Getting a US Visa – Embassy & Consulate Reviews 2022

Overall the experience in Bangkok was smooth. They did not love that we had origionally stated that we wanted to do our appointment in Paris, and this caused a delay of a couple of hours. If picking it up from a post office select Rong Muang for the fasted turnaround.
- Ben (about 2 months ago)

I selected Brussels as it had the shortest wait time in relation to my location in London. The team at the US embassy in Brussels are super friendly and really helpful. Had an 8am appointment on a Thursday, got there at 7:45 and there was a line down the block. Thankfully they prioritised and let anyone in with an 8am appointment first. They asked for all the required documentation but was a very quick interview and was out by 8:30. Passport was available for pickup on Saturday (despite them saying it would take 4 days) from their courier depot in Vilvoorde. Took about 40 mins taxi ride from the city, and I advise you ask your taxi or Uber to wait for you as it really is in the middle of nowhere so getting one back is a bit challenging.
- Emily (about 4 months ago)

Very simple process, staff is very friendly, I would recommend to renew here
- Bhavin (about 4 years ago)

America Josh Review Rhys Hutchison 16:53 (0 minutes ago) to Kaila This is the review that I left on his site, thought to send it to you for your notes/review on reddit etc. What can I say about US Consulates within Germany that hasn't already been said before. We were severely limited with official information online surrounding E3R & E3D renewals. After countless days attempting to arrange an appointment, we managed to find one in the coming weeks post covid at their Frankfurt Embassy. My partner and I arrived close to an hour early for our appointment, as we were unsure of the area and any other situations that may arise. We were asked to queue up outside to obtain our security clearance, which we were allowed to store our small personal items (ie. mobile phones & smart watch) inside their office before proceeding inside to the consulate for our appointment. After speaking with several official staff members who verified our documentation, collected both sets of biometrics and also verbally confirmed both our employment situations. We were verbally advised that our application for renewal had been successful and that next steps involved our passports being taken for issuance of an updated visa stamp. This entire process began on the Friday and would take several days to complete, I actively monitored the status of the renewal every few hours using our DS-160 application numbers online, and seen that it was quickly being processed. The status portal mentions that upon receiving approval, that it would only take 2 days to be returned. Officially, we received an email 3 days later to advise that everything was ready to be picked up at the designated location. I'd highly suggest checking the new visa stamp as within our returned passports the expiration date was incorrect; the consulate unfortunately used my previous LCA which was still valid and resulted in the use of the wrong expiry date ( - Rhys & Kaila (about 4 months ago)

Interview was for an initial E3 visa. The process for booking the appointment was mostly easy, they accept Australian credit cards for online payment. The visa interview wait time was approximately 5 days. The embassy was easy to find, with ample public transport options. The paperwork will say don’t take any electronic devices, so I followed that and took none, however security did have facilities to store phones etc. The actual visa process at the interview was quite simple, I had a multitude of paperwork but in the end the only thing they wanted from me was the LCA. Actual time at the embassy was approximately 2 hours, but most of that was just waiting in lines. On completion of the interview they will say expect your passport back in 1-2 weeks. However I completed my appointment at 1pm Friday 5 May, and my passport was ready for collection Tuesday 10 May. So without the weekend in there a 3 day turnaround may have been possible. Overall I found it a very simple process, and it ran smoothly. I would definitely recommend the Frankfurt consulate.
- Ian (about 3 months ago)

Interviewer didn’t ask for supporting documents, whole actual interview process was quick, but the lines were already quite long at 8am. My lawyer gave me a stack of useless documents and I got laughed at by security, only LCA and passport is needed for my case.
- Anonymous (about 18 days ago)

I was refused because never take covid 19 vaccine
- Vincent (about 9 months ago)

Appointment booked on 18th of March 2022
- Tracy (about 5 months ago)

Made the appointment about 2 months out, and was able to reschedule for an earlier appointment fairly quickly and easily.
- Eli (about 2 months ago)

You need to bring photos
- Dean (about 6 months ago)

