The dreaded DS-5535 thread for Montreal Only. Post here and support each other (PART 3)

[Cholte cholte 29]

Hi,

 

From what email address is the communication from Montreal Consulate regarding passports, medical etc. Just noticed an unsolicited update on the website...and dont want to have the email going to junk.

[MarDS 1]

16 minutes ago, Cholte cholte said:

Hi,

 

From what email address is the communication from Montreal Consulate regarding passports, medical etc. Just noticed an unsolicited update on the website...and dont want to have the email going to junk.

Mine came from usvisa-info.com

[CanAmericano 14]

Hi all,

 

My husband and I have been following this page for a longgg time. We received exciting news today and wanted to share our journey. It’s a bit unique as he was denied entry into the US twice. Once due to getting close to too many days in the US, and the second time in AP. We also had to reschedule his interview as it was scheduled for the same week as our celebration wedding (post covid) in the US. 
 

Feb 4, 2022 I-130 submitted

Feb 22, 2023 I-130 approved/ NVC created

March- DS-260 submitted

May 17, 2023 DQ

Aug 16, 2023 interview scheduled

Oct 19, 2023 - no show to interview

Nov 6, 2023 interview  rescheduled 

Jan 10, 2024 interview - verbally told approved, consulate kept passport but could not process due to technical issues

Jan 19, 2024 - applicant reached out to consulate to inquire about tracking for visa since over 2 weeks and case placed in AP

 

Jan 22, 2024 DS 5335 submitted

- 8 solicited updates (ourselves, congressmen, lawyer after 6 months), 3 unsolicited). I included the end updates below:

July 30 - update

August 13 - update

August 15 - response to lawyer “pending consular review”

August 20 - congressman reached out 8/20

August 21 - update

August 22 - AP complete, email to send documents

 

August 26 - medical appointment, documents sent 

August 28 - documents delivered (know via tracking)

September 9 - update (likely medical delivered)

September 11 - solicited by congressman - “documents were not delivered yet” (see picture for verbiage)

September 13 - update

September 18 - Issued!

 

Thanks for all your comments in this thread to help ease our journey. Hopefully the few others with passports in Montreal see those amazing words of issued soon!! We are still waiting for tracking to receive his passport back, but should hopefully get it soon!

[CarmenD 150]

10 hours ago, DS5535TXCAN said:

 

I am not sure this is applicable to cases going through consular processing through NVC and the embassy. What you're referring to is the USCIS (https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-announces-new-guidance-on-form-i-693-validity-period) which is for civil surgeons that provide medical exams within the US. Whereas we all completed our medical exams with panel phyicans. 

 

You are correct. This is NOT applicable to consular pending cases, only for cases where applicant is already physically in the U.S. and applying for Change of Status, for instance.  The Panel Physicians vs. Civil Surgeons distinction is accurate.  Medical exams expire after 6 months

[CarmenD 150]

5 hours ago, Cholte cholte said:

Hi,

 

From what email address is the communication from Montreal Consulate regarding passports, medical etc. Just noticed an unsolicited update on the website...and dont want to have the email going to junk.

Ours sent by “donotreply@usvisa-info.com”

[Ryan17 4]

20 hours ago, CarmenD said:

Take a look at the Congressperson’s website for procedure.  Mine had an online contact option which I completed.  I then received an email attaching a privacy release/information form to complete/sign/return.  Note that not all Congresspersons are willing to do Congressional Inquiries.  Good luck!

I did the same for a Senator in my area. He did an inquiry & said to wait until October 8th, & if nothing is heard, contact him back. If enough of us reach out to congressmen & senators hopefully they see this is a problem!

[as2023 8]

The CO mentioned my passport on 221g and I sent it .Is keeping the passport for months reasonable or normal !? I know of one case but curious whether it happens often or rarely?

[mam521 2,113]

49 minutes ago, as2023 said:

The CO mentioned my passport on 221g and I sent it .Is keeping the passport for months reasonable or normal !? I know of one case but curious whether it happens often or rarely?

