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| Montreal, Canada |  Review on December 28, 2014: |
KatandColin
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
We did a DCF in Canada. Yes, I know, they say you can't do that anymore. Wrong 
The truth is that you CAN do it if you fall under one of the exceptions that they recognize. The trick is getting someone, anyone, to read past the opening line of your email to see that you actually do qualify as an exception.
I wrote to every single address, at least three times each, that is available for US embassy and the consulates in Calgary, Vancouver and Montreal. I wrote to departments that had absolutely NOTHING to do with getting a Permanent Resident Visa for my husband. One of the completely unrelated departments was kind enough to forward my email and request to an actual person, a live human being, in the Montreal office. They in turned agreed to submit our request for an exception to Washington. It was approved and we were off on the paper chase.
The consular supervisor in Montreal was very thorough and helpful. She treated us like people, not like a case file. We filed our I-130, DCF at our local office, and then we went to Montreal for the final interview.
We were unable to schedule an appointment online - it kept saying that there were none available, so the supervisor was kind enough to manually schedule one for us.
I had read tons of stuff on here, and the first major thing I want to refute is this: the guard at the entry door was VERY VERY NICE. Yes, he asked people to move over against the glass when lined up inside. That was simply to make room for others. Some just stood there and stared at him, so he had to ask them again.
While we stood in line, I realized I had left the $$ for the fee in my purse at the hotel ( we had to pay in person, because in order to pay online in advance, you have to have scheduled your appt online). Fortunately, we were just around the corner at Le Square Phillipe. (Great Hotel - worth it - they upgraded us to a suite free!) The guard let my husband keep his place in line, while I ran back for the cash.
When I got back, the line was very long, but he saw me and came out and ushered me inside and ahead of everyone else, and through security, so I could catch up with hubby. He was kind, helpful and even a bit funny. On the other hand, I treated him respect, smiled, and perhaps teased a bit. I firmly believe that if you treat people well, your chances of being treated well in return are a lot higher.
I had all my paperwork, originals and 2 copies of everything, in a 2 gallon ziplock bag. The security guys loved it. When were called to the first window, they asked only for the originals, and then gave me a slip to go pay at window 14.
Then we waited an hour, while we "overheard" tons of sob stories from people who did not have their paperwork complete or correct. Hard to have a lot of sympathy; the instructions in Packet 4 are quite clear, and they give you a concise checklist to follow. Either you have the stuff or you don't.
The elevator "dings" every time it opens, so I kept looking up. I never saw anyone smile, either coming or going. We were called for the interview - one of the little windows that resembles a cubicle, and the lady was very nice, after a couple of minor questions for me, she asked to speak to my husband alone. I went out an sat down and a couple near me were upset because they were give a 221g (doc showing why you were turned down and what info they need to fix it) He had not brought his tax returns. Really? Because they tell you to bring them... He brought only a W-2. He said "well, that proves my income, that should be enough" Um ...ok...so YOU get to rewrite the rules? Even though they specifically say to bring your entire tax return, with all schedules, YOU decided not to, that YOUR version was good enough. Good luck with that.
So by the time I heard their whole story (I was nice, just made sympathetic noises) my husband came out with a big smile and his "Welcome to the USA" letter.
I went back to the cubicle to thank the woman and asked her if we could speak to the consular supervisor who had been so kind and helpful, and she went to get her. She came out and we hugged and both cried a little. She said that no one has EVER said "thank you" before.
It was a nice day. The pizza at the airport on our return trip was wonderful.
The passport arrived 2 days later.
Time from original email to receipt of passport/visa: 14 weeks
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #15855