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| Montreal, Canada |  Review on February 14, 2017: |
JlovesA
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
I had my CR-1 interview this morning. I made sure to read the last few years of reviews and they really helped!
We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott which is just down the street by about 300 yards. Great, newer hotel and the 747 airport shuttle stops nearby for cheaper transport to and from the airport ($10/person). We flew in on a Friday for my Monday appointment so we bought a weekend pass for $13.75, and that included access to the 747 airport shuttle. Really good value if you don't mind using public transit to explore the city.
Our appointment was for 10:30am. We arrived at 10am and they turned us away and said to come back at 10:15am. We walked over to Starbucks across the street and returned at 10:15am.
A lady checked us in at the entrance. As others have stated, you are given a laminated paper with a number on it and that becomes your number for the interview. It also has instructions on what order to put your paperwork in, and warnings that if you're not prepared to hand the papers over in that order, that they will send you back to the waiting area.
Security was similar to the airport. We put our documents in a folder and put the folder in a plastic grocery bag and we had no problems at all. We saw the security guard turn someone away for having a large purse and a computer case. He wasn't nice about it either, from what I saw.
It took about 15-20min to get called to the first window. Your number (from the laminated card) is called from an intercom so make sure you're paying attention.
At the first window, I had to do fingerprints, confirm my address, confirm my USC husband's address, and hand over the documents requested in the interview letter. She didn't ask for the photocopies nor did she ask for the fresh I-864 or any of my husband's tax papers. The lady in the booth was very friendly.
It was another 15-20min wait for the interview part, again called by number. The consular officer was a young guy, friendly and relaxed. He asked questions about how we met, what our first date was like, how we keep in contact, when the last time I saw my husband was (2 minutes ago!), and a few other easy questions. The whole thing felt really relaxed. I saw him stamp a form and check off a box that said I met the requirements. I started grinning! He told me my visa was approved and gave me the "Welcome to the USA" letter I'd been eagerly awaiting!
When I went back to the waiting area, my husband told me he could hear all my answers to the interview so I guess I was talking too loud, whoops!
All in all, a very smooth and easy process if you're properly prepared. Don't bring large bags, no electronics (thank goodness for the tip awhile back about no Apple Watches), and have all your papers from packet 4 and you'll be good to go!
We were out of the consulate by 11:15am!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #21386