Jumping a bit ahead of myself, but I'm curious...

[frenzyheart 2]

Like the topic says, I'm getting a little ahead of myself, but I want to start saving now, so I figured I'd ask! (and I hope this is in the right spot... if not, Sorry!)

I was just curious to those of you who have had interviews at the Montreal Embassy - do they frown upon the petitioner being at the interview? Were you even allowed to go in, or did you have to sit outside and wait? I'm considering going (if I can come up with the funding for it) but I wanted to find out from those that have done it in the past. My fiance gets suuuper duper nervous, and I'd love to be able to a) go to Montreal and B) be there with him for support. We both agreed to be in this 100% together... and it would be pretty sucky if I couldn't be there with him...

Any thoughts? Advice?

[JillA 2]

They definitely accept and prefer the US citizen to be there! That's the best "proof" you can have! My SO couldn't join me, because he was unable to get the time off work and flights directly to YUL were so expensive, so I went on my own. But the interviewer asked me where he was, and why he didn't join me! So it's fine if you attend together

[ashenflowers 5]

I'm really hoping that my fiancé can join me for mine as well. I have also heard, as Jill said, that it is encouraged. I say definitely go for it! Especially if he's a worrywart, like me, he'll appreciate your presence there to back him up... plus, then you can celebrate together when you're approved!!

[frenzyheart 2]

So what would I say to them at the border? "Going to Montreal for a K1 Visa interview" ??? (I might have to take a bus or drive; I'm not too kosher on flying, lol -- in fact, I'm deathly afraid of it!!!)

[Malrothien 6]

Frenzy, I am too! I would go to Montreal if it were cheaper to take the train (it's 1k per person). My hubby will have to go by himself, unfortunately. I get panic attacks if I fly.

[Hugglebuggles 60]

My fiance came to the interview with me and it was great! The IO spent more time chatting with him then asking me any serious questions. She never asked to see any kind of evidence, since he was standing right there, and i'd be surprised if the interview took anymore than 5 minutes. Plus, while I was sitting there waiting nervous for a few hours I had someone to keep my company and calm me down. It was really a good decision. He flew into YYZ and just told them I had a visa interview in Montreal and he was attending, no issues at all.

[ashenflowers 5]

From Ontario to California is too far to NOT fly usually... We don't have a lot of choice. It's 12 hours of travel, vs. 4-5 days. lol

As far as the border goes Frenzy, first: you should always be honest, but you don't need to offer more information than they ask. You are going to visit your fiance. If they inquire further, you can tell them about the interview, but make sure you have copies of paperwork to show them... any correspondence you or your fiance have received from the consulate and NVC. Usually the Canadian side of the border isn't as strict as the US side (but maybe I just think that because I'm Canadian.. I dunno. lol). I don't know what knowledge the border patrol on the Canadian side of the border would have about a fiance visa for the US. Maybe one of our American friends can let us know how it went for them!

[Krikit 1,164]

My husband came to the interview with me and it was really great to have him there. The interviewer talked to him more than he talked to me. LOL

We decided to make a holiday of it so he flew in to Buffalo and I picked him up at the airport. We then drove from Buffalo to the NY/QC border at Champlain and told them we were heading to Montreal for our K-1 interview. It was a relatively painless process.

[Carlawarla 1]

They definitely accept and prefer the US citizen to be there! That's the best "proof" you can have! My SO couldn't join me, because he was unable to get the time off work and flights directly to YUL were so expensive, so I went on my own. But the interviewer asked me where he was, and why he didn't join me! So it's fine if you attend together

I don't know that is true at all. While it's nice for moral support to have your fiance there if you think it's needed, it's certainly not an expectation of the Consulate. There is nothing in any paperwork from the Consulate to say that both parties should be be there or it's preferred as well. I had my interview in Vancouver. We had originally thought that Gene would accompany me, only because he hadn't been to Vancouver, and we hadn't seen each other in two months so we were going to combine a vacation with the interview. Things at his work couldn't accomodate this, and I went on my own after we decided we'd rather spend Christmas together than the interview. My interview was easy-peasy, and I was in and out in 10 minutes. There is nothing at my interview that would have gone smoother had Gene been there. I personally, had no worries or concerns about doing the interview myself either. Some people I've seen here in the Canada forum as well, are certainly not in any way financially comfortable to do this as well, and really break the bank to be there for the interview. So, if he can come, and you have the funds, then sure, have him come! But by no means is it required. Don't put added pressure on yourself if he/she just can't be there.

Edited September 8, 2009 by Carlawarla

[Flames9_RN 358]

In some consulates thru out the world, it is HIGHLY suggested that the USA spouse be at the interview. In Canada that is NOT the case. Mine did not attend, and yes at the interview they asked where she was, and I stated at work, and that was that! The interview itself is lucky to last 10 minutes, and most of that time it them going over ur paperwork. So yes it is nice to have ur spouse there, but it is not a must.

[CBR 0]

I went with my hubby last year for his K-1 interview in Montreal. We were concerned about funds as well and it was a bit expensive for gas ($100 for a tank of gas on the way there, wow), the hotel we got was the cheapest cheapo in the area and it wasn't that cheap (around $125 and the a/c was a complete joke, we felt like we were suffocating the entire time we were in that room, if you go during cold weather though it would probably be fine.) However, this being said, we went in June so maybe that has something to do with the costs.

The interview itself was actually kind of fun. We were so excited to finally be there, we just enjoyed it. Our interviewer was really nice and we laughed with him pretty much the whole time (he was just in that kind of mood I guess).

I'd definitely go with him if you can. It's totally worth it. And it's so much fun coming back together! Remember though, you'll have to wait for the packet to be mailed back to him (they don't allow you to wait for it or pick it up the next day like Vancouver does..or used to?)

Entry into Canada on the way there was no big deal and never was any of the times I visited him. When I went for the visa I simply told them that's what I was there for and that we couldn't say exactly when we'd be leaving Canada, but that it shouldn't be more than a 2 weeks (and it was less than 1 week). On the way back our only issue was an inexperienced officer having a hard time with his computer. They were pretty nice though and it was nice and uneventful.

Gosh I'm getting excited for you just writing about this!! Good luck, have fun with it if you go!!

[frenzyheart 2]

Well, I've decided to save up and go, and I'm dragging my maid of honor along for the ride!! (well, that's assuming she can get her passport in time, which I don't see why not) I'm not one to travel alone, so having her there will be a lot of fun, and we'll all get to celebrate WHEN we are finally done! (BEING OPTIMISTIC!!!!!! :D) She's already cool with staying at the hotel during the interview and stuff; I just hope my fiance's dad doesn't bore her with tech talk! LOL.

Here's to speedy processing, and to a likeable interview date! (It would suck if we had to miss finals or something to be up there -- I wouldn't care, but not so sure about her, haha!)

Thanks, everyone!!!! <3

Edited September 8, 2009 by frenzyheart

[Krikit 1,164]

Excellent! Montreal's a great place to visit. If you have extra time, try to make a side trip to Quebec City. Have fun!

[childress_london 3]

I flew into Canada Saturday to be with my hubby for our K3 interview in Montreal. I never have any trouble with the border guards. I just answer their questions truthfully and that's that. Our interview is Thursday and we are so excited!

[Krikit 1,164]

Oooh! How exciting! Good luck, Childress!!