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| Montreal, Canada |  Review on August 23, 2010: |
amandandchris555
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
My finace drove down from North Carolina to drive to the interview with me to Montreal. We stayed at the Hostel (as it was the cheapest). We made it outside of the consulate at 6:30 am, and tied with a family that were waiting to get in. I believe they opened the door around 7:30 am. We went through security, only having the documents and passports with us. We did bring water and food, but we had to leave it with the security guards. The interview wasn't quite what I expected. They at first called me to line 12, where I gave a gentlemen all of my documents. I forgot to photocopy my passport so make sure you photocopy all documents! He was fairly nice, and it was very quick and painless. We stood through the whole process, which was funny- I guess I was expecting it to be a little more formal. haha. Anyway, we were a little short on the $350 US money, but they were really nice and patient. I was thinking it was 300, so my finace only brought 320, so I thought Id just take out 60 Canadian hoping it would make up the difference. But they only accept 385 CAD or 350 U.S...you can't combine the two- its one or the other! Fortunately there was a really nice lady waiting for her interview who was able to make up for the difference. The banks weren't open yet, so it was a huge blessing! Asking never hurt anyone. Once we had are final interview, we were in a little room where we also stood. The guy was really nice! He was so obliging to us. Chris came down on leave from the Marine Corps and was leaving in a few days. The interviewer did us a favour by letting us come back the next day to pick up the Visa, rather than wait for it to mail out to us. I was able to drive back to our new home with my sweetheart! Having Chris there was such a good idea. I didn't even bring proof of an ongoing relationship, as he was proof enough.
The visa is essentially a little sticker that goes on your passport, and it was an amazing feeling getting it. I was expecting to get it much much later, so was in shock we got it so soon (good shock of course).
Things others good use:
No need for bringing the X-Rays
Bring exactly $350 US CASH
The YWCA was where we stayed our second night and cost about the same amount, but was a lot nicer.
Make copies of important documents (including passport)
They will take your passport after the interview to put the sticker (VISA) on it.
---sort of straight forward, but it can feel a little overwhelming at the time.
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #6514