Anyone waiting for an interview at the Vancouve Embassy?

[hheaven67 2]

yup, arrive only about 10-15 mins early...they won't let you in otherwise. the security there is worse than the airport...nothing but stonefaces! the officers inside are great tho...my 16 yr old son fell asleep (as we were up at 4am to fly) in their waiting room! they just laughed, asked him a couple questions, his interview lasted about 30 secs and that was that. BTW, they only have washrooms on the 2nd floor so make sure you don't drink too much beforehand! I had coffee before, had to ride the elevator down THEN go thru security all over again! ugh!

Good luck with your interviews everyone!!

[CaptainRubyHeart 1]

yup, arrive only about 10-15 mins early...they won't let you in otherwise. the security there is worse than the airport...nothing but stonefaces! the officers inside are great tho...my 16 yr old son fell asleep (as we were up at 4am to fly) in their waiting room! they just laughed, asked him a couple questions, his interview lasted about 30 secs and that was that. BTW, they only have washrooms on the 2nd floor so make sure you don't drink too much beforehand! I had coffee before, had to ride the elevator down THEN go thru security all over again! ugh!

Good luck with your interviews everyone!!

My husband had his interview for his K-1 visa at the Vancouver consulate almost exactly one year ago (3-17-08). He says that they're very casual. He dressed in business casual attire (dress pants and a white button-up shirt) and got asked by the lady interviewing him, "Why are you dressed like that? Is it for religious reasons?" (Of course, he said no.) My husband said that the interview was really short and there was literally no one else but him at the office at the time of the interview.

The security checks were pretty average--you know, don't bring cell phones, electronics, etc.

My husband's advice is to speak up when you get there--he said that he was sitting there for a while and no one really noticed he was there for a while.

The first guy that my husband spoke to was some dude who collected information from him (e.g., paperwork--the medical packet, etc., etc.) Then my husband was seated for a while and then the interviewer called him up. She asked 5 to 10 questions--all very, very basic information that he said he didn't even have to think about to answer. I wish I could provide you with an example, but as my husband said, "They were such boring, basic questions that I don't even remember them."

The lady was interested in seeing some photographs--some proof of our relationship. And then she took my husband's fingerprints and then he sat down for a little bit. She came back and told him, "You're approved. Come back tomorrow for your passport and visa."

And that's it! My husband says, "It was probably the easiest part of the entire process. Not worth all the stress that's put on it."

Edited March 21, 2009 by _Daniela

[Arabella 4]

yup, arrive only about 10-15 mins early...they won't let you in otherwise. the security there is worse than the airport...nothing but stonefaces! the officers inside are great tho...my 16 yr old son fell asleep (as we were up at 4am to fly) in their waiting room! they just laughed, asked him a couple questions, his interview lasted about 30 secs and that was that. BTW, they only have washrooms on the 2nd floor so make sure you don't drink too much beforehand! I had coffee before, had to ride the elevator down THEN go thru security all over again! ugh!

Good luck with your interviews everyone!!

My husband had his interview for his K-1 visa at the Vancouver consulate almost exactly one year ago (3-17-08). He says that they're very casual. He dressed in business casual attire (dress pants and a white button-up shirt) and got asked by the lady interviewing him, "Why are you dressed like that? Is it for religious reasons?" (Of course, he said no.) My husband said that the interview was really short and there was literally no one else but him at the office at the time of the interview.

The security checks were pretty average--you know, don't bring cell phones, electronics, etc.

My husband's advice is to speak up when you get there--he said that he was sitting there for a while and no one really noticed he was there for a while.

The first guy that my husband spoke to was some dude who collected information from him (e.g., paperwork--the medical packet, etc., etc.) Then my husband was seated for a while and then the interviewer called him up. She asked 5 to 10 questions--all very, very basic information that he said he didn't even have to think about to answer. I wish I could provide you with an example, but as my husband said, "They were such boring, basic questions that I don't even remember them."

The lady was interested in seeing some photographs--some proof of our relationship. And then she took my husband's fingerprints and then he sat down for a little bit. She came back and told him, "You're approved. Come back tomorrow for your passport and visa."

And that's it! My husband says, "It was probably the easiest part of the entire process. Not worth all the stress that's put on it."

She said to come back the next day? Hmm does that mean that my fiance should plan to stay over night in Montreal? Or do you live locally and they knew you could come back the next day?

[defunct 0]

yup, arrive only about 10-15 mins early...they won't let you in otherwise. the security there is worse than the airport...nothing but stonefaces! the officers inside are great tho...my 16 yr old son fell asleep (as we were up at 4am to fly) in their waiting room! they just laughed, asked him a couple questions, his interview lasted about 30 secs and that was that. BTW, they only have washrooms on the 2nd floor so make sure you don't drink too much beforehand! I had coffee before, had to ride the elevator down THEN go thru security all over again! ugh!

