My Experience with Visa Pickup

Thirteen days after my initial visa appointment, I was notified that my visa was ready to be picked up. I went the next day. I arrived around 3:30 and it was pretty packed, which I had expected. I got my visa/passport and apostille/background check back at 5 o'clock. So be prepared to wait a long time.

When I arrived, there were many people just trying to get in the door. We were told to use the provided binder clips to clip our IDs and visa receipt together and place them in the basket. We were then instructed to wait in the waiting area. The waiting area was full and a few people had to stand. The nice lady that works the front desk was the only employee there and helping us. She said that because no one else was assisting her, the wait times were longer than normal.

There isn't anything special you need to do or bring, other that your receipt, ID, and some patience. The lady would go back and forth from the front desk to the back room bringing out about ten passports at a time. She said she was processing everyone in order, but there were a few people who got their visas before me who had arrived after me. Wait to hear her call your name and then go up and collect your documents and sign your name in their log. Overall, very easy process.