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While I was waiting to hear from the Montreal consulate, I set about gathering up information and forms which would be required when I am interviewed at the consulate. I applied for and received a passport, had two more colour passport photos taken (full-face), located my birth certificate and divorce certificate (and had 3 copies of each notarized), obtained a certificate from the RCMP indicating that I had no criminal record (note: in Canada, the only INS-acceptable police certificate is one from the RCMP), located a record of my immunizations (and had my doctor write a note indicating that I had all the necessary shots for my age), arranged for a medical exam, located ticket stubs from my flights to the US, and located additional photos of Sheila and me together.

Well, on February 10, 1998, I finally received a package of information from the Montreal consulate, dated January 30, 1998. There was another biographic form to complete and send back immediately, as well as a checklist form outlining the necessary documents which I'd need when interviewed in Montreal. When all the documents were gathered, I was required to date, sign and return the checklist form. Once Montreal received this checklist form, they would then schedule an interview for me at the soonest possible date. I returned the biographic form and the checklist form (since I had all the necessary documents) on February 12.

As a precaution, I called US customs in Calais, Maine where I'd be crossing the border, to find out whether there'd be any problems at the border when I move my household belongings. I indicated that I'd be driving a U-Haul van and towing my car. The fellow indicated that as long as I had owned my stuff for at least a year, there'd be no problems and that household goods were exempt from duty. Importing my car, however, was a bit more difficult. I had to secure a letter from GM indicating that my car met US safety and emissions standards for its model year. I called GM in Oshawa, Ontario and they were happy to accommodate my request for a letter although it would cost $45 for their service. Since they took VISA (rather than sending a cheque and taking more time), I gave them the year, make, model, and serial number of my car and a week later I received their letter. Contrary to what you might read in the online literature, your car does not have to meet current standards - only the standards which were in effect for its model year.

On March 19 I finally got a letter from the US Consulate in Montreal, and my interview was scheduled for March 27 at 10:30 am. From the date I sent my checklist back to the consulate to the date of the interview was 6 weeks. All told, from the date we first filed our I-129F petition, it was 4 months! All in all, not too shabby considering that we're dealing with a government agency!

I drove to Montreal and arrived at the consulate at 9:00. The security guard asked if I had brought my application forms and the US$45 cash non-refundable fee (which is now required for all non-immigrant visas). I had completely forgotten about the US$45 and, after visiting a couple of local banks, I found out to my horror that most of them don't have teller service until 11:00 am! Fortunately, the security guard pointed me to the Royal Bank in Complex Desjardins just a couple of blocks away and it opened at 9:30! So, after a quick walk and some fast talking, I had my US funds and I returned to the consulate. I went through an incredible security check! I had to take off my coat, empty my pockets and proceed through the security arch. The guard checked all the pockets in my coat and examined my keys and papers. I was then directed downstairs to the cashier (they always want their money up front), and the cashier took my money and my non-immigrant application form (this came in the package from the consulate), my passport and one of the photos. She stapled the photo to the form, had me date and sign it, and then directed me to the elevator where I had to go to the 19th floor and identify myself to the immigration officer. The officer asked to see my birth certificate, RCMP certificate and medical report. Since she already had a copy of my divorce certificate and Sheila's Affidavit of Support, she didn't bother with either of those. After that, I waited!