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Canada US Consulate Reviews
Average Rating: 4.2
/ 5
1651 Review(s)
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| Montreal, Canada |  Review #4655 on June 30, 2009: |
Sheila78
Rating: 
Click here if you found this review helpful | Review Topic: K3 Visa
I read and STUDIED the Montreal Consulate reviews before my husband and I ventured off to Montreal for our K-3 interview on June 11th 2009 at 8:30am. We stayed at the Hyatt which was about a 5 minute walk to the consulate entrance. The best advice given is to be the first ones to line up! We were there at 6:45am, the 2nd couple showed up around 7:05 and then about a dozen others by the time the doors were opened at 7:30.
My husband and I had our passports and interview letter handy and the guard looked a little surprised that he didn't have to ask for them. He asked my hubby what his relationship to me was and what he did for a living then let us in, we took our coats off and went through security while our stuff went through ex-ray. Again, the guards were impressed with us and one said, "Wow, you guys were really informed of what you can and can't bring in here!" That eased my nerves just a touch. We got the famous letter A clipped to our documents and had a seat by the famous elevator until everyone with the letters A-E we there. (Sorry I use the word famous a lot, but it seemed to be true after doing so much reading!) Up to the 19th floor we go, My hubby and I faced the BACK of the elevator and waited for the doors to open. (It does make you look smart being the only ones to have a clue of how the elevator will open)
The view of Montreal was Spectacular, and had a seat until my name was called. I went to window 9, I think, this lady with dark curly hair and glasses got right down to business, asking for one document after another, it was probably a combination of "out of this world" nerves and her accent, but I had a little bit of a hard time understanding her instructions. Apparently she told me to go pay the $131 fee and to come right back to her window. Instead, I had a seat back in the waiting room until she "called" me back through the PA system. She said, "Where were you?! I have been waiting for you!" Oops, after she had all of my papers she told me clearly to go have a seat until I was called for my interview.
Yikes, this was it, all of the days leading up to and spent worrying about this, it was finally time.
I was called to room 7, I remember 7 because my hubby said it was lucky number 7 as soon as it was called. I gave him a kiss and seemed to have floated to the door that had a 7 on it (across from the famous bathroom) because I don't remember walking to it!
I opened the door expecting a small closet-like room with a person behind bullet proof glass and that is exactly what I got. The lady waiting for me had long brownish/grayish hair, glasses, a friendly smile and with a sweet voice, asked me how I was. She told me to put my things (a black 13 folder accordian binder) on the chair and I stood at eye level with her as she sworn me with my right hand raised, and then asked a few questions.
I remember her asking about my refusal of entry, I told her that I didn't have any ties to Canada, so they didn't let me in. She said that it would have no effect on her decision of approving the visa. (whew!)
She asked about where we met and when, I told her I started working in Northern Michigan back in 2000 driving horses and met my husband who worked for a hotel.
When the relationship started, the autumn of 2005.
She mentioned our age difference of 17 years and what my parents and family though of him.
If she could see some pictures of us together, no problem, brought about a dozen.
She commented on a few great shots of us on the island where we worked and I began to tell her that she should go there someday because it's very beautiful and that you have to leave your car on the mainland, take a ferry to get there and then get around in horse drawn carriages.
She eventually said I am approving you visa today, Welcome to the U.S.!!!
She then gave me the famous Welcome to the U.S. letter, and said some more info on what to axpect at the border and after I move, but my thoughts were racing so quickly I forgot half of the things she said.
What a HUGE weight that lifted off of me.
We were back at our hotel by 10:30.
A great, sureal, unforgettable experience.
I hope you enjoyed my take on the interview.
| | | Montreal, Canada | Review #4651 on June 29, 2009: |
RichardMiami
Rating: 
Click here if you found this review helpful | Review Topic: K1 Visa
The interview went very much as everyone says - lots of stress and waiting around not doing much, followed by the joy of the statement: "Welcome to the United States!" There were basically two parts - a "screener" who was very methodical checking our documents, and the consular officer who did the actual interview. Both were professional and handled our case with compassion. We are APPROVED! 
| | | Vancouver, Canada | Review #4636 on June 25, 2009: |
TimandJoyce
Rating:
Click here if you found this review helpful | Review Topic: K1 Visa
Got there in by one, and was one of three people to be interviewed. I was last. Handed in forms, did fingerprints, then was called up to the window. Spoke with the woman, Hong, and she was very nice. Asked basic questions, hardly looked at proof of relationship. We were worried about the finance part, but we have enough assets that it satisfied her. Visa was approved. She also smiled and laughed with me.
| | | Vancouver, Canada | Review #4626 on June 23, 2009: |
BluesTraveler
Rating: 
Click here if you found this review helpful | Review Topic: K1 Visa
Following along with what others have advised about the Vancouver consulate, it really hasn't changed from what other people have posted before me.
