The Interview for a Student Visa

It's a long story... I'm writing my blogs in English at this moment because I can't use the Internet in my computer. If you don't feel like reading it, you can stop right here. If you don't mind sticking to this, thank you

It just also happened a moment ago. 6~8 paragraphs of my writing have disappeared I hate this PC... I spent a while to write this blog and couldn't back it up. SUCKS Anyways...

I finally had an interview for my student visa (F-1) this morning Well, well, well... I could hear the rumble of thunder when I woke up. Oh, that's great... I've gotta bring an umbrella. The long weekend was so sunny and it went right back to a usual Vancouver weather. It was sure enough. It started pouring rain while I was waiting for the bus. That's even greater (hehe)... It was also a rush-hour. I was squished with wet strangers for a little trip to downtown. The ride messed my hair even more

I finally arrived the U.S. Consulate just before 8AM. Many people were already waiting in line. The security guard was just explaining that you were NOT supposed to bring any electoric devices, luggages, and purses. The girl in front of me had a big purse and cellular phone. She asked me, "what did he say about the bag? I had no idea about this. What am I supposed to do?" "Well, I don't know. We can't bring a big purse. You should ask the guy," I answered.

In my mind, these words were going through. "Hello, People! Don't ask me. READ the DOCUMENTS and INSTRUCTIONS!! Don't you expect that things like this happen at the U.S. Consulate?" She wasn't actually the only one. The other couple had a big luggage. "Why the hell do you bring it here?," I just said quietly in my head, but you've never know they might have been visiting Vancouver from the other city. Somehow they managed to put it away.

Even some people and family were worse, I guess. They missed some required documents and sent their home.

Finally, my turn came. The girl with a big purse let me go first. I don't know what happened to her later The guards checked my documents, passport, and permanent residency card. I was well-prepared for this occasion. I left my jacket, big wallet, cellular phone, and bag at home. I just carried a pile of the documents in a transparent file. HOWEVER, I was a bit shocked to ask to open the SEALED envelopes outside of the building. Those were just transcripts from school. Oh man... They were so paranoid especially after 9.11, but then I guess they were right to be so. The U.S. embassies and cosulate were targeted to bomb before. They had to put the security on top.

That was only the first step. The officer in this section was very friendly. She checked my documents and passport again, and gave me the number. She wanted to check whether I made a payment for a visa fee. After a while, we were asked to go upstairs by elevator. Here you go again: the security check! Finally, we could enter the office.

Wow, there were lots of people waiting here. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting, but it wasn't bad. I moved to sit in front of the interview windows. First, I was called to have fingerprints done. Place my left hand on the green box, right hand, and then both thumbs. She couldn't trace my left hand. I did it again. I don't like doing this at all, but what can I do? I need a visa. Suck it up!

Soon after, another officer called and asked me some questions such as a purpose for going to school in the U.S., scholarships, graduation date of my previous school, my residency, family etc. She sounded really nice, friendly, and easy-going. She told me that she liked the university where I was going. Phew... I had a nice officer, and we chatted a bit. It was very breif. She just asked me the basic documents and acceptance letter from school. That was all??? I collected many documents like transcripts, financial statement, rental agreement of my apartment, tax forms, pay slips, monthly bank statements, Record of Employment etc. What about those? I thought there weren't still enough to prove a tie to Canada. Oh well, it's done. At last, she asked me whether I wanted to pick my passport up or mail it. Of course, I wanted to pick it up. It was so unenventful It seems easy to get a visa. Then, I read afterwards and it says that the passport pick-up will not be guranteed to issue a visa. Okay...

But the officer sounded that I would get a visa! That's all that matters! All I have to do is pick up my passport