My experience

My mother-in-law applied for a multi-entry Canadian visa in 2004 in DC. I sent her application to Canadian Embassy by mail and she was asked for a personal interview. Her passport and other documents were mailed back except the application forms and application fee. She went for the interview and got the 1-year multi-entry visa the same afternoon. By the way, she was in B2 status in US when she applied for Canadian visa.