CAN_PA

Just now, Ilovecancun29 said:

Wow! It’s definitely odd. I will

enquire then.

Should I send the email to: 

Montreal-IV-DV@state.gov ? 

Yes! There's another one for public inquiry : https://ca.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/public-inquiry-form/

I sent an email to both and got a better response on the public inquiry form. Good luck! Not sure if it's the same people or different units responding.

1 minute ago, Ilovecancun29 said:

Thank you, I’ll do that then. Hopefully I’ll get a reply in the coming weeks. I’ll keep you guys posted

Ya! I made the mistake of assuming that once my Medical report was sent someone at the Consulate would take a look at it, which is not always the case. I think they looked over it after I had sent an inquiry about whether they received it (a month later) when I realised I hadn't had any updates and found it odd...

8 minutes ago, Ilovecancun29 said:

Well I’m officially in the second step of this purgatory. Dr. Lyndon (Toronto) emailed me today, my results were sent to the Consulate. 
just for reference my Medical was on Dec 30th.

I wonder if I actually email it would make a difference 

 

I would send the consulate an email to let them know that your medicals have been uploaded onto the CEAC database and to send you confirmation of receipt of your medical results. That way, they're aware it's there and someone has looked over it at least once to be sure.

28 minutes ago, Ilovecancun29 said:

So exciting for you!!!! 🌸  Im not sure because each State its different but you should be able to get a Driver’s license, sometimes it helps to try again another time, I would even try a different DMV, like the one in the middle of the city center rather than a small town. I wasn’t able to open a bank account in Phoenix,AZ.  Although I did opened one in Pittsburgh and North Carolina. It was a joint bank account, and I brought my marriage certificate with me,  my  passport and visa to show that I was legally there (tourist). For Driver’s license I was able to open one in Maryland and New York and I believe D.C was one of my options at the time.

Lastly, It wouldn’t hurt to consider starting your citizenship paperwork as soon as you get your green card, by the time they look at the application you might be eligible. 

 

I believe its after 3 years of marriage or maybe its residency?…not sure but just a thought.

Thank you very much for the info! I'll definitely look into it. Unfortunately big city centers are a bit farther from us. We're slightly closer to Pittsburgh although still a 1.5 hour drive away but we'll give it a shot! We also intend to have a joint account. I think you're right about citizenship, it's after 3 years of residency you can apply for Citizenship, or apply for 10 year PR after 2 years of marriage.

11 minutes ago, Ilovecancun29 said:

Im really confused now! Someone just posted in the Canadian Facebook “group” (if you can call it that… more like a dictatorship…) that their medical was late as well, but the officer APPROVED the visa? 😂 I mean good for them, but what the actual fruck? What if that person doesn’t pass the medical ? And their visa shows approved😂  Nothing makes sense anymore

Don't worry, I wouldn't hold my breath on what they say or what the case update shows anymore. Some have been approved at their interviews and had to wait weeks before anything was officially issued, others never received tracking until it suddenly was ready for pick up, the list goes on. I'm really saddened there's no real sense of order on how to look at this entire process.

I'm now settled in to our new place however now I am waiting for my SSN card/Green card. On their website it mentioned that I should be able to do my driver's permit test/open bank account with my LPR Visa documents, unfortunately that is not the case. As thrilled as I am to finally be here; I am still waiting yet again for more documentation to arrive. The border officer mentioned they were backlogged with the issuance of greencards, but at least I'll get it within a year since that's when my US Visa expires! YAY?!?

19 minutes ago, Sarpor4 said:

Where did you do your medical? 

I did mine at Medysis in Montreal. They were able to send my results within 2 days to the Consulate once it was completed.

1 hour ago, NykahDeah said:

Hey, State Rep, for your intended area? Did you contact them or did your husband? I tried a congressman but that didn't get me anywhere, if I don't hear by end of week I'll attempt the state rep for my intended address.. Any tips other than avoid being whiney?

 

Thanks!

Yes for my intended area. We tried our congressman too, but I think it went straight to a generic email and our messages weren't getting through because it had to be written in particular text format due to security reasons. Also it helps if you've already established a domicile in the US (ie. if you already have family/spouse there with an address/zip code), some state Reps will only assist those who are already established in that State.

