Consulate Review: Montreal, Canada
Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
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| Event |
Description |
| Review Date : |
September 25, 2013 |
| Embassy Review : |
IR/CR1 Review - Montreal
Hotel:
We stayed at the Travelodge on Rene-Levesque. Around $120 for 1 night. It was about a 6-7 minute walk to the consulate which is the main reason why we stayed there. We got there the day before the interview and walked to the consulate so we'd know exactly where to go. The hotel was ok but I wouldn't stay there again. Parking was $21 in the hotel parking garage so it was convenient. The rooms are European style so they're really small. The shower only had 2 temperature settings, really hot or really cold. We had room 111 which got a really good Wifi signal so that was helpful. Breakfast is included and it's the generic continental breakfast that you find anywhere else. Nothing special. The breakfast wasn't that great but it tasted great after we were approved. We were back at the hotel by 9 after our interview and enjoyed the breakfast (but honestly anything would've tasted great at that point). All in all, it didn't really matter to us since we were only there for 1 night.
Morning of the Interview:
Of course, it was hard getting any rest due to anxiety, so most of the night me(USC) and my wife(Beneficiary) were awake. We left the hotel around 6:35. We left our car keys at the hotel as well as cell phones. The only things we had with us was our papers, hotel card key, wallet (my wife didn't take her purse) and some food to eat while in line. We were in line by 6:40. We were 2nd in line. By the time the doors opened, there were about 10-15 people in line behind us. It was cold in the morning so we made sure to layer up. There's a Cultures just around the corner in the same building as the Consulate if you need coffee/breakfast while in line. Food/drinks are on the list of things not allowed in the consulate so be sure to finish them before going in. The guard opened the door on time and let everyone in one by one. A lady inside checked our passports, Loomis confirmation, and appointment letter. She put a sticker on the back of my wife's passport with the reference number. Then went through the airport-like security. In the security room, there's a door that leads down to the elevator room.
We sat near the elevator and after a while another guard came in and called down the elevator and told us to go to the 19th floor. Once on the 19th floor it's to the left then another left to get to window 14a/14b. By the way, there are small yellow arrows on the floor that show you where to go after your exit the elevator. Window 14a/14b is behind the elevator. We got C1! Then we sat down and waited for a couple of minutes and C4 was called. Then a minute later C1 was called to window 1.
1st Window:
This is where you submit all your paperwork.
- Affidavit of support application
- Tax return transcripts
- Employment letter
- Paystubs
- 2 passport photos (we kept extras in case they needed more)
- Passport
- Medical packet
- Original birth certificate
- Original marriage certificate
- Original police clearance certificate
Then they took my wife's fingerprints. Handing over all the paperwork actually took more time than the actual interview even when we had all documents in order. After we handed that stuff over, the lady told us to sit down and wait to be called for interview. After 5-10 minutes, we were called windows 10 or 11 (can't remember which one).
The Interview:
The interview went really smoothly. It wasn't really an interview, just a casual conversation. The lady interviewing was very nice. Both my wife and I were at the interview window. She asked me if I was petitioner. Then she asked my wife to read a statement stating that any information she provides is correct and true to the best of her knowledge. After that she asked my wife a few questions about our relationship all the while typing some stuff on her computer.
- Where did you meet?
- How long did you date?
- Where were you born and where did you live before Canada?
- Do you have any criminal record?
She also asked me the following questions:
- Where do you live?
- What do you do for a living?
Then she gave us the paper saying that my wife's visa is approved and said congratulations. That was really about it. The interview took no more than 4-5 minutes if even that. Like I said, the part at the 1st window took far longer than the interview. Then we walked smiling back to the elevator, back down, and out the door. We were back to the hotel by 9, then called our relative to give them the good news. Then we relaxed and enjoyed Montreal!!! Now we're just waiting to get her passport back and her visa packet.
My wife and I really want to thank the VJ community for the information and help provided. Without VJ, our process would not have gone as smooth as it did. THANKS VISAJOURNEY!!! |
| Rating : |
Very Good |
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ver 5.0