dutchmatt

I wanted to give a quick run down of my interview experience in Montreal Canada for those who care:
6:45 – Got in line at the Consulate. I was about the 15th in line so getting there earlier would be advised, however you wont be allowed in side until about 7:45 am.
7:45 – Go through security. The only thing you’re allowed to have in your pocket is paper money. Anything else you will have to leave with security. Don’t worry – you wont be kicked on to the street if you have a pack of smokes in your pocket.
8:00 – Wait in lower level waiting room. A security guard will escort you and a group of other to the 19th floor. The fun begins.
8:15 – Line up in the Cashier line. You would assume this is when you would pay your fee, but no. You get to the cashier, hand them your appointment letter and she will provide you will a number. I was C3 as an example.
8:30 – Wait for the number to be called or appear on the screen. “C3 to booth 9”. At this point you’re thinking, “Oh may God, this is it – the interview” but no. An employee will greet you at a bank teller style window and ask for some documents. We provided him with our affidavit of support, tax info, employment letter, pay stubs, long form birth certificate, police report and pictures. He will ask you some random questions like how you meet ect… When that’s all said and done he will give you a piece of paper stating how much money you owe, then you proceed back to the cashier to pay the fee.
9:00 – Wait some more. We got called to both 9 again and I thought, “Well this must be it” – but no. I was then finger printed and ask to return to the waiting room.
9:15 - Show time – Our number is called again and we enter this small room with a gentleman sitting behind some bullet proof glass, Intimidating, right? No, this man was wearing a Winnie the Poo tie and was quite possibly the nicest human being on the planet.
9:25 – After some joking around I was asked the following questions in order: Explain how you met, Have you ever had any problems in your relationship, and how did you know she was the girl you wanted to marry. Pretty easy. Oh yes, prior to that you finger prints are read and you raise you shaky right hand and say an oath. If all goes well he will say, “You are approved” and explain the next steps. He then wished me a long an happy life in the US. And we exited the building.
Side notes: If you have travel plans or simply want your visa sooner – ask. They will try to accommodate you. My interview was Friday and I picked up the visa yesterday morning (Monday). Also, the whole process is nothing like you’d expect. Everyone for the security guards to the person interviewing us was so nice and supportive. No hot shot border patrol people in bullet proof vest, just nice normal people.
So that’s pretty much it. I have included and copy of my visa so you can see what it looks like and a copy of the print out you are given once the visa has been approved.
To the man who interviewed me (because I know you frequent this site.) Thank you sir. You have made me the happiest person on the planet! If it weren't for the glass between us I would have given you a hug.
Good luck to all!