The dreaded DS-5535 thread for Montreal. Post here and support each other (PART 2)

[stuckinlimbo 1]

Hi. Unfortunately my 1 year old child's immigrant visa expired last week. Because I'm still waiting for my visa, I could not cross the border with her. 

 

Anyone has similar experience? Or that's it for our immigration?

 

Thanks!

[Ontarkie 14,190]

14 minutes ago, lomnd said:

Hi. Unfortunately my 1 year old child's immigrant visa expired last week. Because I'm still waiting for my visa, I could not cross the border with her. 

 

Anyone has similar experience? Or that's it for our immigration?

 

Thanks!

You should have had her cross to endorse the visa, with you or the other parent. Now you can try and beg Montreal to reissue it. If they do not you will have to start over with her. Contact them asap, it is all you can do. 

Edited May 15, 2023 by Ontarkie

[stuckinlimbo 1]

1 minute ago, Ontarkie said:

You should have had her cross to endorse the visa, with you or the other parent. Now you can try and beg Montreal to reissue it. If they do not you will have to start over with her. Contact them asap, it is all you can do. 

Understood, thank you!

[Ontarkie 14,190]

3 minutes ago, lomnd said:

Understood, thank you!

You're welcome, and good luck. 

[throwitaway 190]

3 hours ago, lomnd said:

Hi. Unfortunately my 1 year old child's immigrant visa expired last week. Because I'm still waiting for my visa, I could not cross the border with her. 

 

Anyone has similar experience? Or that's it for our immigration?

 

Thanks!

Did your husband cross at least? I remember you’re DV.

[stuckinlimbo 1]

1 minute ago, throwitaway said:

Did your husband cross at least? I remember you’re DV.

Yes he did.

[throwitaway 190]

11 minutes ago, lomnd said:

Yes he did.

Your husband could have crossed with the child, or you could have crossed with the child. If Montreal does not re-issue the visa (note it will require another medical), your husband can petition for you two, but it can be a few years living apart. If you are issued the visa this year, after 221g, I don’t imagine you would be going? What a situation. 

Edited May 15, 2023 by throwitaway

[Pearljamm 65]

Hey guys! 
 

I hope everyone is doing well. 

 

I just wanted to let everybody know I travelled to the states with no issues at all, in fact it was the smoothest process lol.

 

I am considering filing writ of mandamus and got in touch with Goldstein, Hacking, and PIC as we are discussing the best option for us.

 

Goldstien and hacking told us we would be eligible to file a case after 60 days (43 days left) and still waiting to hear back from PIC, they said they’ll contact us within 24 hours.

 

Will keep everyone updated.

 

for those who filed , which one did you find the best for you? 
 

[Mmk2112 34]

11 hours ago, Pearljamm said:

Hey guys! 
 

I hope everyone is doing well. 

 

I just wanted to let everybody know I travelled to the states with no issues at all, in fact it was the smoothest process lol.

 

I am considering filing writ of mandamus and got in touch with Goldstein, Hacking, and PIC as we are discussing the best option for us.

 

Goldstien and hacking told us we would be eligible to file a case after 60 days (43 days left) and still waiting to hear back from PIC, they said they’ll contact us within 24 hours.

 

Will keep everyone updated.

 

for those who filed , which one did you find the best for you? 
 

When was your interview and how long it's been?

[Julia1994 0]

My husband passed his interview except they wanted him to send in the proper police certificate with his passport. The officer said he was a clear cut case and that is all they needed. I sent in his passport with the updated police certificate this week via Canada post (to expedite it). I saw via Canada post that it was delivered today. How long does it take to hear from them and have it approved? Has anyone gone through this? How do they communicate with you?

[Ds553513 16]

@Julia1994 round about 6 to 7 week more

It will issue first week of july

thank you 

[Pearljamm 65]

13 hours ago, Mmk2112 said:

When was your interview and how long it's been?

April 05,

 

it’s been one month . They said they would

able help if it passes at least 60 days, it would

be late June/early July to file 

[PZibran325 112]

UPDATE

 

Dear all, I hope this helps someone with decisions regarding WOMs and lawyers.

