Courtney86

At minimum bring everything new since when you filed.  
 
 

Just in case you should bring the documents you included in your package plus any updated ones, like recent utility bills, bank statements, etc. 

Good news. Passports come immediately! Our interview was Nov. 13 and we've been waiting for the strike. 
 
We got word on Monday via email they would start sending them out despite the strike still going on and to expect delays. Tuesday got an email that it was sent and a tracking number. Wednesday (today) notice that it was at the post office in Calgary ready for pick up! 
 
One important note - it said it has to be picked up by Thursday (tomorrow?!) or it would be sent back. Soooo keep an eye on your email friends
 
We also got our original docs back that they forgot (?) to give us at the interview. Not sure if they would have done this automatically or only because we emailed and asked but yay. 

Good news. Passports come immediately! Our interview was Nov. 13 and we've been waiting for the strike. 
 
We got word on Monday via email they would start sending them out despite the strike still going on and to expect delays. Tuesday got an email that it was sent and a tracking number. Wednesday (today) notice that it was at the post office in Calgary ready for pick up! 
 
One important note - it said it has to be picked up by Thursday (tomorrow?!) or it would be sent back. Soooo keep an eye on your email friends
 
We also got our original docs back that they forgot (?) to give us at the interview. Not sure if they would have done this automatically or only because we emailed and asked but yay. 

Interview approved today!! A great moment after a long journey. 😍
 
So here's a long ### recap for you all & some important info:
 
1) If you are doing your medical in Montreal before you interview, be SURE to call Medisys and follow up on your results if you don't get the email saying they are ready. When we booked the medical they said Wed. 7th was the last day we could do for an interview on Tues. the 13th, as they needed 3 biz days to guarantee results though often ready sooner. But I was told to pick them on the 12th btw 1 and 4pm.
 
At the actual medical they told my wife the results would likely be ready by Friday the 9th but she'd get an email.  We still hadn't heard anything Monday morning (the 12th) so my wife called at Noon. They said to call back at 1pm. Called back, and they said the nurse would (was?) working on them. It sounded very much like the results would not have been ready for pick up had we not called to check up. So be diligent!
 
2) Interview process overall went exactly as others have said, very straight forward and a formality. But below are a lot of details, some obvious / some important. 
 
3) We arrived at the consulate around 7:20ish for an 8am appointment. There were already 4 people/groups waiting. It doesn't even open til 7:30, so everyone was huddled under the door overhang trying to avoid freezing rain. Very grateful we had an umbrella. The funny thing (that I had guessed) is that unless you are in some crazy hurry there is really no reason to get there super early. It's just one of those because everyone else is, you have to if you don't want to be last kinda things, since multiple people have 8am appointments but only two people work at a time. Basically going early doesn't hurt you at all, but don't freakout if you show up just before on time either. They also only let a few people in at a time once the doors do open, as the very first thing is to go through a short security. 
 
4) Security is simple. First we each showed our passports and gave them a copy of the interview email. They then give you a laminated sheet with your number on it, and what docs to gather (I'll detail below). Then did security like the airport. You cannot bring backpacks or large purses inside. Most people had their docs in either plastic accordion file type things, or in a plastic shopping bag (that's what we did). You have to check your phone at the desk (it's kept in a secure spot). It also said no USB/flash drives but when I said I had one in my (small) purse they didn't care and let me keep it. They also allowed us to keep our umbrella (I wasn't really sure). 
 
5) They send you down the stairs to catch the elevator up to the 19th floor. I laughed when I saw that they have a photobooth for 1 min passport pics for 10 bucks. We had to go get two extra made in the city yesterday. Glad we had it taken care of, but good to know it's there. I'd imagine if one of the only problems was with the passport pics they'd allow you to go get new ones made right then (but totally guessing). 
 
6) The room you wait in is fairly big. You aren't allowed to bring any food or drink in, but there is a vending machine with snacks & soda. No coffee or tea. Some reading material. We both brought books to read while waiting. 
 
