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| Montreal, Canada |  Review on November 20, 2013: |
Canadian Bacon
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
My husband and I left our apartment at 5am to be there on time. I recommend knowing what the place looks like and how to get there as it can be pretty confusing if you haven't been in the area before. It's very close to China town! We got there around 7am and waited in line with a couple of other people, the doors opened at 7:30 and the guard asked if we're there for a visa interview. Be ready to show your passport, loomis, and appointment letter(P4). Security is normal airplane security, a little loose to some standards but no electronic devices. There's a place to check your items if you don't want to bring them with you, such as your coat or wallet, before proceeding down stairs but it most likely won't be open until around 8am. There's a waiting room where you have to wait until the elevator is allowed to run(if you go early in the morning). The elevator is pretty small, some people in our group had to stay behind and wait for it to come back. Note that the elevator opens on the opposite side that you enter from. You'll need to line up in front of window 14a/b. Don't sit down as most people do, wait there until an officer can assist you at the window. They ask for your passport and appointment letter again and then give you a ticket number. We received A2 because we were second in line.
Wait for your ticket to be called and then proceed to the stated window. The guy we got was okay...he wasn't friendly to us but worked good with his co-workers. Note that the consulate still runs on paper, they have folders for everyone that's to be interviewed that day lined up on a file cabinet. At this stage, they will ask for any necessary OFFICIAL documents. I've heard people needing copies but the man that gathered our paperwork didn't want them. They will then digitally scan your finger prints on both hands and tell you to sit down and wait to be called to the interview.
At this point I was disappointed and frustrated because they made me sit out! Our case is a little sticky and my husband doesn't know all the paperwork that's available to him. Needless to say he didn't offer any evidence to help with the questions even though the folder was sitting on the panel next to him. He swore an oath and the woman asked him how we met, how long we knew each other and when we met in person. She then asked about my domicile and what he wanted to do in the US. I don't know if this has any weight on others situations or if it's just ours but don't answer with "Study" because you're not applying for a study visa. You're applying to live with your spouse in the US, you can however add that you plan to continue your studies and/or work. Just don't make it the whole reason you're going. In other words, watch how you phrase things. I know it can be hard when you're nervous but still!
After about 15 minutes she said she was approving the application and handed him a welcome letter. We were free to leave. I wish I had offered more paper work but she never asked for more nor gave the chance.
Many people may wonder about the procedure on leaving the building. Just follow back where you came from, pick up any of your checked items and exit it through the door. Make sure to shut it on the way out or an alarm sounds when someone is trying to enter. Other than that, if you're going in Oct through April, dress warm! We almost froze to death outside waiting for the door to be unlocked. Casual dress code is okay, just be clean about it. You can go for business but most people were wearing jeans and nice shirts. 
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #13287