katcat29

Has anyone who entered the US in December 2021 gotten their greencards yet? We're coming up on the 90 day mark, so just curious to see!

18 hours ago, Allaboutwaiting said:

There are many reports around the forum where USCIS sent documents to the old address rather than the new one. That's why it is common for people to recommend not moving until a certain process is over. 

 

Now, of course those who report are the ones that had issues. The ones that experienced no problems don't come and share: Hey! Everything went smooth. 😆

 

Unfortunately the GC can take longer than those 120 days. So if you can delay your move indefinitely until you can receive your GC, do so. 

If not, file for change of address as soon as you move -or a little before moving-.

Thanks for your input  

1 minute ago, alphabetagamma said:

I had an address change situation and I sent an address update request to USCIS earlier before crossing the border but still my address on the file was the older one. The officer at POE asked me if my address was correct but I told him that I already sent a request to USCIS. He then took my new address and confirmed me that the passport will be arriving at the new address that you just gave me. So I'm hoping that happens. I would still give a call to USCIS soon to make sure they have the new address on file. I crossed the border last week. 

I already crossed the border a month and a half ago and this move situation only came up recently. I'm looking for a situation where somebody already crossed and then had to change address after the POE. Thanks for your input!

Hi everyone!

I read through the FAQ, so I'm aware that it can take up to 120 days from payment to USCIS or POE to receive the green card once the visa is activated. 

My husband and I may have to move before the 120 day mark and I read on other groups that it is best to not change your address/move because once you give USCIS your mailing address at POE, they won't change it.

I have a myUSCIS account that I'm tracking my receipt number for green card, and it seems that I'm able to change my address once we move by filing form AR-11 if we didn't file online (which we did not - we did paper filing through a lawyer). 

My question is, has anyone done this before? Did it work? Did your green card arrive or get lost? Any experiences to be shared on this topic would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks in advance!

8 hours ago, From_CAN_2_US said:

@Kat29 would be able to answer that best, but I believe the way it went for them was, they reached out to their senator/ congressperson who enquired on their behalf and that got the consulate to respond to them about the fingerprints being taken incorrectly/ not saved properly.

 

So yes, they were aware that fingerprints was the issue before going to the interview. Not sure how they were told of it.

 

Even if Montreal didn’t mention it in the your email, it might still just be fingerprints. They might not have mentioned to not put their mistake on record lol…

 

Maybe you could call the visadocs helpline, and they might be able to shed some light on the purpose of the second interview?

 

Hi @Banoo999 After we inquired with the senator, I actually got a phone call coincidentally the same day from the consulate telling me of the fingerprints issue and needing to come back to do it. Then they confirmed via email which was how I was able to get into the consulate on my second visit. It was not an interview again, but I did have to go through all the steps as if I were doing an interview (waiting in line outside, taking a number, waiting to be called up to confirm address and phone and then finally taking my fingerprints.) 

Do let us know what reasoning they had you go back for. If it;s for fingerprinting, that would be absolutely ridiculous. If you don't mind me asking, did you get put into AP 221g or DS5535?

1 hour ago, Danii said:

I agree with this. It's likely that the inquiry does nothing but it's not too hard to do, so might as well if you have some free time. The few people who did get a rep involved + got approval sent the inquiry around the 30-40ish day mark and got approved around 50 days. It's possible that their cases were going to be approved at that time regardless of the rep. It's anecdotal evidence at this point, but like you said, doesn't hurt to try! 

 

Edit: just randomly remembered this- it's also worth it to try because we don't know exactly what's wrong with our case. I think for +95% of cases, it's actually just in AP/waiting for clearance, but for others, there may be something else happening. There was one user on the main Montreal thread who was put into AP without DS5535/additional document request. When she got her rep involved, the consulate finally informed her that her fingerprints actually didn't save on their system so they couldn't process the case! She had to go back in person to redo them. I believe in situations like that, if a rep isn't involved, it would take a long time for Montreal to catch their mistake. 

Hi! I sometimes lurk this thread to see if any of you have made it to the other side - congrats to those that have! I feel for you that haven't yet as I too waited a long time for no reason at all.

