The dreaded DS-5535 thread for Montreal Only. Post here and support each other (PART 4)

[LuckyCanard 3]

Got tons of heartfelt responses. Thank you to those who responded my way, the encouragement to keep holding out is tremendously uplifting. Q_Q

 

Still waiting on my end, but wondering now if I'm using the right sites to track progress. I've been watching both the CEAC site and the AIS site for the K1. Is there perhaps somewhere else to keep track of this more directly?

 

Best of luck to everyone else on their journeys!

[Pending DS5535 44]

I gave landing by road at Roseville Montana boarder which is closest to Alberta, Canada. It took me 45 minutes, and the border agents were very nice. They just asked few question regarding when I will be moving permanently, etc. I came back to Canada on the same day. Just thought to share my experience in case if someone (living in Alberta) want to give landing and activate his Visa from Alberta to Montana. 

[tas005 5]

On 1/25/2025 at 9:46 AM, Adam RS said:

Yes, I received the passport with the stamped visa on Thursday.

Many congratulations Adam, so in your whole case they only knew you had old passport (home country) and you just sent them new Canadian one you received recently and they gave you visa on the new one. Thanks for the update.

[spousalsponsor 13]

On 1/25/2025 at 5:05 PM, Cholte cholte said:

How long has it taken people to receive their social security card...

We received my husband's SSN in the mail 9 calendar days/7 business days after activating his visa. We activated it January 14 and the card arrived January 23.

[Cholte cholte 43]

Thank you spousalsponsor...this infnormation really helps...our was activated Jan 21...so should be arriving soon.

[mam521 2,206]

On 1/25/2025 at 4:05 PM, Cholte cholte said:

How long has it taken people to receive their social security card...

I know this has come up many times in the past, but an employer cannot prevent you from starting work because you haven't yet received your SSN.  People need to know their rights because there are a lot of HR people that are not familiar or don't care to look at the instructions for the I-9.  List A documents, which establish both identity and right to work, include your endorsed I-551 in your passport.  By presenting this, you are legally entitled to work.  

 

The SSN is really so the employer can pay the IRS the required withholdings on your behalf.  The employer gets in trouble with the IRS, not USCIS or anyone else, if they don't pay these withholdings.  There is a grace period because it is understood that the SSA may not have issued the number or there can be a delay in getting an appointment with the SSA now that there are no longer walk-ins being accepted.  

[BasitJeffries 0]

Hi everyone,

 

I did not do a mandamus lawsuit. 

 

After 21 months of Admin Processing due to Form DS-5535, my wife finally received the following email from the Embassy:

---

Dear Sir,
Please be advised that the case has finally reached a conclusion.
Your beneficiary spouse needs to complete the following steps and come back to the embassy for a re-interview on March 18, 2025, at 10:00
-Resubmit DS-260, it is currently open.
-Redo the medical exam (expired)
-Resubmit a new Police Certificate with translation
-New picture 5X5
-New affidavit of support I-864/Tax return transcript, as well as for a Joint sponsor I-864 /Tax return transcript
A transcript can be obtained on the IRS's website: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript
It is important that you upload the missing documents and have your spouse bring them to the interview, to avoid any delay in the processing of the beneficiary’s application.
Best,

---

I have a couple of questions:

1. Is it normal to be asked for a re-interview? Should we be concerned? At the first interview 21 months ago, they only requested Form DS-5535. 

2. Since her first interview 21 months ago, I’ve been filing taxes as “Single” because my wife didn’t have an SSN, but now I understand I should’ve filed as “Married Filing Separately” and listed her as a “Non-Resident Alien.” Given the embassy is asking for updated tax transcripts, will it cause major issues that I’ve been filing as “Single”? If I amend my taxes now, the IRS correction won’t be done before her interview. Would it be sufficient to give my wife a copy of the IRS request-to-amend form (1040-X) along with a cover letter explaining the situation?

Thanks!