Help, approval stuck @ Vermont Service Center

[Tashy123]

Help, my husband's I-601 has been approved since February 15th, 2008 but has not been sent to Montreal for visa issuance. I have got my senator involved but still the case has not been transfered. Also, does the approval mean that my husband can now enter the US and come back for a visit while we wait for his green card?

[emt103c]

No, do not try to have him enter the United States before the visa is issued, ESPECIALLY if you do not yet have proof of approval in your hands.

I hate Montreal, it could be there, and they still won't do anything about it until they get PUSHED AND PUSHED.

Where did you find out about approval? Who has told you it was not transferred? Have you contacted the Customer service number at USCIS? Have you contacted Montreal?

[Tashy123]

Vermont and the customer service dept. have both confirmed that his case was approved since February 15, 2008. Vermont has said that it has not beent transfered because the file is still there. I found out this week that the file was sent to storage and has been requested from there. I don't know why it was sent to storage and not Montreal. No one can answer any questions until they receive the file.

The customer service dept. said that the approval notice should not be sent outside of the USA and maybe that is why I have not received the letter. But Vermont is saying they are mailing the approval letter to my husband's address in Canada. Also, the customer service dept. is telling me that I need to file I-824 and ask for a duplicate approval notice ($340 filing fee).

My senator has not been too helpful. They seem to just take what Vermont says with not push or action. I am wondering if I should get my other senator involved.

[emt103c]

Yes you need to get the other senator involved. . .somehow this seems to happen with Montreal.

Once he gets the approval, you will want to give a copy to Montreal. If I were you I would start the process of sending a complaint to the USCIS Ombudsman. (http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/structure/editorial_0482.shtm) The other Senator may be more helpful--or even your house representative. You just have to figure out which ones REALLY understand what is going on and that takes trial and error. I went through all three of mine. . .one was useless and the other two got results (in concert!)

The customer service reps ALWAYS try to tell you to fill out and I-824. DO NOT DO IT. The approval is supposed to be sent directly to the Consulate when it is completed, you do not have to pay extra for it.

The reps are so ill advised that they actually do seem to believe that this is all you can do. You have to start raising a "stink" with the help of your reps.

It will get cleared up though if you keep on it, my case is proof.