I am the person with the fingerprint issue. So the main thing I just wanted to say was that I was never in AP. My status just never changed from 'Ready' so I believe that may be why the involvement from our senator was helpful because I wasn't on an AP list but literally just forgotten about after they made their error... I've been reading here and it looks like when you're placed in AP is when the involvement doesn't help as much, but honestly I would say go for it because in my case, it was the reason I got to the other side.

Best of luck to you all! 

6 minutes ago, mam521 said:

My fingerprints didn't save into the system correctly when I had my interview.  Luckily, my interviewer realized it and I redid them on the spot, so no delays.  

 

 

The thing is, at my interview, they also noticed my fingerprints didn't save correctly and had me do them again. So it was almost like why did it not save then? Anyways its neither here or there, as I already made my POE thankfully.

15 hours ago, Redie said:

 

That's weird. The senator's office should be able to inquire at least on a status update. If you want more info, you can DM me. 

17 minutes ago, Danii said:

Wow, that's a first but I'm not surprised. I wonder how long they would've forgot about your case if you didn't get your Senator involved... very strange. I'm relieved for you though! Hope everything else goes a lot smoothly here on out!  

Exactly. My initial thoughts about my case being forgotten basically came true. I truly believe in getting the external help!!! Thank you  I hope you see your case get resolved soon!

1 hour ago, Redie said:

Good morning, is there any change in your status? I am have been waiting since 11/02/21 and my status still shows refused! So frustrating!

Hello - just another date change to today, but status still reads Ready... hoping some good news comes!

6 minutes ago, Danii said:

One person in the DS5535 thread mentioned that they were also resent the interview letter once their case was approved/passport was shipped. It could be a glitch associated with getting the passport ready for shipment or some other issue on Montreals end. I don't think it will slow things down 🤔 Edit: I'm now realizing that I also got the same email from the same email address on Nov23, but my case is still refused/AP because of DS5535. I thought that was because I decided to randomly buy premium delivery 😂 I got that email 5 min after my payment was confirmed. 

Yeah thats most likely why. I got the email again too a few weeks ago when I was seeing if I could change my delivery address for the passport, just to see if something would happen on CEAC lol 

20 minutes ago, From_CAN_2_US said:

I still haven't registered my appointment, because Montreal has not replied to the email I sent regarding this question. 

 

1. I called NVC, and they didn't answer me. Told me to contact the consulate.

 

2. I emailed Montreal Consulate thrice from the email ID I used for my DS-260. No reply or even acknowledgement email. I emailed again just now with a new email ID and received acknowledgment email.

 

3. I called the number on the website where you register and they gave me conflicting information. One agent told me I have to edit my DS-260 on the ceac website. I told her I thought that wasn't possible, and she advised to contact the consulate. Another agent told me I need to use my new passport information, but she can't confirm with authority. Again they advised to contact the consulate.

 

I really don't know what to do. 

 

Also worried if me delaying registering is causing any harm.... Does it not matter so long as you do it before the interview or does it cause delays is receiving the passport? Also can I register after the interview. That way I can ask them what info to put in during the interview.

 

Anyone here who was in the same situation as me. What did you do?

 

@DGF @mam521 @Hawk Riders Would appreciate your thoughts...

 

There's also a Facebook group for the Spousal visa process in Canada. I searched the topic for you and someone also emailed the consulate and they said in their email back to the person to register the appointment with your new passport. Hope that helps and lines up with others thoughts.

21 minutes ago, Redie said:

Good morning, just wanted to ask if there is any change in your status? My interview was on 11/02/21 the only thing they were waiting on was my medical and they received it on 11/04/21. Still nothing back from consulate. Hoping you have good news!

Hello - there is still no change in my status. The only thing that has changed is the "last updated" date. It went from Oct 29 to Nov 17 to now Nov 23 (yesterday). 

So my case was finally last updated yesterday (still 'Ready' though) and I did end up receiving an email response from the consulate. All they said was there is a backlog and they're working on it.

At this point, I just have to wait, however I am still a little salty that I seem to be one of few cases who had no issues and have to wait so long to receive my passport and visa back. 

20 minutes ago, ifh said:

The consulate responded to my email and they asked me to reach out the NVC to get the status of my case… I’m so confused, I spoke to the NVC this morning and they told me that all was good on their end and that my case was in line to be scheduled for an interview and that basically it is in the consulate hands.  
Who schedules the interview NVC or the consulate ??? 

I just checked the email that my interview letter came from and it is from national_visa_center@state.gov
So I guess the NVC? 

