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| Vancouver, Canada |  Review on July 13, 2014: |
templeton
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
If you have the option, take the Sky Train to the Consulate, which only costs a few of dollars and drops you just a block or so away. So much easier and cheaper than worrying about a vehicle in the middle of downtown Vancouver. They won't let you line up to go in until 15 minutes before your appointment. Hang out for a little bit if you get there early...walk around, try to relax, and enjoy the experience for what it is.
Once it's time, you'll get in line and make your way up to the primary security checkpoint. Here they verify your identity and appointment, and give your belongings and documentation a quick once over.
Things to remember:
-Backpacks and purses are not allowed. Bring a document holder or something similar, but nothing more. To put it simple, just leave anything that you don't absolutely need, otherwise you could have headaches.
- Cell phones, key fobs or anything else that is electronic and can transmit is apparently not allowed. HOWEVER, I had a key fob for the apartment I was staying (it didn't use normal keys so I had to bring it), so prior to my lineup time I approached security about it to see where I could put it, and he told me it was okay to bring it in. If you're not so lucky, apparently at the Quizno's across the street they have lockers you can rent.
Once you get past there, you're on to the secondary security point. This is more like airport security where you're putting everything through a scanner and walking through a medal detector.
After that, it's more waiting than anything, and the interview process not at all as intense as I expected. I had envisioned being sat down and interviewed across a desk in some sort of office-type setting, but instead you'll simply be directed to station similar to a cashier wicket. The person there will take your paperwork and make sure you have everything, then they'll have you sit down again until your name is called to proceed to another similar wicket where you'll provide fingerprints and an oath, and answer a few rudimentary questions about your fiance(e) and relationship. That person will hopefully then inform you that your visa is approved. You'll head back to the original window where they go over a few details about how to receive your passport and track the shipping. You stand the whole time.
That's it. All done! Head back down the elevator and exit. Go back to your accommodations and pour yourself a strong drink. It's been a long and stressful process...you've earned it! javascript:emoticon(' ')
In the end, like the medical, each stage of the process isn't as big of a deal as we imagine it might be. Of course it's still stressful. Despite double and triple checking everything, you still worry you forgot some crucial piece of paper, or something will go missing. And there's always that feeling of helplessness that goes with any situation when you're entirely at the mercy of someone else's decision. But everyone I dealt with throughout my time in Vancouver was helpful and polite, and it all went smoothly.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #14804