timeframes

[dburnt 59]

So, after 218 long days, finally got notice that the I129F was approved and the NOA2 was on its way (last week).

Just wondering, since I've heard some not very great things about Montreal, how long before I can expect to hear anything. I know the file has to go to NVC and then to Montreal, but I need to have a feel for whether this is a 6 week thing or another 6 months. Obviously, "4 to 6 months" for the first stage didn't work out so well for us (with no explanations at all), and since I am on a temporary assignment, I need to know how long to extend.

[Abby & Andre 27]

We just went through these steps very recently. It took 13 days for my case to reach NVC then another 12 days at NVC before they shipped it to Montreal. It only took 1 day to be delivered and then 2 days after that for our status to change to "READY." We just sent Packet 3 and are now waiting on Packet 4. From what I can tell, they are sending out Packet 4 in about 3-5 days then you can schedule your interview. Interview wait times seem to be 4-6 weeks right now. I know each case is different, but it may help you get a general idea. Hope this helps!

[dburnt 59]

well that seems a little more encouraging...last time i checked Montreal was booking 3 to 4 months out. The fact that we're already at 8 months is discouraging

[Shelbym 2]

We filed our paperwork May 1st. NOA by mid-May (the banker filled out the cashier's check incorrectly, so we were a tad behind). NOA2 on August 1st. NVC forwarded our case to Montreal on September 24th. We didn't send in P3 for another few weeks after we could because Brian wanted to have everything ready just in case (I think it sent mid-November). Thanksgiving happened, and it took almost 6 weeks to get P4. Then, it took a few weeks to actually get an appointment. We booked for the end of January, but Brian couldn't get a medical in time, so we pushed it out to February 27th. Then the consulate changed it to the 28th. Then they changed it to the 14th with no warning, so we had to reschedule entirely for March 28th where we finally got approved. He moves here next Monday.

All in all, it took us about a year from start to finish. We were some of the first groups sending in our P3 by email, which was horrid because we all had really long wait times. BUT, I think they have gotten faster.

Honestly, I would keep extending your job for at least 6 months minimum. You do have approximately six months to move after receiving your visa (it counts from your medical), even though most of us want to be reunited immediately.

[Abby & Andre 27]

I just received Packet 4 yesterday, so it only took 2 days after they received our Packet 3 to send us our Packet 4! We will be booking the interview today.

[Abby & Andre 27]

Just wanted to add that we booked the medical and interview. (see my signature) Montreal seems to be pretty good right now. Good luck!

[Shelbym 2]

Just wanted to add that we booked the medical and interview. (see my signature) Montreal seems to be pretty good right now. Good luck!

Ugh, I'm so jealous! Montreal took forever for us. But, it meant more time to save up, so I guess we'll look on the bright side of things.

[dburnt 59]

We just went through these steps very recently. It took 13 days for my case to reach NVC then another 12 days at NVC before they shipped it to Montreal. It only took 1 day to be delivered and then 2 days after that for our status to change to "READY." We just sent Packet 3 and are now waiting on Packet 4. From what I can tell, they are sending out Packet 4 in about 3-5 days then you can schedule your interview. Interview wait times seem to be 4-6 weeks right now. I know each case is different, but it may help you get a general idea. Hope this helps!

where do you see your "status"?

I completed and submitted the DS160 online last week (the NVC sent the file to Montreal May 19). Where would I see a status update (i.e. is that on the ceac site, or somewhere else?

[Abby & Andre 27]

It is the ceac.state.gov website. If your status says Ready, you can go ahead and submit Packet 3 instead of waiting for them to send it.

[dburnt 59]

ah, ok. It still says "no status", so guessing it will be a bit. Hopefully, not too long...it feels so close to the end I can almost taste it.