Location : Madrid (SPAIN) Date Time : 20th Jan 2022 Thursday at 8:30am (Had booked this in late September 2021) Who attended : E3 renewal with spouse as E3D renewal along with 2 year old daughter. Prep Work -Document Printing : We had to print a bunch of documents a day before the interview. Used an online service www.workcenter.es to upload documents and make payment using international VISA credit card and the files were available for pickup in 15 mins. Since we lived on Gran Via street in City Center the closest location was WORKCENTER SAN BERNARDO which I just took a train to. I printed 29 sheets and cost was around 8 euros. *Pro Tip* - If you print just 1 or 2 documents you will pay a minimum printing fee of 1.59 euros so it’s actually better to print 5 or more as the rate then comes to 0.16 euros per page + VAT of 21 percent. Prep Work – Online Photo & Physical Photo : We had to update our DS-160 as we had chosen a different country before zeroing on madrid as the appointments were available and we had booked using our old DS-160 number created for another country. When you select MADRID as the location in DS-160 it asked us to upload a digital copy of our photo which we obviously didn’t have. Used Iphone 13 and an app called Passport both (free for 3 days so remember to cancel the subscription after that) to click the photo with bright light and white background and uploaded to the form which passed. We still had our physical photos required for the interview just that online vs physical were different. That didn’t matter as long as both photos were taken in the last 6 months and adheres to their standard. Prep Work - Courier Payment on Passport handover : The MRW courier service the embassy uses require payment of cash or debit card upon passport delivery. I had exchanged for 10 EURO’s using RIA money transfer on Gran Via and when the courier guy came for passport deliver it was 7.45 euros since I was in Madrid city center. I handed over 10 euros to him as he had no cash change. Mode of Transport : Took a train and then we walked to the embassy which is a 7 mins walk. Google map shows you the back entrance so you will need to walk up to the front. *Pro Tip* - We actually did a rehearsal run via train the previous day to be comfortable with the route and accurately predict arrival time. Had asked security on what items we could carry. Arrival Time : 8:25 AM at the front gate with security staff checking the passport , date/time and then letting people go for security screening 1 by 1 or by family. Items Carried : A4 Document Folder, mobile phone, cash/card small wallet and small diaper bag with water bottle and milk bottle and some snacks for the daughter. We didn’t take any strollers but seems they were fine. Locker : Once we were let in for security check by the front guards, the switched off mobile phones were kept in a locker and a number tag was provided to us which needs to be handed over on return pickup. First Window (Document check) : Once clearing up security, we walked over to the First desk window queue where they check your papers LCA, I797, Passport, Photo and provide you with a blank envelope to fill up the return address & phone number for MRW courier which they use to return the passports. Both names of the passport holder needs to be written along with proper address of SPAIN and local phone number. Took around 20 mins here. *Pro tip * - Luckily I had a friend who stays in madrid so used his number but you can use the hotel’s address and number. We had to update our DS-160 as we had chosen a different country before. We explained this to the lady and provided our new DS-160 (which was filled up 2 days before) which she updated in the system. Second Window (Consular Interview) : Since only 1 window was open, there was a long line for this one. There is a small play area right next to this queue where my daughter along with my wife played sitting on the chairs/table while I waited in line. After waiting for 45 mins it was our turn and the officer asked for below items/questions What’s the name of the company ? Describe what do you do ? Please provide your marriage certificate ? Is your daughter a U.S. citizen ? do you have your employment verification letter ? do you have your educational qualification certificate ? In just 3 mins he said your VISA is approved and your passport should arrive in 5 days. Documents shown: Passport, LCA, I797-C, 1 VISA photo, Employment Verification Letter, Paystub for last 2 period, Marriage certificate, all educational qualification certificates. Documents Kept by Officer : Passport, 1 VISA photo, Return envelope with hotel’s address & phone number in it Washrooms / Diaper changing : There are 2 of them in the same room while you wait in queue and you can access them very easily. One of them also has the diaper changing station so it’s all nice and clean. On Exit : We provided the number token and took our mobile phones back. Total time around 80 mins. Courier Wait for Passport delivery : There was no tracking number provided for MRW so they solely rely on the address and number written down on the plain envelope. Here’s the time line : 20Jan2022 (Thursday) @ 8:30 AM – Scheduled Appointment Time (E3R & E3DR) 20Jan2022 (Thursday) @ 9:35 AM – Actual Consular Interview 20Jan2022 (Thursday) @ 11:00 AM – DS-160 status changed to administrative processing 21Jan2022 (Friday) @ 11:10 AM – DS-160 status changed to VISA issued No more updates after it. NO TRACKING number from MRW either. NO SMS or email either. 24Jan2022 (Monday) @ 11:09 AM – MRW courier delivery guy directly knocked on my door in the Apartment Hotel and delivered the package with a required payment of 7.45 euros (only CASH or DEBIT – NO CREDIT CARD allowed) MRW Courier tracking : Can only be SEEN after you have the passports that has the receipt number. Backtracked from that information on MRW website. 01/24/2022 11:09 shipment delivered MADRID 01/24/2022 07:58 Shipping on delivery MADRID 01/22/2022 07:22 In transit MADRID 01/21/2022 21:29 In transit Logistics Platform (02699) 01/21/2022 16:22 In transit MADRID 01/21/2022 16:11 Pending collection at origin MADRID
- UNISOFT (about 7 months ago)

