Number of Pictures for Interview (already sent 2 with pkt 3)

[carolineden11 2]

Hi everyone and thank you for viewing my post. I have my interview in Montreal in just a few weeks. I remember reading somewhere that we needed 5 pictures total (3 for the medical and 2 for the interview). However, I wasn't sure if I was suppose to send the pictures in with pkt 3 so I added them just in case. Do I need 2 additional pictures for the interview or are the ones I sent to the Consulate with pkt 3 enough? I would hate to get denied a visa for that reason.

Also, I have never been to Montreal before so I was hoping I could get some advice about hotels in the area. I've read the reviews but most of the places don't seem particularly "nice". I don't have a lot of money to spend but since it's only two nights and this is a mini vacation for me, I would like to splurge just a little bit. Any recommendations? I am also a small, young woman travelling by myself so I would like somewhere very safe. I'm taking the train so somewhere close to the Via Rail station would be ideal.

Thank you you very much for your advice!

[pocheros 101]

I don't know whether or not you should bring more photos (I would err on the side of caution and pick up two since they're pretty cheap) but even if Montreal wants more, don't worry 'cause there's a photobooth inside the consulate. Don't have any answers for the rest of your post, sorry.

Also they wouldn't outright deny your visa, they would just postpone its issuance until you got them the required documents. It's rare to get outright denied if you're just missing something that's easily obtained.

[Inky 1,110]

No you don't need anymore pictures.

Hotels in the downtown area near the consul are not cheap. Its not a super safe area either. We stayed in a hotel 1 block from the consul and it was not cheap but the hotel is really nice and attached to a mall. Shopped after my visa interview and had lunch in there as well. Hyatt Regency Montreal. http://montreal.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp?src=agn_dtc_hr_lclb_gplaces_mtlrm

room was super clean and nice, it was really quiet. They have a pool, staff is really friendly and nice. We spent only 1 night. They have a lock room where you can put your bags if you check out early morning.

Edited July 20, 2011 by Inky

[carolineden11 2]

Anyone know anything about the Omni hotel? I've stayed at the Omni in another city and it was really nice. The rates are really reasonable with my CAA card and it's not too far from the Consulate.

[bigbigblake 2]

We just got back from Montreal. With the metro system everything is close.

We stayed at the Hotel la Cantile, a 3 star hotel or so. We chose it because it had a kitchenette. If you are staying a week long to do your medical, I highly recommend it as the food was expensive as hell there, but my wife says that is just Canada in general.

It was about a 1.3km walk to the consulate, which was a little long, but we didn't want to mess with the subway interview day.

Montreal in general felt 100 percent safe to me. 75 percent of the pretend beggers are just looking for beer money, and I only counted a few true homeless looking chaps. We walked everywhere, even taking a nighttime stroll near an outdoor concert.

I think its a wonderful city overall, minus the food. I was a little angry about some of our servers, but as the trip went on it seems like it is all of Montreal. The waiters will bring you a drink, one drink only, they will get your order, bring the food, and then not come back again. Anytime I wanted another drink I had to flag someone down and beg for it. And usually it had to be water, cause they charge for refills everywhere! I mean, who does that anymore! Then one lady asked us if something was wrong with the restaurant because we didn't tip her enough. That made me mad, but my wife was guilted into giving more money.

Once I got over that things were a bit better but still expensive!

Oh yeah, make sure you give Medisys at least 4 days to do the medical!

Edited July 20, 2011 by bigbigblake

[carolineden11 2]

Thanks for the advice. I just booked a 3 night stay at the Omni for $500. My dad offered to drive me to Montreal for free so I saved on travel and could afford to splurge on the hotel. I already did the medical in Toronto so I don't need to stay for very many nights. Anything fun to do in Montreal besides the dreaded interview? I really wish my fiance wasn't deployed so that he could come share this with me but I'm happy I get to spend some time with my dad before I move! Thanks again!

[Inky 1,110]

Montreal is best known for its shopping. Lots of stuff from paris and the US. Top designers etc.

It also known for its music and concert stuff.

[bigbigblake 2]

We started at one mall. And turned out that mall was connected to another mall, and then another mall. It was shopping overload.

We had kids so we went to the Biodome, and the Biosphere, and Harry Potter. Other then that we ate and just walked around!

The biosphere is right on a large piece of land with a huge park, water complex, and biking routes. They had street concerts at least two of the nights we were there as well.

Its a full on city so Im sure there is a ton more that we missed.

[Penny Lane 8,159]

No you don't need anymore pictures.

I sent 2 with Packet 3 and I was still asked for more at my interview.

[Inky 1,110]

I sent 2 with Packet 3 and I was still asked for more at my interview.

If they do not accept the 2 you provided they ask you for more but they do not use more than 2.

[Penny Lane 8,159]

If they do not accept the 2 you provided they ask you for more but they do not use more than 2.

The ones I provided at the interview were exactly the same as the ones in Packet 3. I got them taken at the same time.

Just saying, it might not be a bad idea to take some extras in case they ask.

[carolineden11 2]

I got 2 extra pictures just in case they ask for them. Thanks for the advice everyone