Vancouver Consulate Interview

[Bernie and Gary 0]

Dec 12 - Arrived at the Consulate at 1230 - a half hour early so the security recommended we come back at 1245. We went for coffee and a snack at Starbucks, attached at the Manulife Place. We lined up (second in line) at the Consulate, went through security - just like boarding at the airport, remove everything from your pockets, take off the jacket, watch, belt, etc. Don't bring your purse, big bags or electronics (read that on VJ). I brought the original Petition with copies and original supporting documents along with copies so we had a tonne, since there were three of us (one K1 and two K2s)., they flipped through the papers and I handed them our passports, they were expecting us.

We walked up one flight of stairs, another security guard escorted us in the elevator to the 20th floor. Then we again went through security, same as on the first floor, he checked off our names and brought us to the sitting room. He gave me a checklist of what papers I needed and in what order - I thought I was organized??? There is some reading material, but not much. One kids book - Jack and the Beanstalk, always a classic to refresh childhood memories, hahaa, a Money magazine (money? I've been spending it all along.. hahahaaaa) and some interesting photos on the wall. Electricians were carting about wire and a ladder throughout the area, they were rewiring their security cameras and perhaps enhancing communications at the windows.

We were second to be called up. Ophelia is her name and she is a lovely and pleasant gal. I hauled all of our papers (about 2 ft high) I had way too much paper but that's okay, better to be prepared...... Since there were three of us, I handed her the forms according to the list, so make sure if there is more than one of you, you have the papers in order according to the list, for each person, or per person, makes her job way easier; So she was going through her checklist and was checking the authenticity (seal and original format) of the documents. I handed her both, and she would return what she didn't need to keep (long form birth certificate, etc.). The divorce decree was not original (oh nooooooo!). Then she asked me to return to my seat and wait. Well I chewed on the same piece of gum (since my arrival) for about an hour, I thought about crying, what the hell am I going to do about Christmas, kids were now complaining, and that my parents made plans to arrive in Florida for Christmas. I didn't have my cell phone to text Gary and tell him that he might have to entertain my parents on his own - sheesh!). The oldest had to use a bathroom, through the exit part of the office, down the elevator to the main lobby of the manulife place, up to the second floor then back around through security - make sure you use the bathroom before you enter!!!!

We were called to another window (BTW - these windows are like ticket booths) and two gals were standing there. They took my fingerprints, then the 17 year old's fingerprints, but not the 13 year old - he was disappointed that he couldn't contribute at all again (~smile), then we were told to have another seat. The gals commented on the jacket that I was wearing, loved the colour - YAY!

We were called to another window (#3 I think) and a very pleasant asian lady (she too had a great jacket on) called my name. She asked how we were, questions:

- who does he work for?

- how much money do I make? (yes I'm motivated...)

- Do I know how much he makes? (I didn't look)

- Asked the boys what grade they are in? and what their future jobs might be? And where they presently lived?

Then she said, 'well I see no reason not to give you.... an approved VISA'. Yay - I smiled, thanked her pleasant self and we went back to see Ophelia and she asked what our intended entry dates were. The youngest and me were to enter on Dec 18th. The oldest wanted to finish high school and graduate with his friends.

NOTE - K2s have up to six months to have their Visa issued and six more months to use it. This was confusing to me, as I thought he had six months to use his Visa from the time I activated mine. Therefore they have his passport and Visa until the time that we decided for him to enter and activate his K2 Visa (he can't visit).

I'll post my POE and Marriage in another post!

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!

[Bernie and Gary 0]

I forgot to tell about the pickup of the VISA:

Dec 13th - arrived 1:30 at the Consulate. Different Security Guard, not very friendly - must have gone through this since the beginning of his career as a Guard at the Consulate. He said to return at 1:45. So we again went for Starbucks. I had the kids wait with my purse (with electronics) there. I arrived at 1:45 and was about 6th in line. Didn't want to tick anyone off, so I got through security and they advised to tell that I'm picking up my fiance Visa, so was actually expedited. We got the Visa, Ms. Ophelia was there to greet me at the window and reiterated her instructions with the pending K2. All is done, and I skipped back into Starbucks to collect my kids, coffee and purse and we walked back to our hotel to get our bags and onto the aiport.

Did I mention my best middle school friend took us out for lunch? It was a grand day.

So we got to the airport in hopes that we could catch an earlier flight to catch a connector home, to the Arctic, no chance, we had to book a hotel in Edmonton for an early morning flight, I wanted to party with my friends, bid my farewells and have a drink since it's been a few weeks. I think I lost about 7 pounds, but oh well, at least if I find a white dress it would feel not so big and white...... But white really doesn't have to be anymore right???? Sheesh!

Cheers!

[jeje 0]

I forgot to tell about the pickup of the VISA:

Dec 13th - arrived 1:30 at the Consulate. Different Security Guard, not very friendly - must have gone through this since the beginning of his career as a Guard at the Consulate. He said to return at 1:45. So we again went for Starbucks. I had the kids wait with my purse (with electronics) there. I arrived at 1:45 and was about 6th in line. Didn't want to tick anyone off, so I got through security and they advised to tell that I'm picking up my fiance Visa, so was actually expedited. We got the Visa, Ms. Ophelia was there to greet me at the window and reiterated her instructions with the pending K2. All is done, and I skipped back into Starbucks to collect my kids, coffee and purse and we walked back to our hotel to get our bags and onto the aiport.

Did I mention my best middle school friend took us out for lunch? It was a grand day.

So we got to the airport in hopes that we could catch an earlier flight to catch a connector home, to the Arctic, no chance, we had to book a hotel in Edmonton for an early morning flight, I wanted to party with my friends, bid my farewells and have a drink since it's been a few weeks. I think I lost about 7 pounds, but oh well, at least if I find a white dress it would feel not so big and white...... But white really doesn't have to be anymore right???? Sheesh!

Cheers!

congrats on ur visa! did u request the date for ur interview? i heard on here that vancouver only interview k -visa on tuesday and thursday?then i heard that the doctor also only give appoinment on wednesday for immigrant medical?so the two days in ur post shows tuesday for medical and wednesday for interview how come.please i will need more insight here

[David_n_Amber 3]

Im supposed to head to vancouver in the near future too. i was wondering what date you put on the packet3 sheet? or did you put ASAP or "first avaliable?" etc

[ThaiStyleUSA 1]

Congratulations!

[Flames9_RN 358]

glad it went well.

[Carlawarla 1]

Delightful review! Thanks for sharing...and congratulations as well!

Carla

[SpiritAlight 1]

Congratulations on a quick and successful interview!

[MissStacey 1]

Glad it went well!!

I found the people at Vancouver very nice and was happy I was interviewed there.

[Lona.C. 16]

Congrats and good luck in the future

[Bernie and Gary 0]

My interview date request was before December 21st, they initially scheduled it for the Tuesday, and yes medical are done Wednesdays only, so I emailed a date change to the Thursday and it was granted. Otherwise, we would've been in Vancouver for at least a week. They're efficient with a smile. Enjoy Vancouver! B.

[Nutty 2]

I congratulate you and wish you the best!

Now if only those of us, who have husbands and wives from third world countries could get processed so quickly.....

[trailmix 77]

My interview date request was before December 21st, they initially scheduled it for the Tuesday, and yes medical are done Wednesdays only, so I emailed a date change to the Thursday and it was granted. Otherwise, we would've been in Vancouver for at least a week. They're efficient with a smile. Enjoy Vancouver! B.

Great review, glad it went so well for you

[Cassie 8]

Congrats Bernie and Gary!