Phil_K_IR1

Our understanding is it's a TAL list SAO check.

We are IR1 and only asked for resume. The 120 days from interview mark was yesterday. 😕

Welp today is officially the 4 month mark since my wife's visa interview and her being put in AP. We had hoped it wouldn't be as bad as people projected, given that we weren't asked for a DS5535, but apparently it's a black hole regardless. Stay strong everyone.. We'll all get through this somehow.

We sent an email last Friday, so I'll update if we get a reply within the next couple weeks. Usually takes at least 10 business days. I've read if you email too often they won't reply. Once a month seems ok though? That's what we did.

I've been tracking other people's cases for fun, and have seen approvals/issued visas this year.

I would normally agree (as a resume only case for us), but AP for 5535 or resume only are seemingly taking the same time now... AP is a massive black hole

I would also recommend printing out evidence you'd be returning (paystub, return flight, work schedule, whatever). Just in case.

The automatic reply is normal.

Yeah I figured as much. It's still absolutely a delay tactic that removes the need for a finite timeline. And of course there's nothing they'll tell you about your case or what's happening.

Re: kick the ball down indefinitely... What about those few that haven't gotten a 5535 (like for us we were just asked for a CV only). I understood it as there's still no timeline given. AP is AP, 5535 or not, doesn't change it.

Just sharing that since our case updates on Feb 2, Feb 5, and then Feb 12 it's been radio silence. Gotta love this process.

I remember an earlier discussion around a FOIA request, did anyone try that? Curious if it can apply to the DoS and see if it can shed light on what is going on behind the scenes.

My wife was pulled to secondary questioning for the first time a while ago for US crossing. Just make sure you have proof of your return to canada.

These random case updates that lead to potentially nothing make no sense. Like what are they even doing? Hoping it's good things for you!

Interesting... On the DS-260 we had to specify my address and all, where the SSN/GC would be mailed to. I guess if it can be adjusted at border crossing when (one day) we have the visa in hand, then perfect.

Same sponsor (me), I was wondering what happens if my US address changes.

Hypothetical: if the sponsor changes address during AP (and the address was where the green card and SSN card would've been mailed to), is there a way to update it so that everything gets sent to the new one? Does it require contacting NVC? Consulate? If consulate, I assume it adds even more processing time lol

There's certainly confirmation bias here. But a lot of people using this forum (if not all) are in the "waiting black hole". Praying that your situation moves fast.

People here were consistently told a few weeks (likely to get you to go happy lol). We were told a couple weeks. That was over 3 months ago. It seems MTL is sending everyone to DC clearance, blah.

When your DS-260 has been accepted and you've had an interview, you become no longer eligible for a TN visa since you're pending an immigrant visa decision. That said - who told you it went to Washington and about those estimates? The interviewing officer? That's rare that they give any kind of info like that.

Hi all! So my wife just got a second 221g in the mail (after the first at the interview). It is dated on January 23rd, 2024. This one is signed by an officer, does not mention supplemental questions anymore, and still says to mail the passport when asked. We sent inquiries since then, and they never mentioned this letter. We're confused as to why we got a 221(g) letter in the mail, and if it means an officer did get to our case and maybe something happened? Would it be worth emailing the consulate and asking them why we got one in the mail, or did others get the same? EDIT: Apparently it was a letter reply to our email, but the weird thing is they had responded to the email. Very confusing.

Just heard back from my congressperson. Confirms our case's Feb 5 update was due to them replying to the congressional inquiry. Non-answer, as expected. Just "must follow the law" and "understand the process is taxing". It's fun they acknowledge that it's supposed to facilitate legal immigration, and yet it's insanely backlogged. It is what it is. Not surprised for a non-answer since everyone has reported the same when asking congressperson/senator for an inquiry.

Ahh gotcha. Makes these endless delays even more infuriating for everyone in this messed up process

But I thought if you're IR1 category (citizen sponsoring spouse) that a visa number is always available right? so wait they need to ask for another one... blah. Yeah we assumed as much though. We got that email that it's pending review but it's been 1 month since then. No movement.

I think @tas005 has a similar situation to us, so it's not totally unusual. I think in our cases it's a TAL hit and they need SAO (Mantis Visa) clearance, or that's my best guess..