Ptitchou

Update: Email for passport return by Purolator sent on Friday, Feb 12
Passport with visa arrived in hand today, Feb 17. 

Update: Email for passport return by Purolator sent on Friday, Feb 12
Passport with visa arrived in hand today, Feb 17. 

Update: Email for passport return by Purolator sent on Friday, Feb 12
Passport with visa arrived in hand today, Feb 17. 

Update: Email for passport return by Purolator sent on Friday, Feb 12
Passport with visa arrived in hand today, Feb 17. 

Update: Email for passport return by Purolator sent on Friday, Feb 12
Passport with visa arrived in hand today, Feb 17. 

Yeah, sadly I don't even have my passport in hand yet but I'm also waiting until summer to move because I have a lot of medical and financial things I need to settle here first. I originally planned on activating at the border in the summer and then coming back here to wrap up a few more things and not actually move until the fall, but with all these crazy rules in place, it might just be more hassle than it's worth. As it is, my husband will have to go through the process of tests, etc and quarantine for two weeks just to be able to help me move. 
 
Again, I get why measures are in place, but it's just really adding to the stress of juggling all the logistics of moving countries. 

I agree.. we are also planning a summer move. Need to sell house here and tie up loose ends. At least the stress of the 6 month visa expiry isn't a worry now since the visa was activated.  Good luck.

Yeah, sadly I don't even have my passport in hand yet but I'm also waiting until summer to move because I have a lot of medical and financial things I need to settle here first. I originally planned on activating at the border in the summer and then coming back here to wrap up a few more things and not actually move until the fall, but with all these crazy rules in place, it might just be more hassle than it's worth. As it is, my husband will have to go through the process of tests, etc and quarantine for two weeks just to be able to help me move. 
 
Again, I get why measures are in place, but it's just really adding to the stress of juggling all the logistics of moving countries. 

Yeah, sadly I don't even have my passport in hand yet but I'm also waiting until summer to move because I have a lot of medical and financial things I need to settle here first. I originally planned on activating at the border in the summer and then coming back here to wrap up a few more things and not actually move until the fall, but with all these crazy rules in place, it might just be more hassle than it's worth. As it is, my husband will have to go through the process of tests, etc and quarantine for two weeks just to be able to help me move. 
 
Again, I get why measures are in place, but it's just really adding to the stress of juggling all the logistics of moving countries. 

Strange thing is, when we got to US customs they buzzed us in and we went to a long counter where everyone is behind glass from the counter to the ceiling, and we were the only two in there then we left.  Not once did we come anywhere near a person and no risk whatsoever. So yes I agree, we have closer encounters picking up food for take out than this.
Hope everything works out well for you..Soo much stress during this process..

I'm happy I was able to spark this Purolator bashing subtopic because it's making me feel way better!
 
I hope you guys have no problems with them.  I like to think that the ridiculous delays and obstacles that I've run into through this whole process have meant that, statistically, a ton of other people have had smooth and easy visa processes!  Happy to help!     Yes I know statistics don't work that way haha

There are no exemptions for anyone regarding the mandatory quarantine coming back into Canada. We are both in Canada and drove to the US border last week to activate my husbands GC, we were in US customs for all of 30 minutes and crossed right back into Canada afterwards. We are now having to do a mandatory 14 day quarantine just for being on the US side for that short time. They follow you via an app as well. We are getting daily texts to check on us and someone else I know is getting phone calls to check on them. 
 
 
 

Updating this topic, in case anyone else needs info. 
 
I used UPS to overnight my husband's certified copy of the divorce certificate and it's a good thing I did, because it was asked for. 

We haven't even been able to get a return or transcript on my husband's 2019 taxes yet. I brought the full 1040 and supporting documents and they were satisfied with that. However, we also had submitted the three previous tax years as well, as he's self-employed. I wouldn't worry about 2020 but you can also bring a copy of what you filed. 
That's what mine says still right now. 

APPROVED
 
I got back to my room and collapsed to my knees and just sobbed for 5 minutes, like I'm a big emotional dude but didn't realize how much tension needed to come out haha.  Messaged my wife with the "Welcome to the United States of America" letter and she called and we talked and laughed and cried for 20 minutes.
 