7) The docs they ask for on the laminated sheets are the same as on the interview checklist. To memory, as I already had them all set aside in one of our big envelopes:
-Passport & passport pics
-Medical results
-Original signed AOS (I-864)
-Sponsor's taxes
-Originals of birth cert, marriage cert, police record
(I'm pretty sure that was everything but if I'm missing something it was for sure on the main stuff you are supposed to bring)
 
7) Our interview time was 8am. We were #6 (i.e. 5 people before us) and got called for the first part at 8:30. I say we, but I really mean my wife. Both times when talking to the officers it's only the Canadian, not the sponsor. This part was pretty straight forward- turn in everything on the laminated sheet. They kept some things (original docs) and gave back others (part of medical). You are then sent back and wait to be called again. 
 
8 ) **Important** If you did BOTH versions of the police record like many of us did, be sure to bring BOTH original copies. Though we got approved, I had a mini heart attack after the first window. Our file had the "old" police record and the original we brought was the new one. Having brought a ton of paperwork I knew we wouldn't need but "just in case" I was kicking myself I didn't bring both original police certs, assuming the most recent one was fine. The fist officer said the interviewing officer might have a problem with that. Not a fun way to spend the next 45 minutes. In the end the interviewing officer said nothing about it at all but don't put yourself through that stress! 😛
 
8 ) My wife was called for the actual interview at 9:15. It lasted no more than 5 minutes. The only questions she had was what I (sponsor) do for work, where I live, and where we got married. I could hear my wife laughing even though I couldn't hear the words, so figured that was a good sign. Turns out she completely blanked on the name of the town we got married in, since our first 'wedding' was just us an a witness and we did a regular ceremony later. She explained that,  and the woman was good-hearted about it and overall very friendly. She also said my wife and I both have cool hair (we both have dreadlocks...not what she expected to hear from a government officer hah), asked what we like to do together, and said 'I bet you two both love dancing'. True, and so random haha. 
 
Like everyone else, I had pretty much every single piece of paperwork we had turned in, including proof of relationship, domicile, etc etc. just in case. As figured, it wasn't needed at all. But Murphy's Law, just bring it. Especially if anything doesn't match what you original turned in. (i.e. #8 above)
 
9) After that 5 mins... approved!! She got two pieces of paper (both white- not hot pink or green as I've read). One was a welcome to the US here's some info and the other was on picking up your passport from the post office. 
 
10) **RE PASSPORT RETURN** We were told as others have been that they are not returning passports until the Canada Post strike is over. They did say they would notify us when it was being sent out, so at least we'll get somewhat of a heads up. We aren't planning to move for a month, so here's hoping it's all sorted by then.
 
My wife did not ask about picking it up in person (sorry!) so I can't speak to if/how that works. 
 
11) **IMPORTANT** This is more of a question as I'm not sure if this was normal or a mistake. They kept our original docs (birth, marriage, police) and didn't give them back. This only clicked tonight as I went to type this and asked my wife if she got them. She said they went through them all in front of her during the 5 min interview but she didn't think to ask for them back at the end (lots of distracted excitement as you can imagine) and the officer didn't mention anything.
 
So....we are crossing our fingers this is normal and they will be returned with the passport?! If any of you who already had interviews read this and can confirm, or the rest of you have read this elsewhere please help set our minds at ease.  
 
Hope all that info helps!!! Great appreciative to everyone who has given bits of info along the way. I'm sure some of those sitting around us were from this forum, sorry we didn't get to chat! I was pretty distracted after the first part worry we'd get stuck on a formality! Congrats to all of you

Interview approved today!! A great moment after a long journey. 😍
 
So here's a long ### recap for you all & some important info:
 
1) If you are doing your medical in Montreal before you interview, be SURE to call Medisys and follow up on your results if you don't get the email saying they are ready. When we booked the medical they said Wed. 7th was the last day we could do for an interview on Tues. the 13th, as they needed 3 biz days to guarantee results though often ready sooner. But I was told to pick them on the 12th btw 1 and 4pm.
 
