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

[ClemsonC 62]

I’m so sorry for all of you going through this all. I just got DQ and case expedited to MTL. I’m terrified of getting this… how often does MTL hand these out?!? I can’t phantom having my kids and me away from my husband any longer 

Edited July 11, 2022 by ClemsonC

[From_CAN_2_US 1,106]

36 minutes ago, ClemsonC said:

I’m so sorry for all of you going through this all. I just got DQ and case expedited to MTL. I’m terrified of getting this… how often does MTL hand these out?!? I can’t phantom having my kids and me away from my husband any longer 

Totally understandable and justified to be terrified of the DS-5535. I felt exactly the same before my interview.

 

The issuance of DS-5535s have ramped up since October 2022, and what used to be roughly 5% of the applicants, we are seeing, from the limited stats we have, has become probably higher.

 

At the end of the day, you can’t do anything to avoid it though, as it is related to your name/ background and anything within that that is flagged by the system. So as hard as it is, best to try to not worry about it going into the interview. Deal with it if it happens…

 

With regard to the interview, MTL is not a “tough/ suspicious” consulate, but it is still advised to portray confidence and composure during the interview, answering the questions succinctly and accurately (compared to what you submitted). The DS-5355 is still issued to a small minority, so don’t let the worry of it affect your composure during the interview. 
 

Stats are on your side, and most probably, you will be approved just fine…

 

 

[From_CAN_2_US 1,106]

5 hours ago, deep2ca said:

I contacted Telus Sante Montreal Medical Clinic to book another appointment for a new medical. They only have 2 doctors qualified to perform these medical examinations and they are very busy. Priority is given to those who have interview dates. Since I already had an interview,  I am not priority to them. They asked me to call back in 3 weeks to see if they will have any availability to can schedule me in for August and set a clear expectation that there is no guarantee that time slots will be available to me for August. The system is so broken from start to finish. 

Brutal and heartless every step of the way…

 

I have heard about the crazy delays at Telus Montreal from the main Canada thread. Appointments at Dr Mascaranhas in Toronto is more readily available if you are able to make it there…

 

Why did they need another RCMP check? It isn’t older than 2 years is it?

[ice-qube 648]

3 hours ago, OceanWater said:

Picked up my visa today. Clearance was given on June 22 and was issued July 8. I’m crossing on Wednesday. They attached a little sticker onto the passport saying to cross before July 27 — the day my medical expires — otherwise the visa will expire. No big deal for me, but that time crunch is pretty brutal. 

Congratulations, @OceanWater

[ice-qube 648]

6 hours ago, deep2ca said:

I appreciate all the congratulations and support, and I am optimistic that it wont be much longer, but lets save them till I actually have a visa. Considering the backlog, I wonder how long it will take from here, I am hoping within 60 days. 

 

 

I really hope it goes well and you get that visa soon. I am envious!

[dv22mtl 0]

I did an analysis on DV22 IV category for  MTL interviews conducted since April 2022 from Xarthisius’s data pulls. 

~57% of DV cases have put into AP / 221g and they likely got 5535 questions emailed to them. 
 

That is, 124 interviews conducted since April and 71 cases put into Refused (AP) status. 
19 cases have been issued approvals after being in Refusal/AP status. 
51 cases are in Refusal/AP status. 
 

As a comparison, the global average for AP in the DV22 category is ~25% 

 

Also, with the DV category, if we aren’t approved by Sept 30, then it’s game over for us.  

Frustrating doesn’t even begin to describe it. 

[From_CAN_2_US 1,106]

1 hour ago, dv22mtl said:

I did an analysis on DV22 IV category for  MTL interviews conducted since April 2022 from Xarthisius’s data pulls. 

~57% of DV cases have put into AP / 221g and they likely got 5535 questions emailed to them. 
 

That is, 124 interviews conducted since April and 71 cases put into Refused (AP) status. 
19 cases have been issued approvals after being in Refusal/AP status. 
51 cases are in Refusal/AP status. 
 

As a comparison, the global average for AP in the DV22 category is ~25% 

 

Also, with the DV category, if we aren’t approved by Sept 30, then it’s game over for us.  

Frustrating doesn’t even begin to describe it. 

This is so alarming!!!

[Mary184 5]

9 hours ago, dv22mtl said:

I did an analysis on DV22 IV category for  MTL interviews conducted since April 2022 from Xarthisius’s data pulls. 

~57% of DV cases have put into AP / 221g and they likely got 5535 questions emailed to them. 
 

That is, 124 interviews conducted since April and 71 cases put into Refused (AP) status. 
19 cases have been issued approvals after being in Refusal/AP status. 
51 cases are in Refusal/AP status. 
 

As a comparison, the global average for AP in the DV22 category is ~25% 

 

Also, with the DV category, if we aren’t approved by Sept 30, then it’s game over for us.  

Frustrating doesn’t even begin to describe it. 

Hi, thanks for sharing this analysis. What is the DV category? And why is the game over after  Sept 30? Sorry if my questions are simple, I’m learning more and don’t know most of terms yet. Thank you.

[cherrykixs 0]

8 hours ago, From_CAN_2_US said:

This is so alarming!!!

