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

[AP_since_May2023 37]

Can someone remind me again why is AP not done BEFORE the interview? Seems like it would save us a lot of time, money and blood (blood draws for medical exam).

[Superluminal 146]

It was explained to me that AP is only done at the consulates and the consulates don't get your info until like 2 months before your interview - well after your DQ. AP doesn't exist if you go the route inside the US. AP is all about the consulate being unable to make a determination.

 

Why? I have no idea.

[Leo The Great 141]

51 minutes ago, SGtoMurica said:

Can someone remind me again why is AP not done BEFORE the interview? Seems like it would save us a lot of time, money and blood (blood draws for medical exam).

I am not 100% sure.  Some agencies may need fingerprints to search your fingerprints against criminal databases (AFIS) during extreme vetting. Fingerprints are taken when you appear for an interview. Other types of AP is triggered by CO determined at interview time and may be resolved by consulate without involving any external agency.

Edited October 16, 2023 by Leo The Great

[Dana.L 12]

On 10/6/2023 at 12:14 PM, Fayisa said:

Guys wondering how often you reach to the consualte for an update, I have received the last email from them on the 25th, and it was the last time they updated my case. Should I reach out again ? It is almost 4 weeks since they recieved my passport. 

Have you gotten an update in the past 10 days? we are both in the same boat, theyve had my fiances passport for 6 weeks. 

[throwitaway 190]

4 hours ago, SGtoMurica said:

Can someone remind me again why is AP not done BEFORE the interview? Seems like it would save us a lot of time, money and blood (blood draws for medical exam).

To torture us obviously

[throwitaway 190]

4 hours ago, Superluminal said:

It was explained to me that AP is only done at the consulates and the consulates don't get your info until like 2 months before your interview - well after your DQ. AP doesn't exist if you go the route inside the US. AP is all about the consulate being unable to make a determination.

 

Why? I have no idea.

I’ve actually come across info that for IV the CO is likely seeing your info for the first time at the time of the interview. 

[Fayisa 21]

2 hours ago, dana.lannen said:

Have you gotten an update in the past 10 days? we are both in the same boat, theyve had my fiances passport for 6 weeks. 

Hello Dana, nothing yet, I am so frustrated they have my passport for 5 weeks now and no update since September 25th. When was your last update ?

Edited October 16, 2023 by Fayisa

[Dana.L 12]

16 hours ago, Fayisa said:

Hello Dana, nothing yet, I am so frustrated they have my passport for 5 weeks now and no update since September 25th. When was your last update ?

Yesterday, they replied to my email inquiring for a status update and said "

We acknowledge receipt of the additional documents you have provided. This case is currently pending review by a consular officer. As soon as the review is complete, the Visa Unit will advise of the next steps if anything else is needed to complete processing the case. 

 

While we cannot predict when the processing of your visa will be completed, please be assured that the Consulate and the Department of State are aware of your concerns and will contact you as soon as the processing is complete. "

 

It took them ten days to reply. All we can do now is be patient. I know this sucks but we are in this together! The universe has perfect timing for everything, and even though this is hard, every day of waiting will make the victory that much better. We got this!

[Fayisa 21]

40 minutes ago, dana.lannen said:

Yesterday, they replied to my email inquiring for a status update and said "

We acknowledge receipt of the additional documents you have provided. This case is currently pending review by a consular officer. As soon as the review is complete, the Visa Unit will advise of the next steps if anything else is needed to complete processing the case. 

 

While we cannot predict when the processing of your visa will be completed, please be assured that the Consulate and the Department of State are aware of your concerns and will contact you as soon as the processing is complete. "

 

It took them ten days to reply. All we can do now is be patient. I know this sucks but we are in this together! The universe has perfect timing for everything, and even though this is hard, every day of waiting will make the victory that much better. We got this!

Thanks for the uplifting words, I have received the same email on the 25th of September since then there is nothing. We can do nothing just to be optimistic and wait patiently. 

[Lashay 0]

What email address did you use to contact them? I was given a DS5535 on October 5th and they gave me a form to fill out online but since then it's been radio silent. 

[Fayisa 21]

27 minutes ago, Lashay said:

What email address did you use to contact them? I was given a DS5535 on October 5th and they gave me a form to fill out online but since then it's been radio silent. 

This is their email  

Montreal-IV-DV@state.gov 

[Leo The Great 141]

@Fayisa

What happen to your case. You were very close to end of this journey after relatively quick AP. Did consulate ask for new medical?

[Fayisa 21]

33 minutes ago, Leo The Great said:

@Fayisa

What happen to your case. You were very close to end of this journey after relatively quick AP. Did consulate ask for new medical?

To be honest I feel it is my fault, my AP was so quick interview was on feb got Ds5535 to fil, one month exactly from the interview they asked for my passport back. I was out of the country for a family events, didnt came back till August. So I sent the passport on September 8th, they have received it on the 12th of September. Before sending the passport I asked them for a new medical but they asked me to send the passport first before getting new medical. So I am still waiting 😭. I got 3 updates since I sent my passport. 

 

[niloo 2]

9 hours ago, dana.lannen said:

Yesterday, they replied to my email inquiring for a status update and said "

We acknowledge receipt of the additional documents you have provided. This case is currently pending review by a consular officer. As soon as the review is complete, the Visa Unit will advise of the next steps if anything else is needed to complete processing the case. 

 

While we cannot predict when the processing of your visa will be completed, please be assured that the Consulate and the Department of State are aware of your concerns and will contact you as soon as the processing is complete. "

 

It took them ten days to reply. All we can do now is be patient. I know this sucks but we are in this together! The universe has perfect timing for everything, and even though this is hard, every day of waiting will make the victory that much better. We got this!

Hello 

I received the 221g white paper at interview, they asked for a joint sponsor.  I sent back the i864 form and the w2 and tax return, including my passport as well. They received it on 18th September and uploaded on CEAC on 15th September.  Last updated was on 28th September. 

This is my 5th week. Do you think it's better to send them an email or just wait?

[Dana.L 12]

14 hours ago, niloo said:

Hello 

I received the 221g white paper at interview, they asked for a joint sponsor.  I sent back the i864 form and the w2 and tax return, including my passport as well. They received it on 18th September and uploaded on CEAC on 15th September.  Last updated was on 28th September. 

This is my 5th week. Do you think it's better to send them an email or just wait?

I waited about the same time frame but chose to email because they never told us they recieved his passport so I wanted to confirm. If emailing would give you peace, Id send one. It cant hurt to email. 
Your "case last updated" date will update on the day they receive your email, and they day they reply (typically ten days later).

I think you are probaly just in the que to be reviewed, like me and Fayisa. From what ive found online it looks like the average review time for a 221G at montreal is 6-8 weeks.