Montreal interviews - When should I arrive?

[Laura_S 2]

Hello,

I will be going for my interview on Wednesday in Montreal. Many people say they have arrived before the consulate even opens, but my interview time says 10:00am. Also, while signing up for the courier, it says if you arrive 20 mins before your interview time, you will be turned away.

So what is it?
Do I arrive when doors open, or 20mins before my interview?

[P&DSigler 11]

Hi,

We had a 10am interview time and arrived at 9am. Others that day arrived at 7:30 for a 10 am interview. We were all allowed in when we arrived.

[Laura_S 2]

Hi,

We had a 10am interview time and arrived at 9am. Others that day arrived at 7:30 for a 10 am interview. We were all allowed in when we arrived.

Thank you

[mmorgan 7]

Laura_S, how long ago did you schedule your Montreal interview in order to get it next week? Just trying to find out more about this backlog I have been hearing about. thanks.

[Laura_S 2]

Laura_S, how long ago did you schedule your Montreal interview in order to get it next week? Just trying to find out more about this backlog I have been hearing about. thanks.

Just to be clear, I didn't schedule it, the date was scheduled for me.

Our case was closed Oct 30. We received the interview letter Nov. 13. The interview is dec 17.

Does that help?

[NikLR 13,232]

~~moved to Canada forum from IR1/CR1 progress reports as topic is regionally specific~~

Montreal is normally 1st come, 1st serve. My interview was for 10am, I showed up (in spring, almost summer) at 6:15, and was second in line. By the time we were let in around 7 or 730, there was a line up of about 20+ people. You go in, sit by the elevator, then they let you upstairs. You get a number, then they call them to the windows. The numbers are called at first in order, and then out of order depending on how long each case is taking for submitting biometrics and paperwork. Certain windows only call certain numbers. You sit back down and go up to another set of windows for your interview.

I was out of there by 9:00ish. I wrote a review.

But I've heard some people have been turned away for being too early but yet others haven't. It may depend on the guards that day. But basically the quickier you're in there, the quicker you're out. Wait until 10am and you'll be in there until 2pm or more. Sure there's no line up outside, but there are lots of people inside. Be appropriate for the weather obviously too.

Edited December 15, 2014 by NLR

[Udella&Wiz 325]

The person you're asking is a IR1/CR1 which is an entirely different visa and those are scheduled by Montreal vs K1-s who select their own interview date.

Laura_S, how long ago did you schedule your Montreal interview in order to get it next week? Just trying to find out more about this backlog I have been hearing about. thanks.

[CanadianMom 45]

My interview is on Thursday the 18th at 10 am, and I plan on showing up between 8:30-9 unless I just can't sleep and I am up anyways. I figure I can wait outside in the cold and be first in line, or I can show up later and wait inside, but either way, I'm waiting...seeing as it's winter, I'm going to wait inside.

[NikLR 13,232]

That's a good way to look at it. I needed to be done by 11am to catch my flight that day.

[CanadianMom 45]

That's a good way to look at it. I needed to be done by 11am to catch my flight that day.

We're driving in from Ottawa, so there's no time crunch for us. If I had to be done by 11 for a flight, I would show up really early too.

[Crmasa 8]

My interview is on Thursday the 18th at 10 am, and I plan on showing up between 8:30-9 unless I just can't sleep and I am up anyways. I figure I can wait outside in the cold and be first in line, or I can show up later and wait inside, but either way, I'm waiting...seeing as it's winter, I'm going to wait inside.

Hi Canadianmom, its getting closer and closer cant wait for our interview ours is at 9:30 am. Question forecast for the 17th night is saying freezing rain and snow, at what time are you leaving from Ottawa. We were thinking to leave at 4:30 am but reconsidered driving earlier and staying at a hotel right next to the embassy and then walk there. We still have to pick up our medical that mirning before interview. Did you pick yours up Yet?

[Flames9_RN 358]

Oh no!!! It is tradition that you get up early, wait in line and freeze! I did that way back in Dec 2004,lol Just make sure u have no electronics..large bags....I think someone stated they will keep ur cell phone.....I recall back in 2004 people in front of me with a large bag was not allowed in, another with a car FOB, not allowed in......And the best advice of all..goto the REAR of the elevator as that is where the door opens.......it was obvious the others were non-VJ'ers as they crowded the front,lol You got through airport like security--the less metal on ur possession the better

[mmorgan 7]

The person you're asking is a IR1/CR1 which is an entirely different visa and those are scheduled by Montreal vs K1-s who select their own interview date.

Thank you! I was starting to think we weren't discussing the same thing

[Laura_S 2]

See you all on Wednesday!!

Edited December 16, 2014 by Laura_S

[CanadianMom 45]

Hi Canadianmom, its getting closer and closer cant wait for our interview ours is at 9:30 am. Question forecast for the 17th night is saying freezing rain and snow, at what time are you leaving from Ottawa. We were thinking to leave at 4:30 am but reconsidered driving earlier and staying at a hotel right next to the embassy and then walk there. We still have to pick up our medical that mirning before interview. Did you pick yours up Yet?

We're driving down on the 17th and picking up my medical results that day, and staying in a hotel for the night. I am NOT a morning person, and didn't want to get up that early, and deal with the stress of getting the medical results in the morning. This way we can take our time, we're staying at the travel lodge on Rene Levesque, it's about a 10 minute walk to the embassy.