Montreal embassy EB-2 interview wait time-Part 2

[New_123 18]

4 hours ago, SGtoMurica said:

You need your original degrees. Photocopy is not enough. My degree was bulky too but made it work with a larger envelope.

i did not get my original degree/diploma too. I only got copies of them as the degree/diploma is framed. I did get the original transcripts.
My interview is next week and I'm already in Montreal, so cannot go back and get the original degree/diploma now  I'm also a little worried now. can anyone confirm whether original degree/diploma is asked at the interview?

[pilot787 23]

15 hours ago, New_123 said:

i did not get my original degree/diploma too. I only got copies of them as the degree/diploma is framed. I did get the original transcripts.
My interview is next week and I'm already in Montreal, so cannot go back and get the original degree/diploma now  I'm also a little worried now. can anyone confirm whether original degree/diploma is asked at the interview?

I believe all your diplomas have been already verified on the NVC level. The interview is just to make sure you are not a criminal and check the originals required by the consulate. During our intervew they just asked about the level of the highest degree. I would not worry about bringing the original diplomas. You can always bring a copy, just in case, if it gives you more confidence. 

[New_123 18]

12 minutes ago, pilot787 said:

I believe all your diplomas have been already verified on the NVC level. The interview is just to make sure you are not a criminal and check the originals required by the consulate. During our intervew they just asked about the level of the highest degree. I would not worry about bringing the original diplomas. You can always bring a copy, just in case, if it gives you more confidence. 

thank you so much, @pilot787!  this is definitely a relief to hear. I'll take the copy of my diploma.

[AP_since_May2023 37]

On 7/15/2023 at 4:31 PM, techjargon said:

Did they ask for the original degrees during your interview? I have all the original transcripts but I only have a copy of the degrees. I am a little concerned now

I had my interview at the Singapore Consulate, but yes they requested for the original.

[farzady 42]

Does any one know how to contact USCIS and talk with an agent? I already called their customer service contact number but it is totally automated

[Crazy Cat 41,884]

1 minute ago, farzady said:

Does any one know how to contact USCIS and talk with an agent? I already called their customer service contact number but it is totally automated

Say "infopass appointment"  "live agent"  Reschedule".....  Try those at the prompts.  It should connect you to a human.

[ALC 61]

It's a bit crazy to see EB-2 China would advance (albeit slightly), this late in the FY... 

But the Indian backlog as a whole is a big issue, wondering how (if?) they are going to fix it without congressional actions... 

[AliceVancouver 2]

On 7/16/2023 at 11:35 AM, New_123 said:

thank you so much, @pilot787!  this is definitely a relief to hear. I'll take the copy of my diploma.

@New_123, how is your interview? Could you share some experience?

Thank you.

[TheMaverick 50]

Anyone received IL? I got the 60 day standard email that file is still with NVC?

[AliceVancouver 2]

On 6/27/2023 at 7:34 AM, Ibbs said:

I'm trying to plan my travel after my interview on July 18th.  How long did it take people in the group to get their passports?  I paid for the courier service and pickup at a BP in MTL.  If my interview is on a Tuesday, is it possible that I will get my passport on Thursday?

 

@IbbsHow is your interview? Could you share some experience?

Thank you

Edited July 19, 2023 by AliceVancouver

[New_123 18]

Hi everyone, 

 

I just got back home after a bunch of flight delays and wanted to share my pre-interview and interview experience here. 

 

I am an EB-2 immigrant visa applicant - DQ date: 30th Aug 2021; interview date: 17th July, 2023. My visa got approved, a big thanks to everyone here. 

 

--------------------------------

 

Things that changed in my case from my DQ date till the time I got the interview:

1. Company that filed my petition got acquired in a successor-in-interest merger
2. Got married
3. Applied for a non-immigrant visa while waiting for the interview (not B1/B2)

 

Things I got done before receiving the interview letter:

1. Vaccination documents - I did have my vaccination documents from my childhood. But since it was all over the place, I took the antibody titer test. I went to a nearby walk-in clinic and got all the tests done (I had to get a TDAP as there is no way of showing immunity for that, so unless you have proof that you took a TDAP in the last ten years, you will have to get a booster shot). My titer test showed that I did not have the required Hep B immunity level (although I did get all three vaccinations as a child). To ensure that there are no issues during medical, the doctor said I could take another shot to show immunity. So I got a shot and then took a titer test four weeks later. That showed the required immunity and I was all set or the medical. The Hep B shot is not covered by OHIP.
    
