[SoleilCouchant]

Wow the Miami consulate is responsive! Yeah, like Bev said, why tempt fate. From what I remember, you tell the consulate when you want to arrive, and that's when they make the visa valid (starting from). If you wanted to go earlier, then, you should have asked for an earlier date...kind of thing. I wouldn't go before the date starts because that might mess with your timeline. You might just have to pay a month of rent without even being there. Lots of leaps of faith and expenses are involved in the expat world lol

(And Ray, not sure what type of visa you got. But definitely there is an issue date and a date of when the visa "starts." They're not one in the same so far in my experiences)

 

[SoleilCouchant]

I used IMG which is cheap but covers the requirements. Not sure how comprehensive it is for real-life needs, but it works as far as the letter we need to show the consulate.

 

[SoleilCouchant]

Lol I love that you can contact your consulate so easily!

 

[SoleilCouchant]

Well, back in 2014, for the DC consulate, I sent them an email first with 3i091891 questions on it, and I got a response saying to call within a certain window of time. I did, and thankfully the woman humored all those questions. Then there were a few other times I had questions, and it was hard as heck to get someone on the phone. Since they were only "open" three hours, it'd be busy and direct me to the email. And the 2nd two times I called, I got a guy who was being snarky and not helpful. But then this past year when I applied, I couldn't find anywhere on the website that said you could call them like I did before. Their email forms seemed really strict too, more than before. You had to list your whole life story (name, birthday, nationality, address, blood type...okay not that but you get the point) or else they would just trash the email. And the two emails I sent never got a response.

Also I remember in 2014 during my visa appointment, there was a guy from New York there and the consulate clerk was flipping out telling him he wasn't allowed to be going to the DC one. The guy was like "Yeah but they never answer when I call" lol and the clerk eventually was all "don't make me call security!!" drama. I've seen other people on here say they can't find a number to call and ask questions at their respective consulates.

So...really, it's awesome that yours does