At the actual medical they told my wife the results would likely be ready by Friday the 9th but she'd get an email.  We still hadn't heard anything Monday morning (the 12th) so my wife called at Noon. They said to call back at 1pm. Called back, and they said the nurse would (was?) working on them. It sounded very much like the results would not have been ready for pick up had we not called to check up. So be diligent!
 
2) Interview process overall went exactly as others have said, very straight forward and a formality. But below are a lot of details, some obvious / some important. 
 
3) We arrived at the consulate around 7:20ish for an 8am appointment. There were already 4 people/groups waiting. It doesn't even open til 7:30, so everyone was huddled under the door overhang trying to avoid freezing rain. Very grateful we had an umbrella. The funny thing (that I had guessed) is that unless you are in some crazy hurry there is really no reason to get there super early. It's just one of those because everyone else is, you have to if you don't want to be last kinda things, since multiple people have 8am appointments but only two people work at a time. Basically going early doesn't hurt you at all, but don't freakout if you show up just before on time either. They also only let a few people in at a time once the doors do open, as the very first thing is to go through a short security. 
 
4) Security is simple. First we each showed our passports and gave them a copy of the interview email. They then give you a laminated sheet with your number on it, and what docs to gather (I'll detail below). Then did security like the airport. You cannot bring backpacks or large purses inside. Most people had their docs in either plastic accordion file type things, or in a plastic shopping bag (that's what we did). You have to check your phone at the desk (it's kept in a secure spot). It also said no USB/flash drives but when I said I had one in my (small) purse they didn't care and let me keep it. They also allowed us to keep our umbrella (I wasn't really sure). 
 
5) They send you down the stairs to catch the elevator up to the 19th floor. I laughed when I saw that they have a photobooth for 1 min passport pics for 10 bucks. We had to go get two extra made in the city yesterday. Glad we had it taken care of, but good to know it's there. I'd imagine if one of the only problems was with the passport pics they'd allow you to go get new ones made right then (but totally guessing). 
 
6) The room you wait in is fairly big. You aren't allowed to bring any food or drink in, but there is a vending machine with snacks & soda. No coffee or tea. Some reading material. We both brought books to read while waiting. 
 
7) The docs they ask for on the laminated sheets are the same as on the interview checklist. To memory, as I already had them all set aside in one of our big envelopes:
-Passport & passport pics
-Medical results
-Original signed AOS (I-864)
-Sponsor's taxes
-Originals of birth cert, marriage cert, police record
(I'm pretty sure that was everything but if I'm missing something it was for sure on the main stuff you are supposed to bring)
 
7) Our interview time was 8am. We were #6 (i.e. 5 people before us) and got called for the first part at 8:30. I say we, but I really mean my wife. Both times when talking to the officers it's only the Canadian, not the sponsor. This part was pretty straight forward- turn in everything on the laminated sheet. They kept some things (original docs) and gave back others (part of medical). You are then sent back and wait to be called again. 
 
8 ) **Important** If you did BOTH versions of the police record like many of us did, be sure to bring BOTH original copies. Though we got approved, I had a mini heart attack after the first window. Our file had the "old" police record and the original we brought was the new one. Having brought a ton of paperwork I knew we wouldn't need but "just in case" I was kicking myself I didn't bring both original police certs, assuming the most recent one was fine. The fist officer said the interviewing officer might have a problem with that. Not a fun way to spend the next 45 minutes. In the end the interviewing officer said nothing about it at all but don't put yourself through that stress! 😛
 
8 ) My wife was called for the actual interview at 9:15. It lasted no more than 5 minutes. The only questions she had was what I (sponsor) do for work, where I live, and where we got married. I could hear my wife laughing even though I couldn't hear the words, so figured that was a good sign. Turns out she completely blanked on the name of the town we got married in, since our first 'wedding' was just us an a witness and we did a regular ceremony later. She explained that,  and the woman was good-hearted about it and overall very friendly. She also said my wife and I both have cool hair (we both have dreadlocks...not what she expected to hear from a government officer hah), asked what we like to do together, and said 'I bet you two both love dancing'. True, and so random haha. 
 