Good luck with your interviews everyone!!

My husband had his interview for his K-1 visa at the Vancouver consulate almost exactly one year ago (3-17-08). He says that they're very casual. He dressed in business casual attire (dress pants and a white button-up shirt) and got asked by the lady interviewing him, "Why are you dressed like that? Is it for religious reasons?" (Of course, he said no.) My husband said that the interview was really short and there was literally no one else but him at the office at the time of the interview.

The security checks were pretty average--you know, don't bring cell phones, electronics, etc.

My husband's advice is to speak up when you get there--he said that he was sitting there for a while and no one really noticed he was there for a while.

The first guy that my husband spoke to was some dude who collected information from him (e.g., paperwork--the medical packet, etc., etc.) Then my husband was seated for a while and then the interviewer called him up. She asked 5 to 10 questions--all very, very basic information that he said he didn't even have to think about to answer. I wish I could provide you with an example, but as my husband said, "They were such boring, basic questions that I don't even remember them."

The lady was interested in seeing some photographs--some proof of our relationship. And then she took my husband's fingerprints and then he sat down for a little bit. She came back and told him, "You're approved. Come back tomorrow for your passport and visa."

And that's it! My husband says, "It was probably the easiest part of the entire process. Not worth all the stress that's put on it."

She said to come back the next day? Hmm does that mean that my fiance should plan to stay over night in Montreal? Or do you live locally and they knew you could come back the next day?

This thread is referring to the Vancouver Consulate only. Montreal and Vancouver do things differently, but I think that Montreal will mail visas by Xpress Post.

[coldwatersurf 5]

since i live in vancouver, i dont need to bring a xpresspost envelope do i?

I emailed Vancouver consulate and they said to bring the original copies from the checklist. They said if they need any other documents, they will inquire for it and i can bring it next time

[minnew 4]

WOOT! Add me to this list!

[TheATeam 0]

Nope, you don't need to bring an xpresspost envelope. You can pick the visa up at the consulate the next day!

One thing I wanted to add is that if there is a very large line at the consulate the day of the interview or the next day when you pick it up, don't be alarmed! You can just bypass the line and go to the door. The security guards will open the door and ask if they can help you. Just show them the interview letter. I know that when we saw the line around the block I was concerned I was going to miss my appointment! Don't worry though! It's nice to see that things are going so fast at Vancouver right now. Last year it took about two weeks to get our appointment date after we sent the checklist back.

[Tankgurl38 0]

Congrats on getting your NOA2 Minnew!

[minnew 4]

Congrats on getting your NOA2 Minnew!

Thank you! I can't wait to get the ball rollin!!!

Let us know how your medical and interview go! It's coming up soon!!

[minnew 4]

Hey guys! I am waiting for my Packet 3 to arrive and received my VAC case# through NVC a few days ago. I was lurking around trying to find out requirements for packet 3 and stumbled upon instructions to download Packet 3 if you have received a letter from the Vancouver embassy.

http://vancouver.usconsulate.gov/content/c...document=fiance

What I was also suprised to see when I clicked on Packet 3 on the website was that the latest Revision date was 3/30/09! 2 days ago!

So just a heads up for anyone going through Vancouver consulate! I know there were a few from the January CSC filers thread! Look forward to hearing about your progress!!

I am still in the US visiting my fiance until Monday so I think I will wait until next week to send the checklist back by fax, I want to see if I can get a new passport first.

Can I send the checklist back by fax even if I haven't received a hardcopy letter from VAC that my petition has been received?

[coldwatersurf 5]

Hey guys! I am waiting for my Packet 3 to arrive and received my VAC case# through NVC a few days ago. I was lurking around trying to find out requirements for packet 3 and stumbled upon instructions to download Packet 3 if you have received a letter from the Vancouver embassy.

http://vancouver.usconsulate.gov/content/c...document=fiance

What I was also suprised to see when I clicked on Packet 3 on the website was that the latest Revision date was 3/30/09! 2 days ago!

So just a heads up for anyone going through Vancouver consulate! I know there were a few from the January CSC filers thread! Look forward to hearing about your progress!!

I am still in the US visiting my fiance until Monday so I think I will wait until next week to send the checklist back by fax, I want to see if I can get a new passport first.

Can I send the checklist back by fax even if I haven't received a hardcopy letter from VAC that my petition has been received?

its better if you send Vanc Consulate an email and make sure that packet 3 is on your way and that your petition is not in transit anymore from NVC to VAC. dont fax the checklist too early. make sure you actually get started on what's on the checklist first. (ie. pay the $131 & get the receipt, fill out DS160, and i believe there's more forms if you're doing K1) Book your medical exam first as they book 2 weeks in advance and only do it on wednesdays. You will need a letter from packet 3 when you go to your medical exam. so when you ask for an interview date, make sure its after the medical exam or i think some applicants can do their medical exam and interview on the same day but that's just a lot of running around imo.

and o yeah... it took a day for me to get an interview after i faxed the checklist. I just emailed them if they got my fax and if i was already booked for an interview and they told me i was!