Usual process that everyone here mentions: clock's broken, room is super quiet and dull, staff are totally nice.  Passport taken, wait 45+ minutes, documents taken, wait maybe 15 minutes, then interview.  I was asked about how we met which ended up being a rambling tale as it usually is, and about what wife does for work.  Fingerprints taken, handed over most recent pay stub and tax return from my wife, and then she said congratulations there's no problems here and that was it.  I'm having problems believing it was only really two questions but I guess we talked about stuff based on the questions so I probably answered stuff indirectly.
 
I was able to change my flight just to leaving at 16:00 today so quickest cross-country trip ever.
 
YAY SO HAPPY EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
 
HR I love you, I'll update my timeline shortly.  Wife and I figured out yesterday that today is DAY NINE HUNDRED of our process.  900 days since we mailed the original petition.  And it's done, my God it's finally done, I'm going to cry again, thanks VJ, you guys have been great and I'll be sticking around for some time for support and stuff.  Sorry to the one person I randomly got cross at that one time, that's not me normally and I still feel bad for that.  Thank you all for direct support and for your stories and data and everything else.
 

Married May 24, 2019
NOA1: July 27, 2019
NVC DQ: May 22, 2020
Feb 8, 2021 - Approved 🥰
 
Had my interview at the consulate this morning for 8:45. Arrived a few minutes before and they let me in, asked the run of COVID questions, then did the x-ray scan of my coat, wallet, and folder. Kept my phone and gave me a key. Directed to go to Floor 1, Window 7 and gave them my passport.
Waited around for maybe a half hour and then was called to window 5 to provide my documents. They asked for the originals (not copies) of my birth certificate, marriage certificate, both my and my husband's divorce decrees from our previous marriages. Then they told me my medical had arrived (it was emailed by the doctor 4 days ago) and to have a seat and wait to be called.
Maybe another half hour or so went by (the clock is still broken!) and I was called up to Window 1, met with a nice middle aged man with greying hair. Swore the oath, did the fingerprints, answered how we met, when we married, any kids, addresses. He asked me for my husband's divorce certificate and asked if I had a copy (I did). Not sure why they needed it again, since I had submitted it previously but ok. 2019 taxes (1040) were brought as well and they kept the copy I brought.
I kept everything in a portable file folder and had tiny tab stickers labelling everything. He said he was really impressed and almost thought he was looking at their files with how well I organized it. He said he appreciated the clear labelling.
He asked if I was given the pamphlet on domestic violence at the other window (I was not) and he was surprised. So he gave me one and explained what it was. Then he said he was going to go ahead and approve  me, handed me the Welcome letter, and that I can expect my passport with the visa to be returned within 3-4 weeks.
Tips:
- Dress in layers. The thermostat in the waiting room was set to 24C and with how warm I dressed for the frigid Montreal weather, I was sweating buckets indoors.
- No hand sanitizer at the counters by the fingerprint readers (ew), but there is a giant jug of it at the security guard's desk.
- bring a paper book, crossword, or something to keep your sanity
I won't be moving until the summer, since I want to wait until our 2 year anniversary to cross and activate as an IR-1 instead of the 2 year conditional.
 
Good luck to everyone on their journeys and thank you so much to everyone here for all your help and support. Couldn't have done it without y'all. Now I need to figure out all the crazy logistics of moving, taxes, etc. But first - I'm going to have a much deserved NAP. 😴

Married May 24, 2019
NOA1: July 27, 2019
NVC DQ: May 22, 2020
Feb 8, 2021 - Approved 🥰
 
