IR-1/CR-1 Montreal DQ'd private message group goes public CONTINUED

[Mel and Deb 46]

3 hours ago, Mel and Deb said:

Thanks. Can't find a direct line. I emailed them again.

I have just heard from them and I am booked for April 6th interview April 14th. Should work.

[darth vader 133]

4 hours ago, mam521 said:

Has the Consulate requested any documentation?  Do you have your login for the CEAC website to check messages and upload documents, as mentioned by @betzzymathew?  It seems rather strange to mail anything these days, especially without explicit requests from the Consulate with instructions.  

 

Also, even though this is a IR/CR forum, can you please fill out your VJ timeline?  It's helpful on many fronts.  

 

Montreal has not allowed spouses for nearly 2 years.  Argue if you like, but those that have interviewed know this is how it is.  They barely allow the interviewees into the door!  

I am not arguing, if you read my comment correctly it was about a blanket assertion on what C.O.s like to do (not be bothered by U.S.C. being present at the interview). I was merely pointing out that historically, different consulates have different policies on this. Even within Montreal, policies have changes from time to time on whether or not to allow U.S.C. spouses inside the consulate for the interview. Perhaps, I could've phrased my comment a bit more "nicely", but in no way I was "arguing".

[Kaleigh11 0]

Hi! My husband goes for his interview next week. We have been gathering our documents and now am freaking out a bit about the police certificate. He got his done last may, so it’s not yet expired. I am reading that there is now a new one that he should have gotten? Or am I misunderstanding? Under the privacy act type on the certificate it lists “other.” 

Edited March 17, 2021 by Kaleigh11

[State and Maine 190]

28 minutes ago, Kaleigh11 said:

Hi! My husband goes for his interview next week. We have been gathering our documents and now am freaking out a bit about the police certificate. He got his done last may, so it’s not yet expired. I am reading that there is now a new one that he should have gotten? Or am I misunderstanding? Under the privacy act type on the certificate it lists “other.” 

As long as it’s not expired it’ll be fine. 

[showag 52]

1 hour ago, Kaleigh11 said:

Hi! My husband goes for his interview next week. We have been gathering our documents and now am freaking out a bit about the police certificate. He got his done last may, so it’s not yet expired. I am reading that there is now a new one that he should have gotten? Or am I misunderstanding? Under the privacy act type on the certificate it lists “other.” 

His existing police certificate should work. I also got my PC last May and it was good for my interview last week.

[YYZ&MIA 117]

15 hours ago, Emilini said:

Hi, All.  I was able to reschedule - but because of Covid, it's a lot more complicated than the link that is provided in the FAQ's.  When I realized I wasn't able to make my March 1st appointment (after much anxiety and sleepless nights), I emailed Montreal (the email they recommend to use) and gave them my information - my passport #, my Case # and forwarded my interview email from the NVC.  I told them my reasons (too short notice, working in states, young children traumatized by last 8 mo separation from father, etc).  They cancelled my interview.   I went to sign in at the interview scheduling website - and they said I needed to schedule an appointment - and that there were none available at the time.  Weird, I was expecting to see a calendar, but whatever.  I kept checking.  At the end of February I received another date  - April 9.  Well, that's nice and all, but I'm here in the states under an r-class work visa (I'm a pastor) and April 9 is right after Easter...and I can't leave here during the most holy celebration/feast to quarantine and have all my appointments.  So, I emailed the consulate again and this time I was first given the following email: "The U.S. Consulate General in Montreal does not handle re-scheduling interviews. Any questions about scheduling/re-scheduling the appointment or any issues with the website of our appointment services contractor should be reported directly to the Official U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment Service using the contact details here https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-CA/iv/information/contact_us"  On the scheduling website it says their call centre can reschedule appointments.  So, I called them, however, the person I talked to at the call-centre said that, no, the Montreal consulate will reschedule the appointment only after I miss the April 9 appointment.  Ok, that's not what happened last time - but ok.

