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

[Phil_K_IR1 83]

4 minutes ago, tas005 said:

same happened with me, please do update whenever you get any positive response.

When did you have your interview again? I forget.

 

ours was nov 9, 2023

[SEP-27-DS_5535 33]

4 minutes ago, Phil_K_IR1 said:

When did you have your interview again? I forget.

 

ours was nov 9, 2023

Mine was in September 27th, 2023. The CO also asked me to send my CV along with DS-5535.

[Phil_K_IR1 83]

3 minutes ago, Ahmad0606 said:

Mine was in September 27th, 2023. The CO also asked me to send my CV along with DS-5535.

Yeah we didn't get asked for a DS-5535 which I'm kinda thankful for but it also seems like any AP is taking forever regardless. 

[APRIL2023 59]

1 hour ago, Phil_K_IR1 said:

Hold on: do you mean to say they told you to submit documents that were missing (I assume given a 221g), and you were never told what to submit? 
 

And just waiting so far to hear about what to give? 
 

the consulate asked us for only a CV, and we've been waiting for nearing 90 days now.. 

I need to submit proper RCMP check, ds5535 and passport (given back at the end of interview). The CO told me to not send in the RCMP check as it will most likely expire by the time my AP is cleared and I will be asked to resubmit a new one. I also sent a follow-up email after acquiring my RCMP check, in which I received instruction to hold off on sending things in until I get further instructions from the consulate. I just recently learned from this forum that some members have sent their RCMP in asap. So I emailed the consulate to confirm. That’s when I was told that I have to send in my RCMP. Frustrating.
 

I was also told to expect ds5535 via email after my interview. Never received one. After three weeks, I just send in my information based on DS5535 online templates via email. Have to follow up a few times and finally they confirmed receipt. 
 

Doesn't sound like this was a common experience for peeps here. Im very proactive throughout this process but have had super bad luck with everything. Perhaps my application has fallen through the cracks between the desks… literally. 

[Phil_K_IR1 83]

Just for planning ahead...

 

To those who got asked to mail their passports (and new medical, if asked): how long does it take to receive it back with the visa in it once approved? 
 

I doubt anyone that is done with this is still hanging around, but I assume budget in about 4 weeks..

[Daft_Cat 136]

16 minutes ago, Phil_K_IR1 said:

Just for planning ahead...

 

To those who got asked to mail their passports (and new medical, if asked): how long does it take to receive it back with the visa in it once approved? 
 

I doubt anyone that is done with this is still hanging around, but I assume budget in about 4 weeks..

I’ve seen anywhere from weeks to a couple months reported in prior iterations of these threads.

[Phil_K_IR1 83]

1 minute ago, Daft_Cat said:

I’ve seen anywhere from weeks to a couple months reported in prior iterations of these threads.

Somehow I'm not surprised given the level of delays we're experiencing lol

 

If only other consulates did IVs

Edited February 1 by Phil_K_IR1

[Daft_Cat 136]

1 minute ago, Phil_K_IR1 said:

Somehow I'm not surprised given the level of delays we're experiencing lol

 

If only other consulates did IVs

Heh.

 

Honestly, I hate to say it, but the best way to get through AP is to just accept that it’s not happening on any reasonable timeline and to simply put aside whatever plans you had. Stop checking your status and counting down the days - just lay out whatever your strategy is going to be (WoM after a certain amount of time or whatever you opt for) and move on. 
 

I know that sounds defeatist and is easier said than done for many of us (myself included) to varying degrees, but the alternative is to sit on your hands & obsess while waiting in anguish for months or even years. It sucks, it’s unlucky, and it reflects a dysfunctional, broken system. But none of that will change the outcome. Nor does it mean the consulate has legitimate suspicions that you’re a criminal or that you’re somehow a less worthy applicant.

 

Plan to wait for a year minimum, and if the visa comes in the meantime, then great. Better to be pleasantly surprised than disappointed. This attitude is what has kept me mostly sane.

[MRJ9987 31]

5 hours ago, APRIL2023 said:

A bit off topic too - those with kids about to be born - There is a LONG WAIT TIME for appointments for birth abroad for your kid to receive the US citizenship. At least that was the case back in 2023. Need to account for this as you wait for your AP to be cleared. 

 

My daughter was born mid December and we were able to get an appointment for last Tuesday. She got her citizenships on the spot so at least we are lucky that way.  

 

Edit:  this is CRBA for Toronto consulate.  

Edited February 1 by MRJ9987

[MRJ9987 31]

6 hours ago, Superluminal said:

I personally have avoided emailing them for a few reasons:

 

1) They basically said on their website to not ask for updates until you are waiting for at least 6 months. This no longer applies to me since we've been waiting over 9 months at this point.

2) I left it to our lawyers to coordinate since they were filing a WOM. This also doesn't really apply to us anymore since we decided to not fight the MTD we got in October.

3) I would rather learn of unsolicited updates from CEAC then be getting regular updates from me e-mailing them. Maybe this isn't a good idea though since someone had just mentioned about "building a case".

 

It would seem there is no "right" thing to do 

It's fair not to ask them for updates until six months.  At the same time, squeaky wheel gets the grease .... unless it does more to piss them off.  