Had my interview at the consulate this morning for 8:45. Arrived a few minutes before and they let me in, asked the run of COVID questions, then did the x-ray scan of my coat, wallet, and folder. Kept my phone and gave me a key. Directed to go to Floor 1, Window 7 and gave them my passport.
Waited around for maybe a half hour and then was called to window 5 to provide my documents. They asked for the originals (not copies) of my birth certificate, marriage certificate, both my and my husband's divorce decrees from our previous marriages. Then they told me my medical had arrived (it was emailed by the doctor 4 days ago) and to have a seat and wait to be called.
Maybe another half hour or so went by (the clock is still broken!) and I was called up to Window 1, met with a nice middle aged man with greying hair. Swore the oath, did the fingerprints, answered how we met, when we married, any kids, addresses. He asked me for my husband's divorce certificate and asked if I had a copy (I did). Not sure why they needed it again, since I had submitted it previously but ok. 2019 taxes (1040) were brought as well and they kept the copy I brought.
I kept everything in a portable file folder and had tiny tab stickers labelling everything. He said he was really impressed and almost thought he was looking at their files with how well I organized it. He said he appreciated the clear labelling.
He asked if I was given the pamphlet on domestic violence at the other window (I was not) and he was surprised. So he gave me one and explained what it was. Then he said he was going to go ahead and approve  me, handed me the Welcome letter, and that I can expect my passport with the visa to be returned within 3-4 weeks.
Tips:
- Dress in layers. The thermostat in the waiting room was set to 24C and with how warm I dressed for the frigid Montreal weather, I was sweating buckets indoors.
- No hand sanitizer at the counters by the fingerprint readers (ew), but there is a giant jug of it at the security guard's desk.
- bring a paper book, crossword, or something to keep your sanity
I won't be moving until the summer, since I want to wait until our 2 year anniversary to cross and activate as an IR-1 instead of the 2 year conditional.
 
Good luck to everyone on their journeys and thank you so much to everyone here for all your help and support. Couldn't have done it without y'all. Now I need to figure out all the crazy logistics of moving, taxes, etc. But first - I'm going to have a much deserved NAP. 😴

Married May 24, 2019
NOA1: July 27, 2019
NVC DQ: May 22, 2020
Feb 8, 2021 - Approved 🥰
 
Had my interview at the consulate this morning for 8:45. Arrived a few minutes before and they let me in, asked the run of COVID questions, then did the x-ray scan of my coat, wallet, and folder. Kept my phone and gave me a key. Directed to go to Floor 1, Window 7 and gave them my passport.
Waited around for maybe a half hour and then was called to window 5 to provide my documents. They asked for the originals (not copies) of my birth certificate, marriage certificate, both my and my husband's divorce decrees from our previous marriages. Then they told me my medical had arrived (it was emailed by the doctor 4 days ago) and to have a seat and wait to be called.
Maybe another half hour or so went by (the clock is still broken!) and I was called up to Window 1, met with a nice middle aged man with greying hair. Swore the oath, did the fingerprints, answered how we met, when we married, any kids, addresses. He asked me for my husband's divorce certificate and asked if I had a copy (I did). Not sure why they needed it again, since I had submitted it previously but ok. 2019 taxes (1040) were brought as well and they kept the copy I brought.
I kept everything in a portable file folder and had tiny tab stickers labelling everything. He said he was really impressed and almost thought he was looking at their files with how well I organized it. He said he appreciated the clear labelling.
He asked if I was given the pamphlet on domestic violence at the other window (I was not) and he was surprised. So he gave me one and explained what it was. Then he said he was going to go ahead and approve  me, handed me the Welcome letter, and that I can expect my passport with the visa to be returned within 3-4 weeks.
Tips:
- Dress in layers. The thermostat in the waiting room was set to 24C and with how warm I dressed for the frigid Montreal weather, I was sweating buckets indoors.
- No hand sanitizer at the counters by the fingerprint readers (ew), but there is a giant jug of it at the security guard's desk.
- bring a paper book, crossword, or something to keep your sanity
I won't be moving until the summer, since I want to wait until our 2 year anniversary to cross and activate as an IR-1 instead of the 2 year conditional.
 
