Consulate General of the United States of America

Been here for F1 visa interview. Security was tight and the place was really good. All the safety measures are being followed.

My query is regarding the J1 VISA. I have completed my PhD and expecting to get an offer for a postdoc position from University of California, Riverside. But they are saying US embassy and consulates in India are closed due to COVID-19, and are not taking J-1 visa applications yet. Please let me know regarding the same.

Staff are friendly. One can get in easily. Bag, wallet, mobile etc is not allowed inside. There should have a system of safe keeping the items not allowed inside otherwise one has to depend on shop nearby. After getting in according to appoint time there has to be in queue according to their time slaught. Staff inside helps in this regard. Usually they opens three counters for interview.

The guards who work outside line up everyone before the applicants appointment. I had reached early but due to the long line the appointment time I was given had past. I just put that across to the guard and he yelled “everyone has to wait” and he went on a rant about no matter how hot it is everyone has to wait. I then realised that the timing isn’t really an issue it’s more of a first come first serve basis. Then when we went inside the other employees tell you where to sit where to stand as if your kids. The only person who behaved themselves was the American gentleman who took the interview. The guards and the staff who don’t even give u the visa are the ones that are rude. They should be made to realise the consulate decides not them so they don’t need to show so much attitude.

Superb organised services located at the best location of Kolkata. No chaos