[MRJ9987 31]

16 minutes ago, Daft_Cat said:

Heh.

 

Honestly, I hate to say it, but the best way to get through AP is to just accept that it’s not happening on any reasonable timeline and to simply put aside whatever plans you had. Stop checking your status and counting down the days - just lay out whatever your strategy is going to be (WoM after a certain amount of time or whatever you opt for) and move on. 
 

I know that sounds defeatist and is easier said than done for many of us (myself included) to varying degrees, but the alternative is to sit on your hands & obsess while waiting in anguish for months or even years. It sucks, it’s unlucky, and it reflects a dysfunctional, broken system. But none of that will change the outcome. Nor does it mean the consulate has legitimate suspicions that you’re a criminal or that you’re somehow a less worthy applicant.

 

Plan to wait for a year minimum, and if the visa comes in the meantime, then great. Better to be pleasantly surprised than disappointed. This attitude is what has kept me mostly sane.

 

I hear you.  I am working off off two year timeline and it seems to be taking more than a year.  

[Superluminal 146]

2 minutes ago, MRJ9987 said:

It's fair not to ask them for updates until six months.  At the same time, squeaky wheel gets the grease .... unless it does more to piss them off.  

While I generally agree with that statement, we haven't seen any evidence to suggest that is how it works.

[Daft_Cat 136]

2 hours ago, APRIL2023 said:

Doesn't sound like this was a common experience for peeps here. Im very proactive throughout this process but have had super bad luck with everything. Perhaps my application has fallen through the cracks between the desks… literally. 

It hasn’t, don’t worry. You’re just in the same void that all of us are. Our responses don’t even matter, and despite the back and forth, they did eventually confirm receipt when you sent in your answers. Any documents they’re truly missing once you clear AP will be requested.
 

I forget if you’ve filed a WoM yet, but if you do go down that road, make sure your attorney calls attention to the haphazard way they’ve handled your AP. It further cements the failure to make good on the duty owed.

Edited February 1 by Daft_Cat

[ShawnK 82]

2 hours ago, APRIL2023 said:

I need to submit proper RCMP check, ds5535 and passport (given back at the end of interview). The CO told me to not send in the RCMP check as it will most likely expire by the time my AP is cleared and I will be asked to resubmit a new one. I also sent a follow-up email after acquiring my RCMP check, in which I received instruction to hold off on sending things in until I get further instructions from the consulate. I just recently learned from this forum that some members have sent their RCMP in asap. So I emailed the consulate to confirm. That’s when I was told that I have to send in my RCMP. Frustrating.
 

I was also told to expect ds5535 via email after my interview. Never received one. After three weeks, I just send in my information based on DS5535 online templates via email. Have to follow up a few times and finally they confirmed receipt. 
 

Doesn't sound like this was a common experience for peeps here. Im very proactive throughout this process but have had super bad luck with everything. Perhaps my application has fallen through the cracks between the desks… literally. 

What is the harm in sending them your RCMP certificate? They are valid for 2 years, and you should be very close to hearing back. One less thing they'll need.

 

[ShawnK 82]

1 hour ago, Daft_Cat said:

Heh.

 

Honestly, I hate to say it, but the best way to get through AP is to just accept that it’s not happening on any reasonable timeline and to simply put aside whatever plans you had. Stop checking your status and counting down the days - just lay out whatever your strategy is going to be (WoM after a certain amount of time or whatever you opt for) and move on. 
 

I know that sounds defeatist and is easier said than done for many of us (myself included) to varying degrees, but the alternative is to sit on your hands & obsess while waiting in anguish for months or even years. It sucks, it’s unlucky, and it reflects a dysfunctional, broken system. But none of that will change the outcome. Nor does it mean the consulate has legitimate suspicions that you’re a criminal or that you’re somehow a less worthy applicant.

 

Plan to wait for a year minimum, and if the visa comes in the meantime, then great. Better to be pleasantly surprised than disappointed. This attitude is what has kept me mostly sane.

I think what gets to me,  is after a while you start to worry if they've confused you for someone really bad.

 

The problem is, if they have, they will NEVER tell you or ask you to clarify. If they've  lost your files or missed your ds5535, they will never say anything. 

 

They can, as they argue, keep you in this FOREVER and you  must accept it and consider yourself refused.

 

 

I would rather just get a final decision at this point. It's torture.

 

I know most Canadians are kind of always smug and sneering when it comes to the US (the less popular brother syndrome) but I've always defended the country and considered it the best Earth and humanity can offer.

 

However, there does seem to be an utterly psychotic torturous dysfunctional side to the country, the insane indifferent bureaucracy. The maddening nonsensical rules (you are such a threat you need a 1 year background check, but free to visit??).

 

 

Canada might suck but Canadian immigration is much more freindly and responsive,  more humane.

 

Some people are trying to plan families,  biological clocks are ticking.  None of us getting any younger, and life is passing by.

 

All people are asking for is a decision, give  a yes or a no, if no , explain why and allow the person to respond. I would expect that from the greatest country with the most iconic constitution.