USA VISITOR VISA EXPERIENCE FROM MONTREAL,CANADA

Recently, I had to face the US embassy/consulate in Montréal, Canada (as currently I am an international student here) to get my visitor visa (B2 category). So, I am going to post about my whole visa experience with you. Hopefully, this article would be helpful for those who are thinking/ready to apply for B1/B2 visa category from Canada. I did apply from Montréal but the procedure may be same for all embassy. 

Depending on where you are staying, a number of spots are available for each country. One can easily search on Google to know the closest consulate. There are 6 consulates located throughout Canada, 1 in Bangladesh, 5 in India.

There are three basic steps for applying as a visitor. I have provided the corresponding link :

• Completing an online application called the DS-160.( https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/)
•  Scheduling an appointment for a visa interview.( https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-ca/niv)
•  Attending an in-person interview and presenting the requisite documents.

Let’s start my visa journey. I applied for B2 visa that is required for pleasure trip/tourism. I filled out all the online forms and submitted my file on October 9, 2015. I have been scheduled for an interview (in person) on October 15, 2015. One can select the appropriate interview date and appointment time based on availability. In the interview date, I went to the Consulate General Montreal in person and faced the visa officer. The officer approved my visa on the spot and suggested me to wait for few days to get my passport with visa. My interview appointment was at 10:00 am but the interview happened at 11:30am. I got an email when my passport is ready and I picked up my passport on October 20, 2015. It was only 12 days journey. No, it was not so easy how it sounds.

During Online Application and Submission:

• Completed DS-160 application (https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/ )and electronically submitted the application.
• Registered for the appointment (interview), paid the fee $160USA ($216CAD). 
• After few minutes, got the confirmation page with few details and the bar code. 
• Gathered all the necessary documents for the interview.
•  Prepared for the interview.

During Interview:

• I arrived 45 minutes earlier before the appointment
• One of the security personnel did the security checking before entering into the embassy/consulate. I had a file/envelope containing all the documents, few cash.
•  The security worker gave me the direction to go to the consulate office. 
•  I went to the 19^th floor.(consulate office in Montreal)
•  When I reached there, a lady representative came to see my passport and gave me an envelop to separate my valid passport, study permit and DS-160 printed copy.
•  I had to wait 40 minutes in a queue to get my first call. A representative at the front counter window (not the visa officer) checked my documents in the separate envelop and asked for the photo. I showed the same photo that I uploaded in DS-160 form online.
• The representative advised me to go to window 6 to give my biometrics.
• After that, I had to wait 1 more hour to go for my final interview.
•  The visa officer asked me the following questions: Purpose of visit, my first arrival in Canada, What I study in Canada, Any family in USA, Marital status. That’s all.
•   Checked study permit and attestation letter only.
• And the officer just told me that my visa has been approved and I’ll receive notification when passport is ready.
• The visa officer only kept my valid passport.

Passport Picking:

•  On the 4^th day morning after the interview, I got the email that my passport is ready to pick up.
•  I left for the address (LACHINE) that I gave in my online application to get the passport. This place is the closest from Montreal. There are alternative options to get the passport.
• Yeah and finally I got my passport with 5 YEARS VISA.

The following documents I took with me during the interview:

• Printout of DS-160 Confirmation Page with legible bar code
• Valid Passport (at least 6 months)
• Original Study Permit as  proof of legal status in Canada (original or certified copy)
•  Resume/CV
• Older passport containing previous visas
• Attestation letter and unofficial transcript (online version) from my University.
•  Bank statement for last 2 months as proof of sufficient funds to cover all expenses while in the U.S.
• A forwarding letter showing purpose of trip.
• U.S 2”X 2” size photo.

Important Advice:

• Do some online research and watch video tutorial to be prepared for the interview.
•  Follow the instruction when you are filling out the application.
•  Arrive one hour earlier before your appointment.
• Don’t bring any of electronic devices but wallet and required documents etc.
•  Try to get relaxed.
•  If you are honest, be confident that you’ll get the visa unless you’re unlucky.
•  Please check this link: http://montreal.usconsulate.gov/visas/visas/advice-to-all-visa-applicants.html

Remark:

I am simply sharing my visa experience so you get an idea about how it works. I have provided the link that I had to follow during my application procedures. The web links or any information can be changed any time. Therefore, I am not responsible for the authentication of any kind of information.