Edited April 2, 2009 by borderdriver

[minnew 4]

Hey guys! I am waiting for my Packet 3 to arrive and received my VAC case# through NVC a few days ago. I was lurking around trying to find out requirements for packet 3 and stumbled upon instructions to download Packet 3 if you have received a letter from the Vancouver embassy.

http://vancouver.usconsulate.gov/content/c...document=fiance

What I was also suprised to see when I clicked on Packet 3 on the website was that the latest Revision date was 3/30/09! 2 days ago!

So just a heads up for anyone going through Vancouver consulate! I know there were a few from the January CSC filers thread! Look forward to hearing about your progress!!

I am still in the US visiting my fiance until Monday so I think I will wait until next week to send the checklist back by fax, I want to see if I can get a new passport first.

Can I send the checklist back by fax even if I haven't received a hardcopy letter from VAC that my petition has been received?

its better if you send Vanc Consulate an email and make sure that packet 3 is on your way and that your petition is not in transit anymore from NVC to VAC. dont fax the checklist too early. make sure you actually get started on what's on the checklist first. (ie. pay the $131 & get the receipt, fill out DS160, and i believe there's more forms if you're doing K1) Book your medical exam first as they book 2 weeks in advance and only do it on wednesdays. You will need a letter from packet 3 when you go to your medical exam. so when you ask for an interview date, make sure its after the medical exam or i think some applicants can do their medical exam and interview on the same day but that's just a lot of running around imo.

and o yeah... it took a day for me to get an interview after i faxed the checklist. I just emailed them if they got my fax and if i was already booked for an interview and they told me i was!

Thank you for the information! I will email them if I don't receive my letter sometime next week. I already have some of the forms filled out except the DS-156. On the checklist with REV 3/30/09 it doesn't have the DS-160 listed, but the DS-156 and the DS-156K with the DS-156 you can do online. I wonder if they are having problems with the DS-160?? Unfortunately I have to wait to book my medical until I know my interview date because I am travelling from SK and have to do it all in 2 or 3 days, and its the only doctor left in Western Canada! I will make sure to note that when I send the checklist back.

[defunct 0]

Hey guys! I am waiting for my Packet 3 to arrive and received my VAC case# through NVC a few days ago. I was lurking around trying to find out requirements for packet 3 and stumbled upon instructions to download Packet 3 if you have received a letter from the Vancouver embassy.

http://vancouver.usconsulate.gov/content/c...document=fiance

What I was also suprised to see when I clicked on Packet 3 on the website was that the latest Revision date was 3/30/09! 2 days ago!

So just a heads up for anyone going through Vancouver consulate! I know there were a few from the January CSC filers thread! Look forward to hearing about your progress!!

I am still in the US visiting my fiance until Monday so I think I will wait until next week to send the checklist back by fax, I want to see if I can get a new passport first.

Can I send the checklist back by fax even if I haven't received a hardcopy letter from VAC that my petition has been received?

Hmmm... they've removed the evidence of support requirement from the checklist... strange...

[minnew 4]

Hey guys! I am waiting for my Packet 3 to arrive and received my VAC case# through NVC a few days ago. I was lurking around trying to find out requirements for packet 3 and stumbled upon instructions to download Packet 3 if you have received a letter from the Vancouver embassy.

http://vancouver.usconsulate.gov/content/c...document=fiance

What I was also suprised to see when I clicked on Packet 3 on the website was that the latest Revision date was 3/30/09! 2 days ago!

So just a heads up for anyone going through Vancouver consulate! I know there were a few from the January CSC filers thread! Look forward to hearing about your progress!!

I am still in the US visiting my fiance until Monday so I think I will wait until next week to send the checklist back by fax, I want to see if I can get a new passport first.

Can I send the checklist back by fax even if I haven't received a hardcopy letter from VAC that my petition has been received?

Hmmm... they've removed the evidence of support requirement from the checklist... strange...

I was wondering about that too!

[WalkonWildSide 0]

http://vancouver.usconsulate.gov/content/c...document=fiance

What I was also suprised to see when I clicked on Packet 3 on the website was that the latest Revision date was 3/30/09! 2 days ago!

So just a heads up for anyone going through Vancouver consulate! I know there were a few from the January CSC filers thread! Look forward to hearing about your progress!!

Thanks for the link Minnew! Hopefully soon we will have the interview scheduled. The checklist is different. No proof of support? What's up with that?

Are they checking the petitioner's IRS records nowadays?

I am going to prepare the evidence of support anyways and bring it. Knowing my luck they will still want it.