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| Montreal, Canada |  Review on November 1, 2011: |
Stuart and Thea
Rating:  | Review Topic: K1 Visa
I arrived at the embassy at around 6:45 am, there were already 4 people lined up ahead of me. Two were on the wrong side of the door, and were asked to move when the doors opened at 7:30. The guard checked our appointment letter before letting us in, and then we were directed up a short stairway into the foyer where they have security set up.
While I was waiting my turn at security, I watched as the guard behind me sent a few people away for having too large of bags, one was only the size of a portfolio, though I did notice she must have been allowed to cut in when she got rid of it, because they waved her through to the waiting area a lot sooner than I would have expected given that there were about 30 people in line behind me when the doors opened.
I was asked to step aside for additional scanning at security, only zippers in my boots and on my pants were metal so I'm not sure what set the machine off, but I wasn't the only one they did this with.
I sat in the chairs near the elevators, as did all the people ahead of me, but when the guard came down to get us, he directed someone from the row of chairs further away ahead, so we were not the first on. They cram you in REALLY tight, I would be afraid that they had the elevator overloaded!
We signed in for our number at the first desk and then waited to be called up. I was brought to the blonde lady with the wavy hair, she was very nice. I could not find my son's copy of his birth certificate, and think I had copied my own extra, so she made a copy of it for me. She did not ask for any supporting evidence other than what they list on the appointment form. Then back to the cashier to pay, and right back to her. She fingerprinted me twice, and sent us back to the seats.
We were then called up to the next window, with a lady with really long hair in twists, she looks really really young! She took my son's father's death certificate because the first lady hadn't asked for it, and then sent my son to wait for us. She asked me where my fiance worked, how we met and how often we had seen each other. Then she looked on the computer for a few nerve racking moments, smiled and said softly, your visa has been approved, and handed me some papers with instructions!
The vending machine for coffee was broken, but people were able to get snacks if they wanted.
Also, the passport photos are a lot cheaper at the booth in the consulate than in any photo place I've seen, so if you haven't already gotten them, you can get them there and save money! I think I paid 20$ for mine, and they only charge 10$
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Consulate / USCIS Member Review #8626