Consulate Review: Montreal, Canada
Review Topic: K3 Visa
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| Event |
Description |
| Review Date : |
June 30, 2009 |
| Embassy Review : |
I read and STUDIED the Montreal Consulate reviews before my husband and I ventured off to Montreal for our K-3 interview on June 11th 2009 at 8:30am. We stayed at the Hyatt which was about a 5 minute walk to the consulate entrance. The best advice given is to be the first ones to line up! We were there at 6:45am, the 2nd couple showed up around 7:05 and then about a dozen others by the time the doors were opened at 7:30.
My husband and I had our passports and interview letter handy and the guard looked a little surprised that he didn't have to ask for them. He asked my hubby what his relationship to me was and what he did for a living then let us in, we took our coats off and went through security while our stuff went through ex-ray. Again, the guards were impressed with us and one said, "Wow, you guys were really informed of what you can and can't bring in here!" That eased my nerves just a touch. We got the famous letter A clipped to our documents and had a seat by the famous elevator until everyone with the letters A-E we there. (Sorry I use the word famous a lot, but it seemed to be true after doing so much reading!) Up to the 19th floor we go, My hubby and I faced the BACK of the elevator and waited for the doors to open. (It does make you look smart being the only ones to have a clue of how the elevator will open)
The view of Montreal was Spectacular, and had a seat until my name was called. I went to window 9, I think, this lady with dark curly hair and glasses got right down to business, asking for one document after another, it was probably a combination of "out of this world" nerves and her accent, but I had a little bit of a hard time understanding her instructions. Apparently she told me to go pay the $131 fee and to come right back to her window. Instead, I had a seat back in the waiting room until she "called" me back through the PA system. She said, "Where were you?! I have been waiting for you!" Oops, after she had all of my papers she told me clearly to go have a seat until I was called for my interview.
Yikes, this was it, all of the days leading up to and spent worrying about this, it was finally time.
I was called to room 7, I remember 7 because my hubby said it was lucky number 7 as soon as it was called. I gave him a kiss and seemed to have floated to the door that had a 7 on it (across from the famous bathroom) because I don't remember walking to it!
I opened the door expecting a small closet-like room with a person behind bullet proof glass and that is exactly what I got. The lady waiting for me had long brownish/grayish hair, glasses, a friendly smile and with a sweet voice, asked me how I was. She told me to put my things (a black 13 folder accordian binder) on the chair and I stood at eye level with her as she sworn me with my right hand raised, and then asked a few questions.
I remember her asking about my refusal of entry, I told her that I didn't have any ties to Canada, so they didn't let me in. She said that it would have no effect on her decision of approving the visa. (whew!)
She asked about where we met and when, I told her I started working in Northern Michigan back in 2000 driving horses and met my husband who worked for a hotel.
When the relationship started, the autumn of 2005.
She mentioned our age difference of 17 years and what my parents and family though of him.
If she could see some pictures of us together, no problem, brought about a dozen.
She commented on a few great shots of us on the island where we worked and I began to tell her that she should go there someday because it's very beautiful and that you have to leave your car on the mainland, take a ferry to get there and then get around in horse drawn carriages.
She eventually said I am approving you visa today, Welcome to the U.S.!!!
She then gave me the famous Welcome to the U.S. letter, and said some more info on what to expect at the border and after I move, but my thoughts were racing so quickly I forgot half of the things she said.
What a HUGE weight that lifted off of me.
We were back at our hotel by 10:30.
A great, surreal, unforgettable experience.
I hope you enjoyed my take on the interview. |
| Rating : |
Very Good |
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ver 5.0