My Overdue Vancouver Consulate Review

[dukeandduchess 141]

I had my interview on October 7th and haven't written a review yet but I thought I would post my experience in case anyone wanted to know...

The consulate is located only a block and a half away from Burrard skytrain station so if you're taking transit it is super easy to walk to from the skytrain. There is a convenience store across the street next to Purolator that will hold your bag for $5 while you're interviewing. I chose to leave my bag with him because I wanted to take my phone so I could call my fiance/everyone I know after the interview.

I arrived super early and went inside the building but the security guy told me I needed to go outside to my left (as you exit) to the other side of the building. There you will see a lineup of people, some guards, and a few civilians. When you approach tell them you are here for a K1 interview. She asked for my passport and confirmation letter and sent me to wait in a line. The security guard will come outside and take people in 1 by 1. Once you get in you go through security (I was wearing a jacket and scarf so this took a while), then you will be escorted up some stairs and your Medical Envelope gets the 3rd degree from an Xray and Security. Finally you take an elevator up to the interviewing place. You have to go into a booth (booth B??) and switch on the light. They will tell you how to do this but its still kind of weird. I wasn't sure if the light was on so I switched it up and down a few times until someone came

At this window I was helped by the sweetest little lady ever. She gives you a list of how they want the documents arranged. It says evidence but when I pulled out the piles of receipts (etc.) she told me to keep it and if they wanted anything they would ask. You then get a number which is different than most peoples (I think it starts with B### and most peoples start with A###). Don't panic, it's by visa type as far as I can tell. I joked around with some other people waiting because some people couldn't find the booth they were supposed to go to (they are VERY clearly marked).

It didn't take long for me to get called up for my interview. I read on most reviews that the Interviewer would flip through your case for a while before interviewing you. This didn't happen. He finished interviewing someone else and about 30 seconds later called me up. First thing he took my fingerprints (which I messed up and felt kind of stupid about because there was a diagram on how to do it right infront of me -- nervous). The guy laughed and said "Doesn't matter." --- what?? lol

Actual Interview:

Interviewer: "So, who are you going to marry?"

Me: "(fiance's name)"

I: Ah #######. I have to swear you in first I forgot...

M: (nervous laughter)

I: So I'm going to read you this and you have to agree, don't repeat it just agree. *Reads Oath*

M: I promise to tell the truth.

I: Just say "I do," it's good practice!

M: I do!

He then asked me some fairly standard questions like:

How did you meet? When? Did you go there? Did he come here?

Then he stopped the interview and says:

I: I just have to stop for a minute and say... You have really nice teeth.

M: Um, what?

I: You have really great teeth, how do you get them that nice?

M: Thank my mom, she paid for the braces. I brush them a lot too, like, obsessively.

I: They're really nice.

M: Thank you!

(this was by far the weirdest thing, totally threw me off guard but I wonder if they ask you something like that on purpose to see how you react??) -- but not to toot my own horn, my teeth are nice and people do comment on them frequently

He then asked me a few more questions:

What do you do for work? What does your fiance do for work? What will you do when you go there? Did you go to university? Did he? What degree? When did you both finish?

Then he said "Okay everything looks good. You can go back to the other window now."

M: So I'm approved??

I: Yes, congratulations!

M: Thank you!! (and as I was walking away I commented back -- "It was the teeth, wasn't it?")

I: Yep!

Back at the first booth the same lady made sure all of the paperwork was in order (the interviewer actually forgot to sign something so she went and got it signed). She gave me some information and asked me some questions but I answered them all very well thanks to VJ, she was super impressed with my knowledge of the whole process. She gave me some info on DHL and sent me on my way.

The whole process only took about 45 minutes. I arrived early and they let me in early. Not sure if this always happens or if I got lucky. I was very surprised at how laid back and funny my interviewer was. I had listened to him interview other people (Not for K1 visas) and he asked a lot of random questions. I think it is to see how people react but I have no idea how they work. I just smiled and even joked around with him and it was pretty much like an awkward run in with someone you went to high school with who is quizzing you on your new life and your fiance (best way to describe it). Overall it was painless but I was super nervous anyway.

If anyone has any questions or comments for me I am more than willing to help out if I can.

[pocheros 101]

Belated congratulations It's good to see a detailed Vancouver review here since most people go to Montreal.

[CdnBelle 3]

CONGRATS!!!!!! That's wonderful news!

Thanks so much for posting this! I'm so nervous and excited about this!!!! This post definitely made me feel a bit more at ease.

[dukeandduchess 141]

Honestly, you have nothing to worry about! You could also ask awkwardsoul, she recently interviewed (and passed!!) at vancouver as well!

[Flames9_RN 358]

CONGRATS!!!!!! That's wonderful news!

Thanks so much for posting this! I'm so nervous and excited about this!!!! This post definitely made me feel a bit more at ease.

The interview for 99.9999% of (Canadians)people is the easiest part of the whole process