Like everyone else, I had pretty much every single piece of paperwork we had turned in, including proof of relationship, domicile, etc etc. just in case. As figured, it wasn't needed at all. But Murphy's Law, just bring it. Especially if anything doesn't match what you original turned in. (i.e. #8 above)
 
9) After that 5 mins... approved!! She got two pieces of paper (both white- not hot pink or green as I've read). One was a welcome to the US here's some info and the other was on picking up your passport from the post office. 
 
10) **RE PASSPORT RETURN** We were told as others have been that they are not returning passports until the Canada Post strike is over. They did say they would notify us when it was being sent out, so at least we'll get somewhat of a heads up. We aren't planning to move for a month, so here's hoping it's all sorted by then.
 
My wife did not ask about picking it up in person (sorry!) so I can't speak to if/how that works. 
 
11) **IMPORTANT** This is more of a question as I'm not sure if this was normal or a mistake. They kept our original docs (birth, marriage, police) and didn't give them back. This only clicked tonight as I went to type this and asked my wife if she got them. She said they went through them all in front of her during the 5 min interview but she didn't think to ask for them back at the end (lots of distracted excitement as you can imagine) and the officer didn't mention anything.
 
So....we are crossing our fingers this is normal and they will be returned with the passport?! If any of you who already had interviews read this and can confirm, or the rest of you have read this elsewhere please help set our minds at ease.  
 
Hope all that info helps!!! Great appreciative to everyone who has given bits of info along the way. I'm sure some of those sitting around us were from this forum, sorry we didn't get to chat! I was pretty distracted after the first part worry we'd get stuck on a formality! Congrats to all of you

Thanks! Nope, nothing beyond what I stated though I had it all with just in case

Montreal Medical (Medisys) review:
 
My wife said it was super simple, as others did. Her appointment was at 12:40 and we arrived only a few minutes before. A bunch of paperwork to fill out- be sure you have a printout of your interview letter (i.e. email). You will need your case number off of it. I printed 2 in case they kept it, which they did. So we still have one for the actual interview. You also need your planned US address. They also require FIVE passport pics (one per page), so ignore if others say they only needed less. 
 
She went in for the exam around 1 which was really straightforward. Next was X-Rays, an eye exam, and vaccines. She also had to do a pee test, as they now check for a couple different STIs. (I had read this happened some places but wasn't sure if Montreal did it or not). 
 
She was finished around 2:15 or so. Probably could have been faster if we had arrived earlier to fill out the paperwork. The total cost of the exam w/ 2 vaccines incl tax was $527 CAD. I think w/out the vaccines was $462 CAD. Picking up results on Monday before the interview Tuesday. 
 
Hope that helps! 

Interview approved today!! A great moment after a long journey. 😍
 
So here's a long ### recap for you all & some important info:
 
1) If you are doing your medical in Montreal before you interview, be SURE to call Medisys and follow up on your results if you don't get the email saying they are ready. When we booked the medical they said Wed. 7th was the last day we could do for an interview on Tues. the 13th, as they needed 3 biz days to guarantee results though often ready sooner. But I was told to pick them on the 12th btw 1 and 4pm.
 
At the actual medical they told my wife the results would likely be ready by Friday the 9th but she'd get an email.  We still hadn't heard anything Monday morning (the 12th) so my wife called at Noon. They said to call back at 1pm. Called back, and they said the nurse would (was?) working on them. It sounded very much like the results would not have been ready for pick up had we not called to check up. So be diligent!
 
2) Interview process overall went exactly as others have said, very straight forward and a formality. But below are a lot of details, some obvious / some important. 
 
3) We arrived at the consulate around 7:20ish for an 8am appointment. There were already 4 people/groups waiting. It doesn't even open til 7:30, so everyone was huddled under the door overhang trying to avoid freezing rain. Very grateful we had an umbrella. The funny thing (that I had guessed) is that unless you are in some crazy hurry there is really no reason to get there super early. It's just one of those because everyone else is, you have to if you don't want to be last kinda things, since multiple people have 8am appointments but only two people work at a time. Basically going early doesn't hurt you at all, but don't freakout if you show up just before on time either. They also only let a few people in at a time once the doors do open, as the very first thing is to go through a short security. 
 