The entrance is on the side of the building, look for the security guard in a white shirt. There is a Starbucks in the bottom of the building. If you arrive early you can kill time there. Since it was summer time, we waited at the park on side of the building. Not really a park, but there are some benches were you can sit. It allowed us to see the entrance door and keep an eye on things.
Arrived at 12.30pm for interview at 1.00pm. The security guard asked if we were there for a K1 interview, told us to come back in 15 minutes. We sat on the benches and then 10 minutes later the security guard waived us offer.
She had to take off her light jacket, the security guard fumbled through the pockets. Put everything and I mean everything in to the plastic bin before stepping through the metal detector. The security guard was kind enough to remind us there is a second screening upstairs and not to put on our belts.
Walked up the small flight of stairs to the elevator. Another consulate individual was waiting in the elevator and pressed the button for the 20th floor. Went upstairs to the small lobby went through the second security screening.
We were able to bring in larger than normal portfolios filled with all the documents. Security guards on the ground level and inside the consulate were very friendly. The security guard for the consulate spoke Russian - even though we were in Canada. He was from Bulgaria.
Went into the waiting room and took a seat. It looks like a doctor's office waiting room. The security guard informed us that they will call her name when they were ready. There were some people waiting to process their interviews from the morning sessions. I am guessing tourist interviews.
At 1.05pm they called her name. We were the first people there for the K1/k3 interview. Walked over to the window, it looks very much like a bank teller window. Small dividers between the windows. You will first go over to the windows that don't have numbers, on the left side of the room, if you are standing at the entrance door. There are 3 windows on the left side. And there are 6 windows on the right side that have numbers.
A very nice, middle aged, Asian man took the packet of information from her and just checked things off as he found them inside the packet. Super polite and no problems with him. He told us to wait about 45 minutes for the finger printing to occur.
1.50pm just like he said, she got called up to be fingerprinted. The small scanner - no ink - scanned her fingers, both hands, into the computer. Super easy. Asked to sit down in the chairs and wait again.
2.30pm Her name was called again and we met with the consulate officer. The consulate officer said that we cleared the database checks - "her favorite type of person". She then slide a paper through the window which my fiancée needed to read and sign. The consulate officer was checking things off and stamping them while my fiancée read the paper. My fiancée then raised her right hand and read the oath aloud.
The consulate officer then asked the following questions.
1. How / where did we meet?
2. When did we meet?
3. Where does she currently live?
4. What is her current job?
5. What is my current job? -- I answered the question
6. What is my annual income? -- I answered the question
7. Will she seek a job in the United States? -- Careful here, make sure you say "after marriage and get EAD"
8. How many times have I visited her? -- I answered the question 5 times.
The consulate officer was impressed with that answer, and said that is a true sign of being committed to the relationship.
9. Do have any proof of ongoing relationship?
Slid copies of the photos through the window, she didn't even really look at them. Returned the photos to us.
My fiancée offered to show phone records, hotel bills, consulate officer said, no thanks.
Consulate officer than stamped a bunch of paper work. Circled approved on the form, told us we were approved. She told us to take a seat and they will call our name.
Sat down for 3 minutes and the original guy who took our paper work called us back up to the same window. He explained we can pick up the visa tomorrow at 1pm. No need to show anything to the security guard.
Next day picked up the visa and the infamous package.
All in all went exactly as others have said in the past.
| | | Montreal, Canada | Review #4622 on June 22, 2009: |
carslo
Rating:
Click here if you found this review helpful | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
Arrived early and was second in line.
No problems at security - just like any airport these days.
Entered elevator - remember to face the back as they open from there.
Sat for a bit and visited with others.
Called to first of two interviews - paperwork clarified, with slight changes, fingerprints taken, and Xpresspost envelope given.
Returned to lobby to await second interview. Sworn in. He asked how we met(playing cards on internet), when did you meet face to face 2001, when were you married - July 2008, oh a long courtship - yes. What does your husband do? Works for IRS - small joke about not wanting to be audited. Well, based on the information provided you are granted a conditional visa ( or something to that effect.) Your visa will come in approximately 2 weeks.
Congratulations!
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