2. Acquisition Documents - Given the acquisition (successor-in-interest) of my original petitioner, the new company had to apply for an amended I-140. They could not file this for premium processing directly, but could only request for premium processing after sometime had passed. End to end, this took about five weeks as the request for premium processing got approved, and I got the amended I-140 approval within 14 days after that. 

 

Things I got done after getting the interview letter:

1. Got new PCCs
2. Booked my appointment for medicals
3. Got a copy of the amended I-140 approval
4. Got the employment letter from my new employer (dated within a month of the interview on the US employer letterhead, and it mentioned the acquisition too)
5. Started getting all the documents for the interview together
6. Booked flights/hotel for stay (I suggest to take a flight to Montreal atleast two days before the interview given the number of flight cancellations going on at present, and to stay at a hotel close to the consulate if possible.)

 

Medicals for Interview:

 

I went with Dr.Randall Lee for my medical. I decided to go with Dr.Randall Lee as everyone here seemed to have a pleasant experience with him/his office. I called his office for an appointment and got one about five weeks before my interview date. I had travel plans to the US and wasn't sure if I could do medicals before that. I checked here in the forum and people said I could do it regardless of when I'm traveling (after/before doesn't matter) and that I just needed to remember to give enough time for the doctor's office to submit the medicals to the consulate and that I would have to enter the US within six months of medicals being done (if visa gets approved). 

 

The medicals by itself was smooth (except that it took a while). I took only the documents the receptionist mentioned on the call when I booked the appointment, which were the following:

1. List of any medications
2. Valid passport
3. DS-260 confirmation page
4. Immunization records (antibody titer test and old vaccination records)
5. NVC interview letter
6. Prescription for corrected vision (I just told them I have corrected vision - didn't have to show any proof for this)
7. (photos are taken at doctor’s office)

My appointment was at 0930AM and I met with the doctor only after 1030AM. With the blood work and the X-ray after meeting the doctor, it took me about three hours to get done with the medicals. I could have gotten the blood work done later, but I wanted to finish everything with regards to the medical in one shot, so I chose to wait and finish that as well. Both blood work and X-ray are in the same building, so I could get everything done in one place. The doctor told me that I would receive an email saying the medicals were submitted. But when I checked with the receptionist, she said I should call in to check and that an email would not be sent. 

 

After ten days, I saw the 'Last Updated Date' on CEAC change. I called in the next day and they said the medicals were submitted, and that they would send the vaccination record that they submitted. I waited for about 7-8 days, and during this time, I saw my 'Last Updated Date' on CEAC change everyday for three days. I called them to check again and they said it was submitted and then shared the vaccination record with me. I would suggest to follow up with them if this isn't received. 

 

Interview Document Preparation:

 

I got all the originals of the civil documents I submitted to NVC, and took copies of each of them. These primary documents were the following:

1. Birth Certificate
2. Unexpired passport
3. Police certificates (recent ones)
4. Marriage certificate (I was not married at the time of DQ, so this was not in the documents that I had sent to NVC)
5. Passport size phots - 2 (I took mine at Staples)
6. Employment letter (from my new company) along with a copy of the amended I-140 approval
7. Proof of legal status in Canada (NVC requested me to send this additionally after receiving the first set of documents before DQ, so I added this as well to my list)

I took my NVC interview letter and DS-260 confirmation page along with the above (these were't asked). 

 

I also took a couple of supplementary documents which were the following:

1. Previous US tax returns (last two) and W2s
2. I-94
3. Travel history
4. Copies of old US visas
5. Diplomas (copy) and original transcripts
6. Old work authorization documents/I-797s if any
7. Resume
8. Copies of US paystubs (last three months) from when I worked there
9. DS-260 application with corrections/updates written in pen (I did this more for myself to understand as to what I would have to tell them has changed over the last two years)
10. Spouse's documents (their employment verification letter, last three months paystubs, lease, last year's W2, last year's US tax return, copy of their US visa and I-94, last three months' bank statements, driver's license)

Additionally, I also took some of my Canadian documentation:

1. Canadian bank statements (last three months)
2. Lease in Canada
3. Canadian Tax return + T4

 

Before the Interview:

 

I planned to fly there two days before my interview. My flight got cancelled and then delayed, so the extra day gave me some relief and I made it later that same night.

