Interview complete and Approved

[fridaynitewine 5]

Hello VJ'rs : I just completed my interview in Montreal for an IR1 visa, spouse of US citizen. I have to first say we started the process with the idea that we would not try to rush and just let the process take its course. We filed all our paperwork in March of 2013 and it took about 5 months for it to get through USICS. After we tecieved notification that it was at NVC on November 5th, we registered for electronic processing, filed DS-261. Filled out DS-260 and 864-EZ. Interview letter arrived January 30th via email. Interview was today March 13, 2014.

I arrived in Montreal last night to cold, wind and snow. Stayed at the hotel saint Philip. Suggestion by VJ'er. Consulate is right around the block, or just through the back parking lot and to the right. I got my Starbucks up the street on Rue st. Catherine's, and walked to the consulate, I actually walked right by it and when I xame back there were about 12 people in front of me at 20 to 8am. I had to empty my backpack and leave it on the post up the street. Couldn't leave it near the consulate outside. Apparently the school across the street will hold your bag if it is too big to take in. Purses of average size are okay but nothing larger.

Had to show passport and Loomis courier letter at the front door, then stand in line to get in. One or two at a time through security. Empty all documents, personal items into bins, empty coat pockets, just like at airport.

Go through metal detector. Security guard went through my puse, took out my cellphone, iPod, lip balm and dental floss. Kept them and gave me a ticket to pick up later. Took bin with all items downstairs and emptied bin.

Got into elevator and went to the 19th floor. There were about 20 people in front of me but because I was doing immigration visa receptionist called anyone doing immigration to come forward. She looked at my Loomis letter and passport and gave me a ticket with number A3. I was first. About 15 minutes later I was called to a window where my documents and passport were handed in and my fingerprints taken. The woman was very nice. I was then told to have seat and they would either call my number or my name. About 40 minutes later they called my number and I went to a little room and was asked, how long I had been married, if we had any children between us of our own, this is second marriage for both. He confirmed income and said we were a textbook case and wished everyone's case was this simple.

Bottom line, be patient, check and double check paperwork is complete and signed. Use electronic processing if you can and it should all go smoothly.

Big thanks to Saylin and others for posts. It really helped.

Have updated timeline to reflect and once passport arrives I will update it again

Good luck to all.

Edited March 13, 2014 by fridaynitewine

[rowanheather 23]

Congratulations! It's always encouraging to hear good experiences like yours. My husband and I are early in our journey, but I hope it is as smooth and easy as yours.

[Tina Marnia 7]

Income!!??...Thats the biggie!!!...How much Income We have to show??....I'm so nervious for that part, because in 2010 we applied for I-129 fiance` and was denied

visa, and based on the blue sheet and interviewer it was said my income had something to do with fiance` at that time getting denied. I felt like a piece of you know what!!....We are now married and even though getting denied made us feel down it didn't break us, We have been together for 4 years and April will be our one year

married.

Thank you for information and the feeling that perserverance pays off!!

Best wishes to you Too!!

[ArthurandMarcela 249]

Hello VJ'rs : I just completed my interview in Montreal for an IR1 visa, spouse of US citizen. I have to first say we started the process with the idea that we would not try to rush and just let the process take its course. We filed all our paperwork in March of 2013 and it took about 5 months for it to get through USICS. After we tecieved notification that it was at NVC on November 5th, we registered for electronic processing, filed DS-261. Filled out DS-260 and 864-EZ. Interview letter arrived January 30th via email. Interview was today March 13, 2014.

I arrived in Montreal last night to cold, wind and snow. Stayed at the hotel saint Philip. Suggestion by VJ'er. Consulate is right around the block, or just through the back parking lot and to the right. I got my Starbucks up the street on Rue st. Catherine's, and walked to the consulate, I actually walked right by it and when I xame back there were about 12 people in front of me at 20 to 8am. I had to empty my backpack and leave it on the post up the street. Couldn't leave it near the consulate outside. Apparently the school across the street will hold your bag if it is too big to take in. Purses of average size are okay but nothing larger.

Had to show passport and Loomis courier letter at the front door, then stand in line to get in. One or two at a time through security. Empty all documents, personal items into bins, empty coat pockets, just like at airport.

Go through metal detector. Security guard went through my puse, took out my cellphone, iPod, lip balm and dental floss. Kept them and gave me a ticket to pick up later. Took bin with all items downstairs and emptied bin.