They'll verify your zip code. My husband contacted them by phone; you'll still need to fill out a Privacy Release form but at least you'll get a more direct email to someone that can help with your case. I would write a formal letter as if you're writing for good grades. HA (seriously)!! It may help, it may not, but in the end no one wants to read hundreds of emails a day of people complaining about their situation; they already know it's a long tedious process for everyone and their hands are probably tied for one reason or another. Best of luck.

6 hours ago, Ilovecancun29 said:

Hi 👋 

reading your posts here, have you received an update yet? Please tell me you have visa🤣😢  

My medical was Dec 30th and still no results from Public Health.Obviously I was handed a 221g.  I would love to be out of here by March….

 

I also noticed you haven’t fill out your timeline on your profile. That’s just for statistics and gives everyone an idea of what to expect.

Hi there! I did receive my visa. My medical was delayed but was received by the consulate a few days after my interview. It took them over 7 weeks to finally issue my visa (even though there had been "case updates" on one or two occasions) and that was only because I had contacted our State representative. I think if you're waiting over 4-6 weeks it wouldn't hurt to contact your State Rep/Senator etc. to inquire on your behalf. I waited quite a while before contacting State Reps to ensure I had a good argument, but some people have had successful results contacting them after 4 weeks.

Three days after contacting my State Rep, I was issued my Visa. She even called a few days later asking whether we made it through alright (across the border). She was spectacular! I would advise writing a formal letter. I know it's tough times as we're all coming from an exhausted and frustrated place waiting around to be with loved ones/or begin new lives but I would be cautious NOT to sound like a whino (haha). I had to edit/re-edit my letter several times before I was ready to submit my inquiry so as to compel them to help. Reading from other posts made me believe we only had one shot, otherwise you get shut down with generic responses and then stuck in the back of the line waiting for who knows how long. It truly sucks.

As for medical results, you can contact the medical office and ask how long it'll be when they send it over. They'll likely send an email of the Medical report to you at the same time as when they send it to the Consulate. Best of luck!

2 hours ago, @bicksley said:

You got me all excited. Day two and still no tracking. I really shouldn't be surprised at this point 😂. 

Ha! Sorry to hear. Odd that they haven't sent tracking. Apparently some people didn't get tracking and just went straight to "ready for pickup". Maybe you're that lucky person!

2 hours ago, @bicksley said:

Our case was updated to "issued" this morning! Was anyone given tracking information? I am reading that we get an email when it has arrived but nothing about a tracking number. 

Yes! Tracking number will usually come the day after issuance. If you're in Montreal you can pick up your passport the following day. You'll receive a notice from Canada Post. Congratulations!

9 minutes ago, Redie said:

@CAN_PAdid you contact your state rep or  did your spouse in the US?

My Spouse contacted them. They needed his US Domicile (which we had established months ago) verification as they weren't assisting anyone outside his State. Hope this makes sense.

6 minutes ago, Krisara said:

Good Morning everyone.  We are in the process of gathering information, filling out privacy forms for State reps and Senators. For those of you who have already reached out to yours for help and have heard back from them, what case files did you include in your request package?  Were there any documents in particular that they state offices requested from you?  

Thank you as always for your input and help!

 

We sent a copy of our 221g form and let them know the ETA that our CO gave us (if any). It may be quicker to give them a call first so they'll know to expect your email. No particular documents. I think once you fill out the Privacy Release with your A number/petitioner/beneficiary they'll be able to look up your case easily. Wishing you success!

1 hour ago, DS5535 said:

Didn't you read the previous mod post? You can't tell me anything about feelings.

HA! I'm looking forward to reading posts in the next couple weeks.

18 hours ago, DS5535 said:

It's officially now 2 months. I'm angry and annoyed and no one can tell me anything about it. @Ontarkie

 

Is there room for another villain? @ice-qube

I'm annoyed with you. I would contact the State Rep again. When we contacted the State Rep, they had 3 office locations. We were going to call each one and see who would help. Luckily the first Rep lady who picked up the phone was kind enough to email us Privacy Release document, what we needed them to inquiry about, yadda yadda yadda, and forwarded within a day. I doubt you actually "contact" the Congressperson, but there has to be at least as many staff Reps as there are Consulate CO's. Someone is bound to help out. I would recommend writing a VERY formal letter because you never know how many staff are reading on your inquiry. All the best!

On 12/31/2021 at 3:55 PM, @bicksley said:

Has anyone had an update these last two weeks? Are they even open right now? 