I am one of those April interviews! 🥲

[From_CAN_2_US 1,106]

2 hours ago, Mary184 said:

Hi, thanks for sharing this analysis. What is the DV category? And why is the game over after  Sept 30? Sorry if my questions are simple, I’m learning more and don’t know most of terms yet. Thank you.

DV is diversity visa (lottery).

 

These applications have a special rule - if it is not adjudicated by a certain period (I think 18 months since the lottery results) it just expires….since 2020, with consulates not working at full capacity, and DV being Low priority for them, a lot of them are getting expired…

[Mary184 5]

Just now, From_CAN_2_US said:

DV is diversity visa (lottery).

 

These applications have a special rule - if it is not adjudicated by a certain period (I think 18 months since the lottery results) it just expires….since 2020, with consulates not working at full capacity, and DV being Low priority for them, a lot of them are getting expired…

Oh I see now, thank you for explanation. I hope good news come their way soon. 

[Siarg 72]

1 hour ago, From_CAN_2_US said:

DV is diversity visa (lottery).

 

These applications have a special rule - if it is not adjudicated by a certain period (I think 18 months since the lottery results) it just expires….since 2020, with consulates not working at full capacity, and DV being Low priority for them, a lot of them are getting expired…

It’s the fiscal year, so for DV22 it started October 2021 and runs until September 30th 2022.

[Anna13 5]

Hey everyone ! I know this has been a brrrrutal process and I am hoping @deep2ca is a domino effect for the rest if us. I did want to jump on here to give anyone who is travelling to the USA on a B1 Vistor Visa from Canada advice and a possible loop whole to stay longer while we await for our process. I travelled to LA in April and am granted 6 months with the vistors visa, but long behold there is an option to request for an extension for a B1 visa! https://www.uscis.gov/visit-the-united-states/extend-your-stay It is a I-539 form and  get this, even if they do not approve the extension you are allowed to wait up to 240 days for the decision even if it passes your 6 month expiry date. That said it  is recommended to apply 45 days before your expiry date . Right now it is taking about 5-6 months for them to process 1-539 forms so I plan to submit my form in a week 2 months before my B-1 expiries and wait an extended time before they make a decision. 

 

It may not be for everyone but just wanted to share my plan in hopes it may be useful info to anyone else out there. I could not have stuck this thru without doing these long haul visits. Since I work from home it is practical and so if anyone else is on the same boat it may be some food for thought. Stay strong everyone!

[PZibran325 112]

13 minutes ago, Anna13 said:

Hey everyone ! I know this has been a brrrrutal process and I am hoping @deep2ca is a domino effect for the rest if us. I did want to jump on here to give anyone who is travelling to the USA on a B1 Vistor Visa from Canada advice and a possible loop whole to stay longer while we await for our process. I travelled to LA in April and am granted 6 months with the vistors visa, but long behold there is an option to request for an extension for a B1 visa! https://www.uscis.gov/visit-the-united-states/extend-your-stay It is a I-539 form and  get this, even if they do not approve the extension you are allowed to wait up to 240 days for the decision even if it passes your 6 month expiry date. That said it  is recommended to apply 45 days before your expiry date . Right now it is taking about 5-6 months for them to process 1-539 forms so I plan to submit my form in a week 2 months before my B-1 expiries and wait an extended time before they make a decision. 

 

It may not be for everyone but just wanted to share my plan in hopes it may be useful info to anyone else out there. I could not have stuck this thru without doing these long haul visits. Since I work from home it is practical and so if anyone else is on the same boat it may be some food for thought. Stay strong everyone!

Maybe I am missing something but isn't a B1 for business purposes?

[EB_Stuck 47]

53 minutes ago, Anna13 said:

Hey everyone ! I know this has been a brrrrutal process and I am hoping @deep2ca is a domino effect for the rest if us. I did want to jump on here to give anyone who is travelling to the USA on a B1 Vistor Visa from Canada advice and a possible loop whole to stay longer while we await for our process. I travelled to LA in April and am granted 6 months with the vistors visa, but long behold there is an option to request for an extension for a B1 visa! https://www.uscis.gov/visit-the-united-states/extend-your-stay It is a I-539 form and  get this, even if they do not approve the extension you are allowed to wait up to 240 days for the decision even if it passes your 6 month expiry date. That said it  is recommended to apply 45 days before your expiry date . Right now it is taking about 5-6 months for them to process 1-539 forms so I plan to submit my form in a week 2 months before my B-1 expiries and wait an extended time before they make a decision. 

 

It may not be for everyone but just wanted to share my plan in hopes it may be useful info to anyone else out there. I could not have stuck this thru without doing these long haul visits. Since I work from home it is practical and so if anyone else is on the same boat it may be some food for thought. Stay strong everyone!

You have indicated your intent to over-stay pre-emptively. Also you have admitted to be working in USA on B1/B2 visa. All of these would compose grounds for inadmissibility; possibly 10 year ban and denial of any future VISAs.  Consular officers often check out these forums. If I were you, I would consult a lawyer! Good luck, you will need it,

Edited July 12, 2022 by EB_Stuck