Consulate Review: Montreal, Canada
Review Topic: K1 Visa
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| Event |
Description |
| Review Date : |
April 19, 2017 |
| Embassy Review : |
***** I would like to start this review off by saying: Make sure to tell the person that scans your DS160 at the front door of the Embassy that you are there for a K1 Visa Interview. And make sure you receive your laminated K1 Visa checklist sheet and interview number at the front door from that same person who scanned your DS160 ******
I will explain why in my review.
So like many others, my fiance and I read many of the VJ reviews of the K1 Visa interview process in Montreal.
My fiance (Canadian citizen) and I (US citizen) had our interview at 7:45am. We arrived at 7am, and saw no line. There is a Starbucks on the opposite corner of the Embassy, so we decided to grab a coffee and wait. At about 7:30am, we noticed several people with plastic file folders walking in-front of the Embassy. So, we decided to make our way to the Embassy front door.
There was one gentleman in line ahead of us, as we were second in line. The security guard opened the doors at 7:35am, and asked what time was the gentleman's interview - he said 8am. He then asked my fiance and I - we said 7:45am. The security guard let us in first. Awesome! First in line!
As we entered the building, a lady in a red vest asked my fiance for her DS160, appointment email confirming the time/date of our appointment, and her passport. We gladly gave them to the lady in the red vest, she evaluated them, scanned my fiance's DS160, checked my fiance in, and returned my fiance's documents and passport. I told the lady in the red vest I was the US Citizen and was accompanying my fiance to the interview. The security guard asked if I had brought my US passport, which I did, and was able to accompany my fiance.
As noted in other member's reviews, we were ushered through an Airport type security screening process, then directed down a flight of stairs into a large basement waiting area with several chairs, a passport photo booth, and an elevator. As recommended by VJ members, we sat in the chairs nearest the elevator.
After 5-6 minutes, more people started to come down the stairs and wait for the elevator as well. At this point, I recall other VJ members mention they received a laminated K1 Visa checklist sheet with an interview number on it. We were waiting in the basement and wondering when we'd receive this checklist and number. No one made mention of anything.
After 10 minutes total, a security guard gentleman directs everyone into the elevator and presses the button to the 19th floor.
As we get off the elevators onto the 19th floor, the space is very similar to a Department of Motor Vehicles waiting room. There are several numbered window counters, several chairs, a plasma TV on the wall, vending machines with snacks and drinks, and a beautiful view of downtown Montreal.
Being first in line out of the elevator, another lady in a red vest greeted the group and directed us to her. She asked to view my fiance's DS160 and passport, then directed us to window #2 to be processed. At window #2, the woman asked my fiance for her DS160, passport and laminated checklist sheet with interview number on it.
WHAT??!!!
We told the woman at window #2 we never received a laminated checklist sheet or interview number. She looked confused as well, and stated the lady in the red vest who was at the entrance of the Embassy and initially checked us in was to give us our laminated checklist sheet and interview number. The lady at window #2 apologized for their error. However, we were instructed to take the elevator back downstairs, return to the entrance and get the laminated checklist sheet with interview number, take the elevators back up, and return in line.
So we returned to the Embassy's entry down the elevator as instructed. Our hearts dropped as we noticed several more people enter the embassy and a line starting to form outside. We discussed with the downstairs entry guards and security personnel the mistake that was made on their part. The staff at the entry apologized, and after finishing checking-in a family of 4, the lady in the red vest at the entry gave my fiance her laminated checklist sheet with interview number. Fortunately, they didn't make us go through security again. Although, this took another 10 minutes to correct.
We took the elevator back to the 19th floor, only to be greeted by a line about 12 people long. From being the first in line, to now having to wait behind a long line of people - we were pretty upset at this. Fortunately however, the 19th floor greeter remembered us and ushered us to the first available window!
YAY no additional wait!
I was able to accompany my fiance to the processing window, and it was very similar to other VJ member's experiences. The gentleman took my fiance's finger prints, asked for her DS160, copy of her passport biographic page, the passport itself, birth certificate original and copy, police certificate, I-134 form, and my 2016 tax transcript. We were then instructed to take a seat, and would be called up to interview.
After about 5 minutes, my fiance was called up to window #7 for her interview. Of course, I was not allowed at the interview window.
My fiance said the female interviewer was very friendly and asked the same questions as other VJ members stated:
* How did you meet?
* What does he do for work?
* When did you get engaged?
* What is his favorite food?
* What types of activities do you both do in your spare time?
* Etc
After these questions, the interviewer said everything looked in order and my fiance was approved. The interviewer returned my fiance's original birth certificate, gave her the "Welcome to America" information letter, and said the passport with K1 Visa inside will be mailed with-in 2 weeks.
Even after their mistake with the laminated K1 Visa checklist and interview number, total time in and out only took 45 minutes.
It was a very quick and pleasant process. All the staff was very helpful. Like others have said - if your paperwork is in order, your relationship is true, and you are coming to the US in good faith, your process should be easy as well!
Good luck!
(updated on April 21, 2017) |
| Rating : |
Good |
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ver 5.0