The dreaded DS-5535 thread for Montreal. Post here and support each other (split)

[ohmygod 60]

8 hours ago, ice-qube said:

Gd willing, we will.

Looks like medical is valid for a year now?

[AdrianHar 14]

14 hours ago, Hello100 said:

I told you man, I'd like to meet up with you when we both make it to Florida (whenever that may be) and just laugh about it.

I'd love to laugh with you guys about this. I'm in Florida, my fiance is in Canada. She received the dreadful 5535 on February 14th (of all days). It's been over a month, just waiting like everyone else.

[ice-qube 649]

6 hours ago, ohmygod said:

Looks like medical is valid for a year now?

Where did you hear that?

38 minutes ago, AdrianHar said:

I'd love to laugh with you guys about this. I'm in Florida, my fiance is in Canada. She received the dreadful 5535 on February 14th (of all days). It's been over a month, just waiting like everyone else.

For sure, join in the fun— we can have a whole crew assembled!

[DGF 730]

6 hours ago, ohmygod said:

Looks like medical is valid for a year now?

I believe medicals done outside the US (as required when doing consular processing) are still only valid for 6 months. Medicals done within the US (e.g. for AOS) use form I-693 which is different from the form used by panel physicians outside of the US and the validity of form I-693 was extended beyond the 6 months because of the pandemic. 

[ohmygod 60]

50 minutes ago, DGF said:

I believe medicals done outside the US (as required when doing consular processing) are still only valid for 6 months. Medicals done within the US (e.g. for AOS) use form I-693 which is different from the form used by panel physicians outside of the US and the validity of form I-693 was extended beyond the 6 months because of the pandemic. 

Ok, thanks for the information. Hope they change this for outside US too

[From_CAN_2_US 1,106]

1 hour ago, DGF said:

I believe medicals done outside the US (as required when doing consular processing) are still only valid for 6 months. Medicals done within the US (e.g. for AOS) use form I-693 which is different from the form used by panel physicians outside of the US and the validity of form I-693 was extended beyond the 6 months because of the pandemic. 

As I understand it, it varies by the consulate. Some have it valid for 1 year (eg: Auckland) , others such as Montreal, it’s only valid for 6 months.

 

But yeah, I wish Montreal would extend it…

[EB_Stuck 47]

On 3/25/2022 at 10:56 AM, deep2ca said:

@EB1A_Stuck_AP I believe you are the first person in this group to launch a mandamus suit, please keep us updated on how that goes. 

Will do! If you do some research, you will find that there are a bunch of mandamus lawsuits launched against Montreal consulate.  I am aware of 26 such cases since summer of 2020. Out of which 16 have been closed as the outcome was achieved. 10 are still outstanding. So I assume, there are at least 10 WoM lawsuits that Montreal consulate is suppose to be handling.  Montreal consulate recently posted two job openings with deadline to apply March 25, 2022, titled: Security Investigators. From the job description it seemed like these resources would be dedicated to conducting background checks and address cases stuck in AP.  From my research at most 10% of the people go for WoM who are stuck in AP. Extending the logic means there are likely 100s of files stuck in AP to justify two positions of $126k worth salary/year each.  Let's see what happens.  Its completely disappointing to see what law abiding individuals with clean record with top secret security clearance from Canadian governments has to go through all this nonsense bureaucracy  and red tape. Now, I do admit; I have wide and deep travel history but that's what talent and hard work does to you! You go see the world!  Wishing the best to you all.

