IR1 / CR1 - Montreal Timeline to Interview

[mtlgato 2]

mtlgato glad to hear you were able to reschedule to a more appropriate date! Finally some good news out of Montreal.

The consulate website seems to indicate the new scheduling is only for non-immigrant visas so it will be interesting to see how things work out for the long list of CR1/IR1 filers waiting.

I know it's super confusing...and I can't quite believe yet that the rescheduling of my appointment is for real. And I know why you would have the impression that the new system is only for non-immigrant visas. But check out this link:

http://usvisa-info.com/en-CA/selfservice/us_immigrant_visas

Also, you can--will wonders never cease--actually CALL and talk to a person at what I think is the new sub-contracting company handling all this. Here's a link to the numbers. Note that this link is actually from the site for the Mtl consulate:

http://montreal.usconsulate.gov/content/content.asp?section=visas&document=visa_generalinquiries

I really hope this helps. I *think* it's for real. I've been paranoid all day that this new csc system is some front for identity theft or whatever...but there are official announcements of the transition and links to the new system through the familiar Mtl official consular website. As per usual, they are doing a ####### job of communicating with us...and definitely instructions are much clearer for the non-immigrant visa applicants. But bear in mind that we CR1 folks are actually a relatively small group in the context of Mtl's clientele.

Thanks to everyone who has wished me well!

C.

[OBX 51]

I know it's super confusing...and I can't quite believe yet that the rescheduling of my appointment is for real. And I know why you would have the impression that the new system is only for non-immigrant visas. But check out this link:

http://usvisa-info.com/en-CA/selfservice/us_immigrant_visas

Also, you can--will wonders never cease--actually CALL and talk to a person at what I think is the new sub-contracting company handling all this. Here's a link to the numbers. Note that this link is actually from the site for the Mtl consulate:

http://montreal.usconsulate.gov/content/content.asp?section=visas&document=visa_generalinquiries

I really hope this helps. I *think* it's for real. I've been paranoid all day that this new csc system is some front for identity theft or whatever...but there are official announcements of the transition and links to the new system through the familiar Mtl official consular website. As per usual, they are doing a ####### job of communicating with us...and definitely instructions are much clearer for the non-immigrant visa applicants. But bear in mind that we CR1 folks are actually a relatively small group in the context of Mtl's clientele.

Thanks to everyone who has wished me well!

C.

Very interesting! Not sure it will speed things up but at last it gives filers flexibility in choosing their dates. I can't imagine the stress all of you are going through waiting for interviews. I was a basket case last year and I only had a 3 month wait.

BTW when you changed your date did they send a confirmation email? I'm sure it will be fine, it seems legit to me. Now you can relax (a little anyway ) and concentrate on the baby's arrival. All the best!

[mtlgato 2]

Very interesting! Not sure it will speed things up but at last it gives filers flexibility in choosing their dates. I can't imagine the stress all of you are going through waiting for interviews. I was a basket case last year and I only had a 3 month wait.

BTW when you changed your date did they send a confirmation email? I'm sure it will be fine, it seems legit to me. Now you can relax (a little anyway ) and concentrate on the baby's arrival. All the best!

They *did* send a confirmation email. I'm still a little paranoid that it's not for real, though!

I agree with you that wait times will still likely be long for applicants. BUT maybe they've been EXTRA long the last few months partly due to the transition to the new system? Just a guess, I know. And things should be drastically improved for people like me who have to reschedule. I know I'm not the only one! I've heard of others waiting months and months and months for a rescheduled interview with the old system.

C.

[petshop 0]

PS. My new date is Oct. 28. That was the latest date I could get. It'll still be hard, but way more possible than Oct. 8!!!

C.

Hi C:

I am so VERY HAPPY for you!! I am almost in tears . . . so glad you could change your interview date . . . I was just thinking of you over the weekend, and I am so glad things have worked out this way . . . all the best with the rest of the pregnancy, and have a safe delivery.

