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

[P3P 4]

7 minutes ago, ajxl888 said:

Hi there, thank you.  I'm sorry you're in the same boat too.  Have you received any updates?

 

This is really such an awful process.

I had my interview 13 months ago, not many updates during that time. I've gotten a few updates throughout the past month, so I think I may finally be moving onto the next step! The medical exam is only valid for 6 months, so those of us stuck for 6 months+ have to go through the process of getting an updated medical exam once the consulate requests it.

 

Also, you can request your passport back for in the meantime if you're wanting to travel.

[ajxl888 38]

45 minutes ago, P3P said:

I had my interview 13 months ago, not many updates during that time. I've gotten a few updates throughout the past month, so I think I may finally be moving onto the next step! The medical exam is only valid for 6 months, so those of us stuck for 6 months+ have to go through the process of getting an updated medical exam once the consulate requests it.

 

Also, you can request your passport back for in the meantime if you're wanting to travel.

Wow - I'm so sorry.  That's super discouraging to hear 😔

 

If you could share how to request my passport back, that would be greatly appreciated. 

 

[P3P 4]

1 hour ago, ajxl888 said:

Wow - I'm so sorry.  That's super discouraging to hear 😔

 

If you could share how to request my passport back, that would be greatly appreciated. 

 

Good news is that recently some people have already been asked for medical after only 6ish months. There is hope for sure!

 

I had used their public inquiry form, which I don't believe exists anymore. You can just send them an email requesting it.

[ajxl888 38]

Hey Everyone - another question! 

 

For anyone who was received DS-5535, would the embassy send your passport back proactively?  Has this happened to anyone?  Or would you have to request for them to send it back?

 

Thanks!
Amanda

[throwitaway 190]

13 minutes ago, ajxl888 said:

Hey Everyone - another question! 

 

For anyone who was received DS-5535, would the embassy send your passport back proactively?  Has this happened to anyone?  Or would you have to request for them to send it back?

 

Thanks!
Amanda

Montreal either keeps or returns your passport at interview, and applicants have had to request for them back when necessary. Some embassies though will keep your passport at interview, perhaps the CO meant to issue, but it’s later mailed back with a 221g slip. 

[ajxl888 38]

6 minutes ago, throwitaway said:

Montreal either keeps or returns your passport at interview, and applicants have had to request for them back when necessary. Some embassies though will keep your passport at interview, perhaps the CO meant to issue, but it’s later mailed back with a 221g slip. 

Got it.  Yeah, they kept mine but got DS-5535'd yesterday.  I just got an email though from them saying my passport is being sent back along with the Purolator tracking number.  So just a little confused.

[haruharu 10]

On 4/17/2023 at 9:15 AM, Mmk2112 said:

No they don't ask such DS 5535 questions. However they will ask about returning dates and if you have return ticket, show them. or just your Canadian employment details or lease or property info. Even if you go to secondary (which is random) you will be cleared as you're legally good to visit USA for upto 6 months.

Has anyone ever been denied to go after they received the DS5535? I have never had any issues prior to the interview and I traveled quite often but always returned well in advance before the 6 months date. 
 

Also, does anyone know if they can specifically see if you’ve received the form and it currently says refused? Just curious as I don’t want to divulge unnecessary information and just want to answer questions when asked. 
 

thanks all! 

[throwitaway 190]

Just now, ajxl888 said:

Got it.  Yeah, they kept mine but got DS-5535'd yesterday.  I just got an email though from them saying my passport is being sent back along with the Purolator tracking number.  So just a little confused.

Ah, then yeah looks like you’ll have a 221g slip with your passport.

 

Sometimes the CO recommends approval at interview but a supervisor overrides it later upon review.

 

Wish you luck! 

[throwitaway 190]

2 minutes ago, haruharu said:

Has anyone ever been denied to go after they received the DS5535? I have never had any issues prior to the interview and I traveled quite often but always returned well in advance before the 6 months date. 
 

Also, does anyone know if they can specifically see if you’ve received the form and it currently says refused? Just curious as I don’t want to divulge unnecessary information and just want to answer questions when asked. 
 

thanks all! 

I don’t think they can see that. Just speculation of course. When my spouse crossed before me, they asked where I was, and my spouse had to tell them I was still in AP.

[TBoneTX 45,598]

A post by someone who has his own thread has been removed.

[TBoneTX 45,598]

E_Gade, you may post your recent questions in your earlier thread here:

They've been removed from this Canadian thread.  

Edited April 19, 2023 by TBoneTX

[Pearljamm 65]

When filling out

"DS 5535 - Have you ever held a passport other than the passport listed in your visa application? (YES or NO): 

If yes, provide the following information:"

 

 

I am assuming I need to fill out the old passport number, my questions is, I only have the pervious expired passport. my parents usually threw them out. Should I just put down the last expired passport? Been trying to search every where to find the old passports but no luck. 

 

 

[PZibran325 112]

3 hours ago, Pearljamm said:

When filling out

"DS 5535 - Have you ever held a passport other than the passport listed in your visa application? (YES or NO): 

If yes, provide the following information:"

 

 

I am assuming I need to fill out the old passport number, my questions is, I only have the pervious expired passport. my parents usually threw them out. Should I just put down the last expired passport? Been trying to search every where to find the old passports but no luck. 

 

 

Hi there,

 

I think in general they mean to ask if you've held a passport for another country before and if you have the information for that passport you provide it. If not, at the very least you mention that you've held another passport before. As much as I dislike the DS 5535 form I do like that in the instructions they very specifically say:

 

Quote

• If you are unsure of the answer to a question, please provide a response to the best of your knowledge. For example, if you are unsure of an exact address, provide the city, state, and street name if you can recall them. U.S. Department of State will consider all the information derived from the form in its entirety. 

 

• Failure to answer every question will not necessarily preclude visa issuance, as the application is considered in its entirety.

 

So do your best, be as specific as you can be but if there's something like an expired passport you just don't have access to anymore I'd mention Canada under country of issuance and under passport number, I'd put (expired, number not available anymore).

 

But because of their instructions I wouldn't stress out if there are details you can't locate, just answer as completely as possible to the best of your ability. Provide any details you can, but don't worry if there are some details you are unable to provide.

Edited April 22, 2023 by PZibran325

[haruharu 10]

No updates regarding my status however I was able to travel to USA via Montreal connection with no issues. They asked the usual 2-3 questions that I’ve had in the past prior to DS5535. I went to the customs officer with my husband. Very friendly. Just wanted to share my experience for anyone thinking to travel. 

[can_do 18]

On 4/22/2023 at 1:09 PM, PZibran325 said:

Hi there,

 

I think in general they mean to ask if you've held a passport for another country before and if you have the information for that passport you provide it. If not, at the very least you mention that you've held another passport before. As much as I dislike the DS 5535 form I do like that in the instructions they very specifically say:

 

 

So do your best, be as specific as you can be but if there's something like an expired passport you just don't have access to anymore I'd mention Canada under country of issuance and under passport number, I'd put (expired, number not available anymore).

 

But because of their instructions I wouldn't stress out if there are details you can't locate, just answer as completely as possible to the best of your ability. Provide any details you can, but don't worry if there are some details you are unable to provide.

@PZibran325

 

I just saw your timelines at the bottom of your response.

Have you been in AP since June 2022? Seriously?!

Have you thought of WoM?

Has anything else been asked of you besides the DS-5535?

 

I feel sorry for your situation but salute your patience... I've been here for 4 weeks and already getting super irritated by the process and lack of clarity.