Canadian August+September 2018 Case Complete To Interview For Spousal Visa Filers Thread

[Courtney86 29]

Hey @Hill.ary  and @Bethany123 congrats again! We had our (approved!) interview this morning- Can either of you please confirm if the interviewing officer kept your originals docs? (Birth & marriage specifically)

 

If not, did they mention them coming with your passport? I'm getting super worried they forgot to give them back and my wife forgot to ask in all the excitement. Would love to know we aren't the only ones and this is normal. Thank you!!

[Nonmart 5]

5 hours ago, Courtney86 said:

Interview approved today!! A great moment after a long journey. 😍

 

So here's a long ### recap for you all & some important info:

 

1) If you are doing your medical in Montreal before you interview, be SURE to call Medisys and follow up on your results if you don't get the email saying they are ready. When we booked the medical they said Wed. 7th was the last day we could do for an interview on Tues. the 13th, as they needed 3 biz days to guarantee results though often ready sooner. But I was told to pick them on the 12th btw 1 and 4pm.

 

At the actual medical they told my wife the results would likely be ready by Friday the 9th but she'd get an email.  We still hadn't heard anything Monday morning (the 12th) so my wife called at Noon. They said to call back at 1pm. Called back, and they said the nurse would (was?) working on them. It sounded very much like the results would not have been ready for pick up had we not called to check up. So be diligent!

 

2) Interview process overall went exactly as others have said, very straight forward and a formality. But below are a lot of details, some obvious / some important. 

 

3) We arrived at the consulate around 7:20ish for an 8am appointment. There were already 4 people/groups waiting. It doesn't even open til 7:30, so everyone was huddled under the door overhang trying to avoid freezing rain. Very grateful we had an umbrella. The funny thing (that I had guessed) is that unless you are in some crazy hurry there is really no reason to get there super early. It's just one of those because everyone else is, you have to if you don't want to be last kinda things, since multiple people have 8am appointments but only two people work at a time. Basically going early doesn't hurt you at all, but don't freakout if you show up just before on time either. They also only let a few people in at a time once the doors do open, as the very first thing is to go through a short security. 

 

4) Security is simple. First we each showed our passports and gave them a copy of the interview email. They then give you a laminated sheet with your number on it, and what docs to gather (I'll detail below). Then did security like the airport. You cannot bring backpacks or large purses inside. Most people had their docs in either plastic accordion file type things, or in a plastic shopping bag (that's what we did). You have to check your phone at the desk (it's kept in a secure spot). It also said no USB/flash drives but when I said I had one in my (small) purse they didn't care and let me keep it. They also allowed us to keep our umbrella (I wasn't really sure). 

 

5) They send you down the stairs to catch the elevator up to the 19th floor. I laughed when I saw that they have a photobooth for 1 min passport pics for 10 bucks. We had to go get two extra made in the city yesterday. Glad we had it taken care of, but good to know it's there. I'd imagine if one of the only problems was with the passport pics they'd allow you to go get new ones made right then (but totally guessing). 

 

6) The room you wait in is fairly big. You aren't allowed to bring any food or drink in, but there is a vending machine with snacks & soda. No coffee or tea. Some reading material. We both brought books to read while waiting. 

 

7) The docs they ask for on the laminated sheets are the same as on the interview checklist. To memory, as I already had them all set aside in one of our big envelopes:

-Passport & passport pics

-Medical results

-Original signed AOS (I-864)

-Sponsor's taxes

-Originals of birth cert, marriage cert, police record

(I'm pretty sure that was everything but if I'm missing something it was for sure on the main stuff you are supposed to bring)

 

7) Our interview time was 8am. We were #6 (i.e. 5 people before us) and got called for the first part at 8:30. I say we, but I really mean my wife. Both times when talking to the officers it's only the Canadian, not the sponsor. This part was pretty straight forward- turn in everything on the laminated sheet. They kept some things (original docs) and gave back others (part of medical). You are then sent back and wait to be called again. 

