As promised, here is my experience in Visa Stamping experience at LA VO. The trip was a little expensive (airfare,car rental, hotel room, etc) but it was well worth the peace of mind as I need to make a trip overseas. I flew in the day before the appointment.
Rental Car: I had booked a car on Orbitz (got one for $22/day from Budget, a pretty good deal)
Hotel Room: Stayed at Hollywood Inn Express South ($45/day on Kayak). Was convenient as it was 2.3 miles from the Consulate.
Parking: There are numerous parking garages close by. There is a parking garage just across the street where you can park for $10/day and one in the very next building and if you don't mind walking a few blocks, there are a lot more which are cheaper.
Document submission: I was there at 8.30am and was about the fourth or so in line. Security is strict and they are very particular about the no-cell phone policy so please do switch it off or leave your phone at home. It was such a welcome surprise to be at a consulate office where everyone seemed happy to be there. I waited about five minutes before my turn and went to the window.
The gentleman at the window requested my documents:
1. Approval letter/Passport request letter (printout of email from VO)
2. Passport
3. Two Photographs (make sure you have them to specifications, I went to three photographers (CVS/Walgreens/a local photo-studio and got sub-par pictures). I finally found a photographer in Austin, TX who takes pictures specifically for Canadian Immigration/Visa on a routine basis.
4. RPRF (money order from my bank)
5. Completed Height/Eye color form.
He checked my documents, then went back to get my file and took a few minutes as he went through it. He then gave me a token and asked me to come back at 2.30pm to pick up my passport. I think he could sense how relieved I was; he smiled and said Congratulations.
I walked around for a while, saw the LA Symphony building, went window shopping and had brunch at a nice little French crepe place on 6th street which also gave me a chance to practice my French with the owner. Did some touristy window-shopping/sightseeing till about 2pm.
Passport pickup: I got there at 2.30pm and was second or third in line. Went through security and up to the counter when it was my turn, the lady gave me my passport and envelope with the COPR (photograph affixed) and other instructions, she said Congratulations as she handed them to me.
I took a long time to go over my paperwork to make sure there were no typos, misspellings, etc. The security officer was very understanding and asked me to take my time as I went over my documents. As I was leaving, he wished me the very best for my life in Canada. I was very obvious how very detail- oriented yet very pleasant everyone at the office was. I went back to my hotel room and literally jumped for joy. Thank you Lord.
Hope this helps anyone planning on a trip to LA.
SF2005
