Originally Posted by
yyzjake
1a. I have a trip to SF in a couple of weeks - would it be better to apply at the SF Consulate instead? Can I expedite and do it same day there?
AFIK, Americans are only guaranteed good visas when applying from America.
The consulate in SF is one of the stingier ones, but should give you a one-year visa without any hassle.
If you have Chinese blood (or can pass off as having Chinese blood), you might want to consider engaging a visa agency that uses a consulate other than SF or NY and shooting for a 2-year L.