Visa Stamping from Canada/ Mexico

We had a bit of a last minute appointment booked after LCA was approved. I started looking for dates in April around March end but only Mexico had some dates and I had to renew mid April as my visa would expire. So payed the fees via Salvador in Matamoros (google his site as Mexico accepts only cash at local scotia branch). He charged us a bit extra as his site only states fees for H1B & F1 VISA. Ours being E3 which is $15 higher, payed $505 in total for 2 people. Secured an appointment in late April in ciudad Juarez (Mexico) as a backup while still searching for dates in Canada till March25th. On March 28th in the afternoon, 9th, 10th & 11th April 2019 showed up for Ottawa. By the time I made the payment online with CC, could only get 10th April.
We had a newborn with us which was a challenge but turned out pretty awesome in the end. With the new born the front lady which did check the ds-160 early ON, walked past by us inside the consulate and asked us to come ahead in the front of queue for Biometrics and general data (windows 2&3). From there, she prioritized and asked us to directly stand in front of the actual VISA OFFICER (windows 6/7) and handed over the files to her explaining we had a newborn. I think we were out of the consulate in 60 mins.
We will now cancel the Mexico Appointment although the money paid will be forfeited as it needs to be used up in a Year for another appointment.
Location : Ottawa (Ontario, Canada)
Questions asked by VO :
1. Which Company do you work for?
2. How long at the current company?
3. Job Tittle?
4. Annual Salary?
5. Highest Degree?

Wife:
1. Show your Marriage certificate
2. Highest Degree?

Here’s the timeline : Total 3 business including day of Interview. Wednesday-Friday
04/10 10AM : Interview (verbally approved)
04/10 2PM : Status in the CEAC site changed to ‘Administrative Processing. In the VISA site, the current status showed as Appointment.
04/11 10 AM : Status in the CEAC site changed to Issued. In the VISA site, the current status showed as Appointment.
04/11 3 PM : Canada post email notification that Passport/Document has been picked up by them and it shows express post delivery next day.
04/12 8 AM : Received email notification from Canada Post that Item is ready for Pickup.
04/12 2 PM : Walked to 58 Sparks Street in Downtown and picked up the Passports showing U.S. driving license. Location for Pickup in VISA site is : OTTAWA POSTAL STATION B 58 SPARKS ST OTTAWA ON K1P 5A0
  
Things we carried:
Our documents in 3 separate clear plastic folder from Walmart but I did see people carry large leather ones as well.
Stroller/Car Seat in 1 (Doona) and new born essentials (diaper, wet wipes, disinfectant wipes, wash cloth, extra clothes cream, pacifier, nursing cover) in a small plastic bag which hung on the sides of the stroller cum car seat.
Mobile Phone was put in the locker (Free) and we are allowed to carry our wallets.
Pro Tip:
1.You can actually book the appointment with Just the Unsubmitted DS-160 Number and registering on the VISA site. Once the LCA is approved update the DS-160 with correct LCA number and then submit within 30 days. So this will work if someone is sure shot of having an LCA approved and submit DS-160 within 30 days once created.
2. Use Bank Of Americas VISA debit card to withdraw Canadian dollars at any scotia bank ATM’s. There’s no withdrawal fees but only 3% conversion charges. For 100 cad cash, we paid around $2.1 dollars. This CAD CASH will be handy if you need to take photos inside the consulate (10 CAD) and it accepts cash only. There were few people who’s photos were rejected and they had to get new ones. Plus the cash helps for Tips for Hotel housekeeping staff.