Good luck to everyone on their journeys and thank you so much to everyone here for all your help and support. Couldn't have done it without y'all. Now I need to figure out all the crazy logistics of moving, taxes, etc. But first - I'm going to have a much deserved NAP. 😴

Married May 24, 2019
NOA1: July 27, 2019
NVC DQ: May 22, 2020
Feb 8, 2021 - Approved 🥰
 
Had my interview at the consulate this morning for 8:45. Arrived a few minutes before and they let me in, asked the run of COVID questions, then did the x-ray scan of my coat, wallet, and folder. Kept my phone and gave me a key. Directed to go to Floor 1, Window 7 and gave them my passport.
Waited around for maybe a half hour and then was called to window 5 to provide my documents. They asked for the originals (not copies) of my birth certificate, marriage certificate, both my and my husband's divorce decrees from our previous marriages. Then they told me my medical had arrived (it was emailed by the doctor 4 days ago) and to have a seat and wait to be called.
Maybe another half hour or so went by (the clock is still broken!) and I was called up to Window 1, met with a nice middle aged man with greying hair. Swore the oath, did the fingerprints, answered how we met, when we married, any kids, addresses. He asked me for my husband's divorce certificate and asked if I had a copy (I did). Not sure why they needed it again, since I had submitted it previously but ok. 2019 taxes (1040) were brought as well and they kept the copy I brought.
I kept everything in a portable file folder and had tiny tab stickers labelling everything. He said he was really impressed and almost thought he was looking at their files with how well I organized it. He said he appreciated the clear labelling.
He asked if I was given the pamphlet on domestic violence at the other window (I was not) and he was surprised. So he gave me one and explained what it was. Then he said he was going to go ahead and approve  me, handed me the Welcome letter, and that I can expect my passport with the visa to be returned within 3-4 weeks.
Tips:
- Dress in layers. The thermostat in the waiting room was set to 24C and with how warm I dressed for the frigid Montreal weather, I was sweating buckets indoors.
- No hand sanitizer at the counters by the fingerprint readers (ew), but there is a giant jug of it at the security guard's desk.
- bring a paper book, crossword, or something to keep your sanity
I won't be moving until the summer, since I want to wait until our 2 year anniversary to cross and activate as an IR-1 instead of the 2 year conditional.
 
Good luck to everyone on their journeys and thank you so much to everyone here for all your help and support. Couldn't have done it without y'all. Now I need to figure out all the crazy logistics of moving, taxes, etc. But first - I'm going to have a much deserved NAP. 😴

Married May 24, 2019
NOA1: July 27, 2019
NVC DQ: May 22, 2020
Feb 8, 2021 - Approved 🥰
 
Had my interview at the consulate this morning for 8:45. Arrived a few minutes before and they let me in, asked the run of COVID questions, then did the x-ray scan of my coat, wallet, and folder. Kept my phone and gave me a key. Directed to go to Floor 1, Window 7 and gave them my passport.
Waited around for maybe a half hour and then was called to window 5 to provide my documents. They asked for the originals (not copies) of my birth certificate, marriage certificate, both my and my husband's divorce decrees from our previous marriages. Then they told me my medical had arrived (it was emailed by the doctor 4 days ago) and to have a seat and wait to be called.
Maybe another half hour or so went by (the clock is still broken!) and I was called up to Window 1, met with a nice middle aged man with greying hair. Swore the oath, did the fingerprints, answered how we met, when we married, any kids, addresses. He asked me for my husband's divorce certificate and asked if I had a copy (I did). Not sure why they needed it again, since I had submitted it previously but ok. 2019 taxes (1040) were brought as well and they kept the copy I brought.
I kept everything in a portable file folder and had tiny tab stickers labelling everything. He said he was really impressed and almost thought he was looking at their files with how well I organized it. He said he appreciated the clear labelling.
He asked if I was given the pamphlet on domestic violence at the other window (I was not) and he was surprised. So he gave me one and explained what it was. Then he said he was going to go ahead and approve  me, handed me the Welcome letter, and that I can expect my passport with the visa to be returned within 3-4 weeks.
Tips:
- Dress in layers. The thermostat in the waiting room was set to 24C and with how warm I dressed for the frigid Montreal weather, I was sweating buckets indoors.
- No hand sanitizer at the counters by the fingerprint readers (ew), but there is a giant jug of it at the security guard's desk.
- bring a paper book, crossword, or something to keep your sanity
I won't be moving until the summer, since I want to wait until our 2 year anniversary to cross and activate as an IR-1 instead of the 2 year conditional.
 