 

The US Consulate was five minutes away from my hotel. I walked there the previous day to see where it was, so that I don't waste time on the interview day looking for the consulate. 

 

Interview:

 

I got to the consulate half an hour before the interview, and there was already a line with about 12-15 people there. The security guard started letting in people who were waiting for American services first around that time. Once they were all done (apart from those who had later appointments), they started letting in the rest of us. I would suggest to not bring a backpack as they don't have place to keep that. They only have small lockers where you can keep your phones and any other small items in.

 

When I got in, they checked my passport to see whether they had my name on their list and then gave me a token with a number on it. After this, I had to pass through security. I then waited for my number to be called.

 

After about 45-50 minutes, my number came up and I went to the counter where this friendly lady asked for my passport and then got my documents that they received from NVC. She then proceeded to ask me for my current Canadian and US addresses. She asked me if I had any valid US visas, which I said I did. She made a note and told me that if the IV is approved, this would have to be cancelled and was making a note of the same. Once that was done, she asked for my original birth certificate, original police certificates (she checked the dates and that it was all clear), marriage certificate and copy, employment letter (I gave her the new one with the amended I-140 approval) and an extra copy of that. She asked me if I wanted to add my spouse to the case. I told her that they already have their own immigration ongoing and so I didn't want to add them. She verified my SSN and asked if I wanted to request a new one. I remember it being mentioned in this forum that the SSN we have is only for work with DHS authorization (it's written on the SSN) and that we should request a new one. So, I told her I would need a new one. She made a note of the same. She took my fingerprints and then asked me to wait in the waiting area until my number came up again for the actual interview. (this is from what I remember)

 

After about an hour and a half or so, I was called for the interview. The interviewer was very friendly and first stated the oath. After that he went on asking questions about my position and where I found the position in the company I was working in at the US previously, what my longest stay in the US was, what status I was at that time. He asked me if I'll be working at the new company, and that is when I informed him about the acquisition, and mentioned I had attached the amended I-140 approval there. He said that's alright and that as long as I have an amended I-140 approval, it's all good as USCIS needs to be informed about it. He then asked about my spouse, where they work, stay, and from where I'll be working. I asked him if I would need to provide proof of my legal status in Canada as I had to provide that to NVC, and he asked to me give it as it's good for them to know I'm in Canada legally. (this is from what I remember)

 

He then said my visa was approved, and went on to cancel my non-immigrant visa that was still valid. 

 

--------------------------------

 

Overall, the entire interview took a total of about two and a half hours. Other than the time it took, it was smooth. My status on CEAC changed to 'Issued' by the time I got back to the hotel. I was not asked for any other documents apart from the primary documents I listed.

 

I'm yet to receive my passport. After that comes entering the US and getting the physical green card, new SSN. 

 

Thanks to everyone in this forum who helped and shared their experiences!  Finding this forum was gold, and I wish everyone all the very best for their interviews. The wait was real long, but there is light at the end of it.

 

 

[datafate 11]

@New_123 Congratulations on your approval. And Thank you explaining the finest of details. 🙂

 

 

Few questions :

• Were you working for the company that sponsored you ? Do we needed an amendment if the employer address changed. My employer moved few miles from the old location but is within the same MSA.
• Also - did you travel to the US after submitting  DS-260. 

TIA.

 

 

[Ibbs 8]

14 hours ago, AliceVancouver said:

 

@IbbsHow is your interview? Could you share some experience?

Thank you

I had my interview yesterday.  It went well.  My appointment was 7:45am.  I joined the line up outside of the consulate at 7:40 and they took me right in.  There were five people ahead of me so I waited about 15 minutes to go to the first window.  The agent was very nice.  She asked for my original birth certificate, RCMP criminal record check, employment letter, passport photos and financial documents.  I had brought my previous 4 years of tax returns so I gave those.  She didn't specify what type of financial documents they wanted, she left it up to me.  After taking finger prints I went back to the sitting area and waited for the next agent.  About 20 minutes.  