4) Security is simple. First we each showed our passports and gave them a copy of the interview email. They then give you a laminated sheet with your number on it, and what docs to gather (I'll detail below). Then did security like the airport. You cannot bring backpacks or large purses inside. Most people had their docs in either plastic accordion file type things, or in a plastic shopping bag (that's what we did). You have to check your phone at the desk (it's kept in a secure spot). It also said no USB/flash drives but when I said I had one in my (small) purse they didn't care and let me keep it. They also allowed us to keep our umbrella (I wasn't really sure). 
 
5) They send you down the stairs to catch the elevator up to the 19th floor. I laughed when I saw that they have a photobooth for 1 min passport pics for 10 bucks. We had to go get two extra made in the city yesterday. Glad we had it taken care of, but good to know it's there. I'd imagine if one of the only problems was with the passport pics they'd allow you to go get new ones made right then (but totally guessing). 
 
6) The room you wait in is fairly big. You aren't allowed to bring any food or drink in, but there is a vending machine with snacks & soda. No coffee or tea. Some reading material. We both brought books to read while waiting. 
 
7) The docs they ask for on the laminated sheets are the same as on the interview checklist. To memory, as I already had them all set aside in one of our big envelopes:
-Passport & passport pics
-Medical results
-Original signed AOS (I-864)
-Sponsor's taxes
-Originals of birth cert, marriage cert, police record
(I'm pretty sure that was everything but if I'm missing something it was for sure on the main stuff you are supposed to bring)
 
7) Our interview time was 8am. We were #6 (i.e. 5 people before us) and got called for the first part at 8:30. I say we, but I really mean my wife. Both times when talking to the officers it's only the Canadian, not the sponsor. This part was pretty straight forward- turn in everything on the laminated sheet. They kept some things (original docs) and gave back others (part of medical). You are then sent back and wait to be called again. 
 
8 ) **Important** If you did BOTH versions of the police record like many of us did, be sure to bring BOTH original copies. Though we got approved, I had a mini heart attack after the first window. Our file had the "old" police record and the original we brought was the new one. Having brought a ton of paperwork I knew we wouldn't need but "just in case" I was kicking myself I didn't bring both original police certs, assuming the most recent one was fine. The fist officer said the interviewing officer might have a problem with that. Not a fun way to spend the next 45 minutes. In the end the interviewing officer said nothing about it at all but don't put yourself through that stress! 😛
 
8 ) My wife was called for the actual interview at 9:15. It lasted no more than 5 minutes. The only questions she had was what I (sponsor) do for work, where I live, and where we got married. I could hear my wife laughing even though I couldn't hear the words, so figured that was a good sign. Turns out she completely blanked on the name of the town we got married in, since our first 'wedding' was just us an a witness and we did a regular ceremony later. She explained that,  and the woman was good-hearted about it and overall very friendly. She also said my wife and I both have cool hair (we both have dreadlocks...not what she expected to hear from a government officer hah), asked what we like to do together, and said 'I bet you two both love dancing'. True, and so random haha. 
 
Like everyone else, I had pretty much every single piece of paperwork we had turned in, including proof of relationship, domicile, etc etc. just in case. As figured, it wasn't needed at all. But Murphy's Law, just bring it. Especially if anything doesn't match what you original turned in. (i.e. #8 above)
 
9) After that 5 mins... approved!! She got two pieces of paper (both white- not hot pink or green as I've read). One was a welcome to the US here's some info and the other was on picking up your passport from the post office. 
 
10) **RE PASSPORT RETURN** We were told as others have been that they are not returning passports until the Canada Post strike is over. They did say they would notify us when it was being sent out, so at least we'll get somewhat of a heads up. We aren't planning to move for a month, so here's hoping it's all sorted by then.
 