 

Yesterday I received another email from Montreal saying: Good morning, Thank you for the notification. Our Visa unit will contact you with appointment availability in late April and May 2021.

 

So, they have no idea what they're doing and they're just stringing me along - each email is from a different operator.  I'm just waiting to see what will happen next.  

 

Right now, my husband and I are also in talks with an immigration lawyer who thinks we have a good case for Adjustment of Status.  I'm a little nervous about that - because of stories I've heard about denials of greencards and I have been denied entry at the border 2ce in the last 15 years - (the last time was almost 2 years ago).  

 

So, we'll wait and see what happens re my rescheduled rescheduled appointment.  I wish I could choose the date, but it doesn't look like they're doing that anymore/right now.   I also hope that I will receive the vaccination soon - so that may help if vaccine passports will get me into Canada without all the silly border shenanigans.  

 

Thanks for the update! It actually sounds like they are being very considerate and fair to those who unfortunately have to reschedule their interview... My fear was that theyd kind of toss those cases aside with no clear dates or information as to when their new date is going to be and make them last priority but that doesnt seem to be the case. @Emilini good luck and keep us updated. 

[burmel 34]

Can anyone share experiences with Doctors Zatzman or Lee.  They seem to be the best proximity for me.  I am interested in responsiveness, Lab availability, how and how fast they get results to the Consulate , etc.

[CGs_Mother 114]

1 hour ago, burmel said:

Can anyone share experiences with Doctors Zatzman or Lee.  They seem to be the best proximity for me.  I am interested in responsiveness, Lab availability, how and how fast they get results to the Consulate , etc.

My friend (not on VJ) had her medical with Dr Lee and got an appointment within a week of scheduling her interview (i.e. scheduled interview in February, got Dr. Lee's office in Feb). Medical results were at the Consulate on time for her interview on Monday where she successfully got through! I have heard only good things about the Toronto area doctors.

[jstriders 70]

1 hour ago, burmel said:

Can anyone share experiences with Doctors Zatzman or Lee.  They seem to be the best proximity for me.  I am interested in responsiveness, Lab availability, how and how fast they get results to the Consulate , etc.

I went to see Dr. Zatzman yesterday. His office takes your pictures, so there is no need to bring any with you. Passport, IL and record of vaccinations were required. 
Everything went fairly fast and smooth. I didn't have to wait too long in lines to get my X-Ray. Lab waiting time was about 50 minutes, but it worked perfectly for me as I stepped outside to have some fresh air after challenging morning drive from Windsor to Toronto. Dr. Zatzman charged $260 for initial appointment with him, X-Ray was $70 and labs $30 with change. 

The only issue I had is with my new updated information. I updated my passport to married name after DQ. Back in August last year I uploaded it to CEAC and notified NVC. They updated my information, IL arrived in my married name. However, medical paperwork at Dr. Zatzman was in my former name (passport number surprisingly is correct new updated one!)
So, now I have initial appointment in my former name, but X-Ray and Labs are in my married name! I was warned to contact NVC and embassy right away in attempt to correct the issue. Medical office told me that I possibly will have a confusion at the border and will have troubles proving that I am the same person. They also told me that I may have to return once again to do my medical. Currently awaiting for replies from NVC and/or embassy to see what can be done to resolve the issue painlessly. Will update everyone once I hear back.

[MT18Canada 0]

On 3/12/2021 at 4:30 PM, aurmorr said:

I’m DQ 10/16 and there are only a few people on the list between us- really hoping the drop off is real and we both get in next month. I had 4 months of delays at NVC so I’m feeling really salty I’m not in this batch because I should’ve had a July DQ ):< 

 

I really hope this is reflective even a little 🙏

Hi guys! It looks like I’m on the same page as @aurmorr. On your online account, does it say your file is at “NVC”? Thanks 

[RachaelMcCorm 17]

Hey everyone! 

This is for members who have completed their point of entry at the Buffalo-Fort Erie Peace Bridge during covid restrictions.