 

• we retained the services of PIC law firm on February 13th of this year.
• However, beginning February 14th I started noticing changes to our Case last updated date on CEAC so I requested Chris to hold off on filing the WOM.
• Meanwhile, I started emailing the Consulate weekly.
• I don't necessarily think it had anything to do with my emails or the lawsuit because the consulate had no idea that I had retained PIC but after my second email, I was informed that we had cleared AP.
• 2 weeks after that they requested a new medical.
• 6 days after they received the new medical out visa was issued and we received our passport the day after our visa was issued.

I highly recommend PIC for several reasons, Chris is extremely personable and you get direct access to your attorney, which to me is a plus point but most importantly if they haven't filed the WOM and you receive notification that you cleared AP, they will refund 78% of your money (at least they did for us). 

 

Technically, we cleared AP without a WOM. It took just shy of 9 months from the date of our interview to clear AP and an additional 1 month to complete a new medical and receive our passport with visa. As frustrated as I have been with the Montreal Consulate, I do think that  they are starting to at least attempt to clear people through AP without WOMs, but it is taking them6-12 months to do so. 

Edited May 18, 2023 by PZibran325

[throwitaway 190]

On 5/16/2023 at 11:31 PM, Pearljamm said:

Hey guys! 
 

I hope everyone is doing well. 

 

I just wanted to let everybody know I travelled to the states with no issues at all, in fact it was the smoothest process lol.

 

I am considering filing writ of mandamus and got in touch with Goldstein, Hacking, and PIC as we are discussing the best option for us.

 

Goldstien and hacking told us we would be eligible to file a case after 60 days (43 days left) and still waiting to hear back from PIC, they said they’ll contact us within 24 hours.

 

Will keep everyone updated.

 

for those who filed , which one did you find the best for you? 
 

PIC was the best for us.

 

Our case was complex but they handled it beautifully. They were always responsive, quick to file, and we felt they genuinely cared about the outcome. 
 

They actually took over for an incompetent lawyer so they were definitely a breath of fresh air. 

[Mmk2112 34]

17 minutes ago, PZibran325 said:

UPDATE

 

Dear all, I hope this helps someone with decisions regarding WOMs and lawyers.

 

• we retained the services of PIC law firm on February 13th of this year.
• However, beginning February 14th I started noticing changes to our Case last updated date on CEAC so I requested Chris to hold off on filing the WOM.
• Meanwhile, I started emailing the Consulate weekly.
• I don't necessarily think it had anything to do with my emails or the lawsuit because the consulate had no idea that I had retained PIC but after my second email, I was informed that we had cleared AP.
• 2 weeks after that they requested a new medical.
• 6 days after they received the new medical out visa was issued and we received our passport the day after our visa was issued.

I highly recommend PIC for several reasons, Chris is extremely personable and you get direct access to your attorney, which to me is a plus point but most importantly if they haven't filed the WOM and you receive notification that you cleared AP, they will refund 78% of your money (at least they did for us). 

 

Technically, we cleared AP without a WOM. It took just shy of 9 months from the date of our interview to clear AP and an additional 1 month to complete a new medical and receive our passport with visa. As frustrated as I have been with the Montreal Consulate, I do think that  they are starting to at least attempt to clear people through AP without WOMs, but it is taking them6-12 months to do so. 

Congratulations. Update from my side:

 

By the Blessings of God, my Status says Visa Issued today May 18th, 2023. It's without WOM and here's my timeline. IR1 Case:

 

- Interview Date: 12th Sept 2022

- DS5535 Email send: 13th Sept 2022

- Sent a query to embassy every month after 3 months passed

- Visited wife on Canadian passport without single problem. Crossed border about 6 - 8 times till today.

- New medical request came in, 6th April 2023.

- New medical completed 2nd May 2023. Sent RCMP updated certificate (wasn't asked about it)

- New medical sent 15th May 2023

- Visa status says 'Issued' 18th May 2023

 

I wish all and everyone here the best wishes. I know it's a painful journey, however my suggestion is that recently embassy has picked up pace on AP cases, so think before you file a WOM. Good luck to everyone!!!!