Can you really complain?

[STEPHnRIA 2]

If you were treated harshly during the interview, who do you complain to? Especially if there was a three year old child involved.

Things have been piling up in my head. I thought my issues are all about the visa wait. But then I realized my real issues are about my interview at US EMbassy Manila. I still can't get over it. I was traumatized and I really felt so sorry for my son. The fact remains that we were not treated right.

Guys, I need your opinion regarding this matter.

[*JG* 2]

You could try. I haven't really heard of anyone getting very far with that at all, though.

[payxibka 10,044]

Not that CO's are immune from disciplinary action.... but sometimes it seems they are... I have heard of only one instance where the US Embassy actually issued an apology to the USC complainant and that the CO would be "talked" to....

[TBoneTX 43,079]

If you were treated harshly during the interview, who do you complain to?

Sadly, the consulates are just about bulletproof and can be as "rogue" as they care to be. However, a supervisorette at the DOS Visa Department told me this:

Our written complaints can go (only by hard copy) to:

Public Inquiries Division

Bureau of Consular Affairs

U.S. Department of State

2401 E Street NW

Washington, DC 20522-0106.

Due to screening of mail for anthrax or whatever, it could take 2 weeks before they get what we send them, and a reply could take 2 to 4 weeks. Sending by FedEx or DHL is the same.

Consular officers are required "by law" to do what's right regarding issuance, so multiple calls or contacts don't hurt the petitioner's cause; however, the time taken to respond to inquiries can take away from other things that they have to do.

The consular/visa corps undergoes "ongoing training" to ensure that people are "provided courteous treatment" (ha!). Complaints about this can be directed to the Chief of the Consular Section (ha). Your interviewing CO will be apprised of your complaint but won't be the one to rule on it.

There is a PDF file that listed embassy personnel worldwide as of August 2008, but I can't immediately locate the link. If you also want to e-mail your complaint to the Section Chief, it would be optimal to find his name and put "To Chief ____" in the Subject line; however, if you put "To Chief, Consular Section" in the Subject line, the e-mail may reach him anyway.

You appear to be waiting for your visa, still. Consider tailoring your complaint to your current circumstances -- or, if you expect issuance within the 4 weeks, hold off and file an after-visa complaint.