Vancouver Interviews

[zentaco 28]

I saw that there's a thread for everyone that's easternly inclined, but am curious how many VJers are waiting on interviews at the Vancouver Consulate.

My medical is on June 20th, while my actual interview for the K-1 visa will be on the 21st.. Didn't think I'd handle both in the same day well. Plus it gives me an excuse to look around my former home (I moved to Calgary in '97). I think this is the fastest I've had to plan a trip yet, but I'm crossing my fingers. I just hope I have enough evidence - have about 6 photos/some tickets/etc from a recent trip, numerous visa bills, some chat logs, skype call list, gift receipts, and some other little things to show that we've been in contact since we applied. As well as a bunch of older evidence.

[benoi027 3]

Hi Heather,

I'll be going through Vancouver also! I agree, it seems like everyone goes through Montreal, so nice to meet some other people in the same situation! I'm hoping my NOA2 will come within the next week or 2, so it will be a while yet before I can get to Vancouver. I've also thought about having to plan a trip so fast- I'm sure plane tickets will be through the roof with such short notice!

I was looking at your timeline and noticed it will be about three months from your NOA2 to your interview date... I'm hoping to have my interview scheduled within two months of NOA2 (and even less, if possible!). Based on your experience, do you think there's any way that could happen? To the best of my knowledge, everything for packet 3 is ready to go (except financial support stuff, which is on its way from the IRS!).

Thanks for your help, and thanks for starting this thread!

Kristy

[benoi027 3]

P.S. Sounds like plenty of evidence to me!

[zentaco 28]

Hi Heather,

I'll be going through Vancouver also! I agree, it seems like everyone goes through Montreal, so nice to meet some other people in the same situation! I'm hoping my NOA2 will come within the next week or 2, so it will be a while yet before I can get to Vancouver. I've also thought about having to plan a trip so fast- I'm sure plane tickets will be through the roof with such short notice!

I was looking at your timeline and noticed it will be about three months from your NOA2 to your interview date... I'm hoping to have my interview scheduled within two months of NOA2 (and even less, if possible!). Based on your experience, do you think there's any way that could happen? To the best of my knowledge, everything for packet 3 is ready to go (except financial support stuff, which is on its way from the IRS!).

Thanks for your help, and thanks for starting this thread!

Kristy

It's possible you could get the interview faster, if you have your paperwork ready. I could have had my Packet 3 paperwork in a month sooner if I didn't need to wait on the evidence of support from my fiance (still technically waiting as he mailed it to me the day before I submitted packet 3, but the post is being slow.. but have digital copies and he can bring a new copy with him when we go for the interview if the post office loses it somehow).. So 2 months is possible if everything goes smoothly.

Edited June 7, 2012 by zentaco

[benoi027 3]

It's possible you could get the interview faster, if you have your paperwork ready. I could have had my Packet 3 paperwork in a month sooner if I didn't need to wait on the evidence of support from my fiance (still technically waiting as he mailed it to me the day before I submitted packet 3, but the post is being slow.. but have digital copies and he can bring a new copy with him when we go for the interview if the post office loses it somehow).. So 2 months is possible if everything goes smoothly.

Good news- thank you! Although I may end up in the same boat as you... the fiances don't seem to feel the same urgency as us, do they?

Edited June 7, 2012 by benoi027

[zentaco 28]

That seems to be the case at times.

By the way, tickets may not be too badly priced, but the sooner you book after you get an interview date, the better (unless you wait until the last second hoping for seat sales on leftover seats). I booked through westjest and it wasn't too horrible. Most of the costs are going toward lodging as we're staying in Van for 6 days and there were a lot of iffy hotels downtown (and you'll want to watch your areas.. East Downtown Vancouver is sketchy as is Granville I think).

[Joanne n Thanh 0]

I am eventually doing an interview in Vancouver too. My NOA2 date was April 30th and to-date, NVC has NOT received my approved petition from USCIS yet. Contacted both and finally it is "in transit" to NRC then to NVC! Guess I'll have a quick vacation at the end of summer if all goes smoothly from this point on!

[zentaco 28]

You've been waiting a month and a half for packet 3, then? That's a long wait. I hope you get it soon!

[benoi027 3]

Good luck with your upcoming medical/interview, Zentaco! I hope everything goes smoothly for you!

[CANbirdUSman 11]

Hello to all who are interviewing in Vancouver.

Medial July 11th

Interview July 20th.

I actually live in Vancouver, (over 17 years), so if anyone has any questions about the area, feel free to ask.

Cheers and good luck to everyone!

-ps- Looks like we might actually get some nice weather this week!

Edited June 20, 2012 by CANbirdUSman

[Jumana 0]

Hi there

Just received my noa2!!! From Edmonton;)

Just wondering, are the medical and consulate spots near each other? I figure I would get a hotel, take train from airport but not sure if their reasonably close to each other?

Ps Looking forward to eating wonderful sushi we keep hearing about in Vancouver

Thx

Jj

[CANbirdUSman 11]

Yes, we do have awesome sushi here.

Medical & Consulate are both downtown, within 15 mins 'walking' distance of each other.

see map-----> WoKing Medical to Us Consulate Vancouver

(A) WoKing Medical Services: 250-1144 Burrard Street

(B) U.S. Consulate General Vancouver: 1075 West Pender Street

*Vancouver, Canada*

From the airport, you can take the 'Skytrain' anywhere. MUCH cheaper than a cab. And you use the same transfer to ride the bus!

Vancouver's public transit system, 'TransLink' is pretty good.

Wherever you decide to stay, is a personal choice. That goes for sushi too.

Best wishes & Happy Journey

[zentaco 28]

My interview went well, good luck to everyone here. They have some storage at the Vancouver consulate it seems, but not much. We just took a cab (it's really easy to flag one to take you back after). Also there is no obvious sign outside that says "Woking" but there are a lot of medical/X-ray signs out front that gives away that it's a building full of doctors.

[Carin Lynne 0]

I am also waiting for an interview in Vancouver. Our application was recieved Jan 20. The congressman said that it shouldn't be more than a week or two more before we get approval. How quickly can you book your interview date usually?

Also can anyone tell me about their experiences crossing the border while waiting for their interview/visa? Any suggestions as to where to cross - is driving better than the Vancouver airport?

Thanks so much!

[zentaco 28]

My fiance and I never had any issues visiting while we waited for our visa, though when I flew a connection through Vancouver last time I got a bit of the side-eye (probably because I was anxious about taking a connecting flight the first time plus this was the first time I realized that being engaged could pose problems so I was obviously nervous). He flew up to Canada three times while I flew down to the States twice. I suspect that driving would actually be more likely to raise flags than flying but I could be wrong (we're too far apart to make driving convenient enough to try).

Once you get the packet 4 letter you can book right away, though you're not guaranteed to have free interview dates right away (I could have had my interview within a week of getting it though).