway, thats my afternoon rant

[mercy 1]

Mozplay, if I knew my contact better I would absolutely ask them to do the same favour for you! They are my brother-in-law's family, and I've never met them. If you want to considered it, ask around with your friends and family to see if anyone knows someone trustworthy.

Thanks, Mercy. I wasn't serious but it was nice of you all the same to say that you would ask if you could. I am just frustrated now is all. If you get your interview quickly I may do exactly as you suggest. Have not made up my mind yet. Happy for you if you can change your "Mtl Fate" though.

Monique

I know you were Just wanted to point out to you and anyone else that even if you don't think you "know" someone out there, you probably do. I'll keep you posted.

[Leafgal 3]

Thanks for keeping us updated, I know I speak for everyone when I say good luck and hope you get a quick interview.

[Mephys 2]

Im still waiting for my NOA2, but im living in Montreal and all my family and friends are from Quebec. And I live prolly 20 min from the consulate. I know I am lucky not to have to take plane or rent a hotel to go there...but wow I was kinda hoping I would be moved by february. Now it looks like if I can send back my Pack3 list by the end of November/ beginning of Dec, that it wont be until March, April, May...like ugh...

I cant even think about going to Vancouver.....I really hope some of you will start getting their appointement so that we could have an idea about if this Mean lady is right or wrong....OmG Cant wait to call her..../shivers

lol

Edited October 25, 2006 by Mephys

[Kipster 0]

So...just thinking out loud...I wonder if the Montreal consulate goes over each petition again before they decide to extend a visa invitation through the interview process. Could there possibly be updated policy manuals available that provide some clues as to the way Montreal processes K visa petitions? Having worked with different Federal Aviation Administration local Flight Standards District Offices in different geographical locations and seeing the differences in the way they approached doing business (one of the biggest complaints in the aviation industry..too many inconsistencies between geographical locations) has me wondering about Montreal's policies and procedures. Thoughts?

[Officer's Fiance 0]

Please, please. please..... someone who sent back Packet 3 in Aug or Sept post something that they have received an interview date. The unknown is driving me crazy!!! At least those from OCt will have an idea of where we stand! Sheeesh....

[billsgirl 0]

my pkg 3 was sent back near the end of sept...they gave me nov 27th as an interview date......jeezums...i hope you guys hear something real soon....yea...montreal does the bulk of everything......and it s$%^&....i light a candle every nite for you guys.....and....mephys...long time no hear..........didnt know you lived so close to the consulate...i work 3 streets from them.....................................good luck all

[Married_my_love 0]

Seems like I've read at least a few threads where someone called, talked to the mean lady who said "4 months" and then shortly after received their interview date. Not saying that talking to mean lady makes things magically happen, I'm just saying that I believe they say 4 months no-matta what. Just so you'll think the worst and be surprised when it happens quicker. If they told everyone "2 months" they'd get 10 xs more phone calls at the 2 month period, right?

[Leafgal 3]

Crossing my fingers you are right married.