My wife did not ask about picking it up in person (sorry!) so I can't speak to if/how that works. 
 
11) **IMPORTANT** This is more of a question as I'm not sure if this was normal or a mistake. They kept our original docs (birth, marriage, police) and didn't give them back. This only clicked tonight as I went to type this and asked my wife if she got them. She said they went through them all in front of her during the 5 min interview but she didn't think to ask for them back at the end (lots of distracted excitement as you can imagine) and the officer didn't mention anything.
 
So....we are crossing our fingers this is normal and they will be returned with the passport?! If any of you who already had interviews read this and can confirm, or the rest of you have read this elsewhere please help set our minds at ease.  
 
Hope all that info helps!!! Great appreciative to everyone who has given bits of info along the way. I'm sure some of those sitting around us were from this forum, sorry we didn't get to chat! I was pretty distracted after the first part worry we'd get stuck on a formality! Congrats to all of you

Congrats!!!🎉

Interview approved today!! A great moment after a long journey. 😍
 
So here's a long ### recap for you all & some important info:
 
1) If you are doing your medical in Montreal before you interview, be SURE to call Medisys and follow up on your results if you don't get the email saying they are ready. When we booked the medical they said Wed. 7th was the last day we could do for an interview on Tues. the 13th, as they needed 3 biz days to guarantee results though often ready sooner. But I was told to pick them on the 12th btw 1 and 4pm.
 
At the actual medical they told my wife the results would likely be ready by Friday the 9th but she'd get an email.  We still hadn't heard anything Monday morning (the 12th) so my wife called at Noon. They said to call back at 1pm. Called back, and they said the nurse would (was?) working on them. It sounded very much like the results would not have been ready for pick up had we not called to check up. So be diligent!
 
2) Interview process overall went exactly as others have said, very straight forward and a formality. But below are a lot of details, some obvious / some important. 
 
3) We arrived at the consulate around 7:20ish for an 8am appointment. There were already 4 people/groups waiting. It doesn't even open til 7:30, so everyone was huddled under the door overhang trying to avoid freezing rain. Very grateful we had an umbrella. The funny thing (that I had guessed) is that unless you are in some crazy hurry there is really no reason to get there super early. It's just one of those because everyone else is, you have to if you don't want to be last kinda things, since multiple people have 8am appointments but only two people work at a time. Basically going early doesn't hurt you at all, but don't freakout if you show up just before on time either. They also only let a few people in at a time once the doors do open, as the very first thing is to go through a short security. 
 
4) Security is simple. First we each showed our passports and gave them a copy of the interview email. They then give you a laminated sheet with your number on it, and what docs to gather (I'll detail below). Then did security like the airport. You cannot bring backpacks or large purses inside. Most people had their docs in either plastic accordion file type things, or in a plastic shopping bag (that's what we did). You have to check your phone at the desk (it's kept in a secure spot). It also said no USB/flash drives but when I said I had one in my (small) purse they didn't care and let me keep it. They also allowed us to keep our umbrella (I wasn't really sure). 
 
5) They send you down the stairs to catch the elevator up to the 19th floor. I laughed when I saw that they have a photobooth for 1 min passport pics for 10 bucks. We had to go get two extra made in the city yesterday. Glad we had it taken care of, but good to know it's there. I'd imagine if one of the only problems was with the passport pics they'd allow you to go get new ones made right then (but totally guessing). 
 
6) The room you wait in is fairly big. You aren't allowed to bring any food or drink in, but there is a vending machine with snacks & soda. No coffee or tea. Some reading material. We both brought books to read while waiting. 
 
7) The docs they ask for on the laminated sheets are the same as on the interview checklist. To memory, as I already had them all set aside in one of our big envelopes:
-Passport & passport pics
-Medical results
-Original signed AOS (I-864)
-Sponsor's taxes
-Originals of birth cert, marriage cert, police record
(I'm pretty sure that was everything but if I'm missing something it was for sure on the main stuff you are supposed to bring)
 
7) Our interview time was 8am. We were #6 (i.e. 5 people before us) and got called for the first part at 8:30. I say we, but I really mean my wife. Both times when talking to the officers it's only the Canadian, not the sponsor. This part was pretty straight forward- turn in everything on the laminated sheet. They kept some things (original docs) and gave back others (part of medical). You are then sent back and wait to be called again. 
 