Got into elevator and went to the 19th floor. There were about 20 people in front of me but because I was doing immigration visa receptionist called anyone doing immigration to come forward. She looked at my Loomis letter and passport and gave me a ticket with number A3. I was first. About 15 minutes later I was called to a window where my documents and passport were handed in and my fingerprints taken. The woman was very nice. I was then told to have seat and they would either call my number or my name. About 40 minutes later they called my number and I went to a little room and was asked, how long I had been married, if we had any children between us of our own, this is second marriage for both. He confirmed income and said we were a textbook case and wished everyone's case was this simple.

Bottom line, be patient, check and double check paperwork is complete and signed. Use electronic processing if you can and it should all go smoothly.

Big thanks to Saylin and others for posts. It really helped.

Have updated timeline to reflect and once passport arrives I will update it again

Good luck to all.

Congratulations, I hope mine will be easy like yours. I have a question for you, did you have to provide photo albums, letters , plane tickets etc? also affidavits of your relationship from family and friends? I would appreciate your help. Mine was approved March 4 and I am waiting for NVC. My lawyer is taking care of the process and I hope I don't have to wait too much. Thanks!

[fridaynitewine 5]

Income!!??...Thats the biggie!!!...How much Income We have to show??....I'm so nervious for that part, because in 2010 we applied for I-129 fiance` and was denied

visa, and based on the blue sheet and interviewer it was said my income had something to do with fiance` at that time getting denied. I felt like a piece of you know what!!....We are now married and even though getting denied made us feel down it didn't break us, We have been together for 4 years and April will be our one year

married.

Thank you for information and the feeling that perserverance pays off!!

Best wishes to you Too!!

[fridaynitewine 5]

You must show that your income is a percentage of the poverty line in the us. Fir us it is 125%. Because it is only the two of us. Check the us immigration website. Ours is a n IR1 visa so might be different than a K visa.

Congratulations, I hope mine will be easy like yours. I have a question for you, did you have to provide photo albums, letters , plane tickets etc? also affidavits of your relationship from family and friends? I would appreciate your help. Mine was approved March 4 and I am waiting for NVC. My lawyer is taking care of the process and I hope I don't have to wait too much. Thanks!

Congratulations, I hope mine will be easy like yours. I have a question for you, did you have to provide photo albums, letters , plane tickets etc? also affidavits of your relationship from family and friends? I would appreciate your help. Mine was approved March 4 and I am waiting for NVC. My lawyer is taking care of the process and I hope I don't have to wait too much. Thanks!

[fridaynitewine 5]

the only thing we did in that regard was when we initially filed we included a letter each from long time friends verifying that our relationship was legit and a copy of our wedding announcement. Did nit have to supply anything further but keep in mind we have been married for 8 years.

[ArthurandMarcela 249]

You must show that your income is a percentage of the poverty line in the us. Fir us it is 125%. Because it is only the two of us. Check the us immigration website. Ours is a n IR1 visa so might be different than a K visa.

Hi again, mine is IR1 like yours, maybe you made a mistake answering me. I was asking for proof of relationship in the interview. thanks

[ArthurandMarcela 249]

the only thing we did in that regard was when we initially filed we included a letter each from long time friends verifying that our relationship was legit and a copy of our wedding announcement. Did nit have to supply anything further but keep in mind we have been married for 8 years.

My husband and I we were married last summer but our relationship goes back to 9 years ago. We have a lot of air miles together and tons of pictures. I was just wondering what kind of proof we need, but thanks for your reply.

[fridaynitewine 5]

Hi again, mine is IR1 like yours, maybe you made a mistake answering me. I was asking for proof of relationship in the interview. thanks

Sorry, I did reply but it didn't show up in your comments, I'm still getting used to replying. We each had a letter from long time friends and copy of our marriage announcement with our initial application but did not need to supply anything else. Just take whatever they ask for in the interview letter.

Good luck.

[ArthurandMarcela 249]

Sorry, I did reply but it didn't show up in your comments, I'm still getting used to replying. We each had a letter from long time friends and copy of our marriage announcement with our initial application but did not need to supply anything else. Just take whatever they ask for in the interview letter.

Good luck.

Did you use a lawyer? we have a lawyer I hope it doesn't delay us. thanks again and good luck to both of you!

[fridaynitewine 5]

Did you use a lawyer? we have a lawyer I hope it doesn't delay us. thanks again and good luck to both of you!

No lawyer.

[Hotter Otter 1,211]

Congratulations! Nice review too for your fellow Canadians

[Collie 122]

Congrats!

[urbangirluk 73]

Congratulations Do Canadians not have to take a medical during the process?