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| Montreal, Canada |  Review on May 14, 2015: |
Steven and Alice
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
First, I had my medical done at Dr. M's office in Toronto. They are very accommodating. I was one of the late Mar/early Apr 2015 CC group so we only had 2-3 weeks notice to get everything done before the interview. The receptionists and Dr. M are very friendly. I showed up right at my appointment time but I had to wait more than an hour to be seen. It was like a market there. At one point, there were 19 people in the wait room. Maybe it was just that day! It seemed like it was first come first serve basis. However, the actual exam was very fast. Dr. M measured my blood pressure and asked about my medical history. That's it. The place for X-Ray was downstairs and CML is across the street beside TD bank. I finished the actual medical exam in a little more than an hour. And I was able to pick up my results in exactly one week! The envelope was sealed with a "DO NOT OPEN" sticker on it.
My interview was on May 14, 2015. We thought about flying, driving or VIA train. I took the train at the end since it's 10 mins walking distance between Montreal Central Station to the consulate! The express train ride from Union Station was less than 5 hours and it was not packed. Only 88 people on broad the day I took it! The online VIA escape fare was very attractive! I highly recommend it!
I studied Saylin's maps (thank you very much for posting pictures) and read all the latest reviews before heading down to the consulate. I was actually in line by 7:05 AM and there were 10 people ahead of me. But 7:30, the line had over 30 people. At 7:30, the security came out and a lady came out with a clipboard with a list (I assume the list of people had an interview/appointment slot for today). She sent people away who had interview/appointment at 9 and after. My interview was at 9 AM so she told me to come back at 8:30. I was devastated since I want to get it done asap (like everyone else on here). I had no choice but head down to Timmy's to get breakfast and wait there. I returned to the line and finally passed security by 8:45 with a number card. When the elevator opened at 19th floor, it was packed with people. The greeter told me to wait for my number to be called. I waited 45 mins and was called to booth 4. The room was pretty noisy and I had trouble hearing the person collecting my information. She seemed a little annoyed at me since I asked her to repeat almost every other question. We had prepared new I864s. She frowned when I brought that up but she didnt say anything. It took 30 mins to collect all my originals and scanned my fingerprints. Afterwards, she asked me to wait for my number to be called again to do the actual interview. I waited another 30 mins and was called to booth 7! This time the person looked like a ray of sunshine. She had red hair and bright smile! She asked me the usual questions. Like how long have we been married, how we met, how often we see each other, have I been to US and any trouble getting in, have I been arrested, what does the petitioner do for living. She clicked and typed a few more and then she said the magic words, "You are approved!". I said I am so happy I want to cry and want to give her a hug. She said my visa will be ready in 2 weeks time. The website said ISSUED by the time I'm back at the hotel.
Now we hope it will come sooner and we can prepare for my move!!
Thank you all VJers for all the helpful information and support! It was a long process (for us) and it was pretty smooth because of this forum!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #16822