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| Montreal, Canada |  Review on May 16, 2017: |
agesq
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
To all who posted and shared their knowledge, opinions, and experiences on this site; thank you.
My wife and I had a very smooth interview experience. She lives in Montreal and is familiar with the area which helped. I came into the city to be with her at the interview, which i suggest to all members, if you are able (petitioners - your presence isn't required, nor will the interviewers even know you are there since you arent able to speak or walk up to the booth with your spouse - but it's just good support).
10am appointment. We drove to Medisys to pick up the medical packet at around 8:30 (took 2 minutes) and drove a few blocks over to the embassy.
Parking: if you are driving, the most convenient parking is literally right across the street from the embassy entrance - get there before 9am and its $13 for the day.
Arrival: dont come more than 30 minutes before the interview. We got to the embassy at around 8:45 - there was no line. We were told to come back at 9:30. As mentioned, theres a Starbucks across the street (where you will see multiple applicants sipping their lattes and going over their documents).
Security: akin to an airport, and they will hold any of your electronics. No bagpacks/large bags. Elevator takes you up to the 19th floor. As many have mentioned before, great views of the city. They will give you a laminated paper with a number on it and a list of documents (originals) you will need to have ready to provide them
Important piece of advice: if you are taking the time to read these reviews, you probably know what you are required to bring. But just in case, i need to stress this.... Please take the time to go through the P4 letter checklist, the consulate email, the NVC website, and of course the many resources here to ensure you have what you need. There were at least 2 applicants that i saw turned away (issued denials) because of this; one didnt have the correct tax info and one didnt bring passport photos (theres a photobooth on the first floor of the building but should you really rely on the building's equipment? Keep in mind- there were 3 vending machines and 2 were out of service) javascript:emoticon(' ')
We had copies of everything but they didnt ask for any copies, just the originals. The officer kept the original i864 with 1040 and W2, the original police clearance, and 2 passport size photos. Everything else was returned.
Interview: My wife was called up to #7. The officer was a really nice guy, very relaxed. I wasnt permitted to be at the window but from the hallway I was able to hear the majority of the interview. He began by swearing her in and then had a short conversation:
1) tell me about you guys
2) Why the USA and not Canada?
3) Ever have any trouble at the border?
4) Ever stay in the USA for over 6 months?
5) Did you two complete the paperwork yourselves? - good job, Welcome to the USA
it was less than 10 min. We were out of there by 11:45 The staff was courteous and professional.
Stay relaxed, come prepared, and good luck to everyone!!
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #21806