 

8 ) **Important** If you did BOTH versions of the police record like many of us did, be sure to bring BOTH original copies. Though we got approved, I had a mini heart attack after the first window. Our file had the "old" police record and the original we brought was the new one. Having brought a ton of paperwork I knew we wouldn't need but "just in case" I was kicking myself I didn't bring both original police certs, assuming the most recent one was fine. The fist officer said the interviewing officer might have a problem with that. Not a fun way to spend the next 45 minutes. In the end the interviewing officer said nothing about it at all but don't put yourself through that stress! 😛

 

8 ) My wife was called for the actual interview at 9:15. It lasted no more than 5 minutes. The only questions she had was what I (sponsor) do for work, where I live, and where we got married. I could hear my wife laughing even though I couldn't hear the words, so figured that was a good sign. Turns out she completely blanked on the name of the town we got married in, since our first 'wedding' was just us an a witness and we did a regular ceremony later. She explained that,  and the woman was good-hearted about it and overall very friendly. She also said my wife and I both have cool hair (we both have dreadlocks...not what she expected to hear from a government officer hah), asked what we like to do together, and said 'I bet you two both love dancing'. True, and so random haha. 

 

Like everyone else, I had pretty much every single piece of paperwork we had turned in, including proof of relationship, domicile, etc etc. just in case. As figured, it wasn't needed at all. But Murphy's Law, just bring it. Especially if anything doesn't match what you original turned in. (i.e. #8 above)

 

9) After that 5 mins... approved!! She got two pieces of paper (both white- not hot pink or green as I've read). One was a welcome to the US here's some info and the other was on picking up your passport from the post office. 

 

10) **RE PASSPORT RETURN** We were told as others have been that they are not returning passports until the Canada Post strike is over. They did say they would notify us when it was being sent out, so at least we'll get somewhat of a heads up. We aren't planning to move for a month, so here's hoping it's all sorted by then.

 

My wife did not ask about picking it up in person (sorry!) so I can't speak to if/how that works. 

 

11) **IMPORTANT** This is more of a question as I'm not sure if this was normal or a mistake. They kept our original docs (birth, marriage, police) and didn't give them back. This only clicked tonight as I went to type this and asked my wife if she got them. She said they went through them all in front of her during the 5 min interview but she didn't think to ask for them back at the end (lots of distracted excitement as you can imagine) and the officer didn't mention anything.

 

So....we are crossing our fingers this is normal and they will be returned with the passport?! If any of you who already had interviews read this and can confirm, or the rest of you have read this elsewhere please help set our minds at ease.  

 

Hope all that info helps!!! Great appreciative to everyone who has given bits of info along the way. I'm sure some of those sitting around us were from this forum, sorry we didn't get to chat! I was pretty distracted after the first part worry we'd get stuck on a formality! Congrats to all of you

Thank you! It was very informative.. 

[Loois 21]

6 hours ago, Courtney86 said:

Interview approved today!! A great moment after a long journey. 😍

 

So here's a long ### recap for you all & some important info:

 

1) If you are doing your medical in Montreal before you interview, be SURE to call Medisys and follow up on your results if you don't get the email saying they are ready. When we booked the medical they said Wed. 7th was the last day we could do for an interview on Tues. the 13th, as they needed 3 biz days to guarantee results though often ready sooner. But I was told to pick them on the 12th btw 1 and 4pm.

 

At the actual medical they told my wife the results would likely be ready by Friday the 9th but she'd get an email.  We still hadn't heard anything Monday morning (the 12th) so my wife called at Noon. They said to call back at 1pm. Called back, and they said the nurse would (was?) working on them. It sounded very much like the results would not have been ready for pick up had we not called to check up. So be diligent!

 

2) Interview process overall went exactly as others have said, very straight forward and a formality. But below are a lot of details, some obvious / some important. 

