Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in New York

"Wow talk about efficiency!! If you have all your documents printed out (if not there is a photocopy machine for 25cents per page) then you will be seen and taken care of promptly. No lines and open windows when I went in, so in and out in less than 10 minutes!!"

"For the folk who first time applying a Chinese visa, this place has a lack of support for you all. Most of all USA born WITH Chinese parents. To start, the first-timers, who come in person are forced out and to apply online. When you are done applying online you think you have the application code and just go back, but they want you to print it out over having it through their computer. Like could they just have a paper form application in place? Also, you need to print it out, the only place you could print costs 1$ each paper. Also, the first gate won't let you in till you do with application then the stuff inside see you. The people who went over with this application have Chinese parents. Again you are forced out and get more paper and documents, expecting the younger folks who are in college or LOOK young and disregard passport age. They see us as minors and make it more work for us and get us to obtain documents for minors (18 and under, not 18). They make this more complicated than it has to. In addition to whatever you bring in to them, they expect you are done but they will try to get you to print more paper, where the printing is already a scam even the printer inside. Also, you won't know if you need documents about Chinese parents till you are inside. ++No tech indoor, phone and computer ++ only open from 9 to 3, 6 hours To summarize, they need to print paper for the folks who need to be there to apply rather than making them come back. They want speed with online application and yet they need paper. Lack of support for posters outside for Chinese parents to support with what they need. I came back this place 6 time in the city with 20$ wasted on local printer."

"This is what you need when applying for a Chinese Visa besides the Application form (they are not very clear online) 1. Passport (they will keep until the visa is approved, typically 4 business days) 2. Proof of residency in New York (a bill or lease will suffice) 3. Copy of tickets in and out of China & Travel itinerary inside China. 4. Letter of Invite (if applicable) 5. Confirmation of appointment (schedule one online after you’ve filled out the application, if you don’t see the option for this online, you filled out the wrong application. It’s called COVA) 6. If your parents are Chinese and we’re naturalized American, but you were born in America, you need to provide your birth certificate and both of their certificates of Naturalization. If you missed anything or need something printed out, you can print them out at Freedom News across the street for $1 a page. Went on a Friday and Saturday morning right at 9am. Wait wasn’t too bad if you have all the paperwork ready. Security and staff were really nice and helpful. 3/5 because the website is unclear about what you need to bring, essentially making you run across the street 2-4 times printing out documents you didn’t know you needed."

"The time on your online reservation doesn't mean anything. You have to line up once you pass the security to have a lady check all your docs and get a number if your package is complete. Come as early as 8:30 am to line up if you don't want to waste too much time here. The windows inside open at 9 but they will let you in near 8:40. Get your online application printed otherwise you will be turned away."

"This is a rating of my own personal experience. I arrived at a later time of the day around 11am ish. i was worried about how busy it may be and how long the wait is based on online reviews. However there were no line outside of the building. Security check point was super fast. The main lobby was also empty. I was in and out within 15 minutes. Super fast service. Just make sure you go through the checklist online before you go."