How big is big?

[Saylin 1,605]

So, my interview's next Tuesday and was hoping my question can be answered before then.

In all the reviews I've read as well as the instructions online, big bags aren't allowed at the consulate in Montreal and people get turned away if they have them. But how big is big?

I'd like to use the bag pictured below, but not sure if it's too large or not. I put a piece of paper next to it as well as my passport for size comparison. All I would have inside is my folder, that's it, no knick-knacks or anything.

Do you think I'll be fine at the consulate? Or should I just put everything into a regular plastic grocery bag? I'd prefer to use the bag I've shown below just as it's made out of stronger material (and my folder is like 10 lbs, I'm sure) plus it has longer straps I can hang over my shoulder instead of carrying a plastic bag in my hands.

[Minted7 3]

Ahhhh we are so nervous my hubbys interview is coming up on TUesday too! It comes so quickly!

[J & J 3]

The bag I brang was about the same size as that one. I had a zip up binder and accordion folder in it.. Plus my umbrella and a book to read. As long as it doen't have any zippers or pockets, it should be fine. A person ahead of me had a backpack, they did not let him in with it, but they where fine with what I had. Best of luck at the interview, it's easy peasy!

[Canadiandggal 49]

My bag was about the same size, as long as it is open they usually will let you through no problems. I did take all my stuff out a few times and was sooooooo glad I had the bag with me lol I brought everything but the kitchen sink (and I seriously thought I might have needed more).

Good luck

[Moosker 7]

That bag looks fine! I used something similar to that. Just be prepared not to have a lot of "junk" in there that they need to go through.

Oh and make sure you have nothing in your pants/jacket pockets! They'll want you to take everything out.

Good luck!!!!

[Saylin 1,605]

Thanks everyone!

There's no zipper or pockets on the bag. It's as plain as a grocery bag, just made out of strong material and has longer straps. So glad everyone says this will be fine, phew.

And I'm planning on wearing no jewelery except a watch (I'm going to want to know what time it is). And I'm going to have nothing in my pockets. So, I should speed right through security.

Thanks for all the well wishes

[GLo 0]

Also make sure you don't have any musical greeting cards. I had to surrender mine temporarily when I went through security. I was able to pick them up on my way out. Reusable grocery bags are perfectly fine. Just no backpacks!

Best of luck with your interview!

[Saylin 1,605]

Also make sure you don't have any musical greeting cards. I had to surrender mine temporarily when I went through security. I was able to pick them up on my way out. Reusable grocery bags are perfectly fine. Just no backpacks!

Best of luck with your interview!

Yes, I had seen that about musical greeting cards. I immediately checked the cards I had and none of them were musical, just the plain ones.

Thanks!

[GLo 0]

Yes, I had seen that about musical greeting cards. I immediately checked the cards I had and none of them were musical, just the plain ones.

Thanks!

Awesome! One my cards played the Chicken Dance song and I remember one of the security guards kept opening and closing it, then humming the song. It was kinda nice to see that they have a sense of humor.

[Saylin 1,605]

Awesome! One my cards played the Chicken Dance song and I remember one of the security guards kept opening and closing it, then humming the song. It was kinda nice to see that they have a sense of humor.

Oh wow! You probably wouldn't have seen that at an airport or the border. Those security guards rarely have a sense of humour.

[bigbigblake 2]

Drats, You have ruined my evil plan of recording all my interview answers on to the musical greeting card so that I could cheat at the test. There will be a test right?

[Saylin 1,605]

Drats, You have ruined my evil plan of recording all my interview answers on to the musical greeting card so that I could cheat at the test. There will be a test right?

[Amila 0]

The bag I brang was about the same size as that one. I had a zip up binder and accordion folder in it.. Plus my umbrella and a book to read. As long as it doen't have any zippers or pockets, it should be fine. A person ahead of me had a backpack, they did not let him in with it, but they where fine with what I had. Best of luck at the interview, it's easy peasy!

Define easy peasy .. I am so nervous! I really dont know what to expect and that freaks me out.

[K and T 0]

Define easy peasy .. I am so nervous! I really dont know what to expect and that freaks me out.

My wife's interview was yesterday..and they only asked her basic stuff like where did I live, what do I do, where did we first meet.. things like that. They didnt even look at a single photo of us.. and I had sent her abour 50 of them Hell..my wife asked the guy if he wanted to see any photos and he said no.

Dont worry.. I was scared about the interview (my wife wasnt lol) and she said it was easy..and very straight-forward.

[JeannieL 44]

Thanks everyone!

There's no zipper or pockets on the bag. It's as plain as a grocery bag, just made out of strong material and has longer straps. So glad everyone says this will be fine, phew.

And I'm planning on wearing no jewelery except a watch (I'm going to want to know what time it is). And I'm going to have nothing in my pockets. So, I should speed right through security.

Thanks for all the well wishes

The bag will be fine. You can wear jewelry....I wore earring, necklace and 3 rings and did not have to remove any of them It is just like airport clearance....You would have to remove a belt, and jacket. I went through this morning. I took my jacket off, and put it in the tray. My paperwork in another. Then walked through the metal detector. Put my jacket back on and went down the stairs. It's very easy. The only bags they are worried about is big backpacks. Other women had purses with them, I didn't bother with a purse. One woman told me all she had in her purse was her wallet and they just looked in it and she was on her way. I think it is best just to leave the purses at the motel or wherever you stay. Good Luck!