K2 interviews in Montreal

[CAdreamer 14]

Searching VJ is a wonderful thing... you can find so many people with the same question as you -- but sometimes it's tough to find nonconflicting answers, isn't it?

So, after searching diligently and sifting through the Montreal consulate web site, I'm here to ask the question...

Do my kids (K2s, ages 9 and 6) need to attend the interview with me? I got the feeling here on VJ that the answer is no, but the consulate Web site seems to state that only in "special circumstances" are kids exempt.

And, part 2, for anyone who has NOT taken their child to the interview, how did you go about getting an exemption from Montreal? Email before scheduling? Letter sent with packet 3? other...

I think my kids would be bored out of their skulls there all day, and I would be stressed out with trying to keep them happy and occupied, on top of the stress of the interview itself. (Not to mention that travel expenses to Montreal for 1 are less than for 3.) I'd love to not have to take them along, but I'm just not sure how to go about it.

Anyone with any recent experience and details to share?

Thanks!

K

[Robert&Karen 264]

Though our interview was in London, Karen took the 5 and 6 year old with her. The interviewer did ask the kids some basic questions, and since kids don't tend to lie very honest answers were given which can't hurt. The train to London was 3 hours, and it was quite an expensive day, but it also helped in letting them feel the entire process and educating them on how they are a part of it.

[Ontarkie 14,237]

My older two had to attend the interview they were 16&14, the younger 2 were 12&10 did not have to attend. I can no longer remember the exact age that is the cut off that they must attend I wan to say 14 though. I emailed Montreal and they answered with the age that must go. As for my kids that came, they were asked is they wanted to move.

[CAdreamer 14]

The Montreal site says age 14 is the current cut off.

Crud. After sitting for hours in a waiting room, if asked if they want to move, my kids would probably say no!

Email though... Good to know.

Thanks!

[Robert&Karen 264]

For what it's worth, when we had biometrics a few weeks ago they took one fingerprint from each kid and had them write/sign their name on a scan pad. of course the letters are all horked up and as it was not a pen the kids did really bad, like writing on air. Just odd that they wanted this from a 5 and 6 year old.

[CAdreamer 14]

Biometrics for such little ones... that is odd, isn't it. Ha. Even my own signature on one of those scan pads looks like my 6 year old wrote it. I can' only imagine what his will look like!

Thanks

[Flames9_RN 358]

Since it seems you have time on your side, you could always try emailing them for an answer!! They might or might not reply back,lol

[Udella&Wiz 325]

I cannot remember the age minimum that they require children, but like Ontarkie I want to say teenagers only. Email and ask, unless someone here can provide it or you see it online.

I think you're ok, but just a note...they honestly do not care if it's inconvenient for you...it's all about them (USCIS) .

I brought my then 15 yr old and she was not thrilled, but oh well. They didn't really ask her anything...kind fo a waste really.

[CAdreamer 14]

I think you're ok, but just a note...they honestly do not care if it's inconvenient for you...it's all about them (USCIS) .

:-) Yeah, I get that. I just don't want to drag my kids there and then find out after the fact that it wasn't necessary. If USCIS wants them there, that's fine too.

I've sent off an email to Montreal. I was under the impression that they're hard to get any information from, but like "Flames" said, I have the time, I might as well ask.

Thanks all!

[Flames9_RN 358]

:-) Yeah, I get that. I just don't want to drag my kids there and then find out after the fact that it wasn't necessary. If USCIS wants them there, that's fine too.

I've sent off an email to Montreal. I was under the impression that they're hard to get any information from, but like "Flames" said, I have the time, I might as well ask.

Thanks all!

and keep asking (emailing)

[C <3 C 1]

I am interested in this too, as even if they didn't need to interview them , they are still subject to the visa fee of $350, so that has to be paid up front. They didn't say the kids didn't have to go or not , so I just scheduled them with me as they are on the visa. Everyone needs a medical as well, and if you don't live next door, 2 trips is usually out of the question. Curious if anyone from Canada, didn't bring their kids with them??

[Flames9_RN 358]

I am interested in this too, as even if they didn't need to interview them , they are still subject to the visa fee of $350, so that has to be paid up front. They didn't say the kids didn't have to go or not , so I just scheduled them with me as they are on the visa. Everyone needs a medical as well, and if you don't live next door, 2 trips is usually out of the question. Curious if anyone from Canada, didn't bring their kids with them??

The ones that I recall that did not, went through Vancouver!!

[CAdreamer 14]

Ok, so for those waiting on resolution of this question...

I emailed Montreal and (surprise!) got an answer back in 1 week. I sent my MTL number and the ages of my kids and asked about the "waiver of personal appearance". The answer is, the kids *do* need to appear at the interview.

Thanks for all your help.