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| Montreal, Canada |  Review on January 19, 2021: |
BeeSee
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
I arrived a couple minutes prior to the interview. It was walking distance to my hotel.
The security people were courteous and I went through the screening with no issues. (I believe they usually take your phone from you at security but, I forgot it in my jacket pocket and realized I still had it with me when I got upstairs! I was too nervous to take it out and left it in my pocket the rest of the time.)
I brought a small cloth shopping bag with a thin binder with all my paperwork in plastic protectors, my wallet and a book to read.
I was directed upstairs via elevator. The waiting area was spaced out and there were a few others sitting.
I was called up to a wicket, where they did some initial identification - asked for my passport, marriage certificate, birth certificate, police certificate. They also took my fingerprints. I was given a pamphlet to read on domestic violence and asked to sit down.
I was called up about 20 minutes later to speak with the CO. Everything went well, I was asked basic questions such as where we would be living, what my spouse's occupation is, when we met, when we got married, how many children we have, what I do for work.
Here's where things get a bit different from most other cases I've read/heard about. The CO said that although I had all the right paperwork and met all the requirements, "there is still some work we have to do on our(the consulate's) end". She gave me a white paper with a 221g - stating further processing needed and to follow further instructions regarding additional documentation required. I was also given my passport back. It was a difficult and upsetting moment, but, I have to say the CO was very professional and kind despite her not being able to provide any further information. It was a sad walk back to the hotel to say the least. Although the outcome of the interview was really disappointing at the time, I can't really give the actual process a bad review. However, I do wish they would give a bit more of an indication of why things happen or how long they anticipate extra processing to take.
Four days after my interview, I received an email requesting me to fill out a DS 5535 as well as a my (beneficiary's) updated CV - which I submitted back on the same day. The consulate acknowledged receipt of the documentation via email two days after.
I was then put in administrative processing (CEAC status stated REFUSED) for 2 painful(!) months before my visa was finally issued.
(updated on January 19, 2021)
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #29025