AndrewsN

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. 
 
 

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. 

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. 

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. 
 
 

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.

That's great!
 
They probably just ship once or twice a week. Hopefully we can all get our passports with IV asap.

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

Update.
 
After the status changed to "ISSUED" on Dec 2nd, I applied for upgrade to Premium Courier Service on ais.usvisa-info.com for both me and my spouse. Delivery to door costs CA$26 each, so CA$52 for us.
 
I also contacted the email address provided by Andrew and received their response on Dec 3rd saying my issue has been resolved. I replied to confirm if my upgrade request actually went through since it was submitted after issue. My CEAC also had an update on Dec 3rd.
 
This morning (Dec 4th, 9 am), I received 2 emails from donotreply@usvisa-info.com and Purolator, providing me with the tracking number of my passport shipment. It has not been shipped as of now, but likely to be shipped later today or tomorrow.
 
So, yes, it is totally fine to request upgrade to premium courier service after issuance of visa, but it is definitely better to do it quick.

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. 

WOOOHHHHHHH!
 
My status changed to ISSUED today. 
Still waiting on tracking. I paid for the courier service back before my interview.
 
It's not over until my passport is back in my hands. So I'll update the timeline and all of that when I get tracking for my passport and receive it.
 
 

I didn’t file a mandamus. I was advised by my lawyers to not do so unless wait times surpassed 6 months. I was only the 221g camp since September of this year. 
 
I did email a congressman. I did not receive any reply or correspondence from them.
 
i had been emailing the consulate regularly and most recently had an international job offer come up. I sent them an email stating that I need to set my travel documents in order (they kept my passport after my interview). 

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. 

No im so sorry, I believe once the shipment is created you cannot change the delivery address 😕 

WOOOHHHHHHH!
 
My status changed to ISSUED today. 
Still waiting on tracking. I paid for the courier service back before my interview.
 
It's not over until my passport is back in my hands. So I'll update the timeline and all of that when I get tracking for my passport and receive it.
 
 

WOOOHHHHHHH!
 
My status changed to ISSUED today. 
Still waiting on tracking. I paid for the courier service back before my interview.
 
It's not over until my passport is back in my hands. So I'll update the timeline and all of that when I get tracking for my passport and receive it.
 
 

My passport was returned to me at the interview.  I renewed my passport and informed the US consulate in Montreal via email on July 12.  My case was cleared on August 9.
 
If you go to https://ca.usembassy.gov/u-s-montreal-consulate/ and scroll down to "Immigrant visa applications: Visit our information center" there is a link to instructions on how to request your passport be returned.  However.... the Canada post strike is on.  Even in the scenario of renewing your passport, you still have to contend with the strike.
 
Definitely a tough question.  I hoped this small bit of info helps, good luck!

Hey Ds 5535 crew!
I've officially hit a dilemma.
 
I have a short term international contract offer on the table. My passport is at the MTL embassy. 
I'm about 2.5 months into this 221g process.
 
I need a passport to travel for this contract. I went to the Canadian embassy. They said I can't get a temp passport, I have to do a renewal. 
If I do the renewal, I will have to send the new passport in to the US embassy.
 
What delay in admin processing have people experienced from sending in a new passport? I recognize this is an almost impossible question. But any experience would be appreciated. I'm so torn whether to take the additional resume point and experience or scrap yet another opportunity as I sit in this black hole of a waiting process...