Karen

[Todd&Paije 0]

Glad you could change the date without any fuss, mtlgato!

I'm trying not to get my hopes up too much that a bunch more CR1 interviews will be opened up for October. I know I won't get an interview any time soon (my DS-230 got lost on its way to the NVC, which really threw a wrench into the works) but at least if we start getting SOME scheduled, I'll have a bit of hope! This not knowing nonsense is really starting to wear me down.

[Sweetcheeksss 91]

Congrats to everyone, here's hoping everything will work for y'all.

[petshop 0]

Got news that jken (K1) got scheduled today - for an October 13th interview.

So, they scheduled shewolf and mtlgato (CR1) for October 8th, and now they are scheduling a K-1 for October 13 . . . perhaps this could mean that Montreal may have some spots left open for CR1/IR1's for the last two weeks of October . . . at least that's what I am hoping for.

Seems there is still hope anyway for those of us CR1/IR1's who completed just after shewolf and mtlgato did . . .

Cheers,

petshop

[Jadenjewel 9]

It would be nice is this works for CR1's but from the conversation I had with them it is strictly for K1 visa's at the moment.

Happy that you got to re-schedule Mtlgato, now have a rest before your baby and interview arrive.

Cheers Jewel

[Sweetcheeksss 91]

Maybe I'm missing something buuuut if Mtlgato was able to reschedule her interview, and she's applying for an immigrant visa, seems like even though they are saying it's only for K-1 visas on the phone, online it's a different story. Or am I misunderstanding something?

Good luck and congrats to all that got their interview dates!

[zenaxe 22]

Wow that new link may be just great !!! If people can reschedule their interviews that would make for some great service and well deserved. Usually it's back of the line stuff so this is great news !!!

Good luck to all of you waiting and here's to speedy interviews !!

[mtlgato 2]

Maybe I'm missing something buuuut if Mtlgato was able to reschedule her interview, and she's applying for an immigrant visa, seems like even though they are saying it's only for K-1 visas on the phone, online it's a different story. Or am I misunderstanding something?

Good luck and congrats to all that got their interview dates!

Yeah, and I did actually schedule my interview over the phone (after looking carefully at the website) and I said I was CR1, and I said "husband is a US citizen" repeatedly, and I repeatedly asked whether I was elligible for the new service. And the CSC website does have a link for specifically "immigrant" visas and has a whole subsection on spousal visas...

I understand everyone's skepticism (and still share it!), but this may really be for real...Let's hope!!!!

C.

[birdnerd 5]

It might possibly be for CR/IRs as well. My husband called DoS today (we're doing DCF), they told him the same message - p4 has been sent, but no interview date set. He asked if it's the DIY scheduling, she seemed to confirm that.

I just tried poking around the website, but ran into a few bugs, couldn't try scheduling.

But yay! Possibly good news.

*cross fingers*

[mtlgato 2]

It might possibly be for CR/IRs as well. My husband called DoS today (we're doing DCF), they told him the same message - p4 has been sent, but no interview date set. He asked if it's the DIY scheduling, she seemed to confirm that.

I just tried poking around the website, but ran into a few bugs, couldn't try scheduling.

But yay! Possibly good news.

*cross fingers*

Try *calling* tomorrow, Birdnerd? Not DoS, but the number for the subcontractor (CSC, but not to be confused with California Service Center) to which the consular website now links (see the links I posted earlier today in response to OBX)? I found the online scheduling a little buggy too, so I did called and scheduled by phone. I'm not 100% sure it'll work for you, but if p4 has been sent, that's a good sign...

C.

Edited September 15, 2010 by mtlgato

[NBtoPitt 2]

If the interview date letter is the packet 4, what is the packet 3 for the CR-1/IR-1 visa?

[mtlgato 2]

If the interview date letter is the packet 4, what is the packet 3 for the CR-1/IR-1 visa?

Not sure what p3 is, actually. But I do know that my interview appt letter from NVC does say "P4" on it.

C