Edited March 26, 2022 by EB1A_Stuck_AP

[ice-qube 649]

33 minutes ago, EB1A_Stuck_AP said:

Will do! If you do some research, you will find that there are a bunch of mandamus lawsuits launched against Montreal consulate.  I am aware of 26 such cases since summer of 2020. Out of which 16 have been closed as the outcome was achieved. 10 are still outstanding. So I assume, there are at least 10 WoM lawsuits that Montreal consulate is suppose to be handling.  Montreal consulate recently posted two job openings with deadline to apply March 25, 2022, titled: Security Investigators. From the job description it seemed like these resources would be dedicated to conducting background checks and address cases stuck in AP.  From my research at most 10% of the people go for WoM who are stuck in AP. Extending the logic means there are likely 100s of files stuck in AP to justify two positions of $126k worth salary/year each.  Let's see what happens.  Its completely disappointing to see what law abiding individuals with clean record with top secret security clearance from Canadian governments has to go through all this nonsense bureaucracy  and red tape. Now, I do admit; I have wide and deep travel history but that's what talent and hard work does to you! You go see the world!  Wishing the best to you all.

How do you know of all these 26 cases?

[EB_Stuck 47]

16 minutes ago, ice-qube said:

How do you know of all these 26 cases?

checkout lawsuit docket website: pacemonitor dot com . You can search for all cases with Ana Escrogima launched against (she is the Consul General).  You should be able to see all the 26 cases and more! You may need premium service, but if you are new to it, a trial account might get you there!

[EB_Stuck 47]

3 hours ago, From_CAN_2_US said:

As I understand it, it varies by the consulate. Some have it valid for 1 year (eg: Auckland) , others such as Montreal, it’s only valid for 6 months.

 

But yeah, I wish Montreal would extend it…

It is not up to Montreal Consulate in particular. It has to come out as a policy change from the Department of State to synchronize with USCIS's policy. It requires internal agency efforts or external lobbying effort.  What is your actual verifiable source for validity of medicals for 1 year for a consulate (Aukland)?

[From_CAN_2_US 1,106]

33 minutes ago, EB1A_Stuck_AP said:

It is not up to Montreal Consulate in particular. It has to come out as a policy change from the Department of State to synchronize with USCIS's policy. It requires internal agency efforts or external lobbying effort.  What is your actual verifiable source for validity of medicals for 1 year for a consulate (Aukland)?

https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/Medical/ACK - Auckland.pdf

[EB_Stuck 47]

59 minutes ago, From_CAN_2_US said:

https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/Medical/ACK - Auckland.pdf

Thanks for sharing.  The link you shared is providing out of date information (2016) 

 

See the current information below using this link: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Supplements/Supplements_by_Post/ACK-Auckland.html#medical_exam_instructions

 

It is still 6 months validity window.  Policy does not generally change unless there are specific exemptions. For example, I can understand policy exemptions  may apply in cases like Ukraine (if published), but for NZ, not conceivable under current circumstances.

"After the medical exam

 

When your examination is completed, the doctor will send the report directly to the U.S. Consulate. Any x-rays taken will be given to you. You DO NOT need to bring the x-rays to your visa interview unless you suffer from tuberculosis (TB). However, you must carry the x-rays with you when you travel to the United States for the first time. The medical report must be less than six months old when you enter the United States as an immigrant."

 

 

Edited March 26, 2022 by EB1A_Stuck_AP

[From_CAN_2_US 1,106]

5 minutes ago, EB1A_Stuck_AP said:

Thanks for sharing.  The link you shared is providing out of date information (2016) 

 

See the current information below using this link: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Supplements/Supplements_by_Post/ACK-Auckland.html#medical_exam_instructions

 

It is still 6 months validity window.  Policy does not generally change unless there are specific exemptions. For example, I can understand policy exemptions  may apply in cases like Ukraine (if published), but for NZ, not conceivable under current circumstances.

"After the medical exam

 

When your examination is completed, the doctor will send the report directly to the U.S. Consulate. Any x-rays taken will be given to you. You DO NOT need to bring the x-rays to your visa interview unless you suffer from tuberculosis (TB). However, you must carry the x-rays with you when you travel to the United States for the first time. The medical report must be less than six months old when you enter the United States as an immigrant."

 

 

Thanks for providing the updated info.

[NykahDeah 71]

Also came for some good news but I am  sorry you guys are still in AP hell. 
 

Praying for you guys to see some positive soon.

 

 

[TBoneTX 45,303]

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