I got my interview for EB2-NIW yesterday in Montreal, Canada. I think Montreal mostly does immigrant visa. When I got there, there was one family ahead of me and they had like 4 huge bundles of documents. I only carried few documents so was worried I did not bring enough.
The visa process took like 2 hours. First security and they gave a laminated small yellow sheet that states we need original marriage certificate, birth certificate, police certificate, and divorce certificate. It also states financial documents. This yellow sheet is for general IV so the financial document does not apply for EB1 or NIW.
I had to wait like 30 minutes to first be called to the window. I thought that was the interview but the first session was for submitting original documents such as marriage certificates.... They did not ask for for finanical document. Then they told me to wait.
After waiting for another 30-60 min, again called to a window and this time was for scanning finger print. Then again wait for 30-60 min.
Then finally called for interview. The CO was very nice. Made me take an oath that I was telling the truth. Then asked few questions such as where I studied, my field of education, where I will go in USA, etc. He only asked for my CV. I had changed my job since I applied for NIW so I said my new CV has my new employer and asked if he needed my employment letter. He said not employment letter needed, only CV. I had printed most of my NIW but only CV needed. I got worried by seeing the first family with the 4 huge bundles of documents for nothing. The CO was impressed with my publications and amount of citation. I think since I had a PhD from US university, that made it easy for the NIW application. For my NIW application, I did not submit one reference letter. My lawyer said not needed and reference letter is the last thing they look at. The CO said he will process the visa and next sete is the administration process so he handed me back my passport and said to complete some forms online and again ship the passport to the consulate. I thought this was unusual as they are supposed to keep the passport.