8 ) **Important** If you did BOTH versions of the police record like many of us did, be sure to bring BOTH original copies. Though we got approved, I had a mini heart attack after the first window. Our file had the "old" police record and the original we brought was the new one. Having brought a ton of paperwork I knew we wouldn't need but "just in case" I was kicking myself I didn't bring both original police certs, assuming the most recent one was fine. The fist officer said the interviewing officer might have a problem with that. Not a fun way to spend the next 45 minutes. In the end the interviewing officer said nothing about it at all but don't put yourself through that stress! 😛
 
8 ) My wife was called for the actual interview at 9:15. It lasted no more than 5 minutes. The only questions she had was what I (sponsor) do for work, where I live, and where we got married. I could hear my wife laughing even though I couldn't hear the words, so figured that was a good sign. Turns out she completely blanked on the name of the town we got married in, since our first 'wedding' was just us an a witness and we did a regular ceremony later. She explained that,  and the woman was good-hearted about it and overall very friendly. She also said my wife and I both have cool hair (we both have dreadlocks...not what she expected to hear from a government officer hah), asked what we like to do together, and said 'I bet you two both love dancing'. True, and so random haha. 
 
Like everyone else, I had pretty much every single piece of paperwork we had turned in, including proof of relationship, domicile, etc etc. just in case. As figured, it wasn't needed at all. But Murphy's Law, just bring it. Especially if anything doesn't match what you original turned in. (i.e. #8 above)
 
9) After that 5 mins... approved!! She got two pieces of paper (both white- not hot pink or green as I've read). One was a welcome to the US here's some info and the other was on picking up your passport from the post office. 
 
10) **RE PASSPORT RETURN** We were told as others have been that they are not returning passports until the Canada Post strike is over. They did say they would notify us when it was being sent out, so at least we'll get somewhat of a heads up. We aren't planning to move for a month, so here's hoping it's all sorted by then.
 
My wife did not ask about picking it up in person (sorry!) so I can't speak to if/how that works. 
 
11) **IMPORTANT** This is more of a question as I'm not sure if this was normal or a mistake. They kept our original docs (birth, marriage, police) and didn't give them back. This only clicked tonight as I went to type this and asked my wife if she got them. She said they went through them all in front of her during the 5 min interview but she didn't think to ask for them back at the end (lots of distracted excitement as you can imagine) and the officer didn't mention anything.
 
So....we are crossing our fingers this is normal and they will be returned with the passport?! If any of you who already had interviews read this and can confirm, or the rest of you have read this elsewhere please help set our minds at ease.  
 
Hope all that info helps!!! Great appreciative to everyone who has given bits of info along the way. I'm sure some of those sitting around us were from this forum, sorry we didn't get to chat! I was pretty distracted after the first part worry we'd get stuck on a formality! Congrats to all of you

@Courtney86 good luck to you and your wife for your interview in the morning! So happy for you for being so close!!
 
im also really interested to hear what happens regarding your visa pickup. Don’t forget to update us when you’re all done, I can’t wait to hear your good news and celebrate with you 😁

When you are there they give you a sheet that tells you specifically what they want and the order to give it, very straightforward. Organizing now won’t help you at all.

Montreal Medical (Medisys) review:
 
My wife said it was super simple, as others did. Her appointment was at 12:40 and we arrived only a few minutes before. A bunch of paperwork to fill out- be sure you have a printout of your interview letter (i.e. email). You will need your case number off of it. I printed 2 in case they kept it, which they did. So we still have one for the actual interview. You also need your planned US address. They also require FIVE passport pics (one per page), so ignore if others say they only needed less. 
 
