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| Montreal, Canada |  Review on May 1, 2019: |
aqb
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
First and foremost, I apologize for not writing this relatively close to when I actually had the interview (March 20th, 2019)
My memory of the whole process isn't as clear anymore so I will be writing about my general experience.
So I flew in March 19th, a day before my interview and stayed at Hotel Quartier Des Spectacles which is about a 10 minute walk away from the consulate. I originally intended to navigate the bus system to get to downtown but decided for the fixed rate of $40 for the taxi to get me downtown. I was already stressed enough with the whole process much like everyone else, I just wanted to get to my hotel. Quick review of Hotel Quartier Des Spectacles. It's relatively close to the consulate and it's cheap but far from nice. For me it was $30/night which I only stayed for 1 night. The location isn't kid friendly as it's next to a sex shop, but interior is... interesting, nothing inappropriate thankfully but old and creaky. Their complimentary breakfast was surprisingly decent considering I only paid $30 for my stay. The room was pretty ghetto and you have shared bathrooms. So definitely don't go here if you want a decent place. But if you don't really care and just want to save cost and don't mind a little walk, it's perfectly fine.
SKIP HERE FOR CONSULATE EXPERIENCE
Interview day, I already scouted the location the day before just so I don't get lost (which happened when I was scouting lool). While waiting in line I met a lot of lovely people and we all just shared our experience up until this point. Majority of people are there for the same reason and it was a big stress reliever to be able to have a group to talk to. Definitely do this, it made my experience so much better. Have your passport and interview appointment paper on hand as they will check that before they let you inside. Once in, you'll go through a body scanner and will be asked leave behind anything that can't be taken with you (like your phone) but they will give you a ticket receipt to pick it up when you leave. You'll go to a lower floor where you get a moment to organize your documents according to the checklist they give you. After a few minutes everyone will be guided to an elevator where you're taken up to the waiting room. The overall vibe of the waiting room is very pleasant. The officer standing guard was always smiling and there was just quiet chatter of everyone socializing still. One by one they will call up people and to make sure they have all the correct documents. Assuming everything is good, you'll be seated after to wait for your interview. My interview was super easy, he asked maybe 3 questions and congratulated me. I said my goodbyes to the friends I just made, we still keep contact since we'll be going through the AOS process as well. But yeah, everything went really smoothly! You'll be nervous, but just socialize with those around you and generate a good vibe because the officers aren't super stern and the receptionists are very nice.
I FORGOT TO MENTION!
The earlier you get in line the better. You get handed a number in first come first serve basis. I was second in line and got in and out relatively quickly about 2h30, especially because I was just applying for myself. But several people had K2s as well so they took a lot more time to process so I assume those behind them had to wait longer. I was also in the earliest time slot and it felt like there wasn't as many interviewers / receptionist at that time. So maybe it picks up in pace later on.
Anyways, feel free to PM me if you have any questions if you're doing the K-1 Visa interview, I'll be around the forum as I work through the AOS process =)
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #26084