|
|
| Montreal, Canada |  Review on April 23, 2006: |
melliemel
Rating:  | Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
My Interview experience was fairly flawless.
I was very concerned that I would require a waiver as I previously was married to a US Citizen back in 98 and basically lived there on and off for almost 5 years. I also worked as an independant contractor (courier) for about a year.
I remarried in 2005 to a US Citizen. (Total Coincidence)We started our process in April2005 and had on Interview April 19th 2006.
My husband flew from NY to Toronto and he and I drove to Montreal on Tuesday and hardly talked to each other  we were so nervous. Wednesday was our interview. We arrived at the consulate at around 8:00am. We went straight to the 19th floor and to the window to collect our number. When our number was called (at around 9:15am)we went to window 11 (I think) and the lady asked us for my passport, and if I had another police certificate as the one I had originally submitted was dated Oct05. Thankfully I had my RCMP certificate that was sent to me in Dec05. I was then told to pay my fee for my FBI fingerprints ($85) at the cashier and come back to her with my receipt. I totally forgot about that fee, thank God my husband had his wallet with American money in it 
I gave the lady the receipt and she told my husband and I to wait until we see our number appear on the screen again. About 1/2 an hour later our number popped up. We both proceeded to a room where the interviewer was behind a glass. He smiled, which made me finally feel at ease and asked my just a few questions.
He said to us that everything looked fine. The only thing he was unsure about was my arrest and the final result. Apparently the reports that they obtained did not clearly stated what the ending result was to my case. I explained to him what happened and also showed him the police report that I had obtained with the final result as "Nolle Proscqui" He did not understand what that ment. I explained it to him, he then googled it. Right in front of me, and he smiled because the explaination that I gave him was almost exactly what he was reading on his screen. Basically the term means that there was not enough evidence and the procecutor has decided to go no further. Basically the charges were dropped. That is all the interviewer was looking for. Some indication that my case was dismissed.
He then took the police report that I gave him, photo copied it, I believe he got appoval from someone then came back in and asked me. Have you crossed since you have been married? I said yes.
How long have you been married? I said April 22nd. He said of this year? I smiled. I said no, actually it will be a year on Saturday. He laughed and said, I don't even know what date it is. 
He then asked my husband, who was sitting quietly on a chair, How it has been for him? The travelling? My husband said, it's been alright but it's very hard on both of us.
Then I was asked about my travelling and if I have travelled since we got married? I said yes, at least every other month.
He said, Well I see you have had a few problems in the past which is no big deal, but when you have crossed in the past have you stated why and who you were visiting? I said yes, everytime I crossed I said that I was going to see my husband.
He smiled again and said. Well, everything else looks great. Since you are a Canadian passport holder the rest of these things don't matter. (I assume he was talking about me working and living in the US)
He then said, are you guys planning on sticking around until tomorrow? I said yes and my husband had this huge smile on his face, it was adorable.
The interviewer then said, good. Then you can pick up your visa tomorrow at 2:30. Congradulations. 
I was so happy. The people at the consulate were friendly and helpful, and it made our experience a lot less stressful.
My advise. Stay calm, smile and look confident and all will be fine.
The whole experience probably took about 2 hours. Most of it was waiting.
| |
|
Consulate / USCIS Member Review #532