Consular Processing Updates and Current Services 

Consular Offices around the world are not functioning as normal. Due to lack of transparency, consistency, and predictability, consular processing issues (getting the visa stamped with new approval information) are VERY SEPARATE concerns from visa processing.

Here are the some of the common issues that are happening at consulates around the world:

  • The appointment dates are unavailable in a lot of countries

  • The publicly listed appointment dates are not accurate (visit www.oaklg.com/appointments)

  • Many countries only have appointment dates that are 4-5 months out from the date set

  • Emergency appointment and appointment determinations are difficult to obtain and not consistent

  • Consulates are more aggressive in turning away visa applicants at the interview for little reason at all

  • Consulates are holding passports for weeks even after visas are approved at the interview



In accordance with these new circumstances, we are advising visa applicants to do the following: 

  • Clients who are currently in the United States


We are advising clients that are currently in the United States with their visa stamped to remain in the United States and extend their status. It is not a good time to leave the country because there are several things that will be outside of your control to get a stamp and come back to the United States. 



  • Clients who have approved visas and require consular processing


Clients who require consular processing are encouraged to first use resources available to conduct their own consular processing. Due to inconsistency at the consulates, our support on consular processing is only performed on retainer basis and most times it is more practical to self-service the consular processing portion. 


Here are our most up to date resources on consular processing issues


Consular Processing Service Options and Support


Consular processing assistance is subject to hourly rates for assistance due to the complexity of the current situation. The applicable rates are below and start with a minimum two hour deposit

  • Attorney hourly assistance - $300 per hour - minimum 2 hours

  • Staff hourly assistance - $125 per hour - minimum 2 hours

  • Emergency appointment functions are $500 per consulate/attempt

  • Expedited appointment functions are $500 per consulate/attempt



Our other service option is to work with our preferred contractor for DS-160 and appointment setting. This service requires the client to fill out our DS-160 application and the contractor will follow-up with options from there. Services are most often on a flat fee basis and start at $500. Introduction will happen after the form is filled out. 


Consular Processing Link: www.oaklg.com/ds160