Hi! I was issued today with Final Processing at the end of the day. I pick up my passport early next week. I contacted my State Rep on Tuesday (Jan 4) and received my issued notice today, Friday. I don't think it hurts to contact your state rep after a month if your CO gave you a different time frame. You could explain it in your letter to them. Best of luck everyone and hoping everyone clears for their visas soon!

1 hour ago, Redie said:

My representative contacted the consulate on December 13. The consulate replied back to my representative’s office on December 20 and they did not update my case until December 30. Did you reach out to your senator or congressman/woman?

I contacted my Congressman.

1 hour ago, Redie said:

Hopefully she can move things along for you. My congressman’s office did take my case and we got this reply back on December 20,

 

According to our records, the consular officer processing the case requested that the applicant provide a medical report from our panel physician, as this document was missing at the time of the interview. We confirm receipt of the medical report. The case will be reviewed by the consular officer and the Visa Unit will advise your constituent and the applicant of the next steps if anything else is needed to complete processing the case.
While we cannot predict when the processing of the visa will be completed, please be assured that the Consulate and the Department of State are aware of your constituent's concerns and will contact them as soon as the processing is complete.
We hope that this information is helpful in replying to your constituent's inquiry. Sincerely,
 Consular Correspondence Unit (LMR)

 

My case was updated on December 30 but still shows refused. I honestly thought the inquiry would move things along much quicker. What a disappointment. Hoping you have better luck. I am at a loss of what to do next. I am at 64 days!

Thanks! Well it's at least now at their attention. Luckily they haven't sent for more documents which is good. And you've been updated (again!). I don't think there's anything left for us to do once we've sent a letter to our Reps. I can definitely understand how these replies can make us all want to light our hairs on fire. How many days did you have to wait until you received a reply from LMR?

5 minutes ago, US2197 said:

I also did the same yesterday. Let's see if that moves anything along. We are on day 50 now. 

I'm hitting 60 days on Monday. Keep us posted. I'm also curious how long the response/issuance time will take.

On 12/28/2021 at 2:03 PM, Danii said:

Hey everyone, just wanted to share some info about reaching out to representatives. It seems like every office operates quite differently. I reached out to one congresswoman, who took on my case right away. The senator I reached out to said she does not inquire about any cases in AP. My friend was told by a congressmen that they can not inquire on her behalf until it's been 90 days since her interview. Another senator took on her case right away as well. If you get turned down by someone you reached out to, don't give up! Use up all of your resources and hopefully someone will help you out. 

So I contacted our State Representative today and she took on our case. We had to fill out a Privacy Release form (via email) and send in whatever documents that pertained to our case (ie. Form 221g). She forwarded our documents to the Immigration Bureau. I don't know if it's the Montreal Consulate or an entirely new branch that handles internal issues. I suspect it may take up to a week or so to hear back from either one, but here's hoping...I don't think it hurts to contact your Representative earlier than 60 days if your CO's estimate time was much less. We explained in the email that our CO's ETA was 2-3 weeks and it's now reaching 8 weeks. Hope this helps.

6 hours ago, Danii said:

I'm in shock right now... my status changed to "Issued" on Dec30?!!? The last time I checked CEAC was around 3-4pm on Dec30, I remember seeing an update but it was still refused, I guess they logged in shortly after to approve it? Part of me thinks this is a mistake/that it'll go back to refused today/tomorrow (not sure if they're open today?) 😳 I'll keep everyone updated as to what happens next. I truly hope that this is a sign that everyone else's approval is just around the corner 🙌 I'm comparing my case to the recent approval (FB User RC) and the only similarity I see is that we both reached out to our reps early December? She got an email from her rep the same day of her approval and I haven't gotten anything cause the reps office has been closed since Dec 17. Could just be a coincidence but ?? What does everyone else think? 

Whoa! Congrats, that's some marvelous news! Hope we get as lucky as you in the new year!

Sure.

2 hours ago, pow123 said:

Does the consulate hold on to your passport for the entire 4-8 weeks?

Sometimes. If they need "further additional processing", they'll send an email to let you know they're returning your passport and to resend it when they're good and ready. In most cases, they seem to keep passports. You can always request to have it returned if you need to travel promptly.

No further updates on my end (except for the Dec 15 case update). They were open Dec 29-30 and will resume again Jan 4. Most of us waiting have had their case updated just before the holidays so I suppose they're trying to sort out the backlogs. Hopefully good news in the next couple weeks. Keep us posted.