Packet 4 - Medical and Interview help? Canada

[MacZac 2]

I received packet 4, where I have to make appointment for medical and interview. My issue is, there's only 5 approved physicians listed(on the gov website) for ALL OF CANADA, and the closest one to me is all the way in Surrey BC, while I'm in Alberta. And the interview is all the way in Montreal.... Is there anything closer that I'm missing? Is there anything I can do to make this easier? Or do I just have to travel across the country...?

Also, for the medical, what kind of cost am I looking at? 

[Crazy Cat 41,918]

***Topic moved to Canada regional discussion area***

[Ontarkie 14,236]

Many spend a week in Montreal and get the medical done before the interview. Hopefully someone who has done it recently can share their experience. 

[Thrillhouse 193]

Unfortunately, you're not missing anything. The Montreal consulate is the only one in Canada which does K interviews, and the approved physicians/medical clinics are scattered across the country. I can't imagine how much of a PITA that must be for people in Saskatchewan or Manitoba! It was bad enough going from NS to Montreal ... twice.

 

In terms of cost, the medical isn't cheap. I had mine done in Montreal at Medisys/Horizon, and the total cost was $475.63 -- and that's with no extra immunizations and everything else up to date with no complications. 

Edited January 12, 2020 by Thrillhouse

[htsf 7]

6 hours ago, Thrillhouse said:

Unfortunately, you're not missing anything. The Montreal consulate is the only one in Canada which does K interviews, and the approved physicians/medical clinics are scattered across the country. I can't imagine how much of a PITA that must be for people in Saskatchewan or Manitoba! It was bad enough going from NS to Montreal ... twice.

 

In terms of cost, the medical isn't cheap. I had mine done in Montreal at Medisys/Horizon, and the total cost was $475.63 -- and that's with no extra immunizations and everything else up to date with no complications. 

Hi, I am applying CR 1. Is the Montreal consulate is the only one in Canada does it to? How about the Vancouver one?

[canadavisa22 202]

2 hours ago, htsf said:

Hi, I am applying CR 1. Is the Montreal consulate is the only one in Canada does it to? How about the Vancouver one?

Only Montreal.

[htsf 7]

4 hours ago, canadavisa22 said:

Only Montreal.

Thank you so much for your reply!

[MacZac 2]

So, I went to register the interview appointment online, paid the fee and then realised that I can only book one month in advance, when I need a least two months to save up some more funds for the trip. After paying, can I wait to book the interview closer to the month I want or do I need to call? (I have phone anxiety)

[Thrillhouse 193]

1 hour ago, MacZac said:

So, I went to register the interview appointment online, paid the fee and then realised that I can only book one month in advance, when I need a least two months to save up some more funds for the trip. After paying, can I wait to book the interview closer to the month I want or do I need to call? (I have phone anxiety)

There's no phone # to call, the Montreal consulate works solely through email communication.

 

I know saving up funds is tough, but the general advice is book an interview when you have the chance and book what's open. The slots fill up quickly, and you may find yourself waiting another two or three months (from that point) for more interview times to open up.

Edited January 13, 2020 by Thrillhouse

[ledingham 68]

23 hours ago, Thrillhouse said:

Unfortunately, you're not missing anything. The Montreal consulate is the only one in Canada which does K interviews, and the approved physicians/medical clinics are scattered across the country. I can't imagine how much of a PITA that must be for people in Saskatchewan or Manitoba! It was bad enough going from NS to Montreal ... twice.

 

In terms of cost, the medical isn't cheap. I had mine done in Montreal at Medisys/Horizon, and the total cost was $475.63 -- and that's with no extra immunizations and everything else up to date with no complications. 

Yup, Manitoba here, waiting for NOA2 for I-129F. Stuck RIGHT in the middle... its going to be an expensive trip to montreal

[MacZac 2]

1 hour ago, Thrillhouse said:

There's no phone # to call, the Montreal consulate works solely through email communication.

 

I know saving up funds is tough, but the general advice is book an interview when you have the chance and book what's open. The slots fill up quickly, and you may find yourself waiting another two or three months (from that point) for more interview times to open up.

Oh. But as long as that fee is paid, I have don't have to book immediately(as long as its in the one year of said fee is paid)? Currently the only spots that are open are every Wednesday in Feb, beyond Feb is all grayed out. I was hoping to book something for April. Is it okay if I wait to book closer to April?

Also, thank you for helping!!

[Thrillhouse 193]

1 hour ago, MacZac said:

Oh. But as long as that fee is paid, I have don't have to book immediately(as long as its in the one year of said fee is paid)?

That I'm not sure about. I've never actually encountered anyone who paid the fee without immediately jumping on the first interview slot they could find, including me! Maybe someone else out there knows the answer. Just be aware that paying the fee alone doesn't grant you any special privileges or dibs on the next available interview or anything like that ... you'll just be a person who gave money to the US govt. in advance without securing the service that accompanies it. When dates open up, it's first come, first served. If you forget to check a month from now and people have already booked them, you'll have to wait for the next round.

 

The slots beyond February are greyed out because they're just not open yet, and probably won't be available until at least this time next month. They usually only open them up as the date approaches, so you'll never be able to (for example) book an interview in June when it's the middle of March.

[MacZac 2]

2 minutes ago, Thrillhouse said:

That I'm not sure about. I've never actually encountered anyone who paid the fee without immediately jumping on the first interview slot they could find, including me! Maybe someone else out there knows the answer. Just be aware that paying the fee alone doesn't grant you any special privileges or dibs on the next available interview or anything like that ... you'll just be a person who gave money to the US govt. in advance without securing the service that accompanies it. When dates open up, it's first come, first served. If you forget to check a month from now and people have already booked them, you'll have to wait for the next round.

 

The slots beyond February are greyed out because they're just not open yet, and probably won't be available until at least this time next month. They usually only open them up as the date approaches, so you'll never be able to (for example) book an interview in June when it's the middle of March.

Ooh, okay. I just want to make sure I have the funds and everything in place with time to spare. I have emailed the Montreal consulate, hoping they can fill in some blanks. You've been incredibly helpful, thank you! 

[Thrillhouse 193]

1 minute ago, MacZac said:

Ooh, okay. I just want to make sure I have the funds and everything in place with time to spare. I have emailed the Montreal consulate, hoping they can fill in some blanks. You've been incredibly helpful, thank you! 

OK, let us know what they say when they (eventually, they're slow as cold molasses) respond. You're welcome, and good luck!

[Raccoonny 3]

22 hours ago, dledingham said:

Yup, Manitoba here, waiting for NOA2 for I-129F. Stuck RIGHT in the middle... its going to be an expensive trip to montreal

Another Manitoban here.. I just received my K1. I had to do two separate trips for health and interview, at least the doctor was nice. Did mine at Health1st Medical Centre in Vaughan, ON.