Hi Everyone,
Here is my timeline:
Consulate: Toronto
Visa: H-1B renewal
Nov 14, 2022 - Dropped off my passport at Canada post, Mississauga (9:30am approx.)
Nov 15, 2022 - Passport delivered to US consulate, Toronto (11:30am approx.)
Nov 17, 2022 - DS-160 status changed from 'No status' to 'Application received' (3:30pm approx.)
Nov 22, 2022 - DS-160 status changed from 'Application received' to 'Approved' (9:00am approx.)
Nov 24, 2022 - Consulate closed for US Thanksgiving holiday
Nov 30, 2022 - DS-160 status changed from 'Approved' to 'Issued' (12:30pm approx.)
Dec 01, 2022 - Passport shipped, courier tracking number added to account & got an email (11:30pm approx.)
Dec 06, 2022 - Passport ready for pickup at local post office (08:30am approx.)
Few things to note:
The average time of the entire process is around 2 weeks from what I have seen in the threads. In fact, some people who I spoke to directly got their passport back within a week. In my case it took more than 3 weeks because of the thanksgiving holiday at the consulate and delays at Canada post because of the holiday season. I paid for premium delivery - 19$ to pick it up at a local post office. This is usually a overnight delivery but it took me 5 days(including the weekend) and Canada post tracking is not that great with frequent updates which can give you anxiety. I also realized that there is another option to pickup your passport at the BLS Brampton location which is also open on Saturday. If you need an alternative to Canada post you can select BLS location or choose the option to ship to your home which will be shipped by Purolator.
Also, If you are in a hurry, I wouldn't recommend sending your passport during the holiday season or any other holidays. Check out the US consulate in Canada holiday calendar here:
https://ca.usembassy.gov/holiday-calendar/
Good luck!