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

[Pending DS5535 24]

We cannot use the one for Canada post, I sent my passports and photos by UPS on Tuesday and yesterday it was confirmed that someone by name of Steve received the package. But I paid for UPS courier services. 

[strawberri 4]

32 minutes ago, Cholte cholte said:

So do we need to call the Montreal consulate to generate a Authorized Courier receipt for FedEx? or can we use the one that is for Canada Post?

I printed the authorized courier receipt and followed all the directions it said I just sent it UPS instead and paid for the UPS courier services.

[Cholte cholte 20]

do all UPS locations handle passports? Or are there specific locations?

 

[strawberri 4]

29 minutes ago, Cholte cholte said:

do all UPS locations handle passports? Or are there specific locations?

 

I just went to my local UPS and they did it for me, just explain your situation and what you're sending.

[memeatball 0]

Once you cross and get the stamp by car, you can just turn right back around and cross back into Canada right? Does it make sense to cross on Jan 1st to make taxes simple?

[Cholte cholte 20]

On an average...how many days is it taking the Montreal consulate to issue a visa after they have received the 2 photos, medical report and passport. I am referring to those who got a DS5535. Thanks.

[candy895 7]

24 minutes ago, Cholte cholte said:

On an average...how many days is it taking the Montreal consulate to issue a visa after they have received the 2 photos, medical report and passport. I am referring to those who got a DS5535. Thanks.

It is varying for everyone, some are getting issued in a week, some in 2 weeks, some a month or more. 

[brkendream 11]

Hello everyone, I have one question , Is it common to have ceac case update date change after sending medical and passport ? My friend in AP under DS-5535 had re-medical and passport email , he submitted his passport on 14th of Nov and on 19th of Nov embassy also received new medical. 

So far he had 2 case update date change since 19th  , but his ceac status is still "refused" he is so worried . 

I am on the same DS-5535 boat , soon completing my 10th month in AP , Hoping and praying for the best. I am so tired of this misery full  waiting game. 

[Cholte cholte 20]

Yes...it is not unusual to have rapid updates when passport and medical are received. Everytime the case is handled there will be an update. After checking everything they will changed it to refused. I have seen that happen to other people also. So, I would think that this is a good sign. Your friend will see "issued" soon.

[Ryan17 2]

My fiancee’ submitted her passport & updated medical exam to the consulate on November 5th.  CEAC status changed to “Approved” today (11/29). I looked online & “Issued” should happen in 7-10 business days.  Fingers crossed!  Her original interview was January 23, 2023.  Received DS 5535 on February 14, 2023.

[brkendream 11]

17 minutes ago, Ryan17 said:

My fiancee’ submitted her passport & updated medical exam to the consulate on November 5th.  CEAC status changed to “Approved” today (11/29). I looked online & “Issued” should happen in 7-10 business days.  Fingers crossed!  Her original interview was January 23, 2023.  Received DS 5535 on February 14, 2023.

Sir are you sure interview year is 2023 , because that will make it almost 2 years in AP.

 

5 hours ago, Cholte cholte said:

Yes...it is not unusual to have rapid updates when passport and medical are received. Everytime the case is handled there will be an update. After checking everything they will changed it to refused. I have seen that happen to other people also. So, I would think that this is a good sign. Your friend will see "issued" soon.

Thank you. 

[memeatball 0]

15 minutes ago, brkendream said:

Sir are you sure interview year is 2023 , because that will make it almost 2 years in AP.

Mine took almost that from DS-5535 submission to passport/medical request and that was after multiple congressional inquiries.

Edited Friday at 07:01 PM by memeatball

[DS5535TXCAN 53]

Finally some good news to report (after 6 weeks of waiting after medical /photos submitted and 2 months without passport)! - visa status changed to issued today! 

 

Our brief timeline:

 

Dec 13, 2023 - Interview

Dec 13, 2023 - DS-5535 submitted

Aug 8, 2024 - Passport request 

Aug 15, 2024 - Passport delivered to consulate

Oct 8, 2024 - Second medical request and photos

Oct 10, 2024 - Medical completed

Oct 17, 2024 - Passport photos delivered

Oct 23, 2024 - Medical sent

Nov 29, 2024 - Visa Issued

I will post another update when passport is in hand to give complete timeline. 

 

There doesn't seem to be a logic, rhyme or reason of issuing visas. Many of you like myself sent your documents and medicals weeks ago and are still waiting whereas others were issued within 1 week of document submission.  This whole DS-5535 experience is nothing short of an inhumane and degrading experience. We are very thankful to this community for all the guidance and support throughout this past year. 

 

I pray that all of you in this hell escape soon and are reunited with your loved ones.

 

 

[ak47 33]

1 hour ago, DS5535TXCAN said:

Finally some good news to report (after 6 weeks of waiting after medical /photos submitted and 2 months without passport)! - visa status changed to issued today! 

 

Our brief timeline:

 

Dec 13, 2023 - Interview

Dec 13, 2023 - DS-5535 submitted

Aug 8, 2024 - Passport request 

Aug 15, 2024 - Passport delivered to consulate

Oct 8, 2024 - Second medical request and photos

Oct 10, 2024 - Medical completed

Oct 17, 2024 - Passport photos delivered

Oct 23, 2024 - Medical sent

Nov 29, 2024 - Visa Issued

I will post another update when passport is in hand to give complete timeline. 

 

There doesn't seem to be a logic, rhyme or reason of issuing visas. Many of you like myself sent your documents and medicals weeks ago and are still waiting whereas others were issued within 1 week of document submission.  This whole DS-5535 experience is nothing short of an inhumane and degrading experience. We are very thankful to this community for all the guidance and support throughout this past year. 

 

I pray that all of you in this hell escape soon and are reunited with your loved ones.

 

 

Congratulations and happy for you. What time did you see the update today ?

 

Also what is the status in AIS website ?

Edited Friday at 09:08 PM by ak47

[DS5535TXCAN 53]

8 minutes ago, ak47 said:

Congratulations and happy for you. What time did you see the update today ?

Thank you soo much!!! I hope there is fortune coming your way.

 

- We noticed the status change around 10AM EST. We were not anticipating anything given the holiday yesterday. 

 

- AIS website still shows the same as before. Tracking has not been provided yet.

 

 

Edited Friday at 09:11 PM by DS5535TXCAN