Indian embassy in Washington DC is a joke

[koolguyme]

They give a number to call in 'Scrolling text' with bold font and they never ever answer the phone.

http://www.indianembassy.org/newsite/passport.asp

I tried like hundred times for the past 2 days. It rings and then goes to voicemail. I am tired. I will put my questions here. If anyone knows the answer from their experience, let me know.

I am planning to apply for a PCC certificate. How long will it take if we apply in person? <versus> how long will it take if I apply by mail and pay 20$ for return in express mail?

[vsrao]

Redirecting to thread below
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/-t14289.0.html

Hope this helps you

[koolguyme]

Thanks vsrao. I already read that thread earlier, but nobody has posted their experience regarding timeline. I sent a message to the manianz47 too. Meanwhile, I am sure there are others who would have dealt with Washington DC embassy,  hopefully.

[divagirl]

The sad thing is that you have to submit your passport to them (DC Embassy only) until you get your PCC... who knows how long??? I dont want to submit my passport to a place where nobody answers the phone!!!!

[nomad_musafir]

hey kool,

i ended up getting my pcc from my hometown in india. i have submitted my cic application and i'll keep everyone posted of any developments due to this. fyi my check has already been encashed.

[Ell.Bee]

hey kool,

i ended up getting my pcc from my hometown in india. i have submitted my cic application and i'll keep everyone posted of any developments due to this. fyi my check has already been encashed.

Hey nomad,

So the PCC from India what all did it include, mine just has address, passport number and states that I have no criminal records in India.

[nomad_musafir]

that is correct.

[koolguyme]

Hey nomad_musafir,

I saw this link posted by you in a different thread.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/English/information/security/police-cert/asia-pacific/india.asp

I will also give it a try to get it from India. Here are my questions.

1) I will ask my parents to apply it on my behalf. It is okay for the candidate not to be present right?

2) As per your reply in another thread, they need a copy of your passport. Anything else? Fee? Proof that we are applying for Canada etc?

3) I lived in 2 different states in India. Is it needed that both the states are listed in that PCC? If so, where do I tell them that I lived in those 2 states? They have any application form?

Thanks in advance.

[koolguyme]

Oops..forgot one more.

4) How long did it take for them to issue?

[nomad_musafir]

1) I was not present.
2) Fees - official and unofficial. No proof was asked for me. However, I had the nomination letter in case they needed.
3) I lived in only 1 state. I am not qualified to comment on how to tackle the 2 states. CIC instructions say - "Applicants should contact the local Senior Superintendent of Police/Commissioner of Police." If I were you I would not complicate things and send them what they ask - 1 PCC from local police.
4) 3 weeks.

[divagirl]

My dad talked to the local police office and he said that PCC should be applied in the state where you live for the last 1 year. They also wanted the last employer name. I am yet to apply and will let you know if something else comes up.

[koolguyme]

Divagirl,

I doubt they care about where you lived last 1 year. As if they maintain computer records of everything.....lol.... For example, I saw the form at Indian embassy website. It just asks for permanent address. They basically are going to send the same form to India. So, I believe as long as local police get their unofficial money, they should be content.

Someone from Embassy in DC finally answered my call. As nomad_musafir pointed out in the other thread, she was really rude. She said, they have no idea how long it takes if I apply by mail, but if we apply in person, they will tell you how long it takes it seems..lol...she said that and without waiting for my response, ended the call. Stupid %*#$^.

I was initially thinking that AINP nomination will take 3 months (since they have removed pre-assessment stage). But looks like, it still takes 5 months - since nobody from Jan 1 got their nomination. So I am going to wait couple months more before I start collecting my PCCs.

On a side note, when the hell are they going to take off that pre-assessment timelines from their website? Gawd, they changed rules 3 months back..I guess AINP needs a web developer

[manianz47]

(1) Applying in Person or by Post does not make a difference
(2) Original Passport need to be submitted along with the application. If you need the passport urgently, you can always get it back (from the Embassy, in person)
(3) Timeline is about 6 to 8 weeks. But it really depends on the feedback from your State in India. It is not in Washington DC's control..
(4) Yes.. It is very unlikely that you will be able to get through the phone line to a person. Voice mail is always full and you cannot leave any message

[abhi_hola]

all the Indian embassy's are same; however, I had a very good experience in CHicago consulate from where I received my renewd passport;
I recevied my passport in 2 weeks time;

[email2kale]

all the Indian embassy's are same; however, I had a very good experience in CHicago consulate from where I received my renewd passport;
I recevied my passport in 2 weeks time;

I got mine within weeks time from sfo.