 

3) We arrived at the consulate around 7:20ish for an 8am appointment. There were already 4 people/groups waiting. It doesn't even open til 7:30, so everyone was huddled under the door overhang trying to avoid freezing rain. Very grateful we had an umbrella. The funny thing (that I had guessed) is that unless you are in some crazy hurry there is really no reason to get there super early. It's just one of those because everyone else is, you have to if you don't want to be last kinda things, since multiple people have 8am appointments but only two people work at a time. Basically going early doesn't hurt you at all, but don't freakout if you show up just before on time either. They also only let a few people in at a time once the doors do open, as the very first thing is to go through a short security. 

 

4) Security is simple. First we each showed our passports and gave them a copy of the interview email. They then give you a laminated sheet with your number on it, and what docs to gather (I'll detail below). Then did security like the airport. You cannot bring backpacks or large purses inside. Most people had their docs in either plastic accordion file type things, or in a plastic shopping bag (that's what we did). You have to check your phone at the desk (it's kept in a secure spot). It also said no USB/flash drives but when I said I had one in my (small) purse they didn't care and let me keep it. They also allowed us to keep our umbrella (I wasn't really sure). 

 

5) They send you down the stairs to catch the elevator up to the 19th floor. I laughed when I saw that they have a photobooth for 1 min passport pics for 10 bucks. We had to go get two extra made in the city yesterday. Glad we had it taken care of, but good to know it's there. I'd imagine if one of the only problems was with the passport pics they'd allow you to go get new ones made right then (but totally guessing). 

 

6) The room you wait in is fairly big. You aren't allowed to bring any food or drink in, but there is a vending machine with snacks & soda. No coffee or tea. Some reading material. We both brought books to read while waiting. 

 

7) The docs they ask for on the laminated sheets are the same as on the interview checklist. To memory, as I already had them all set aside in one of our big envelopes:

-Passport & passport pics

-Medical results

-Original signed AOS (I-864)

-Sponsor's taxes

-Originals of birth cert, marriage cert, police record

(I'm pretty sure that was everything but if I'm missing something it was for sure on the main stuff you are supposed to bring)

 

7) Our interview time was 8am. We were #6 (i.e. 5 people before us) and got called for the first part at 8:30. I say we, but I really mean my wife. Both times when talking to the officers it's only the Canadian, not the sponsor. This part was pretty straight forward- turn in everything on the laminated sheet. They kept some things (original docs) and gave back others (part of medical). You are then sent back and wait to be called again. 

 

8 ) **Important** If you did BOTH versions of the police record like many of us did, be sure to bring BOTH original copies. Though we got approved, I had a mini heart attack after the first window. Our file had the "old" police record and the original we brought was the new one. Having brought a ton of paperwork I knew we wouldn't need but "just in case" I was kicking myself I didn't bring both original police certs, assuming the most recent one was fine. The fist officer said the interviewing officer might have a problem with that. Not a fun way to spend the next 45 minutes. In the end the interviewing officer said nothing about it at all but don't put yourself through that stress! 😛

 

8 ) My wife was called for the actual interview at 9:15. It lasted no more than 5 minutes. The only questions she had was what I (sponsor) do for work, where I live, and where we got married. I could hear my wife laughing even though I couldn't hear the words, so figured that was a good sign. Turns out she completely blanked on the name of the town we got married in, since our first 'wedding' was just us an a witness and we did a regular ceremony later. She explained that,  and the woman was good-hearted about it and overall very friendly. She also said my wife and I both have cool hair (we both have dreadlocks...not what she expected to hear from a government officer hah), asked what we like to do together, and said 'I bet you two both love dancing'. True, and so random haha. 

 

Like everyone else, I had pretty much every single piece of paperwork we had turned in, including proof of relationship, domicile, etc etc. just in case. As figured, it wasn't needed at all. But Murphy's Law, just bring it. Especially if anything doesn't match what you original turned in. (i.e. #8 above)

 

9) After that 5 mins... approved!! She got two pieces of paper (both white- not hot pink or green as I've read). One was a welcome to the US here's some info and the other was on picking up your passport from the post office. 