Quick update to previous reviews. Don't worry if you have submitted your DS-160 with another location - I had applied in Hamilton, but ended up in Madrid as it was the only option available. I just had to wait 10 minutes while the consular official pulled the DS-160 from the system, otherwise there were no issues. I have never used a lawyer for my E3, so did not get the bad advice given to a previous reviewer. Note that the US Gov website also clearly states there is no problem changing locations. As my visa application was a renewal I did not need Photos, Resume, Degree or employment letter. All they wanted was my LCA. Once the interview was done they gave 2 options for passport delivery -i.e.; Provide a local mailing address, or collect the passport from the courier offices. They quoted 4-5 days for delivery and 2-3 days for pickup. I chose pickup. My interview was the tuesday morning and I received an email wednesday afternoon saying my passport was ready. Super quick. My appointment was at 9.30 and I was out by 10.15 - a pretty positive experience.
- Tom (about 6 months ago)

It was a renewal by mail…passport and application sent on Jan-10th, received by consulate on Jan-11th…then waiting on CEAC status to be updated till Jan-24th, status changed to administrative processing on Jan-25th, then status updated issued on Jan-27th & passport sent back on the same day, delivered on Jan-28th…overall good experience but never received any reply from consulate for query…please note there were 2 public holidays and 4 days of 2 weekend.
- Sam (about 7 months ago)

I’ve been on administrative processing since lodging the application and still haven’t heard anything
- Alex (about 11 months ago)

It's been under AP for the last 7 months and I'm still awaiting the visa to be issued.
- Alex (about 11 months ago)

First time E3 visa at Monterry. Came on backpacking to explore the US and became fond of it and wanted to explore further. Looked for new jobs. E3 is so new and not many employers wanted to take a punt at it.. but I was upfront with them and found one. Went to Monterrey. They asked a lot of questions testing my ability to do the job as I said. in the end, they approved. I explored the city waiting for my visa. it's a one-week wait after it's approved. That one week gave me chance to explore Mexican culture and i became of fond of it.
- Scott Johnson (about 2 months ago)

E3 Paris review: Booked 15 Feb appointment on 29 Jan 9:15am appointment, arrived at Embassy 8:45am, went straight in. Line moved really fast. Very friendly interview. Questions: - What company are you going to work for? - What’s your job there? - What qualifications do you have? - How long do you plan on being in the US Visa approved on the spot Officer said the passport would be returned in 1 week. 24 hours later I received the email saying the passport was ready to be picked up.
- Tim (about 6 months ago)

In and out of Embassy in 30 minutes. Just asked for LCA and job responsibilities
- (about 5 months ago)

The whole process took 20-30 minutes. They did not ask why I was renewing in paris and not australia. They did not ask to see my confirmation page of my ds160. The j1 renewal was $105.00. It was very smooth, professional, friendly and quick!
- Sophie (about 22 days ago)

There was a reciprocity fee that I had to pay on the spot, credit card (with ID) or exact cash only. Make sure you double check the amount.
- Paz (about 1 month ago)

