Montreal interviews...

[shiri 0]

Well, earlier this week we found out that our interview date at the Montreal consulate is March 24. It will be after our 2 year anniversary, so it looks like we will get the IR-1 instead of the CR-1. I am kinda happy about that. I remember reading on a thread about some of the interviews where photo albums were allowed and others where we should have separate photos. I created an album just for this of him with my family, me with his and us together. So, how is it for Montreal? Can I bring a 12x12 photo album or should I take photos of the album? I have notarized letters from people that know us as a couple, including the doctor who delivered our baby... I am bringing the baby and I am flying out for the interview... any other tips? We do have all the required stuff, but I just want to make sure we have everything and are completely ready. Any advice is welcome!

[MrsCat 6]

Very happy for you Shiri! Triple WOOT for the IR-1

Not much to tell you about the interview. Its a breeze. I personally wouldn't worry about bringing too many photos. You'll already have enough with the little guy, I'd just bring a few photos separately without the album. I think the baby will be proof enough.

This was the list of everything I brought with me to Montreal. He didn't ask to see ANY of it.

1) medical results and xray

2) gigantic xpressport mailer

3) 2 passport photos

4) valid passport

5) about 10 or so photos from our life together

6) interview letter

7) copy of police certificate

8) copy of marriage certificate

9) copy of long form birth certificate

10) 3 years of tax returns (they sure don't look like Canadian tax returns)

11) NOA2 from USCIS

12) a sampling of plane ticket stubs

Edited February 13, 2009 by MrsCat

[wowswift 3]

MrsCat is right, you can bring the photos, but I bet they won't look at them. Copies of everything is good to have on hand

[Rushing31 0]

Congrats on your interview date Shiri! We'll probably get ours later Apri/early May.

Not to change the subject, but when in this process do you do the Medical exam? And where?

Thanks, Chris.

[Flames9_RN 358]

Congrats on the date!! I bought a plastic 13 fiel folder to put al my ####### into! had brought evidence of the relationship like travel receipts, pictures ,letters, not a lot of each thing but a few. They never asked to see any of it. Good to have some, but dont get carried away! Plus you have a baby together, dont need much more evidence than that,lol It is a very easy interview, last 10 minutes if that. most of your time at the consulate is spent waiting for your # to be called

[trailmix 77]

Congrats on your interview date Shiri! We'll probably get ours later Apri/early May.

Not to change the subject, but when in this process do you do the Medical exam? And where?

Thanks, Chris.

Hi Chris and welcome to VJ,

A list of panel physician's can be found here. Unfortunately there are only 4 for all of Canada, as of October of last year, since you are interviewing in Montreal, if one is not near by, you can try to schedule your interview and do the Medical all in Montreal in the same week perhaps.

You should get it once your case has been completed at NVC.

[shiri 0]

Thank you all for your replies and tips! I really appreciate all the help!

[Reba 2]

Don't bother putting the photos in an album, because it won't fit thru the little opening in the window should they ask to see any. Just bring a few loose ones.

Also, they may not allow you to bring stuff in your diaper bag for the baby, like bottle or diaper cream and whatnot. You may want to call or email ahead to ask them. Usually security confiscates any food or drinks and stuff. When I went, I cleaned out my purse before I got there and put all my stuff in a locker at the train station, but I missed a tube of lip balm. They confiscated my lip balm of all things. You'll get it back afterward of course, but if they do confiscate the baby's stuff, you're pretty much stuck up there without all of it, and if they're slow with the interviews, the baby could get really cranky with a wet bottom, or if it comes round to feeding time.

[shiri 0]

Don't bother putting the photos in an album, because it won't fit thru the little opening in the window should they ask to see any. Just bring a few loose ones.

Also, they may not allow you to bring stuff in your diaper bag for the baby, like bottle or diaper cream and whatnot. You may want to call or email ahead to ask them. Usually security confiscates any food or drinks and stuff. When I went, I cleaned out my purse before I got there and put all my stuff in a locker at the train station, but I missed a tube of lip balm. They confiscated my lip balm of all things. You'll get it back afterward of course, but if they do confiscate the baby's stuff, you're pretty much stuck up there without all of it, and if they're slow with the interviews, the baby could get really cranky with a wet bottom, or if it comes round to feeding time.

Thanks for the tip! I appreciate it!