Requesting Passport Back During AP?

[dylanforseth 3]

Hey VJ'ers,

So, I'm in a bit of a tough spot right now in regards to getting my passport back.

I had my interview in Montreal on October 26th, 2016. Everything went great, she said I was approved and gave me the paper to check my status online and the "welcome to the usa" paper. She said I will receive my passport within two weeks.

I checked my status that night and it had been updated that day and still said "ready" and then the next morning (Thursday morning) it changed to "Administrative Processing" and hasn't changed since. Of course, I have read the horror stories of people being stuck in administrative processing for months and months. I am hoping it just means they are getting the paperwork ready and it will change to issued next week. Like I said there were no issues with the application, neither of us were adopted or previously married, both born citizens of our countries etc., we definitely meet the income threshold.

Now, I have had a trip to the Dominican Republic booked for about a year, to go on a humanitarian trip to build homes, this was booked before we started this process. Im leaving on November 14th. So yes, I know I shouldn't book flights but this was booked way in advance and before we started this process and I didn't have much choice as my petition expires in December. Another thing is the trip was paid for by fundraising and I would disappoint a lot of people if I don't go.

So, I am wondering how I can request my passport back, if by the end of next week it hasn't changed out of AP status I would like to request my passport back so I can travel on my trip to the Dominican and then I can return my passport back to them when I return.

Does anyone have any experience with this. I am seriously desperate, I am a nervous wreck and have been since Thursday and just need answers!! I emailed them asking what the reason for the AP is but haven't gotten a response back from them yet, hoping to have one back early next week.

Thank you guys for all of your help, I would be lost without this forum!

[Unlockable 7,316]

Calm down.

EVERYBODY goes into AP at some point. Even when they are preparing your passport to print the visa in it you could be in AP.

If you had a good interview and was told you were approved and given the welcome letter you are fine. You are only causing yourself unnecessary stress.

[Anitafeliz 1,133]

You'll get it back in time for the trip. Make sure not to do any flights that stop in us or it will be conspired your POE.

[NikLR 13,232]

All K1 do AP in Montreal these days. Generally for a week or two. If you weren't born in Canada or your parents weren't born in Canada, then it can be a few longer. Because you've had your interview it doesn't matter when the petition expires. All that matters is that you enter before the visa will expire which is 6 months from medical. You also didn't need to do an interview before the petition expired, you needed to have one booked. Montreal will automatically extend the petition if a) there are no interviews available or b) you have an interview booked and the petition expires before interview.

To answer your question, yes you can request your passport back then send it back to them when you return.

[dylanforseth 3]

Calm down.

EVERYBODY goes into AP at some point. Even when they are preparing your passport to print the visa in it you could be in AP.

If you had a good interview and was told you were approved and given the welcome letter you are fine. You are only causing yourself unnecessary stress.

I needed this!

Thank you!

You'll get it back in time for the trip. Make sure not to do any flights that stop in us or it will be conspired your POE.

Of course, all my flights I have booked before I move all connect in Canada.

All K1 do AP in Montreal these days. Generally for a week or two. If you weren't born in Canada or your parents weren't born in Canada, then it can be a few longer. Because you've had your interview it doesn't matter when the petition expires. All that matters is that you enter before the visa will expire which is 6 months from medical. You also didn't need to do an interview before the petition expired, you needed to have one booked. Montreal will automatically extend the petition if a) there are no interviews available or b) you have an interview booked and the petition expires before interview.

To answer your question, yes you can request your passport back then send it back to them when you return.

I was born in Canada, as were my parents.

Thanks for the info!

[NikLR 13,232]

You'll get it back in time for the trip. Make sure not to do any flights that stop in us or it will be conspired your POE.

Canada has preclearance any flights stopping in the usa would have to go through customs before even getting on the plane. Also it doesnt matter if the visa is not yet in the passport

[dylanforseth 3]

Canada has preclearance any flights stopping in the usa would have to go through customs before even getting on the plane. Also it doesnt matter if the visa is not yet in the passport

It doesn't matter anyways, I won't be traveling through or connecting through the United States until I move in January.

Im going to the Dominican in 2 weeks, connecting in Toronto and then Mexico in December (direct).

I think ill be okay, just praying my CEAC status changes before it gets too close to the date and I have to request it back.

So, to go about requesting it back, do I simply just email them asking to have it back as I need to travel? Is it as easy as that or is there other steps involved, just trying to be prepared for if I do need to request it back. I want to make sure I have enough time for them to respond to my email and get it to me before I leave.

[NikLR 13,232]

Email or use the online form to have the passport couriered to you. You would courier it back after you return. The reason I quoted that other person was because I was talking directly to them to correct any information they're trying to relate. As you stated though, in your case, it doesnt matter.

Edited October 30, 2016 by NikLR

[Anitafeliz 1,133]

i didnt know that

Canada has preclearance any flights stopping in the usa would have to go through customs before even getting on the plane. Also it doesnt matter if the visa is not yet in the passport

[NikLR 13,232]

i didnt know that

learn something new everyday!

[dylanforseth 3]

Update!

It changed to "ready" today and says this:

"Your case is open and ready for your interview, fingerprints, and required documents. If you have already had your interview, please check your status after two business days."

Im assuming this is a good sign?

[NikLR 13,232]

Yup.

[dylanforseth 3]

Back to AP status

[NikLR 13,232]

Poop