Had a 24 day wait for the interview. Checked in on the day 15 minutes early on floor 4 (8:30am interview), security put our phones in a locker, then too us up to a higher floor, and took a ticket and sat down waiting to get called to one of the counters. After 5 to 10 minutes we were called up, asked for the DS-160 forms (mine and my Wife's), Passports, LCA, letter of offer, Marriage Certificate, Express post satchel, and degree. I don't have a degree and offered the equivalency assessment but was told to hang on to it. We were both finger scanned and told to sit back down and wait to be called. We waited about 15 minutes and were called to another counter, re-scanned one hand, asked when I started in my career (21 years ago), who I was going to work for and what they did. After only a few minutes there they told me we were approved, handed back most of the documents and to expect our Passports in 5 to 10 days. Tracking showed the Passports were posted at 14:03 that same afternoon and have the Passports 5 days later which included the weekend, otherwise I would have had them in 3 days. All were great people to deal with.
- Michael (about 8 months ago)

Fast and efficient. You go back to collect your own passport when it's ready.
- Simone (about 6 months ago)

A good spot to renew if you're remote working or looking for tropical weather and caipirinhas. You'll need some time on your hands compared to other spots. Rio requires three appointments start to finish: 1. biometrics 2. consular interview (both 1 and 2 scheduled when you submit your DS160) and 3. passport collection (you can't schedule this until they've finished processing). The process is all relatively predictable but for the third appointment for pick up. Depending on your luck the next appointment might be the following day, or another 5 days out, just for them to hand your passport back. This might be overcome by using their express delivery option. My renewal processing took 7 days, but from the first biometrics appointment to actual passport pick up, it was close to two weeks.
- Scott (about 7 months ago)

Renewed E3D at Shanghai location. The process was very simple except the payment of the visa application fees. It has to be processed using local bank or cash, I had few collogues who helped to process payment through bank so it worked out okay. Not all the staff at consulate understand English. We got the passport in 2 days.
- Bhavin (about 4 years ago)

Cannot recommend highly enough. I was done and had verbal approval of the visa 4 minutes after my allowed appointment arrival time (they let me in 15 minutes early.) The visa was available 24 hours later.
- Lana (about 6 months ago)

I wasn't expecting to pay a reciprocity fee ($1,790) and didn't have enough funds on me so had to return the next morning to complete the payment. This held up the processing by one day.
- Rebecca (about 4 months ago)

Very straight forward. I travelled from the US on business and renewed while I was there. I did have to get a local contact to pay for the appointment though.
- Chris (about 2 months ago)

Appointment was not cancelled, but when I turned up they told me they weren’t taking any appointments due to construction (which was visible behind the security door). They would not reschedule my appointment to the next available time but instead ask me to do it myself which meant a 5+ month wait if done in Australia. I’ve only been to the Sydney consulate twice and both times were terrible experiences.
- Adam (about 3 months ago)

Vancouver BC is THE BEST US Consulate in the world!! I had gotten my E-3 there originally back in December 2016 and the process was extremely smooth and I had my Visa processed and passport back in hand in less than 72hrs. For the next time mid 2018 (also changed jobs) there were no appts available in Vancouver so I went to the Bahamas, which was less smooth (My passport tracking was never updated and it was lost for an extra week - extremely stressed & skint because of unexpected expenses is not how I wanted to spend an extra week in Bahamas). But extra 8 days and it was sorted. Then it was time for my 2 year 'renewal' for mid 2020 and COVID hit.... Panic mode started March and didn't really end until June when I had my passport & visa physically in hand again. The Vancouver NIV Team was PHENOMENAL! During such an incredibly stressful time worldwide they were so responsive and supportive. Confirming eligibility for Emergency Appointment as an essential healthcare worker, helping to figure out whether I'd even be let through the border, advising on extra supporting documentation to get, corroborating the immigration lawyer advice about avoiding land borders during such difficult times, 20+ emails and 10+ phone calls. The day before my appointment on day 14 of my mandatory quarantine at an Airbnb 2 blocks from the consulate (unfortunately with views of the Trump Tower....) 'He' issues another visa announcement pausing most NIV class visas effective at midnight. Enter full scale panic attack and multiple phone calls to verify. One of those calls was to the contact I had made (one of the chief NIV Team officers at the consulate). Thankfully they were able to reassure me that they were following the guidance to a T and nowhere mentioned E-3 Visas. Phew!! I was safe and able to attend my appointment the next day and had it back, Visa processed, within 2 hours. Honestly I cannot stress how amazing they were!! It's that time again and we are still in this pandemic so I can only cross fingers that it goes smoothly this round and then I'll have another 2 years try to figure out a way I don't have to go through this Hoopla again. Haha!
- Deb (about 2 years ago)