MONTREAL CONSULATE - My Experience

[Bbrz 1]

Hi All,

This post is for Eastern Canadians who are required to visit the US consulate in Montreal to sit an interview. I have just been through this process and thought it would be useful to let you know what to bring (and not bring) as well as how the process unfolds once inside.

WHAT TO BRING (in addition to the stuff requested in your instruction packet)

1. Passport Photos

Although I had the right number of US passport photos as requested in Packet 3, the interview instructions stated that I needed two additional passport photos. I thought they already had enough, so I was a bit perplexed (especially since I also submitted one digitally). But I'm glad I made my last minute trip to the mall to get two extra. THERE IS, HOWEVER, a photo booth in the holding area at the US embassy. It costs 10 dollars a piece. And it's not private.

2. Loomis Confirmation Number

The number that was assigned to you after registering for Loomis must be presented before they will LET YOU IN THE DOOR. Else they cannot send your passport and visa to the right Loomis branch. You can find that information when you log into the website at which you registered for the appointment, etc.THEY WILL NOT LET YOU IN if you don't have this number. You can call to get it, of course, but see below regarding cell phones and the embassy.

3. Cash

Two ten dollar bills in case you need to use the photo booth

4. Evidence of Relationship and Support

I brought more than what was necessary, but figured it was good to have on hand in case I was questioned about it. It was a pretty easy interview for me, but others were grilled more thoroughly. BRING AS MUCH PETITIONER FINANCIAL INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE, SINCE SOME PEOPLE WERE GRILLED ON THIS ASPECT.

5. A Friend Who Can Wait Outside with Your Stuff

You cannot bring any electronics inside, including cell phones or computers. There is no safe place for storage inside the embassy. It would be excellent if you could leave your stuff with a friend who can wait nearby for you, but if you are there alone (like I was) I would have had to go back to my hotel to put my cellphone back in my room.

6. A BOOK OR OTHER PAPER READING MATERIAL

No iPads or Kindles or Nooks.

WHAT NOT TO BRING

1. IF ALONE, DO NOT BRING CELL PHONE OR COMPUTER OR E-READER OR IPOD

no secure place to store it inside the embassy.

2. Large bags of stuff

Keep your personal effects light

MY EXPERIENCE

From outside lineup to exit, the entire process took about 1.5 hours.

THE ENTRANCE IS ON THE SIDE OF THE BUILDING, NOT ON RENE LEVESQUE BLVD. There is no shelter from the elements, so bring an umbrella or coat. Keep your documents in a clear plastic folder to protect from elements.

The appointment times mean very little, as everyone is asked to show up at the same time, no matter how long you are waiting outside. I arrived about 20 mins early, and I was at the back of the lineup. Once you are permitted through the doors, you then go through airport-like security and are directed to go down the stairs to a waiting room.

In the waiting room there are no washrooms, only a passport photo booth and an elevator. When it is time to go upstairs for your interview, you will be guided by an agent to enter the elevator.

TRY TO SIT NEAR THE ELEVATOR AND GET ON AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND HEAD TOWARDS THE BACK OF THE ELEVATOR.

The back elevator doors will open onto the interview waiting area AND THIS IS HOW YOU CUE FOR ORDER OF INTERVIEW. I felt bad because I was one of the last to show up, yet I was one of the first to get interviewed.

They hand out two little tickets with a letter and number on it. I was C10. There were about 20 people behind me.

They call the numbers in rough order, not strict order. I think each wicket (there were four primary and three secondary) is assigned a set of numbers and you will be called as soon as the other person ahead of you in your wicket has finished.

You are directed to a large waiting area near the primary stand-up wickets and are asked to take a seat. There is NO PRIVACY here, so be prepared for everyone in the room to hear what you have to say. There are washrooms and vending machines for snacks and coffee. There are play areas for children.

FIRST WICKET

At the first wicket, they take one of your paper numbers and ask you for the documentation that you were instructed to bring. They take your fingerprints. They verify contact information and the like, too. Once that is satisfactory, you are sent back to wait to be called into the secondary wicket area.

SECOND WICKET

The secondary set of wickets are more private as they are not in plain view of the waiting area (down a little hallway to the side of the first wickets). However the doors are not closed and everyone can still hear you. This is where the person asks more pointed questions about where you will be living, what your occupation is, what your plans will be, how you met etc. It's cordial and not strict.

AT THIS POINT YOU WILL BE TOLD WHETHER OR NOT YOU HAVE BEEN APPROVED.

Your passport is kept to be issued the visa which is affixed inside, and you are given an information sheet on how to track your passport.

Then you pick it up and start the process of moving and marrying!

[Pitaya 2,577]

If you haven't already, please post your review in the appropriate embassy/consulate review section. That way your review can be easily accessed by other forum members going through MTL.