 

10) **RE PASSPORT RETURN** We were told as others have been that they are not returning passports until the Canada Post strike is over. They did say they would notify us when it was being sent out, so at least we'll get somewhat of a heads up. We aren't planning to move for a month, so here's hoping it's all sorted by then.

 

My wife did not ask about picking it up in person (sorry!) so I can't speak to if/how that works. 

 

11) **IMPORTANT** This is more of a question as I'm not sure if this was normal or a mistake. They kept our original docs (birth, marriage, police) and didn't give them back. This only clicked tonight as I went to type this and asked my wife if she got them. She said they went through them all in front of her during the 5 min interview but she didn't think to ask for them back at the end (lots of distracted excitement as you can imagine) and the officer didn't mention anything.

 

So....we are crossing our fingers this is normal and they will be returned with the passport?! If any of you who already had interviews read this and can confirm, or the rest of you have read this elsewhere please help set our minds at ease.  

 

Hope all that info helps!!! Great appreciative to everyone who has given bits of info along the way. I'm sure some of those sitting around us were from this forum, sorry we didn't get to chat! I was pretty distracted after the first part worry we'd get stuck on a formality! Congrats to all of you

CONGRATS and thanks for the info!!!!!

 

Did they ask you for documentation on domicile?

[tbrown2691 4]

Case Complete September 27, still waiting to be contacted about the interview. Hoping for a January interview!

 

Anyone have any suggestions on what I should do if I move addresses from now until the interview date? Is it sufficient to just tell them at the interview? 

[Courtney86 29]

1 hour ago, Loois said:

CONGRATS and thanks for the info!!!!!

 

Did they ask you for documentation on domicile?

Thanks! Nope, nothing beyond what I stated though I had it all with just in case

[centralpork 21]

@Courtney86 We took a break from this forum, here we are near the end! My husband was also yesterday morning and he did get those originals back. I would reach out to them and confirm that those can be sent back with your package.

 

To anyone wondering, he inquired about picking up after the interview. They said it would take 2/3 days, and then gave us a slip to pick up on Friday - noting they would reach out to us if anything changes or would prevent us from picking up Fri.

[LaurenJSchafer 13]

@centralpork With picking up the package, are you from ON or QC? We're from BC, and we need to wait if they will allow us to wait as opposed to waiting on the strike to be over. Just hoping they'll let everyone wait if they can...

[arellah 125]

Eyyyy congrats @Courtney86 I was thinking about you yesterday! So happy you got approved and thanks for the awesome review!

[BChance 38]

10 hours ago, Courtney86 said:

Interview approved today!! A great moment after a long journey. 😍

 

So here's a long ### recap for you all & some important info:

 

1) If you are doing your medical in Montreal before you interview, be SURE to call Medisys and follow up on your results if you don't get the email saying they are ready. When we booked the medical they said Wed. 7th was the last day we could do for an interview on Tues. the 13th, as they needed 3 biz days to guarantee results though often ready sooner. But I was told to pick them on the 12th btw 1 and 4pm.

 

At the actual medical they told my wife the results would likely be ready by Friday the 9th but she'd get an email.  We still hadn't heard anything Monday morning (the 12th) so my wife called at Noon. They said to call back at 1pm. Called back, and they said the nurse would (was?) working on them. It sounded very much like the results would not have been ready for pick up had we not called to check up. So be diligent!

 

2) Interview process overall went exactly as others have said, very straight forward and a formality. But below are a lot of details, some obvious / some important. 

