Consulate Review: Montreal, Canada
Review Topic: IR-1/CR-1 Visa
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| Event |
Description |
| Review Date : |
September 14, 2013 |
| Embassy Review : |
Well the big day was today and I'm ecstatic to say that I'm approved. The interview wasn't a smooth one, but thanks to VJ and knowing to be overly prepared, end result was approval.
From airport:
As some have already mentioned, taking a cab from the airport will cost you $40. A cheaper way is to take the 747 bus, which only costs $9. It's meant to take luggage, so it's not a hassle at all to take it with all of your bags. Just google it before you leave home, to ensure you know the route and that your hotel is walking distance from Rene Levesque (which is the main road that the bus goes down).
Hotel:
I wanted something very cheap, so I picked Hotel des Arms on St. Dominique and Rue Ontario (Latin Quarter area). It was $70/night for Tues-Fri. Wifi is included, but at peak times, it's slower than dial-up. Continental breakfast was also included (toast, bagels, cereal, and croissants). It's about a 20mins walk to Old Montreal and about 20mins to Mont Royal Park. Within about a 10mins walk are very vibrant neighbourhoods (Rue Prince Arthur E and Rue St. Denis). Those are the good. The bad: you get what you pay for. The room was ok; stains on the carpet. The hallway smells old and a little dirty. Would I stay here again? If I was on a budget, yes.
Interview day:
Planned to be at the Consulate by 7am, so had a coffee at Tim Hortons at 630 (located on Rue Bleury near Boul Maissonneuve). From there, Consulate is a 5mins walk. Got there just before 7 and I was first in line. They let us in about 730 and by then, there were 4 people in line. There was no reception asking for passport, interview letter, and/or loomis registration but instead, straight through security. Once passed that, directed us to the door on the left, which leads downstairs. Sat right beside the elevator and waited til about 8. Guard came and asked us to form a line in front of the elevator and of course, go in and occupy the rear left. Door opens and turn left towards sign that says "14a/14b". Waited here about 5mins and lady there gave me C1 ticket. We were directed to sit and wait on the other end, til our number was called. C2 was actually called before me (who were a nice couple and she frequents VJ as well). C1 was called to Window 1 and here, lady verified all of my info and asked for my originals. This took about 10mins for me. I was instructed to sit back down and wait for C1 to be called again.
Interview:
I was interviewed by a very nice guy, who alleviated a little of my nervousness. I swore the oath and then another fingerprint. Now this where my interview could have ended up with a delay in approval. He thumbed through all of my documents and then asked, "Did you bring a joint sponsor?". So I said no. The question threw me off, as joint sponsors are only needed if income or assets required can't be met between the petitioner and the beneficiary. But I didn't want to interrupt the process, so I didn't say anything else. He asked me what I did for a living, how did my wife and I meet, and why I want to move to the US. Meanwhile, he's typing and looking through the documents.
Finally, he said that he's delaying approval because of 2 reasons: we didn't meet the income requirements of the AOS and we also didn't show my wife's domicile. I was floored...and livid. He went on to further explain that since income wasn't met, I can provide assets, so long as they're within easy access and is at least 3 times the income requirement amount. I was fuming inside, as I submitted proof of assets that was 5 times the income requirement. But I held my composure and asked why the savings statement I sent in wasn't being used. He said he didn't see that. I told him I submitted it to NVC (which is how they approved the AOS!) but thank goodness, I brought a copy with me. So I presented it to this, he looks it over, and says yes, that will work.
He then starts talking about the domicile and what types of documents to provide. So I asked him if a document from a school confirming my wife's registration, schedule, and tuition paid would work. He says yes. I told him that I submitted all of that, which of course he doesn't have. So again, thank goodness I brought copies with me and provided it to him. He says yes, those are perfect. He commended me on being prepared and having all of those on hand. He types more and asks me if I've had any troubles crossing the border before. He also asked if I've had any legal problems, arrests, or convictions. Finally, after another 5mins, he says those sweet, sweet words: "I'm approving your Green Card application". He says more stuff after but after that roller coaster interview, I tuned out and was too excited to listen.
In summary:
Many people say that the interview is easy and is more of a formality. I agree but only to a certain degree...if you are not overly prepared, the interview can be very frustrating. Keep copies of everything you submitted to NVC and bring ALL of those to your interview. When it comes to AOS evidence and domicile evidence, bring as much evidence as you can, EVEN IF NVC approved both already. If you submitted 3 documents for each, but you think bringing 3 more might help, BRING THEM. Be overly prepared and the interview is a piece of cake.
My process started in February of this year and I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. This forum was tremendous in providing info and I'm so happy that I stumbled upon it early on. Thank you to those who's posted before with your info and to those who answered the many questions I had. I apologize for the long post, but I just wanted to return the favour by those who have helped me by doing this exact thing. God bless those who are starting the process and wish you the best! |
| Rating : |
Very Good |
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ver 5.0