AndrewsN

I drove to the land border. At the border (Nexus lane for me) , they asked if I have anything to declare. I said I need to activate my permanent residency at the secondary check point. He radio’d it in, asked me to drive through with my hazards on so that another officer could wave me through. Parked, went into the building. Typical questions about work, plans on moving. And that’s it. Consulate sent me everything in the package by mail. My application is honestly a few hundred pages of paper. But you won’t even see it until they open the package at the border.

Hey everyone! This will be my final post and final timeline. I crossed the border last night (land) to activate my green card. It's been a 2.5 year journey, and just like you, have experienced many twists, turns, and challenges. A quick summary of things that seem to be relevant in some regard: Visa type: EB1 A Country of nationality: Canada Country of origin: Russia Field of work: Arts (film and tv) 2022 Applied for visa in August of 2022. Approved September of 2022. 2023 Documentarily Qualified Jan 2023 Waiting in radio silence all of 2023. 2024.... Beginning of Aug. - Interview letter Mid Aug - medical done in Surrey, BC Sept 4 - interview at Montreal consulate Verbal approval on the spot. My passport was taken. Sep 10- received an email with a Refusal A 221g form stating it was due to them reaching the allotment of visas for the fiscal year was attached. I did not receive a formal issuance of a DS5535. My 221g stated that my case would move forward after October 1st (new Fiscal Year). I had reached out several times around the beginning of October to check in (as I was requested to do so on 221g), and was met with the standard cookie cutter replies. But given what everyone here seems to know, I was put into AP. My one and only hunch is that my country of origin sparked that, and I'm a 30 year old, in-shape male. CEAC Observations: Oct 2- case update - no status change - likely from my email? Oct 7- case update - no status change- email response Oct 22 - case update - no status change Nov 8 - case update - no status change - from email? Nov 21- case update - no status change - from email? Nov 22 - case update - no status change Nov 25 - case update - status change to ISSUED Nov 26 - contacted courier service support to change address away from Canada Post office due to Canada Post strike NOTE: Nov. 28- Dec 1 was Thanksgiving weekend and consulate was closed Dec. 3 - update - no status change or update Dec. 5 - Passport was delivered to my residential address. I went to the border the same day and got my permanent residency activated. The border gentlemen were very professional, and quite friendly. Shook my hand and told me "welcome home". I damn near teared up. I permanently depart Canada on Monday. Years of managing work and personal relationships in two countries. Not being able to advance in certain professional aspects, not being able to commit in personal ones. I feel like my life can finally move forward once again. Thank you to everyone on this thread has helped and offered advise throughout the last few months. I wish for you all to get through this soon and move on with your lives. Signing off, N. Andrews.

Hey everyone! This will be my final post and final timeline. I crossed the border last night (land) to activate my green card. It's been a 2.5 year journey, and just like you, have experienced many twists, turns, and challenges. A quick summary of things that seem to be relevant in some regard: Visa type: EB1 A Country of nationality: Canada Country of origin: Russia Field of work: Arts (film and tv) 2022 Applied for visa in August of 2022. Approved September of 2022. 2023 Documentarily Qualified Jan 2023 Waiting in radio silence all of 2023. 2024.... Beginning of Aug. - Interview letter Mid Aug - medical done in Surrey, BC Sept 4 - interview at Montreal consulate Verbal approval on the spot. My passport was taken. Sep 10- received an email with a Refusal A 221g form stating it was due to them reaching the allotment of visas for the fiscal year was attached. I did not receive a formal issuance of a DS5535. My 221g stated that my case would move forward after October 1st (new Fiscal Year). I had reached out several times around the beginning of October to check in (as I was requested to do so on 221g), and was met with the standard cookie cutter replies. But given what everyone here seems to know, I was put into AP. My one and only hunch is that my country of origin sparked that, and I'm a 30 year old, in-shape male. CEAC Observations: Oct 2- case update - no status change - likely from my email? Oct 7- case update - no status change- email response Oct 22 - case update - no status change Nov 8 - case update - no status change - from email? Nov 21- case update - no status change - from email? Nov 22 - case update - no status change Nov 25 - case update - status change to ISSUED Nov 26 - contacted courier service support to change address away from Canada Post office due to Canada Post strike NOTE: Nov. 28- Dec 1 was Thanksgiving weekend and consulate was closed Dec. 3 - update - no status change or update Dec. 5 - Passport was delivered to my residential address. I went to the border the same day and got my permanent residency activated. The border gentlemen were very professional, and quite friendly. Shook my hand and told me "welcome home". I damn near teared up. I permanently depart Canada on Monday. Years of managing work and personal relationships in two countries. Not being able to advance in certain professional aspects, not being able to commit in personal ones. I feel like my life can finally move forward once again. Thank you to everyone on this thread has helped and offered advise throughout the last few months. I wish for you all to get through this soon and move on with your lives. Signing off, N. Andrews.

Yes, passport and package. I’m expecting mine tomorrow

Yesss!! Can’t believe this long journey is almost over

Nice!! I got my tracking number this morning as well.

Oh! I’d definitely try that! I paid for premium delivery beforehand so I never had to deal with that. This might be the most straight forward solution…

Hey Angie! Congrats. I just recently went through the same thing. Send an inquiry to this email address: canada.visas@gdit-gss.com They helped me change my address of destination from Canada post to my residential address. I did however, pay for the courier service 4 months ago or whenever I scheduled my interview. They may just need to bounce you around a few departments. But they were quite helpful with getting shipping sorted.

And an update on this situation. I received confirmation from the support staff that my document's courier destination address has been changed from the Canada Post location to my residential address. I received an email with the receipt of the services I paid for 4 months ago with the updated info and in that email was notified that my tracking number will be sent directly to my cell phone.

Depends what you're wanting it for. The regular emails went to Montreal-IV-DV@state.gov But honestly, I think they marked one of my email addresses as spam. So I'd advise to really space out your check ins. Maybe do a monthly schedule. No specific "format" that I used. I just included my case number in the subject line. Arranging shipping related inquiries was through a different email but I'm assuming that's not what you're asking

I wouldn’t ask for it haha. Just jumping in on this. The whole admin processing thing, it can come down to some things you say in the interview. But most of the time it has more to do with your field of work or country of origin. Things you can’t really control. I think it’s wise to go into the interview not with fear, trying to avoid DS 5535. Just be honest. A side note, I was issued a 221g 4 days after my interview. A 221g is a “refusal” and a request for more info or them wanting to double check something. Everyone was saying it’s the same as DS 5535, which ranges from a 5 month to 16 month delay. They held back my case for 2 months but I’m cleared now. They have their requirements for what triggers additional background operations.

Update on this. They confirmed receipt of the information they requested. They sent me a notice stating that they've escalated this case to their help desk team. They said I'll be notified when they find a workaround solution for my circumstance.

Yes, I have. I sent an email here (last night): Contactus_en_ca@usvisa-info.com This email is specified in the message under your ISSUED status in the CEAC login. You can cross reference for peace of mind. I got a reply from canada.visas@gdit-gss.com (about half an hour ago) with my ticket information and my DS 260 # in the subject line requesting some information. I'll update on here as they find a solution for me.

Well alright, I’ll send them an email and see what happens. More learnings for the thread haha

Hey everyone, I know people have discussed this already. So, I paid the additional cost of the courier service back in September. But I selected a pick up at a Canada Post location. @mariagomez I saw your post indicating that Purolator was used from their side. When you received your tracking email, was there any option to reroute with them? I assume there would be? Anybody done a switch up; not with delivery method per say but location. AIS doesn't even allow me to pick my address.