Come with me to San Francisco! Let us get our visa!!
For reference, I scheduled my appointment at VFS Global San Francisco (642 Harrison St. Suite 200). My appointment time was at 12:30pm.
When you arrive at the building, you have to press the button so that they can unlock the door. Thankfully, someone held the door open for me as they were leaving. The VFS global office is on the 2nd floor. After getting out of the elevator, look for the letter B Schengen Visa. I advise that you come in 30 mins early and wait in the hallway. Fifteen minutes from your appointment time, you are able to check in. The front desk will ask for your printed VFS receipt and give you a receipt with your token number.
If you are traveling by yourself, you can bring a bag. They weren’t too strict. I was able to bring in my purse. However, if you are carrying multiple bags or a big bulky bag, they have a designated area where you can hold your stuff for the time being.
For example, my token # was DNAP-51. If you look at the screen, it will usually show the last number they called. They don’t necessarily go in order of your token number, so don’t stress out if someone who came later than you gets called before you. Still you should be there 15 mins earlier. However, it really depends on the country you are applying for. Waiting time is typically 2-4 hours depending on the day you go.
The hardest part about the appointment was waiting to be called. This part varies depending on the day that you go. Unfortunately, the day I went was very busy. The way their system works is similar to a DMV: the number they are serving is on the screen. For me, I arrived at 12:16pm and waited for 4 hours and 45 mins before getting served. Besides that, everything else was quick and speedy.
What helped me the most was making friends with those around you. I met two girls who were also studying abroad but in Portugal. It makes time go by faster and can be reassuring especially if you are nervous.
If you are unsure of what to bring to your visa appointment, click here.
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