After the previous post, I decided to visit the New York Consulate on Friday (May 10 2013). This post may be useful to those of you who asked about if visiting the Consulate is helpful.
I reached the office early (7:30 AM), so I was let in early (8:30AM) considering the long line. Prior to entering the building a security officer asked everyone in the queue for reason for visit.
Once inside, during the security check, the visitors were given a form to those who needed their visa processed urgently. The form asked for the reason to consider the application to be processed with priority. Following a token based line, I was allowed to submit the form at the ONLY counter which received visitors (there were at least 200 visitors on that day within two hours).
I was made to wait for three hours with no information as they processed the urgency form. My reason clearly stated that the processing time for my application (35 working days) had past the information posted in the website (30 working days) and my travel date was on the weekend.
Unfortunately, the officers behind the counter did not think that my overdue application (with travel date on Sunday) was sufficient reason for them to issue my visa on priority. The officer was not even helpful in telling me how much more time would it to process nor was he reasonable when I told him that I will not be able to travel for not fault of mine. The consulate is busy with peak summer time applications, I was told.
I don't see a reason why should I loose my money ?
Anyway, there were other similar cases with me on that day. But none of them got their visas or passports back. One person couldn't legally stay in USA as his visa would expire soon. He didn't receive his passport back either!
The system is broken and very unfriendly. The requirement for a transit visa (even if for 2 hours!) coupled with understaffed, unclear and unresponsive communication is a disaster. I feel that booking international flights through Air Canada is a trap. Thanks for nothing.
NOTE: Consulate is open to visitors on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM only. I may be wrong, please check before you plan.
TL;DR : Visit the office with no guarantee to receive the visa or the passport back. Do not book International flights through Air Canada unless if you can bare 2 - 3 months of anxious wait.