Good luck to everyone on their journeys and thank you so much to everyone here for all your help and support. Couldn't have done it without y'all. Now I need to figure out all the crazy logistics of moving, taxes, etc. But first - I'm going to have a much deserved NAP. 😴

DQ May 23
Interview: Feb 8th 10:00 am  APPROVED!
 
What may be less common about my case is that we had to reestablish my husband’s domicile, and were approved with no issues.  
 
Here are some quick notes on my process:
 
Security was the same as everyone else’s description.  Airport style security, kept my phone.  
Went to window 7 where I was asked for my passport.  Sat down.  
Called to window 4, and was asked to submit originals of my birth certificate, marriage certificate and 1 passport photo.  He also asked if my AOS needed any updating.  I said my husband changed employers but he said that was ok and didn’t change anything.  He then asked who lives at the address we intend to live at in the US (since we are both in Canada).  Sat down. 
Called to window 11 for the final interviewing process.  
Oath and fingerprints
She commented she hadn’t seen a SK marriage certificate in a long time.
Since my husband lives in Canada she asked about his US citizenship.  I explained he was born in the US and came to college in SK, then stayed after marrying me.  She said we would talk about our US plan at the end.  
How did you meet?
Why are you wanting to move now, after having been married for almost 11 years?
I explained that after getting married I had 2 years left of my degree in Regina, then we stayed for financial reasons, then we started our family.  Our first 3 kids were born within 3.5 yrs and life felt chaotic - at this point she interjected and said, “I did the exact same thing!  I know exactly what you’re talking about.” and that was it.
What does your husband do for work? - He is a cabinet maker and finish carpenter.
Do you have a joint sponsor and who is he to you?
Then she said, “What are all of these documents I see that you’ve submitted?  Wow.”  I told her we followed a list of things to reestablish my husband’s domicile and tried to provide everything on the list.  
We provided proof that we were preparing to list our Canadian residence, emails to prove communication with local employment connections in the US, a rent-to-own agreement for the family ranch property which includes the family home as well as a cabinetry shop, pics of the shop, bank statements, proof of PO box ownership, letter of intent to homeschool our oldest child, and prepared passport applications for our four kids. 
She only looked through the bank statement, PO box and lease agreement.  When we talked about the lease agreement I explained that it is family land which we would be the 4th generation to own, and that it includes a family home as well as the cabinetry shop that my late Father-in-law worked out of.  She seemed to immediately put the pieces together herself, remembering that my husband is also a cabinet maker, and I didn’t even have to tell her that my husband planned to work out of the shop.  She said, “This looks great.  I’m just going to put a note at the bottom here that you’ve met the requirements.”
Do you have Birth Abroad certificates or passports for your children?
I said we had all the paperwork ready but hadn’t been able to go to the consulate yet due to COVID.  She was very nice and gave me info on how to get my kid’s paperwork expedited in Calgary (closest to us).  
She checked that my medical was in, and said she would be able to approve my visa!  
 
I had uploaded updated versions of my husband’s taxes, our joint sponsor’s 2019 tax transcript and W-2, our lease agreement, and my joint sponsor’s license, which had expired.  I was not asked to show any of these.  
 
She also let me know that at my first entry into the US I would have another interview, and to expect it to be about 30 minutes.
 
So grateful for this forum!  We have done everything ourselves from start to finish thanks to the experiences of others posted on here.  

 

Married May 24, 2019
NOA1: July 27, 2019
NVC DQ: May 22, 2020
Feb 8, 2021 - Approved 🥰
 
