Successful CP at Montreal on April 9
All:
I wanted to post a thank you to all who have contributed to this forum, as I found the information to be of great help as I prepared for my interview. In return, I would like to offer up my experience with going through the Montreal Consulate for CP for my immigrant Visa.
Im originally from Ottawa, so opted for my medical there. The Ottawa MDS doctor\'s office was courteous and efficient, and all tests outside of the basic physical exam can be done on site (X-Ray and HIV/VDRL blood tests). However, results took about a week to get back, but that was probably due to my medical being done around the Easter holiday. They might be able to do them faster, but I didnt have a chance to ask.
Went to Montreal on the 8th, and went to the Consulate at 745AM Tuesday the 9th for my 830 appt. Uniformed staff told us to go up elevator about 815, and in the first line, a cashier handed us paper tickets, and told us we would eventually be called. The first window I was called to had a female staff member going over my documents, looking over medical, and asking a few cursory questions. I was then asked to go back in waiting area, and was called 20 mins later and met with consulate officer. She asked me a few questions, then told me they would issue the visa. Was told to go pay cashier and wait....20 more minutes later, my name was called and I was given the sealed packet, all was good. I went through INS facility at Ottawa Airport, took 20 minutes or so to have information entered into computer, and I was fingerprinted both electronically and on paper with ink. Got the I-551 stamp and told to expect the plastic card in 2-6 months.
A few points that hopefully will help a few people out. Please note these are my experiences, and your mileage may vary:
- I had a name based search PCC, and that posed no problem at all.
- The consulate staff will go over the DS230 with you, so you will have a chance to make minor changes if needed ie: address change, typos etc.
- Montreal is a consulate using a new process working with NVC. I had submitted copies of all docs (BC, PCC etc) in Packet 3 and provided originals to the first staff member that reviewed my docs**
All were kept by the consulate except BC, which was returned to me. Im guessing any other official general purpose documents such as marriage cert etc. would also be returned. They will keep PCC original and all medical results. They did not want the chest X ray, told me to keep for INS when I crossed to US. INS didnt want it either, I was told it might be good to keep for a year by the INS inspector.
**Note: With respect to P3, NVC did request a long form BC from me, which I supplied. My belief is that NVC will request any documents they think are needed, or tell you if some process or form is required before forwarding to consulate in Montreal. As such, once NVC forwards the packet, it should be complete per required documents.
- Only the $65 Visa issuance fee was collected. NVC had requested the $260 application fee as part of Packet 3, so it had already been addressed. Im not sure if other consulates besides Montreal do this, but I was prepared to pay the $260 again if it was needed.
I will be glad to answer any questions I can for those of you going through Montreal. I found the process to be fairly efficient..total time in and out...about 2.5 hrs. However, I was first in line for immigrant visas...there was a large crowd of people, and for those of you with later appts than 830, be prepared to spend a good part of your day there. There are bathrooms and a soda machine in the waiting area. Note that all cell phones must be left in the security area on the ground floor when checking in.
