Montreal Consulate | Status Change after Approval

[cookiemonster06 11]

I attended my interview last Wednesday and got approved. The next day was the federal holiday so Friday, they might be scrambling with staff on holiday. How long does it take for them to change the status to issued? That usually means the visa is being printed? My last case update was Jan 10 / last Friday but my status still sits at Ready. Someone else I know has it changed already but still waiting for tracking info. 
 

This whole process has been anxiety inducing so I’m clearly being impatient but I’ve seen more the side of people getting their status updated to issued and passport returned within days than it taking a few days. 

Edited Monday at 03:07 PM by cookiemonster06
Add additional info

[appleblossom 2,971]

6 minutes ago, cookiemonster06 said:

I attended my interview last Wednesday and got approved. The next day was the federal holiday so Friday, they might be scrambling with staff on holiday. How long does it take for them to change the status to issued? That usually means the visa is being printed? My last case update was Jan 10 / last Friday but my status still sits at Ready. Someone else I know has it changed already but still waiting for tracking info. 
 

This whole process has been anxiety inducing so I’m clearly being impatient but I’ve seen more the side of people getting their status updated to issued and passport returned within days than it taking a few days. 

 

As you say, it’s only been one working day since your interview. I’m sure it will change this week though, good luck. 

[cookiemonster06 11]

21 minutes ago, appleblossom said:

 

As you say, it’s only been one working day since your interview. I’m sure it will change this week though, good luck. 

Thank you. I know…….. patience is a virtue. 

Edited Monday at 03:35 PM by cookiemonster06
Grammar mistake

[Edward and Jaycel 446]

Avoid the comparison to others trap... each application is processed independently, even among the same visa class. It caused Jaycel undue stress when her status didn't go to issued until a day or two after some friends that she made at the embassy had theirs changed to issued. If the last update was on the 10th, that means someone was working on it so that's good news. Hope it comes quickly for you!  

[cookiemonster06 11]

8 minutes ago, Edward and Jaycel said:

Avoid the comparison to others trap... each application is processed independently, even among the same visa class. It caused Jaycel undue stress when her status didn't go to issued until a day or two after some friends that she made at the embassy had theirs changed to issued. If the last update was on the 10th, that means someone was working on it so that's good news. Hope it comes quickly for you!  

Thank you! It’s definitely a mental trap for sure. My husband said if I didn’t have this info, would I be this stressed. The answer is likely no (likely because I’d probably be stressed anyways). I think the comparisons are the driving forces especially same visa class as well. I hope so. I’m trying to manifest positivity. 

[mam521 2,153]

All petitions go through some degree of post interview administrative processing.  If your name is common, if you have a lot of address changes, if you've been to Timbuktu and back, basically if the wind blew whatever way, that can impact AP.  

 

As I'm sure you've worked out, Montreal is a SLOOOOOW consulate.  A week to 10 days is pretty standard for standard AP clearance.  

 

Also, don't panic if your CEAC status changes to "refused" before "issued".  That's normal, too. 

[TexasRafael 140]

At this stage the worst is over, you passed your interview.  Once they issue your visa they will email you as to how they are making provisions for you to pick it up or receive it via courier.

[cookiemonster06 11]

2 hours ago, mam521 said:

All petitions go through some degree of post interview administrative processing.  If your name is common, if you have a lot of address changes, if you've been to Timbuktu and back, basically if the wind blew whatever way, that can impact AP.  

 

As I'm sure you've worked out, Montreal is a SLOOOOOW consulate.  A week to 10 days is pretty standard for standard AP clearance.  

 

Also, don't panic if your CEAC status changes to "refused" before "issued".  That's normal, too. 

Thank you - that’s good to know. I assume they’re doing final checks before they issue the visa but it’s always worrisome to me since you feel so close to the finish line. It’s really testing my patience for sure. 

[cookiemonster06 11]

23 hours ago, cookiemonster06 said:

I attended my interview last Wednesday and got approved. The next day was the federal holiday so Friday, they might be scrambling with staff on holiday. How long does it take for them to change the status to issued? That usually means the visa is being printed? My last case update was Jan 10 / last Friday but my status still sits at Ready. Someone else I know has it changed already but still waiting for tracking info. 
 

This whole process has been anxiety inducing so I’m clearly being impatient but I’ve seen more the side of people getting their status updated to issued and passport returned within days than it taking a few days. 

I want to let everyone know that I got “ISSUED” this morning — total 3 or 4 business day if you count today. Thank you for the reassurance and I know I was probably overreacting but it was hard not to 🫠

[Edward and Jaycel 446]

17 minutes ago, cookiemonster06 said:

I was probably overreacting but it was hard not to 🫠

 

We've all been there  This process is like being put through the wringer - definitely not for the faint of heart but being a part of this amazing support community makes the journey a bit easier. Thanks for contributing and filling out your timeline!  

[mam521 2,153]

1 hour ago, cookiemonster06 said:

I want to let everyone know that I got “ISSUED” this morning — total 3 or 4 business day if you count today. Thank you for the reassurance and I know I was probably overreacting but it was hard not to 🫠

Excellent news!   

 

If you have any intention of gaining US citizenship in the future, start a spreadsheet with your travels in and out of the US.  You need to include it in your application.  It will lessen the PTSD of the process you've been through!  

 

Good luck with your move! 

[cookiemonster06 11]

2 hours ago, Edward and Jaycel said:

 

We've all been there  This process is like being put through the wringer - definitely not for the faint of heart but being a part of this amazing support community makes the journey a bit easier. Thanks for contributing and filling out your timeline!  

I’ll update it once I get my passport back and finalize things! I really want to give back since my journey had so many ups and downs. 

[Ole33 0]

On 1/13/2025 at 10:07 AM, cookiemonster06 said:

I attended my interview last Wednesday and got approved. The next day was the federal holiday so Friday, they might be scrambling with staff on holiday. How long does it take for them to change the status to issued? That usually means the visa is being printed? My last case update was Jan 10 / last Friday but my status still sits at Ready. Someone else I know has it changed already but still waiting for tracking info. 
 

This whole process has been anxiety inducing so I’m clearly being impatient but I’ve seen more the side of people getting their status updated to issued and passport returned within days than it taking a few days. 

It could be much more stressful. My wife had her interview at Consulate in Montreal on 8th of November 2024 . She had been told that her visa is approved but since then we didn’t get any information at all and case status says Ready. Seven emails didn’t yield any results. Not even sure what to do at this point 

[appleblossom 2,971]

11 minutes ago, Ole33 said:

It could be much more stressful. My wife had her interview at Consulate in Montreal on 8th of November 2024 . She had been told that her visa is approved but since then we didn’t get any information at all and case status says Ready. Seven emails didn’t yield any results. Not even sure what to do at this point 

 

Unfortunately, nothing to do but wait it out. A verbal approval means nothing, just keep an eye on the status and hopefully it will change to ‘issued’ once AP is complete.

 

Good luck.