 

3) We arrived at the consulate around 7:20ish for an 8am appointment. There were already 4 people/groups waiting. It doesn't even open til 7:30, so everyone was huddled under the door overhang trying to avoid freezing rain. Very grateful we had an umbrella. The funny thing (that I had guessed) is that unless you are in some crazy hurry there is really no reason to get there super early. It's just one of those because everyone else is, you have to if you don't want to be last kinda things, since multiple people have 8am appointments but only two people work at a time. Basically going early doesn't hurt you at all, but don't freakout if you show up just before on time either. They also only let a few people in at a time once the doors do open, as the very first thing is to go through a short security. 

 

4) Security is simple. First we each showed our passports and gave them a copy of the interview email. They then give you a laminated sheet with your number on it, and what docs to gather (I'll detail below). Then did security like the airport. You cannot bring backpacks or large purses inside. Most people had their docs in either plastic accordion file type things, or in a plastic shopping bag (that's what we did). You have to check your phone at the desk (it's kept in a secure spot). It also said no USB/flash drives but when I said I had one in my (small) purse they didn't care and let me keep it. They also allowed us to keep our umbrella (I wasn't really sure). 

 

5) They send you down the stairs to catch the elevator up to the 19th floor. I laughed when I saw that they have a photobooth for 1 min passport pics for 10 bucks. We had to go get two extra made in the city yesterday. Glad we had it taken care of, but good to know it's there. I'd imagine if one of the only problems was with the passport pics they'd allow you to go get new ones made right then (but totally guessing). 

 

6) The room you wait in is fairly big. You aren't allowed to bring any food or drink in, but there is a vending machine with snacks & soda. No coffee or tea. Some reading material. We both brought books to read while waiting. 

 

7) The docs they ask for on the laminated sheets are the same as on the interview checklist. To memory, as I already had them all set aside in one of our big envelopes:

-Passport & passport pics

-Medical results

-Original signed AOS (I-864)

-Sponsor's taxes

-Originals of birth cert, marriage cert, police record

(I'm pretty sure that was everything but if I'm missing something it was for sure on the main stuff you are supposed to bring)

 

7) Our interview time was 8am. We were #6 (i.e. 5 people before us) and got called for the first part at 8:30. I say we, but I really mean my wife. Both times when talking to the officers it's only the Canadian, not the sponsor. This part was pretty straight forward- turn in everything on the laminated sheet. They kept some things (original docs) and gave back others (part of medical). You are then sent back and wait to be called again. 

 

8 ) **Important** If you did BOTH versions of the police record like many of us did, be sure to bring BOTH original copies. Though we got approved, I had a mini heart attack after the first window. Our file had the "old" police record and the original we brought was the new one. Having brought a ton of paperwork I knew we wouldn't need but "just in case" I was kicking myself I didn't bring both original police certs, assuming the most recent one was fine. The fist officer said the interviewing officer might have a problem with that. Not a fun way to spend the next 45 minutes. In the end the interviewing officer said nothing about it at all but don't put yourself through that stress! 😛

 

8 ) My wife was called for the actual interview at 9:15. It lasted no more than 5 minutes. The only questions she had was what I (sponsor) do for work, where I live, and where we got married. I could hear my wife laughing even though I couldn't hear the words, so figured that was a good sign. Turns out she completely blanked on the name of the town we got married in, since our first 'wedding' was just us an a witness and we did a regular ceremony later. She explained that,  and the woman was good-hearted about it and overall very friendly. She also said my wife and I both have cool hair (we both have dreadlocks...not what she expected to hear from a government officer hah), asked what we like to do together, and said 'I bet you two both love dancing'. True, and so random haha. 

 

Like everyone else, I had pretty much every single piece of paperwork we had turned in, including proof of relationship, domicile, etc etc. just in case. As figured, it wasn't needed at all. But Murphy's Law, just bring it. Especially if anything doesn't match what you original turned in. (i.e. #8 above)

 

9) After that 5 mins... approved!! She got two pieces of paper (both white- not hot pink or green as I've read). One was a welcome to the US here's some info and the other was on picking up your passport from the post office. 

