I second this from the chicago consulate as well. We've had visa applications taken by the consular staff, but noted that a different picture was required for pickup..they didn't li k e the background. .and last month, they requested a copy of the visa of a traveling companion..since that was the name on the hotel reservation at pickup. They do a good review of the documents when brought in, let you know what is required at pickup, and are true to their schedule for timing of pickup, payment method available, and any other pickup requests Had one year visas for the last 5 years, and just received year, so won't need to do this drill for a while.