 

Has anyone attempted to cross with their parents or another individual driving them across the border?

I am not planning on importing a vehicle as mine is too rusted to pass an inspection in Pennsylvania.

I thought about driving a Uhaul truck, but I have an 11 month old and there is no back seat in a Uhaul for a car seat.

So the next best option for me was to have someone else drive me across, which my parents would gladly do with their truck and trailer. Just wondered if anyone has tried this in covid times in Buffalo and how the border guards reacted? 

Thanks,

Rachael 

Interview date: April 14

 

[Lovewithoutborder 69]

1 hour ago, RachaelMcCorm said:

Hey everyone! 

This is for members who have completed their point of entry at the Buffalo-Fort Erie Peace Bridge during covid restrictions.

 

Has anyone attempted to cross with their parents or another individual driving them across the border?

I am not planning on importing a vehicle as mine is too rusted to pass an inspection in Pennsylvania.

I thought about driving a Uhaul truck, but I have an 11 month old and there is no back seat in a Uhaul for a car seat.

So the next best option for me was to have someone else drive me across, which my parents would gladly do with their truck and trailer. Just wondered if anyone has tried this in covid times in Buffalo and how the border guards reacted? 

Thanks,

Rachael 

Interview date: April 14

 

Not sure how relevant this is but my cousin from Nova Scotia goes to university in Upstate New York on a student visa. A few months ago my uncle was able to drive my cousin down and drop him and his stuff off at the university and then drive back into Canada. My uncle of course had to quarantine upon his return but I’m assuming since my cousin had a visa they considered my uncles “visitor” trip essential. Maybe try phoning the POE and explain the situation and asking if they would allow your parents to cross with you when you activate a CR-1 visa just to help you move. 

[Emilini 10]

18 hours ago, Justintime2 said:

Sounds like you think the US should consider your green card process a higher priority than you yourself do. No offense but given what's happened the last year, what may yet come and how long the process is even without delays, getting the next available appointment regardless the conflict would seem a better plan...

Some offense taken, but only because you caught me in an overly fraught moment.  Justintime2, Montreal is figuring this out and so are we - in a way that is hopefully the least painful and traumatizing for 2 preschoolers and a church that expects me to do what I've been called to do. Judge me as you like, I'm trying to make lemons into chocolate cake...and I think it's going to be palatable for everyone 

[mam521 2,062]

17 hours ago, darth vader said:

I am not arguing, if you read my comment correctly it was about a blanket assertion on what C.O.s like to do (not be bothered by U.S.C. being present at the interview). I was merely pointing out that historically, different consulates have different policies on this. Even within Montreal, policies have changes from time to time on whether or not to allow U.S.C. spouses inside the consulate for the interview. Perhaps, I could've phrased my comment a bit more "nicely", but in no way I was "arguing".

That's fine you're offering some anecdotal suggestions; however, you come across as rather toll like and combative in your responses. 

 

As you have likely noticed, this is a very fast paced, near real time thread.  The information provided is about as up to date as one can get in regards to IR1/CR1 visas and their processing at the Montreal consulate.  If you don't care for the information as it's provided, maybe this particular thread is not best suited to you.  New people join the thread in search of answers and don't want to be confused by misinformation from the past.  They want to know what they need to do or what is acceptable in the present.  It's also why @Hawk Riders works hard at keeping the spreadsheet up to date and @DGF works hard at keeping the FAQ's up to date.  These are invaluable resources that all are encouraged to reference because they've been built out from the same questions and concerns being voiced a number of times. 

 

Again, just trying to keep it relevant to the present. 

[MichaelZas 21]

Hi Folks,

Is it possible to upload new i-864 (with updated work and address) after Interview Letter to CEAC or it's too late? I remember reading on this page that it's always good to upload new documents to CEAC before the interview but I when I asked my lawyer to do so he said that now the case is with the consulate and we need to update the consulate not NVC (because NVC is done with the case at this point). Is this true? I am a bit confused.

 

Thank you!