 

10) **RE PASSPORT RETURN** We were told as others have been that they are not returning passports until the Canada Post strike is over. They did say they would notify us when it was being sent out, so at least we'll get somewhat of a heads up. We aren't planning to move for a month, so here's hoping it's all sorted by then.

 

My wife did not ask about picking it up in person (sorry!) so I can't speak to if/how that works. 

 

11) **IMPORTANT** This is more of a question as I'm not sure if this was normal or a mistake. They kept our original docs (birth, marriage, police) and didn't give them back. This only clicked tonight as I went to type this and asked my wife if she got them. She said they went through them all in front of her during the 5 min interview but she didn't think to ask for them back at the end (lots of distracted excitement as you can imagine) and the officer didn't mention anything.

 

So....we are crossing our fingers this is normal and they will be returned with the passport?! If any of you who already had interviews read this and can confirm, or the rest of you have read this elsewhere please help set our minds at ease.  

 

Hope all that info helps!!! Great appreciative to everyone who has given bits of info along the way. I'm sure some of those sitting around us were from this forum, sorry we didn't get to chat! I was pretty distracted after the first part worry we'd get stuck on a formality! Congrats to all of you

Congrats Courtney!! And thank you for the very very helpful information above.

[MissMyHusband 22]

6 hours ago, Nonmart said:

Thank you! It was very informative.. 

Hi @Nonmart. It appears that your timeline is either not visible to public or not filled out. Do you mind sharing your cc date? I am keeping a list for Sept/Oct. Thanks! 

[centralpork 21]

8 hours ago, LaurenJSchafer said:

@centralpork With picking up the package, are you from ON or QC? We're from BC, and we need to wait if they will allow us to wait as opposed to waiting on the strike to be over. Just hoping they'll let everyone wait if they can...

He is in Ontario, sorry to hear about that wait.

[Hill.ary 54]

17 hours ago, Courtney86 said:

Hey @Hill.ary  and @Bethany123 congrats again! We had our (approved!) interview this morning- Can either of you please confirm if the interviewing officer kept your originals docs? (Birth & marriage specifically)

 

If not, did they mention them coming with your passport? I'm getting super worried they forgot to give them back and my wife forgot to ask in all the excitement. Would love to know we aren't the only ones and this is normal. Thank you!!

Hey sorry! My husband says they took the copies and gave him back the originals.

[Courtney86 29]

21 hours ago, Courtney86 said:

Hey @Hill.ary  and @Bethany123 congrats again! We had our (approved!) interview this morning- Can either of you please confirm if the interviewing officer kept your originals docs? (Birth & marriage specifically)

 

If not, did they mention them coming with your passport? I'm getting super worried they forgot to give them back and my wife forgot to ask in all the excitement. Would love to know we aren't the only ones and this is normal. Thank you!!

Ugh this is so frustrating! We had copies of everything with us but they never asked her for them, and never said anything about not giving the originals back. Sucks we didn't realize til later but sounds like they never should have needed to keep them in the first place and our chance of having them returned is slim. I've emailed, we'll see what they say 😕

[Courtney86 29]

4 hours ago, Hill.ary said:

Hey sorry! My husband says they took the copies and gave him back the originals.

Ugh this is so frustrating! We had copies of everything with us but they never asked her for them, and never said anything about not giving the originals back. Sucks we didn't realize til later but sounds like they never should have needed to keep them in the first place and our chance of having them returned is slim. I've emailed, we'll see what they say 😕

[Nonmart 5]

10 hours ago, MissMyHusband said:

Hi @Nonmart. It appears that your timeline is either not visible to public or not filled out. Do you mind sharing your cc date? I am keeping a list for Sept/Oct. Thanks! 

Hi, thank you, Sorry I didn’t know it wasn’t updated. It says online that my document was completed on the 16th of October but I received an email on the 17th. Don’t know which to follow though. I applied as F2A Spouse visa, Should we make a new thread for October CC? Or I don’t think everybody would mind.. thank you..