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| Montreal, Canada |  Review on April 19, 2009: |
July09Bride
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
Everything went well... even with the grumpy guys at the door!
We showed up at 6:40 and were the first in line. Walked in to the "security" room and didn't bring much of anything (just had IDs, wallet, lip gloss, and hotel keys), so we were quick to go through the security check.
After that, we went down stairs and waited less than 5 minutes to head up to the 19th floor. During those few moments before getting into the elevator, we were able to start pulling documents from the checklist we were given by the secruty guys.
Once we got up to the 19th floor, we had a seat and waited for less than 10 minutes. We finished collecting and organizing documents we knew we'd need right away from the checklist from before. The elevator security guy took the list away just before entering the elevator (and was quite gruff about it, too... practically just snatched the papers away from my fiance'!) but we remembered what was on the list.
My fiance's name was called, and we went back to window #9 as directed by the intercom voice. During this first trip to window #9, we handed over the financial docs, practically 2 copies of EVERY form, as well as other evidenciary information. The man at window #9 gave myu fiance a 1/2 sheet of paper and we were instructed to go see the cashier at window #14 (out in the room we were waiting in before). He said the cashier probably wasn't open yet, but he would be in about 5 minutes. By the time we got to the waiting room area, there were already 20 or so people in line.
We paid the $131 and were given a receipt in exchange. (FYI... try to bring US money - the exchange rate is AT LEAST $.10 more than a bank's rate.) We went back over to wait.
We were called again to window #9, gave the man the receipt for the $131 and my fiance' then had his fingerprints scanned (the biometrics).
Again, we were sent back to the waiting room. During this waiting time, we met another VJ'er, Kim (from Travis_&_Kim). Chatting with her definitely helped the time pass! =) As an aside, Kim - it was really great to meet you!
Eventually, we were called to Room #6 and were asked a bunch of questions after we were both "sworn in" to tell the truth, the whole truth, so help us God... well, that's what they use in the movies... it was soemthing like that. Here is what we were asked in no particular order (based on what I can recall!)...
1- What my fiance' (beneficiary) did for a living.
2- What I do for a living (the USC).
3- Is he aware about the situation with his insurance (how his OHIP goes away when he moves to the USA.
4- What is he planning on doing for a kiving once he moves to the US and is eligible to work (after AoS, etc.).
5- When and how did we meet (for us it was online, so she followed up by asking when we met in person).
6- When and how did he propose.
7- She mentioned reading our paperwork and told US our planned wedding date, and confirmed that the date fits within the 6 months for him to enter the country and also within the timeframe of having to get married (the 90 day window).
8- After that, she basically said, well, knowing all of that, she was happy to tell us that we were approved!
I, at that time, being the girly-girl I can be, did a mini happy dance, turned and gave my fiance a BIG hug and kissed him right there in from of the interviewer! He was so embarrassed, I didn't care.  I was so happy that we'd been approved and our July wedding can still take place! 
Between showing up and the moment we stepped outside of the security room area at ground level, we had been there just shy of 3 hours. Overall, it was way less painful than I tought, but somethings you have to experience, just to believe. 
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #4246