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| Montreal, Canada |  Review on October 1, 2014: |
Sugar_
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
Before I start my review, I just wanted to say thank you to Visajourney, and its members for the help.
My interview was set for September 30th, I booked it a month before and went ahead and booked all of the travel for my trip immediately.
I flew to Montreal from Toronto the day before the interview. I was able to find a flight with Westjet from Toronto Pearson to Montreal for $120, after arriving, I took the 737 bus from the Airport to Downtown Montreal, it costs $10 (you need to have 10 loonies on you), and the ticket is valid for 24hrs. I stayed at the Courtyard Marriot (the driver told me the stop was #4 Peele, but the hotel was a couple blocks down). I paid $220 with taxes for one night. I know it was expensive, but it was well worth it. The room was clean, new and comfortable, and you couldn't beat the location (3 minute walk from the consulate). The night before the interview I went for a walk to old town in Montreal, the old buildings were impressive, but I noticed there were a lot of beggars (it didn't feel safe). There’s a lot to eat in Downtown Montreal, plus a huge variety of fast food at the food court in the Eaton Centre.
The morning of the interview I woke up at around 5:20 am (I had to set 3 alarms...). I arrived at the consulate at around 6:40 am. There is a Starbucks at the corner by the consulate, so you should be able to grab some coffee and something to eat like I did. I waited alone at the consulate until around 7 am, when a couple people started lining up. The line had grown quite a bit by 7:25 am, at around 7:40 the guard came out and made us move to the side of the building and form a line there. I had to make sure nobody budded ahead of me in line, a few people who arrived later tried to, but I put them in their place. After a couple minutes, the guards (which were a bit grumpy – aside from one who was happy and smiling) opened the door, and let me pass through security. I had to empty out my coat pockets, and was checked with the wand after going through the security as well. After I was cleared, I was directed to the room downstairs (it’s to the left of the entrance), and headed to the seats right by the elevator. At around 8am, the guard showed up and headed to the elevator, I jumped up and placed myself FIRST in line. When I got into the elevator, I went to the back left (where the door opens) and ran out. Well, when I ran out, there was no one waiting at the reception desk, and then a second elevator full of people arrive up, so we were all just bunched up at the desk. After wandering around looking for someone, I just pushed myself to the front of the desk, and as soon as I saw someone coming to the desk (she asked us to form a line) I said I’m there for the K1 and received #1.
I thnk arriving at 6:30 was pointless, the best think you can do is go around 7, and try to get a seat right beside the elevator. When you’re there speak up, and don’t just sit and let people bud in front of you!
After a couple minutes I heard #1 please come to #1, you can’t really see the booth but it’s there (obviously beside #2).
The first lady who took my documents (West Indian?), and was very polite. She asked for birth certificates, financial support docs (2013 taxes, 2013 statement of earnings, she also took fiancé's latest paystubs and account statements), fiancé’s letter of intent and two photos, passport and copy of passport page, and the interview letter with loomis, she also requested fiancés divorce decree (certified copy with raised seal and a copy). I provided her with both the copies and originals, most originals were returned aside from the police reports (she kept the original documents).
She confirmed my own and my fiancés addresses / phone numbers. After that she proceeded with taking my fingerprints. We had a couple issues since my hands are on the smaller side, so keeping my thumbs straight was difficult.
I was told to be seated, and specifically I was required to sit in the chairs which are located on the right side of the room. I waited for about 40 minutes, and then I was called to booth #7. Here I was greeted by women, with reddish hair and glasses. She was friendly, and made me feel comfortable. I was told to read the oath (it’s two paragraphs long by the way), then she asked the below questions:
1) How did you meet you fiancé? I told her how we met.
2) How often do you visit? I told her I visit for major holidays.
3) Asked if fiancé has visited. I said he doesn't like to travel.
4) I was also asked if I ever had issues with the law, or issues while crossing the border. Told her no issues, ever.
5) She also discussed fiancés divorce. I mentioned that I did not come between him and his wife (since we started dating when he was separated, but the separation date was in the divorce as well).
6) Made some small talk, where she asked why my fiancé didn’t move to Canada, told her he can’t keep his job, but I can keep mine after moving to the USA and was going to be re-hired. She liked that answer.
We made some more small talk after that she said: We’ll everything looks good! She handed me the “Welcome to the United States” letter. I told her I would hug her if I could, and she kind of chucked awkwardly, so I just grabbed my binder and hopped off!
A couple suggestions make an effort and pick a nice outfit for your interview, don’t arrive looking like a slob. I noticed lots of people in there were dressed very causally (maybe it’s because they were there for tourist visas). You want to make a good impression, so show that you care about your appearance!
Be assertive in general. Don’t let anyone bud in front of you, and when speaking to the consular officers, be confident and try not to show how stressed out you are.
If you have all of the correct documents, did not have problems in the past with the law, if your financials are generally good, then you should be fine. I've noticed a lot of people speak of the interview as it’s a formality, I don’t think it’s just a formality - be prepared for anything.
After the interview, I stayed in the hotel until 1 (late checkout), then walked around downtown, my train to Toronto was at 3:40. The train station is also in the same area of the consulate as well.
The ride was back to Toronto was actually pleasant, probably because I was relieved! I'm just glad this part is over!!!
In regards to Loomis, I requested the documents to be sent over to my house. They claimed to have attempted to deliver it, but I was home all day. Loomis came back the next day, where the driver admitted to not attempting, and let me know his truck had broken down.
(updated on October 8, 2014)
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #15308