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| Montreal, Canada |  Review on November 17, 2009: |
Floridian
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
Hi, Just a short review as all the other reviews with detailed info are superbly done!
Hotel: 1 Rene Levesque (5 blocks from embassy, Simple clean modern rooms $65-$100 night, Has kitchenette.
We took a cab since it was raining $6 , arrived as 2nd in line.
When we entered security was a breeze as we were prepared (no phones,etc..)
Once upstairs, were called in to window, where we submitted xpresspost (XLARGE) envelope to the very friendly agent at the window, then told to have a seat and wait for our name to be called.
Once called, proceeded to room 7, a small room with bank teller like window,
The consular officer swore us both in, and asked general questions such as how we met, when we met, then she asked about an overstay from 3yrs ago in the U.S. (we replied we had an approved extension of the i-94 on a B2 visa) Which she wanted to see. Unfortunately we did not bring it with us. I asked if she was able to retrieve it on her computer, and she said no. I asked whether I could bring it in that same day, or fax it in, and was told no. She then gave us a slip of paper (221g) requesting the proof of status in the U.S. from that time (i-94 extension/approval) which we promptly overnighted via fedex.
We're still waiting for the visa and return of our passport as of today Nov.17th Which is almost a month.
Montreal embassy staff, and the whole procedure was pretty good, My only gripe is being blindsided by a request for a document they should be easily able to access through their system. And one which definitely was NOT on the checklist of requested documents on our interview letter from the NVC. At the very least, let us walk it in the next day or same day or fax/email it. Especially since the whole process has been far outside of normal processing times (as of today it's been 529 days since I-130 NOA1 date!)
Calls to DOS visa dept. result in operator stating case is pending or under AP with no definite dates or timeline.
The stress this process creates is immense and the emotional toll is greater.
Suggestion to the Consulate if they ever read this review: Oversight and accountability, Clarity of needed documentation and an added tracking system for the 221g process would be brilliant. Incorporating a priority system for people far outside normal processing, priceless!
Suggestion to anyone going to Montreal for IR1 : Carry every document, if you have to bring a wheelbarrow full of papers, so be it... It takes too long to get an interview, and only a moment to be dismissed for a document you may need to satisfy the understanding of the Consular officer.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #5247