Had my interview at the consulate this morning for 8:45. Arrived a few minutes before and they let me in, asked the run of COVID questions, then did the x-ray scan of my coat, wallet, and folder. Kept my phone and gave me a key. Directed to go to Floor 1, Window 7 and gave them my passport.
Waited around for maybe a half hour and then was called to window 5 to provide my documents. They asked for the originals (not copies) of my birth certificate, marriage certificate, both my and my husband's divorce decrees from our previous marriages. Then they told me my medical had arrived (it was emailed by the doctor 4 days ago) and to have a seat and wait to be called.
Maybe another half hour or so went by (the clock is still broken!) and I was called up to Window 1, met with a nice middle aged man with greying hair. Swore the oath, did the fingerprints, answered how we met, when we married, any kids, addresses. He asked me for my husband's divorce certificate and asked if I had a copy (I did). Not sure why they needed it again, since I had submitted it previously but ok. 2019 taxes (1040) were brought as well and they kept the copy I brought.
I kept everything in a portable file folder and had tiny tab stickers labelling everything. He said he was really impressed and almost thought he was looking at their files with how well I organized it. He said he appreciated the clear labelling.
He asked if I was given the pamphlet on domestic violence at the other window (I was not) and he was surprised. So he gave me one and explained what it was. Then he said he was going to go ahead and approve  me, handed me the Welcome letter, and that I can expect my passport with the visa to be returned within 3-4 weeks.
Tips:
- Dress in layers. The thermostat in the waiting room was set to 24C and with how warm I dressed for the frigid Montreal weather, I was sweating buckets indoors.
- No hand sanitizer at the counters by the fingerprint readers (ew), but there is a giant jug of it at the security guard's desk.
- bring a paper book, crossword, or something to keep your sanity
I won't be moving until the summer, since I want to wait until our 2 year anniversary to cross and activate as an IR-1 instead of the 2 year conditional.
 
Good luck to everyone on their journeys and thank you so much to everyone here for all your help and support. Couldn't have done it without y'all. Now I need to figure out all the crazy logistics of moving, taxes, etc. But first - I'm going to have a much deserved NAP. 😴

Married May 24, 2019
NOA1: July 27, 2019
NVC DQ: May 22, 2020
Feb 8, 2021 - Approved 🥰
 
Had my interview at the consulate this morning for 8:45. Arrived a few minutes before and they let me in, asked the run of COVID questions, then did the x-ray scan of my coat, wallet, and folder. Kept my phone and gave me a key. Directed to go to Floor 1, Window 7 and gave them my passport.
Waited around for maybe a half hour and then was called to window 5 to provide my documents. They asked for the originals (not copies) of my birth certificate, marriage certificate, both my and my husband's divorce decrees from our previous marriages. Then they told me my medical had arrived (it was emailed by the doctor 4 days ago) and to have a seat and wait to be called.
Maybe another half hour or so went by (the clock is still broken!) and I was called up to Window 1, met with a nice middle aged man with greying hair. Swore the oath, did the fingerprints, answered how we met, when we married, any kids, addresses. He asked me for my husband's divorce certificate and asked if I had a copy (I did). Not sure why they needed it again, since I had submitted it previously but ok. 2019 taxes (1040) were brought as well and they kept the copy I brought.
I kept everything in a portable file folder and had tiny tab stickers labelling everything. He said he was really impressed and almost thought he was looking at their files with how well I organized it. He said he appreciated the clear labelling.
He asked if I was given the pamphlet on domestic violence at the other window (I was not) and he was surprised. So he gave me one and explained what it was. Then he said he was going to go ahead and approve  me, handed me the Welcome letter, and that I can expect my passport with the visa to be returned within 3-4 weeks.
Tips:
- Dress in layers. The thermostat in the waiting room was set to 24C and with how warm I dressed for the frigid Montreal weather, I was sweating buckets indoors.
- No hand sanitizer at the counters by the fingerprint readers (ew), but there is a giant jug of it at the security guard's desk.
- bring a paper book, crossword, or something to keep your sanity
I won't be moving until the summer, since I want to wait until our 2 year anniversary to cross and activate as an IR-1 instead of the 2 year conditional.
 
Good luck to everyone on their journeys and thank you so much to everyone here for all your help and support. Couldn't have done it without y'all. Now I need to figure out all the crazy logistics of moving, taxes, etc. But first - I'm going to have a much deserved NAP. 😴

Married May 24, 2019
NOA1: July 27, 2019
NVC DQ: May 22, 2020
Feb 8, 2021 - Approved 🥰
 
