Originally Posted by
astroflyer
Yep, and if that consulate is anything like the SFO one, plan on 2-4 hours each day. I would normally never use a visa service, but this might be worth it. I also got an obnoxious visa clerk who denied me multiple entry just because I didn't have a second trip already planned.
I just picked up a new visa at the DC consulate. If it weren't convenient for me to go there, my calculus might be different, but I found the process very efficient this time around:
-45 minutes for the drop off
-1 minute for the pick up
(I like going in person because doing so allows me to do everything in my power to get the best visa on offer, though I wish I had known that they were doling out 3-year visas beforehand.... I settled for a 2-year M because I wasn't in mood to amend my application and invite letter on my drop off day.)