There are two ways that an entry clearance application can be submitted in the US. The application can be sent through the mail or it can be hand delivered to the Consulate. You cannot personally submit your application to the Consulate unless you are very important and/or very rich. The hand courier method will ensure that the adjudication process begins the day it is submitted. Applications sent by mail tend to pile up at the Consulate until someone is able to get to it so they do take longer to process. $100 sounds about right for a handcourier in LA.

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