Had my interview at the consulate this morning for 8:45. Arrived a few minutes before and they let me in, asked the run of COVID questions, then did the x-ray scan of my coat, wallet, and folder. Kept my phone and gave me a key. Directed to go to Floor 1, Window 7 and gave them my passport.
Waited around for maybe a half hour and then was called to window 5 to provide my documents. They asked for the originals (not copies) of my birth certificate, marriage certificate, both my and my husband's divorce decrees from our previous marriages. Then they told me my medical had arrived (it was emailed by the doctor 4 days ago) and to have a seat and wait to be called.
Maybe another half hour or so went by (the clock is still broken!) and I was called up to Window 1, met with a nice middle aged man with greying hair. Swore the oath, did the fingerprints, answered how we met, when we married, any kids, addresses. He asked me for my husband's divorce certificate and asked if I had a copy (I did). Not sure why they needed it again, since I had submitted it previously but ok. 2019 taxes (1040) were brought as well and they kept the copy I brought.
I kept everything in a portable file folder and had tiny tab stickers labelling everything. He said he was really impressed and almost thought he was looking at their files with how well I organized it. He said he appreciated the clear labelling.
He asked if I was given the pamphlet on domestic violence at the other window (I was not) and he was surprised. So he gave me one and explained what it was. Then he said he was going to go ahead and approve  me, handed me the Welcome letter, and that I can expect my passport with the visa to be returned within 3-4 weeks.
Tips:
- Dress in layers. The thermostat in the waiting room was set to 24C and with how warm I dressed for the frigid Montreal weather, I was sweating buckets indoors.
- No hand sanitizer at the counters by the fingerprint readers (ew), but there is a giant jug of it at the security guard's desk.
- bring a paper book, crossword, or something to keep your sanity
I won't be moving until the summer, since I want to wait until our 2 year anniversary to cross and activate as an IR-1 instead of the 2 year conditional.
 
Good luck to everyone on their journeys and thank you so much to everyone here for all your help and support. Couldn't have done it without y'all. Now I need to figure out all the crazy logistics of moving, taxes, etc. But first - I'm going to have a much deserved NAP. 😴

Married May 24, 2019
NOA1: July 27, 2019
NVC DQ: May 22, 2020
Feb 8, 2021 - Approved 🥰
 
Had my interview at the consulate this morning for 8:45. Arrived a few minutes before and they let me in, asked the run of COVID questions, then did the x-ray scan of my coat, wallet, and folder. Kept my phone and gave me a key. Directed to go to Floor 1, Window 7 and gave them my passport.
Waited around for maybe a half hour and then was called to window 5 to provide my documents. They asked for the originals (not copies) of my birth certificate, marriage certificate, both my and my husband's divorce decrees from our previous marriages. Then they told me my medical had arrived (it was emailed by the doctor 4 days ago) and to have a seat and wait to be called.
Maybe another half hour or so went by (the clock is still broken!) and I was called up to Window 1, met with a nice middle aged man with greying hair. Swore the oath, did the fingerprints, answered how we met, when we married, any kids, addresses. He asked me for my husband's divorce certificate and asked if I had a copy (I did). Not sure why they needed it again, since I had submitted it previously but ok. 2019 taxes (1040) were brought as well and they kept the copy I brought.
I kept everything in a portable file folder and had tiny tab stickers labelling everything. He said he was really impressed and almost thought he was looking at their files with how well I organized it. He said he appreciated the clear labelling.
He asked if I was given the pamphlet on domestic violence at the other window (I was not) and he was surprised. So he gave me one and explained what it was. Then he said he was going to go ahead and approve  me, handed me the Welcome letter, and that I can expect my passport with the visa to be returned within 3-4 weeks.
Tips:
- Dress in layers. The thermostat in the waiting room was set to 24C and with how warm I dressed for the frigid Montreal weather, I was sweating buckets indoors.
- No hand sanitizer at the counters by the fingerprint readers (ew), but there is a giant jug of it at the security guard's desk.
- bring a paper book, crossword, or something to keep your sanity
I won't be moving until the summer, since I want to wait until our 2 year anniversary to cross and activate as an IR-1 instead of the 2 year conditional.
 
Good luck to everyone on their journeys and thank you so much to everyone here for all your help and support. Couldn't have done it without y'all. Now I need to figure out all the crazy logistics of moving, taxes, etc. But first - I'm going to have a much deserved NAP. 😴