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| Montreal, Canada |  Review on June 30, 2015: |
mrs thb
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
Soooo sorry but I've been extremely remiss. The tornado of life sucked me in deep.
I had my interview in late May. Stayed at the Marriott Courtyard, 3 minutes from the embassy. I got in line at 7:35 for a 8:30 interview. They just started shuffling people into the building. Many people were turned away, making the line advance quickly. Many were spouses and others too early. I got #12. I was upstairs by 7:50 and out by 9:20. Was able to take the 747 back to the airport and catch an earlier (noon) flight to yyz.
Nothing new to report other than some pointers. Best not to expect protocol to be followed as others posted.
a) The officers let many people in with handbags, purses and pouches along with paper files...and they were not checked in like cell phones. The interviewees were allowed to bring them up to the 19th floor.
b) The security guard at the front door may not be thorough as they need to be. The guard was not screening candidates about computers, ipads, etc and several people ahead of me, who had them, backed up the security line check. They were sent away. The inside security guard disciplined the door guard. Good for me because I was now ahead a few more people!
c) The lady checking interview times and handing out numbers also isn't as thorough. A beneficiary 3 people before me had a terrible experience and I doubt she was a VJ member. First she was sent away for having an ipad then when she returned she discovered she did not get a number, so she had to return to the front doors to retrieve a number. I was given #12 so I suspect she could have been number #10. When she returned she was #22. Bet she spent the whole day there. So, ASK for a number if you're not given one.
d) They do let spouses up. Not sure of the reasons but a couple who was asked to move clearly stated they wanted to sit together. There was a buzz in the room after this and I over heard people commenting why "he" was let in.
e) Like this entire process-no rhyme or reason-numbers are called out of order for both p of arts of the interview. As I arrived up the elevator and sat down they started calling numbers. I was the 5th number to be called. Don't expect the numbers to be called in the same order for the 2nd part either. Other numbers were called before mine (that were called after mine for the 1st part).
f) Sit in the area posted or you will be instructed to move regardless of availability of seats. There are 3 areas: non-immigrant (far right as you walk out of the elevator), immigrant (middle) and US citizens (far left).
g) Expect to witness denials. There were 2 while I sat and waited. However awful as they appear remain optimistic and approach the 2nd part with enthusiasm. The 2nd CO was charming and super sweet. We joked. I wonder if it went so smoothly because I was confident, relaxed and happy...or if he is just that sweet.
h) Expect rattled people from the US citizen area and be pleasantly surprised if its quiet. Although it was a good distraction and helped pass the time, there were disgruntled people waiting for service and assistance. One family in particular was obnoxious and it surprised me they weren't escorted out.
i) Not many people showed up with stacks of documents, nor did I. So in my opinion best to keep it light and not have stacks of 'proof of relationship' docs with you. Do carry a copy of spouse's divorce decree should they have one. I was asked to show it but it was immediately returned.
Most of all relax 
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #17206