They can but if it's taking too long and you need it, you can request to have it returned.  

[CarmenD 150]

1 hour ago, as2023 said:

The CO mentioned my passport on 221g and I sent it .Is keeping the passport for months reasonable or normal !? I know of one case but curious whether it happens often or rarely?

Certainly not reasonable, but it appears to be quite normal 😏

[Superluminal 146]

Turns out my prediction was correct. CEAC says Issued now!

[DS5535_jan2024 30]

6 minutes ago, Superluminal said:

Turns out my prediction was correct. CEAC says Issued now!

Wonderful!! Congrats 🥳 

[SunnyAvengers 0]

Hi all - I went into AP at my interview at the Montreal consulate and needed to submit the DS-5535. I did so and finally heard back 9 months later. In August I received an email that I could courier my Passport to the consulate with a few documents. I redid my Medical / Criminal check - but they also asked that I update the DS-260 and submit a copy of the bar-coded confirmation page. The only problem is - the DS-260 application cannot be edited. I've read on forums this is because it is locked after you submit. Was the consular officer who sent me the email that I need to update it, also suppose to "unlock" it so I could actually make those edits? I forwarded a copy of their email request to: Canada.Visas@gdit-gss.com and Montreal-IV-DV@state.gov. One replied back they could not assist with DS-260 questions, the other generic reply said my application is under review and I would have to wait if there are any next steps. 

 

I'm ready with the entire checklist - medical, criminal check (that are counting down expiry dates already!), registered courier, etc. The only thing I need to do is update my DS-260 with my most recent address and travel history but I am unable to. Anyone experience this / have any tips? 

 

Timelines: 

Sept 15, 2023 - received notice of Interview Appointment 

Nov 6, 2023 - Interview Date / Refused and provided DS-5535 to submit

Nov 10, 2023 - DS-5535 submitted electronically 

Aug 1, 2024 - Received email to courier my Passport after a new Medical and Criminal Check, and updating DS-260 and reprinting the barcode page. 

 

Edited September 19 by SunnyAvengers

[JanMontrealDS5535 24]

55 minutes ago, Superluminal said:

Turns out my prediction was correct. CEAC says Issued now!

Congratulations!!

[CarmenD 150]

1 hour ago, Superluminal said:

Turns out my prediction was correct. CEAC says Issued now!

Awesome 🤩 Congratulations!!!

[Coco_2023 14]

1 hour ago, SunnyAvengers said:

Hi all - I went into AP at my interview at the Montreal consulate and needed to submit the DS-5535. I did so and finally heard back 9 months later. In August I received an email that I could courier my Passport to the consulate with a few documents. I redid my Medical / Criminal check - but they also asked that I update the DS-260 and submit a copy of the bar-coded confirmation page. The only problem is - the DS-260 application cannot be edited. I've read on forums this is because it is locked after you submit. Was the consular officer who sent me the email that I need to update it, also suppose to "unlock" it so I could actually make those edits? I forwarded a copy of their email request to: Canada.Visas@gdit-gss.com and Montreal-IV-DV@state.gov. One replied back they could not assist with DS-260 questions, the other generic reply said my application is under review and I would have to wait if there are any next steps. 

 

I'm ready with the entire checklist - medical, criminal check (that are counting down expiry dates already!), registered courier, etc. The only thing I need to do is update my DS-260 with my most recent address and travel history but I am unable to. Anyone experience this / have any tips? 

 

Timelines: 

Sept 15, 2023 - received notice of Interview Appointment 

Nov 6, 2023 - Interview Date / Refused and provided DS-5535 to submit

Nov 10, 2023 - DS-5535 submitted electronically 

Aug 1, 2024 - Received email to courier my Passport after a new Medical and Criminal Check, and updating DS-260 and reprinting the barcode page. 

 

Perhaps the officer is asking to fill the ds-5535 again with the latest changes (if there is any, ie in your address, travel history, job, etc.) and send them the new submission's barcode? 

Edited September 19 by Coco_2023