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| Montreal, Canada |  Review on December 2, 2015: |
Cm84
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
My interview was scheduled at 9:30AM. I had heard mixed reviews about people showing up too early/getting sent away. I arrived in line at 9AM with 10 people in front of me. After entering the building I was asked for my interview letter and the lady proceeded to give me a form for returning my passport. I had not registered my appointment until earlier that morning (https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-ca/iv) - long story but I didn't realize I had to do it until I found something here on VJ the night before, so I had a last minute panic and did the morning of the interview. Regardless it was no problem, I would have be okay if I hadn't.
Security check was fine, I was prepared and left everything I didn't need at the hotel. Saw someone turned away with bags, and some others had security go through their small purses in great detail. I would recommend leaving as much as you can in your car or hotel and just bringing the necessary paperwork.
I arrived up on floor 19 at 9:30. Woman greeter sent me to sit in the immigrant visa section. Waited until 10:30 to be called to the first window to have my paperwork checked. When I entered the building they gave me an applicant number with a list of things to have ready to submit when called. They will also ask for anything in your interview letter that was requested. Had fingerprints taken and after all the paperwork was done sat down.
Just a heads up - there isn't really an apparent rhyme or reason how they call out applicant numbers for this first part. Had a very impatient lady near me that was upset that her lower number wasn't called out before the higher numbers. The staff greeter said it was based on types of application, appointment times etc. The second window (the actual interview) seemed to go in number order (so the lady that was seen almost last at the first window, was seen very shortly after for her interview and was out an hour before me).
Anyways, I waited until almost 1PM for my interview part. Said the oath and took fingerprints again. It was very quick and efficient. I was asked questions very similar to others in the reviews - how we met, our jobs, if I had lived outside Canada before, any trouble with the law or ever denied at the US boarder. The interviewer was friendly.
All in all the process was smooth, just long in timing. There is a coffee machine and vending machine (chips, chocolate bars, cookies, pop and water) so bring money if you think you may get hungry.
I also stayed at the Courtyard Marriott the night before - just a block away from the consulate and they were able to hold onto my bags while I was at the interview. Additionally they have a business/printing centre in case you need it.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #18491