 

The second agent was also very nice.  He had me do the oath that everything was truthful, then asked me some details about my job and the company I work for (I currently work/live in the US on an H1B but started with that company in Canada).  He also asked for my travel history for the last five years, any instance of being in trouble with the police or issues crossing the border in the past.  I previously had an issue crossing the border for a TN visa due to incomplete paperwork.  I explained that and he moved on.  After a few more routine questions he told me I was approved but that something hadn't been transmitted into my file and he couldn't hit submit until that was done.  He said it was a routine thing and that he would process everything by the end of the day as soon as it was final.  Nothing was needed on my part.  

 

I left the consulate at 8:43 so it was just over an hour in total.  I was a bit nervous that the final approval was still pending.  At about 1pm on the same day I logged into CEAC and the status had changed to issued, so all was well.  This morning I got a notification via email that my passport has been released and I was given a tracking number.  So far it isn't searchable on the Canada Post website, but hopefully it will be by the end of the day.  

 

All in all my experience was good.  The system is easy to navigate.  The only downside to the whole morning was that I planned to have some coffee at the Second Cup down the street before my interview but they opened late.

 

 

[New_123 18]

21 minutes ago, datafate said:

@New_123 Congratulations on your approval. And Thank you explaining the finest of details. 🙂

 

 

Few questions :

• Were you working for the company that sponsored you ? Do we needed an amendment if the employer address changed. My employer moved few miles from the old location but is within the same MSA.
• Also - did you travel to the US after submitting  DS-260. 

TIA.

 

 

 

Yes, I am working for the same company. I am not sure about the location change for the employer. I would think not, as the employer is still the same. Then again, I'm not sure. You should confirm this with your lawyers so that you have the correct information. 

 

Yes, I did travel to the US after receiving my IL (which is after submitting my DS-260). There was no issue with the travel itself, and it didn't raise any issues at the interview. there are folks in the forum too who confirmed the same. they told me they had travelled multiple times to the US.

[AliceVancouver 2]

20 hours ago, Ibbs said:

I had my interview yesterday.  It went well.  My appointment was 7:45am.  I joined the line up outside of the consulate at 7:40 and they took me right in.  There were five people ahead of me so I waited about 15 minutes to go to the first window.  The agent was very nice.  She asked for my original birth certificate, RCMP criminal record check, employment letter, passport photos and financial documents.  I had brought my previous 4 years of tax returns so I gave those.  She didn't specify what type of financial documents they wanted, she left it up to me.  After taking finger prints I went back to the sitting area and waited for the next agent.  About 20 minutes.  

 

The second agent was also very nice.  He had me do the oath that everything was truthful, then asked me some details about my job and the company I work for (I currently work/live in the US on an H1B but started with that company in Canada).  He also asked for my travel history for the last five years, any instance of being in trouble with the police or issues crossing the border in the past.  I previously had an issue crossing the border for a TN visa due to incomplete paperwork.  I explained that and he moved on.  After a few more routine questions he told me I was approved but that something hadn't been transmitted into my file and he couldn't hit submit until that was done.  He said it was a routine thing and that he would process everything by the end of the day as soon as it was final.  Nothing was needed on my part.  

 

I left the consulate at 8:43 so it was just over an hour in total.  I was a bit nervous that the final approval was still pending.  At about 1pm on the same day I logged into CEAC and the status had changed to issued, so all was well.  This morning I got a notification via email that my passport has been released and I was given a tracking number.  So far it isn't searchable on the Canada Post website, but hopefully it will be by the end of the day.  

 

All in all my experience was good.  The system is easy to navigate.  The only downside to the whole morning was that I planned to have some coffee at the Second Cup down the street before my interview but they opened late.

 

 

Congratulations, thank you.

22 hours ago, New_123 said:

Hi everyone, 

 

I just got back home after a bunch of flight delays and wanted to share my pre-interview and interview experience here. 