She went in for the exam around 1 which was really straightforward. Next was X-Rays, an eye exam, and vaccines. She also had to do a pee test, as they now check for a couple different STIs. (I had read this happened some places but wasn't sure if Montreal did it or not). 
 
She was finished around 2:15 or so. Probably could have been faster if we had arrived earlier to fill out the paperwork. The total cost of the exam w/ 2 vaccines incl tax was $527 CAD. I think w/out the vaccines was $462 CAD. Picking up results on Monday before the interview Tuesday. 
 
Hope that helps! 

Montreal Medical (Medisys) review:
 
My wife said it was super simple, as others did. Her appointment was at 12:40 and we arrived only a few minutes before. A bunch of paperwork to fill out- be sure you have a printout of your interview letter (i.e. email). You will need your case number off of it. I printed 2 in case they kept it, which they did. So we still have one for the actual interview. You also need your planned US address. They also require FIVE passport pics (one per page), so ignore if others say they only needed less. 
 
She went in for the exam around 1 which was really straightforward. Next was X-Rays, an eye exam, and vaccines. She also had to do a pee test, as they now check for a couple different STIs. (I had read this happened some places but wasn't sure if Montreal did it or not). 
 
She was finished around 2:15 or so. Probably could have been faster if we had arrived earlier to fill out the paperwork. The total cost of the exam w/ 2 vaccines incl tax was $527 CAD. I think w/out the vaccines was $462 CAD. Picking up results on Monday before the interview Tuesday. 
 
Hope that helps! 

@BChance and those still waiting/ were told no keep trying just in case. I was CC on Aug. 9th and interview is Nov. 13th (in Montreal now!) 
 
BUT when I called on Mon Oct. 15th (the day that evvvveryone seemed to get their interviews, both dates before and after mine) I was told I didn't have one. I was gutted. The next day I decided to try again, and the person I spoke to told me It was Nov. 13th, and wasn't sure why I was told no. That maybe it hadn't updated yet. I didn't get an actual email until Oct. 18th. 
 
So, if by the date ranges, it seems you should have your interview, try calling again. You never know! But either way an email will come eventually. Hope that helps! 

Oh, I don’t think that would matter. As long as Medisys has all the same ones and the Embassy has two of the same ones, that should be okay. Somebody correct me if I’m wrong.

I hope Medisys accepts 2 x 2 because that’s what I had made... 5 for them, 2 for interview

Heads up on Medisys (medical in Montreal):
 
Currently here for my wife's Medical appointment they absolutely require FIVE passport photos.
 
I'm usually the totally over prepared one but only grabbed four for her, as I read somewhere that someone else only needed one and figured that was plenty of extra. So now I'm walking back to our Airbnb to grab one of the two I set aside for the interview. And we'll have to get new photos for her interview on the 13th. 
 
Not a huge deal but kicking myself for not just sticking to what the requirements said! Was being cheap at Costco since they are sold in packs of 2 😛

Yes, same thing. 

I know someone asked this above but still unclear- what do you mean by affidavit? Is that the same as the I-864?

Nice! They asked me how we met, when we got engaged, how long I have stayed when I visited, and what we both do for work. They asked for the originals of everything - birth, marriage, police, taxes, affidavit, medical, 2 passport photos. 

Hey guys. Just had my interview today in Montreal. It was a long wait but the interview part was at most 10 minutes and super easy. 

I just booked at Medysis in Montreal. They require 3 biz days (which I knew already) so our appt is Wed. Nov. 7th for our interview on Tues. Nov. 13th. That's the closest they will book for guaranteed results on time. We have to pick them up on the 12th in the afternoon.  

Hey Lauren, 
Yes, you're correct, you could go elsewhere and earlier (I think 6 months is the cutoff). We live in Calgary and the only medical approved places are in Van, Toronto, and Montreal (maybe also Ontario? Either way, no where close to us). So yes, for us doing it in one go was necessary. But unlike other places such as Van, who will give back results immediately/same day, Montreal has a min. of 3 biz days (can't believe Toronoto is 10!) So we will fly in a week early, factoring in the weekend. Hope that helps.