Montreal embassy EB-2 interview wait time-Part 2

[appleblossom 3,766]

20 minutes ago, mam521 said:

Our greencards took over 170 days.  I did send an inquiry because it was ridiculous.  Then, one of them was statused incorrectly.  

 

The online account isn't useless...it does let you see if the card has been printed and mailed.  It serves for sending traceable inquiries.  It also serves as the place to file future petitions.  It's definitely useless when it comes to estimating timelines.  It is handy, though, if you have access, especially in cases like this where someone has no idea if their card has even been printed.  It's unfortunate that they weren't granted an access code.  

 

The online status checker tells you if the card has been printed/mailed etc though, no need for the account. I’ve never felt the need for the account and doubt I will until I (possibly - TBC!) apply for citizenship. 

Edited April 14 by appleblossom

[mam521 2,398]

9 minutes ago, appleblossom said:

 

The online status checker tells you if the card has been printed/mailed etc though, no need for the account. I’ve never felt the need for the account and doubt I will until I (possibly - TBC!) apply for citizenship. 

At least citizenship is easy, relatively speaking!

[Canadian24 21]

On 4/13/2025 at 12:17 PM, Single-spite said:

I have an approved EB2-NIW I-140 (ROW) with a priority date of August 2024, and I've opted for consular processing at the U.S. Consulate in Montreal. I understand that it will be some time before my priority date becomes current.

However, I have a past immigration issue—specifically, an overstay from over two decades ago—which caused some problems at the border years ago. Since then, I have been able to cross the border without any issues for the 10-15 years.

I know that I need to disclose all prior immigration history in the consular processing forms, and I’m concerned that this could trigger Administrative Processing (AP), which would delay the process even further.

With that in mind, I have a few questions:

1. Should I hire a lawyer specifically for consular processing?

2. Should I request my A-file through FOIA to get more clarity on the exact dates and details of my prior overstay? I don’t remember all the specifics.

3. Has anyone here had a similar experience and successfully navigated consular processing despite a past overstay?

4. Any recommendations for experienced lawyers who specialize in consular processing?

I would greatly appreciate any insights, personal experiences, or advice on how to proceed.

@Single-spite  Personally I would consult an attorney. Particularly with this administration, they are deporting green card holders that had mini problems with the law that were forgiven. I don't know what you stated in your DS-260, but that would be part of it. Perhaps call a couple of immigration attorneys and ask what they think. For a lot of them the first phone call is free.

[Single-spite 0]

19 hours ago, Canadian24 said:

@Single-spite  Personally I would consult an attorney. Particularly with this administration, they are deporting green card holders that had mini problems with the law that were forgiven. I don't know what you stated in your DS-260, but that would be part of it. Perhaps call a couple of immigration attorneys and ask what they think. For a lot of them the first phone call is free.

I never filled DS-260. may be its done at the time of DQ?

[Panda_ 1]

21 hours ago, God Is Good CA said:

Hi! Were you able to select a day? I'm having the same issue...

 

No, not yet. I have been trying for the past week without any success.

[God Is Good CA 5]

2 hours ago, Panda_ said:

 

No, not yet. I have been trying for the past week without any success.

Did you try sending an email to the Consulate? another question... is this a reschedule or you are scheduling for the first time?

[Panda_ 1]

3 hours ago, God Is Good CA said:

Did you try sending an email to the Consulate? another question... is this a reschedule or you are scheduling for the first time?

 

Yes,  sent an email to the consulate and also talked to Customer support. The standard answer is to keep trying. For me, this is the first time scheduling the interview.

[God Is Good CA 5]

1 hour ago, Panda_ said:

 

Yes,  sent an email to the consulate and also talked to Customer support. The standard answer is to keep trying. For me, this is the first time scheduling the interview.

Is this an expedite interview that was approved and you are trying to schedule?

Please look at this thread... looks like Montreal send Interview Letters with Dates once a month so you should be included in the next batch... however if this is expedite request, maybe they will choose the date and send to you: 

 

[samq26 2]

On 4/14/2025 at 2:54 PM, God Is Good CA said:

Hi! Were you able to select a day? I'm having the same issue...

@God Is Good CA Was your case expedited? Are you able to find an available slot? 

[appleblossom 3,766]

17 hours ago, Panda_ said:

 

Yes,  sent an email to the consulate and also talked to Customer support. The standard answer is to keep trying. For me, this is the first time scheduling the interview.

 

As above, what’s the reason you’re scheduling it yourself? And are you EB2, what’s your Priority Date? If you could fill in your timeline it would be super helpful, thx.

[God Is Good CA 5]

2 hours ago, samq26 said:

@God Is Good CA Was your case expedited? Are you able to find an available slot? 

Yes, expedite approved a few days ago but still waiting for the IL to find a date

[God Is Good CA 5]

19 hours ago, Panda_ said:

 

Yes,  sent an email to the consulate and also talked to Customer support. The standard answer is to keep trying. For me, this is the first time scheduling the interview.

Is this for expedite interview?

[mam521 2,398]

@Single-spite, @samq26, @Panda_, please help the community out and help yourselves with more precise answers by filling out your timelines.  

[Aaron_ 38]

After getting a Green Card, is it okay to make multiple short trips to the U.S. in the first year (to look for rentals, jobs, etc.) before fully moving?

I did my first entry 10 days ago, and my plan is to move permanently in January next year.

In the meantime, I’d like to make a few short trips to prepare—like finding a place to live and looking for work.

[WaitingEB-1AJan23 26]

12 hours ago, Aaron_ said:

After getting a Green Card, is it okay to make multiple short trips to the U.S. in the first year (to look for rentals, jobs, etc.) before fully moving?

I did my first entry 10 days ago, and my plan is to move permanently in January next year.

In the meantime, I’d like to make a few short trips to prepare—like finding a place to live and looking for work.

I assume that is ok.  i believe you became US resident the moment you landed.