 

I am an EB-2 immigrant visa applicant - DQ date: 30th Aug 2021; interview date: 17th July, 2023. My visa got approved, a big thanks to everyone here. 

 

--------------------------------

 

Things that changed in my case from my DQ date till the time I got the interview:

1. Company that filed my petition got acquired in a successor-in-interest merger
2. Got married
3. Applied for a non-immigrant visa while waiting for the interview (not B1/B2)

 

Things I got done before receiving the interview letter:

1. Vaccination documents - I did have my vaccination documents from my childhood. But since it was all over the place, I took the antibody titer test. I went to a nearby walk-in clinic and got all the tests done (I had to get a TDAP as there is no way of showing immunity for that, so unless you have proof that you took a TDAP in the last ten years, you will have to get a booster shot). My titer test showed that I did not have the required Hep B immunity level (although I did get all three vaccinations as a child). To ensure that there are no issues during medical, the doctor said I could take another shot to show immunity. So I got a shot and then took a titer test four weeks later. That showed the required immunity and I was all set or the medical. The Hep B shot is not covered by OHIP.
    
2. Acquisition Documents - Given the acquisition (successor-in-interest) of my original petitioner, the new company had to apply for an amended I-140. They could not file this for premium processing directly, but could only request for premium processing after sometime had passed. End to end, this took about five weeks as the request for premium processing got approved, and I got the amended I-140 approval within 14 days after that. 

 

Things I got done after getting the interview letter:

1. Got new PCCs
2. Booked my appointment for medicals
3. Got a copy of the amended I-140 approval
4. Got the employment letter from my new employer (dated within a month of the interview on the US employer letterhead, and it mentioned the acquisition too)
5. Started getting all the documents for the interview together
6. Booked flights/hotel for stay (I suggest to take a flight to Montreal atleast two days before the interview given the number of flight cancellations going on at present, and to stay at a hotel close to the consulate if possible.)

 

Medicals for Interview:

 

I went with Dr.Randall Lee for my medical. I decided to go with Dr.Randall Lee as everyone here seemed to have a pleasant experience with him/his office. I called his office for an appointment and got one about five weeks before my interview date. I had travel plans to the US and wasn't sure if I could do medicals before that. I checked here in the forum and people said I could do it regardless of when I'm traveling (after/before doesn't matter) and that I just needed to remember to give enough time for the doctor's office to submit the medicals to the consulate and that I would have to enter the US within six months of medicals being done (if visa gets approved). 

 

The medicals by itself was smooth (except that it took a while). I took only the documents the receptionist mentioned on the call when I booked the appointment, which were the following:

1. List of any medications
2. Valid passport
3. DS-260 confirmation page
4. Immunization records (antibody titer test and old vaccination records)
5. NVC interview letter
6. Prescription for corrected vision (I just told them I have corrected vision - didn't have to show any proof for this)
7. (photos are taken at doctor’s office)

My appointment was at 0930AM and I met with the doctor only after 1030AM. With the blood work and the X-ray after meeting the doctor, it took me about three hours to get done with the medicals. I could have gotten the blood work done later, but I wanted to finish everything with regards to the medical in one shot, so I chose to wait and finish that as well. Both blood work and X-ray are in the same building, so I could get everything done in one place. The doctor told me that I would receive an email saying the medicals were submitted. But when I checked with the receptionist, she said I should call in to check and that an email would not be sent. 

 

After ten days, I saw the 'Last Updated Date' on CEAC change. I called in the next day and they said the medicals were submitted, and that they would send the vaccination record that they submitted. I waited for about 7-8 days, and during this time, I saw my 'Last Updated Date' on CEAC change everyday for three days. I called them to check again and they said it was submitted and then shared the vaccination record with me. I would suggest to follow up with them if this isn't received. 

 

Interview Document Preparation:

 

I got all the originals of the civil documents I submitted to NVC, and took copies of each of them. These primary documents were the following:

1. Birth Certificate
2. Unexpired passport
3. Police certificates (recent ones)
4. Marriage certificate (I was not married at the time of DQ, so this was not in the documents that I had sent to NVC)
5. Passport size phots - 2 (I took mine at Staples)
6. Employment letter (from my new company) along with a copy of the amended I-140 approval
7. Proof of legal status in Canada (NVC requested me to send this additionally after receiving the first set of documents before DQ, so I added this as well to my list)

I took my NVC interview letter and DS-260 confirmation page along with the above (these were't asked). 

