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

The cells are terribly cramped and dingy. Screaming from down the hall made it very hard to sleep.

Impossible to get a hold of anyone here. Not to mention that they also pick up, and hang up the calls — even if you were on hold for an hour.

Don't even bother during COVID. They're closed until further notice and they don't pick up the phone EVER! Very frustrating times and they aren't making it any better.

申请材料准备齐的话申请过程还是很快的。唯一一个注意事项是：填写申请表各项信息时一定要用电脑打印！打印！打印！不能手写！手写！手写！还有就是如果中国有邀请人，一定要提供邀请人的身份证正反面复印件。

When you have everything prepared, it could be really fast. The only thing you need to be aware is that: When you fill in the information on the Visa application form, you MUST PRINT! Not hand writing. What’s more, you should also provide a copy of your Chinese inviter’s domestic ID, both side.

The lines are long, the environment is not the best, staff are not the friendliest. However, if you read all the rules and regulations online before going (I did), and have all the documents (statements/certificates/passports/ pictures) ready with you, they are FAST!

I had very bad experience in this Chinese Embassy yesterday! My 3 year old daughter was stepped on with the run from the security detector machine. Upon entering turn off the cell phone 2 and put my handbag in detector. There was a Chinese lady who is ahead, the official told her that she had 2 phones and I thought it was me, He said no but she did not tell me to stay away and I stayed waiting for him. And I heard my daughter screaming crying when turning around I saw that her hand was stuck in the strap. And I screaming to stop it and they did not stop it and a minute later they stopped the machine. And they are so. I do not know how to describe! That none of the officials who were working there offered me support or help. And some who were there who were processing paperwork was to say some of those who work there for me to give first aid some Band-Aids and nobody left. They are so without hearts.
Tuve muy malo experiencia en esta embajada china ayer! Mi hija de 3 años fue pisado con la
Corre de la máquina del detector de seguridad. Al entrar apague los 2 celular y puse mi cartera en detector. Había una señora china que está por delante, que el funcionario le dijo que ella tenía 2 teléfono y yo pensé que era yo, me dijo que no pero no me dijo que me alejara y me quede esperándolo. Y escuche mi hija gritando llorando al voltear vi que su mano estaba atascada en la correa. Y yo pegando grito que lo parara y ellos ni me pararon y a un min después es que pararon la máquina. Y son tan.no se cómo describir! Que ninguno de los oficiarlos que estaban trabajando ahí me ofrecieron Apoyo ni se acercaron. Y unos que estaban ahí que estaban tramitando trámite fue a decir unos de los que trabajan ahí para que me den unos primeros auxilio unas curita y nadie salió. Son tan sin corazones. Y yo andaba con una desesperacion y no sabía que hacer.

Not bad experience,
Tourist visa applied on Pakistani Passport
Documents provided
Computer filled Application
Bank statement
Employment verification letter
Confirmed Air ticket
Hotel booking confirmed
Copy of passport
Copy of green card
Finger prints taken at counter and asked few question
90 minutes procedure

Fast service, clinically efficient.
I can imagine it being a hassle if you don't have your documents in a row, but that's the same as the DMV or financial aid office or any other bureaucracy.
I had all mine together and was in and out in less than an hour to submit my Visa application, and less than 20 minutes when I returned to pick up my passport.
Do your homework, and it's a breeze.

The service is pretty good if you have all your documents ready. Otherwise, you'll be disappointed. The lines are long so you have to be patient. If you need a picture taken, there are convenient photo booths that take perfect pictures for $10 on the second floor. I also saw a couple of copy machines there. Overall, the experience was not bad, but it takes time.

This was probably one of my best experiences going to a consulate. It's not a fancy place and very much no-nonsense, but they get the job done accurately and quickly and will tell you exactly what you need if you're missing anything.

Here are a few tips if you are applying for visa:
1. Make sure you have all of your documents. This includes the application (typed) and signed. A photo copy of your passport (this can be done at the consulate if needed for a small fee on second floor). A recent color photo (this can be done at the consulate for $10 on second floor). Flight tickets and hotel confirmation or invitation letter and photo copy of the inviter's Chinese ID card (front and back).

2. When you arrive, don't go upstairs even though that's what the sign says. You need to wait in the line between the door and the stairs area that says visa on a paper sign. The woman will check your documents and if you have everything she will give you a number.

3. If you need to reprint your application, there aren't many places in the area to print (the CVS on 42nd and 10th does not offer printing), but you can go to a Chinese restaurant on 42nd and 10th called Happy Family. It may look closed but you can walk in and tell the owner you need to print a visa app and he will take you to the back to use the computer and printer. Cost is $5.

If all works out, they will give you a paper slip to return in 3-4 business days to pick up the visa. When you return you go straight to window 9 to wait in line, they will give you a placard to tell you which window to go to to pick up your passport, you pay and you will receive the visa.

Overall, pretty painless experience. When submitting the paperwork I was in and out within 20 minutes (I arrived right at 9am). When picking up my visa, I was in and out in 25 min (arrived at 9am but the metal detector was broken so there was a delay).

Professional trained staffs providing efficient service for overseas Chinese. If you prepare the required documents according to their website, everything will go quickly and smoothly.