Just wondering what people do at Montreal (or Vancouver too). Do you put together one big packet of the papers they ask for in the checklist? Or do you take a file folder (I got a nice clear accordian folder finally), and then just bring the papers out as they ask for them?

I was figuring I'd put together the Affidavit of support with my supporting documents & paperclip them together. Then I started thinking what about all the other stuff? I have my originals & extra copies in the file folder but would it be easier if I assembled one big pack?

I put mine together in the order they listed them on the Package 3 sheet. The officer asks for them one by one (at least they did when I went) so if you separate them by tabs it's easier to find them.

definitely helps to have sections clearly identified for yourself.

My wife and I used a binder and used tabs to split up each set of docs (W-2s, pictures, etc). Good luck!

Thanks. Maybe I'll just keep it separate in the accordian folder then. It has spots for 26 things so I will easily be able to find each thing as they ask for it. Egad!! I CAN'T WAIT!!!

When we went in Vancouver I just put them in an accordion file. They do hand you a list when you get there of what order they'd like the paperwork to be in. While waiting to see the lady the first time I put all the paperwork in that order. When we got to the window, those were the only items that we needed, but they didn't ask for them in the same order. That struck me as a little strange.

Those accordion folders with the tabs are a godsend! When we went to our Vancouver interview, I was able to pull out the documents in the order the lady asked. She said she was impressed with how organized I was (all thanks to VJ advice). The girl who was next in line was paying attention and frantically trying to put her papers in order as she watched me (she just had everything clipped together).

At my recent Vancouver interview, they did not give me a list of the order they wanted everything in...which was good, seeing as security went through my folder and messed it all out of order anyway!

I had everything in one file folder, and handed them the documents as they asked for them.

Oh my gosh! How and why did they mess your papers up? Do you guys think if my accordian is clear and I make sure I have no paperclips/staples anywhere they'll leave it alone? I'm pretty sure the clasp is all plastic. I found a little bit of metal on the back & removed that.

I'm not sure why they messed with J's folder. They didn't even TOUCH my folder let alone look through it when we went through security. We made sure that we didn't have any of the 'forbidden' items with us like electronics or my purse. We simply went in with our passports, jackets, and our folder and that was it. The only pain in the butt was that my sweetie had to take off his belt. Other than that, no big deal! This was Vancouver though, so I'm not sure if it's a little different in Montreal.

It's probably much much worse !

We did the accordion thing as well. Mind you, when time came to take out the docs I was in nerve wreck mode so....

Accordion binder!!

I had a basic file folder with everything inside it. Security took it and skimmed through it, messing up the order in which I placed the documents.

Guess they were looking for something hidden inside the sheets of paper!

Looks like you've had some great feedback to this question! I used an accordian file. When I got up to the Consulate office in Vancouver, they handed me a sheet in which to submit the paperwork and in what order. I did that while waiting to be called. I brought everything I thought I should, and they asked for about half of it. Better to be prepared than to have approval delayed!

Yes, I did get great feedback and decided to leave it all in the file folder. I labeled each pocket and have used up almost all of my 26 pockets!