 

I also took a couple of supplementary documents which were the following:

1. Previous US tax returns (last two) and W2s
2. I-94
3. Travel history
4. Copies of old US visas
5. Diplomas (copy) and original transcripts
6. Old work authorization documents/I-797s if any
7. Resume
8. Copies of US paystubs (last three months) from when I worked there
9. DS-260 application with corrections/updates written in pen (I did this more for myself to understand as to what I would have to tell them has changed over the last two years)
10. Spouse's documents (their employment verification letter, last three months paystubs, lease, last year's W2, last year's US tax return, copy of their US visa and I-94, last three months' bank statements, driver's license)

Additionally, I also took some of my Canadian documentation:

1. Canadian bank statements (last three months)
2. Lease in Canada
3. Canadian Tax return + T4

 

Before the Interview:

 

I planned to fly there two days before my interview. My flight got cancelled and then delayed, so the extra day gave me some relief and I made it later that same night.

 

The US Consulate was five minutes away from my hotel. I walked there the previous day to see where it was, so that I don't waste time on the interview day looking for the consulate. 

 

Interview:

 

I got to the consulate half an hour before the interview, and there was already a line with about 12-15 people there. The security guard started letting in people who were waiting for American services first around that time. Once they were all done (apart from those who had later appointments), they started letting in the rest of us. I would suggest to not bring a backpack as they don't have place to keep that. They only have small lockers where you can keep your phones and any other small items in.

 

When I got in, they checked my passport to see whether they had my name on their list and then gave me a token with a number on it. After this, I had to pass through security. I then waited for my number to be called.

 

After about 45-50 minutes, my number came up and I went to the counter where this friendly lady asked for my passport and then got my documents that they received from NVC. She then proceeded to ask me for my current Canadian and US addresses. She asked me if I had any valid US visas, which I said I did. She made a note and told me that if the IV is approved, this would have to be cancelled and was making a note of the same. Once that was done, she asked for my original birth certificate, original police certificates (she checked the dates and that it was all clear), marriage certificate and copy, employment letter (I gave her the new one with the amended I-140 approval) and an extra copy of that. She asked me if I wanted to add my spouse to the case. I told her that they already have their own immigration ongoing and so I didn't want to add them. She verified my SSN and asked if I wanted to request a new one. I remember it being mentioned in this forum that the SSN we have is only for work with DHS authorization (it's written on the SSN) and that we should request a new one. So, I told her I would need a new one. She made a note of the same. She took my fingerprints and then asked me to wait in the waiting area until my number came up again for the actual interview. (this is from what I remember)

 

After about an hour and a half or so, I was called for the interview. The interviewer was very friendly and first stated the oath. After that he went on asking questions about my position and where I found the position in the company I was working in at the US previously, what my longest stay in the US was, what status I was at that time. He asked me if I'll be working at the new company, and that is when I informed him about the acquisition, and mentioned I had attached the amended I-140 approval there. He said that's alright and that as long as I have an amended I-140 approval, it's all good as USCIS needs to be informed about it. He then asked about my spouse, where they work, stay, and from where I'll be working. I asked him if I would need to provide proof of my legal status in Canada as I had to provide that to NVC, and he asked to me give it as it's good for them to know I'm in Canada legally. (this is from what I remember)

 

He then said my visa was approved, and went on to cancel my non-immigrant visa that was still valid. 

 

--------------------------------

 

Overall, the entire interview took a total of about two and a half hours. Other than the time it took, it was smooth. My status on CEAC changed to 'Issued' by the time I got back to the hotel. I was not asked for any other documents apart from the primary documents I listed.

 

I'm yet to receive my passport. After that comes entering the US and getting the physical green card, new SSN. 

 

Thanks to everyone in this forum who helped and shared their experiences!  Finding this forum was gold, and I wish everyone all the very best for their interviews. The wait was real long, but there is light at the end of it.

 

 

Congratulations and thank you