Can outdated consular documents stall a married couple’s immigration case and keep them from finally moving forward together?
For our client, a Canadian citizen from Toronto, the answer was no—because she didn’t give up, and she chose the right legal team to bring her home to her husband.
She had been married to her U.S. citizen spouse for over 10 years. After years of living apart, they made the decision to settle down together in the U.S. as they grew older.
Although their I-130 petition had been approved back in December 2019, the case was soon after terminated at the National Visa Center (NVC) due to no action being taken within one year of their notice requiring the couple to take necessary steps.
It wasn’t until January 2022 that the case was reinstated.
With help from their daughter and a previous attorney, the couple tried to move things along—but the case stalled again.
Outdated documents were uploaded to the CEAC portal, there was no movement since 2020, and they couldn’t get a clear answer about whether the case was documentarily qualified (DQ).
They came to us in March 2024—frustrated and unsure if they’d ever get through the process.
Our team stepped in and took over full consular processing representation. We uploaded updated civil documents, prepared a complete and properly documented I-864 Affidavit of Support with a clear explanation of the petitioner’s income, and conducted a detailed interview preparation to address concerns about name discrepancies and financial eligibility.
By November 2024, the case was finally documentarily qualified.
She attended her visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Montreal in April 2025—and just six days later, in April 2025, her immigrant visa was approved!
This case is a reminder that even with a valid marriage and an approved petition, consular processing can be full of hidden roadblocks. When clients try to navigate it alone—or with the wrong support—delays can stretch for years. But with the right team, progress is possible.
Now, our client can finally live permanently in the U.S. with her husband, putting years of separation behind them.
Stuck in consular processing limbo? Call us today at (914) 898-9488 or click here to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced immigration attorneys.
P.S. Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Always speak with a licensed immigration attorney about your specific situation.
