We got approved!

[daisylynn 0]

Ok, so this is way past due. But I've been so busy. We have 3 kids under 4 yrs and they keep me hoppin! And then my laptop decided to act up so I've been sharing dh's computer and haven't had a lot of time.

We went up on Monday 21st. We stayed at Square Phillips. It was super nice! It had a full kitchen, very very clean. Staff was great! The only thing I was disappointed in was that I was told there were no additional charges on top of what I was paying on Expedia. I called them to make sure. Well, there ended up being $55 in taxes that I wasn't told about. Annoying, but oh well. It ended up being $407 for two nights (that included parking for 2 nights as well.) So, a little pricey, but a great experience. It was right down the street from the underground shopping which was awesome! There is a Tim Hortons practically across the street. And the consulate is in it's back yard. We actually walked around the building, through the parking lot in the back and across the street to the consulate--about a 5 minute walk at most.

So, on to the interview...

6:50am-got to the consulate. We were the first ones in line.

7:25-doors opened-by then there were about 10 people in line

We went through security. We ended up getting letter B, the guy behind us got A. But that's because it took us so long to get through since we had our 3 kids with us. Everyone was so nice and patient.

7:35-finished with security-guy helped dh take the strollers down the steps (yeah, I don't remember reading that there were a PILE of steps to go down. LOL)-told us that we would be called at 8:45

7:40 got downstairs-I had no idea what time it was, we had no watch. I barely got a chance to feed the baby when a guy came to take us upstairs

7:45 Got upstairs (A-D letters) and put in a little room with 3 or 4 windows. One at a time (first come, first serve) we went up and turned in our appt. letter and our letter. We were third up. Then we were told to wait in the waiting room.

8:15-Got called back to window 19 (in first room). The guy was very nice! He said he was going to ask for all the papers and that I and the kids could wait in the waiting room. I was a bit reluctant. I put the whole file together and wasn't sure if dh would know where everything was, even though I tried to brief him on in. I went to go change my son's diaper and when I came out, dh was calling for me. LOL The guy at the window told me to stay and sent dh with the kids out. He got all the required documents. He commented on how organized I was He told me to go pay and then they would call dh for fingerprints. He told me good luck.

Dh went to pay and then took the receipt back to window 19 (I couldn't remember if the guy said to bring it back or wait til they called It was ok, he was able to leave the receipt at the window.)

8:50 Called dh back to get his fingerprints-The guy told dh that the next time he was called that we all needed to go into the room.

9:20 Got called into the little room. The guy was SO extremely nice! He went through all the paperwork. Asked a couple of questions about where we'll live, what dh does for a living, etc. He saved the criminal record stuff for last. He asked "there were no weapons involved, right?" Dh told him no. Then he asked "and there was no bodily harm done?" Dh told him no. He asked those 2 questions a couple of times each. He said they ask about that because of the crimes of moral turpitude. But said because there was no weapon and no harm, that his particular situation was not cmt! Then he said he was going to approve us :dance: Then he talked to our daughter for a minute-asked her if she was married, had a boyfriend (she's 3! ) He was really nice.

9:30 (2 hrs 5 minutes after the doors opened) we were at the elevator going back downstairs to leave the consulate!

It was an excellent experience! Everyone there was soooo pleasant, helpful. We were concerned about the police record for nothing! The guy really acted like he wasn't concerned at all once he knew the answer to those 2 questions he kept asking

I can't think you vj'ers enough for ALL of your help on this journey! I seriously would have not been so well prepared had it not been for all of you! I feel terrible that I haven't been able to contribute here as much as I'd like. Part of it is that I was still in the process and didn't know many of the answers myself. The other part is that my 3 kids keep me really busy. I do hope though that I can help someone else on here even half as much as I've been helped. You have all been great!

I know this isn't the end. I will still be asking questions about the move I'm sure But I hope to be on a little more and contribute a little more.

THANK YOU to everyone who has helped us on this amazing journey!!!

I thought I recognized you... I had my interview the same day@ Montreal. I was third in line. Your kids were so cute....

Congrats and all the best!

Oh my gosh! Now I wish I had said something to you. I was scoping people out, trying to figure out if anyone was from vj. But of course, I'm too shy to just approach someone and ask

Thank you for the compliment on my kids. They are good kids, though I'm sure that day you were wondering I think they did good, considering the cimcumstances though--they just DID NOT want to be in those strollers!

[Fahad S 0]

many congrats. my wife and i are very nervous...just my nature. i am still waiting for the NOA2 to arrive. my wife is in toronto and can't wait to bring her to the states. thanks for a wonderful, detailed account - this really helps.

-fahad