Also, if you don't mind me asking, did you email the consulate today and they got back to you today as well?

Update on my situation:

Recap - Interviewed Oct 25, Approved at interview (no AP, 221g or DS5535 was given to me), Status 'Ready' ever since, with case last updated on Oct 29

I have emailed the consulate 3-5 times since last week as I have now passed the 3 week mark of interview approval. My spouse has reached out to our state senator and after following up with them today, it seems that they have a huge caseload as well from other immigration cases. At the very least, the senator's office was responsive via phone and gave us some indication that they will work on our case.

It is unfortunate because there really is no reason for me to be waiting this long as I was not asked to provide any other information nor given the dreaded AP slip. 

I just wanted to know if anyone else has any other ideas? I feel like at this point I have exhausted all my options and really just have to sit and wait, even though I've waited now 2+ years. I also just wanted to let everyone know that if you do have your spouse reach out to their senator, depending on the state, they could also be experiencing a backlog. 

Congrats to all those that got interviews today, and I'm sorry to those whose cases seem to have slipped through the cracks. Trust me, I know how you're feeling. 

1 hour ago, Danii said:

I agree, but I feel like the estimate may be more than 20%. I heard a lot of refusals when I was there on Nov 8th, and now know a total of 5 people from that date alone who were issued DS5535/AP. I wonder how many others are waiting 😕

For sure. Who knows how many got 221g and DS5535 but also, maybe there's others like me as well just waiting really for no reason other than to wait 😢

1 hour ago, Redie said:

Hi there,  sorry you are still waiting. Hopefully you will get good news shortly! I just don’t understand how the consulate works. The majority of people that get approved at their interview receive their visas within a couple of weeks if not sooner. I will definitely look into contacting my spouse’s state senator. Have you went that route?

 

Thanks,

Redie

I hope so too. And really I have no idea what goes on there. It seems to be hit or miss really. Yes, we are planning to go that route. They will have to fill out a form, unfortunately as the immigrant, there's not much else we can do. 

Hi! I interviewed on October 25 and was approved. My case status still reads "Ready" and I has not been updated since October 29. I am past the 3 week mark, and have emailed the consulate a few times. Since you haven't hit the 3 week mark yet, I'd say wait until then to start emailing them. I started a bit before, and havent heard back. I'd also look into contacting your spouse's state senator. 

56 minutes ago, From_CAN_2_US said:

I feel like Montreal is struggling at the back end from the surge of interviews in October and November. There have been many refusals, issuances of DS-5535s, extended APs, delays in return of passport. Something changed internally beyond just the sheer increased volume of interviews to trigger all this (especially the stricter security checks).  Regardless, It appears MTL is overwhelmed.

 

I am worried MTL will reassess their service capacity and not issue many interview letters this month or worse, not issue any for IR1/CR1 at all as they clear all the cases from October and November interviews, and take their holidays.

 

Still holding out until tomorrow though, before I have a mental breakdown…

I feel like you're correct in your assessment. I'd say about 80% of cases at Montreal are proceeding as normal, and then theres the 20% of us or so who seem to be caught in one of those unlucky buckets  

Really hoping they don't delay interviews further for you all. I waited 11 months for an interview, and no one else should have to wait that long. 

2 hours ago, Hamlet said:

I got this email this morning. I never received any phone calls and no message left on my voicemail. I really don’t know what to say. 

Oh my god I'm so sorry this is happening. Sending you all the positive vibes. 

Montreal is being so weird right now... 

18 minutes ago, pandadreams11 said:

I had my interview on Nov 10th and my status on the CEAC website still says ready for interview and hasn't been updated since the. 10th. Should i be worried?

Hi - I had my interview on the 25th of October, was approved and it still says 'Ready' 3 weeks later. Hoping you don't have as long of a wait, but they say you need to wait the 2-3 weeks the officer quoted you on before you can really contact  them. I contacted them via email already 3 times in the past week. 

On 11/13/2021 at 11:45 AM, AMooseInTheHoose said:

I know it’s only been 3 days, but my status still says “Ready”, while someone else who interviewed on Wednesday had a status change already. Patience is not easy. 

hey! my status has been ready for 3 weeks now and I interviewed on Oct 25 and was approved at interview.. I sure hope you're not following my path, but do keep us posted.