The CGI NY was very helpful and assisted in the renewal of the passport of my son. The consular officers were understanding and tried their best to help. I felt so proud everytime I visit my consulate as I feel that I am in India and I can reach out to someone if I am in need. Office of Consul General and the consular officers try their best to help despite heavy workload and volumes. read more

Very disappointing experience at Consulate General of India, New York. Staff behavior was unprofessional, and I felt pressured to give a 5-star rating. Also, people outside were asking for $1000 to "help," which felt like a scam. Be careful.I think they staff agent outside. read more

PRAMIT page and Inquiry, no one responds. Once Application submitted it is on Bhagan Bharosey. Clearly mismanagement of Government duty to Care. No one seems responsible for serve the customers. Collect Money and sit on Application without reply to queries. read more

Negative 100 if that were an option. Rude, dismissive, and unprofessional staff. Completely unacceptable behavior for a U.S.-based consulate. read more

Applied for visa and paid $160 for 10 years visa validation via VFS, However, visa was granted for only 5 years. I would like to know if there is any particular reason why the was granted only 5 years, even though the fee was paid for 10-year visa? read more

I came here to participate in a yoga session through a Meetup group. The building felt secure and the room itself was nice though my yoga mat shifted some on the carpet. I'll likely return for future events through the Meetup group and my review is only based on that experience vs. any other services offered here. Lacking that kind of knowledge I can only give 4 stars. read more

Very fast lines, friendly and helpful Consulate Officials. Felt very welcoming. Celebratory pictures of Chandrayaan-3 even further reminded me of the patriotism within us NRIs read more

When I had to go to the Indian consulate in New York, I was not looking forward to it. My last visit about 10 years ago was terrible. The place was chaotic, smelly and disorganized. But when I visited last week, the experience was totally transformed. The place was organized, the staff very professional, and they also had nice touches like play area and ice cream for kids. Wow! What a change. Especial kudos to Mr. Vijay Shankar Prasad, who was incredibly courteous, professional and helpful. Way to go. read more

They put the us to shame on it's home soil (we'll sort of) as far as being bureaucrats. They make you jump through hoops for the smallest thing. As other's have mentioned, the woman who "returns" phone calls is beyond rude and nasty. How anyone can treat people the way she does and keep their job, it's obvious she's related to someone. Her job is to return phone calls and that's it... not give you any information, not connect you to anyone... return phone calls (and being rude) is all she has to do. When they make a mistake, good luck. They make you jump through hoops and even though they ADMITTED that they screwed up, they wouldn't refund my fee... never mind the amount I had to send it with tracking because if you can't prove that they received it... too bad. All this on the backdrop of having to take care of my father's final affairs... not a single shred of decency to do their job properly, never mind the circumstances they were under. read more

I've waited at countless consulates and border crossings all over the world to get a visa, and this was, by far, the worst experience place I've ever had. For starters, the lines are endless as workers grind it out at a snails pace. When you finally get to talk to someone, you quickly sense that nobody knows what they're taking about...and they're the ones you're counting on for procedural information! I was basically running around in circles due to conflicting instructions. Also, don't discount the possibility of having to stop by multiple times if/when they inadvertently mess up your application process. I would be terrified if I was flying to India on short notice and needed to come here and get a visa. Leave yourself plenty of time to deal with them. read more

The building itself has ornate details which is really pleasing to the eye. A few amenities need updating, like the elevator and restrooms. Otherwise I really appreciated the tranquil-library vibe I was feeling at a gala I attended. The event I attended had a self-service coat check. There are water coolors placed near elevators on each floor. Very high ceilings and great acoustics for events in the main hall upstairs. read more

Consulate General of India - Performance by youth group - Embassy Near Me - New York, New York

Could you please get rid of CKGS. CKGS is the worst of the worst i have seen ever in my life. the online applications in general is supposed to help customers with ease of use. CKGS has made it so complicated, that going through CKGS.US website is a pain and creates confusions and above all makes us pay additional $$$ for going through the troubles. that's called looting. i need to take many days TIME OUT from work, to get the ONLINE application process complete. then what's the use of website ? this is Stupidity. the website and the process is ABSOLUTE NO BRAINER. Please please please accept applications directly or get a new vendor. read more

Great service. Exceptional staff. Truly impressed. Dealing with so many people with a smile even at the end of the day shows how good they are at what they do. read more

My name is sureshkumar jeyachandran I applied for emergency certificate I got on time they treated me well and so helpful thank you Mr. vijayandira singh sir and kushpoo mam read more

I have never been more ashamed of my country till I had to deal with the Indian consulate in NY . I needed to travel on an emergency but my passport was expired .so I applied for EC and waited for 24hrs .. there was NO promised call back after 24 hrs . then I decided to go there in person , first they made me wait outside for 2 hour before telling me to leave without offering any help . they hide behind a intercom system and are very inconsiderate to citizen who are trying to get help in a alien country . I went back home and applied for a tadkaal passport renewal and again no response for a week . Now it might be that's i am doing something wrong but at least they can reach out to you and tell you what you need to do .absolutly Nothing from them . I don't understand how my tax payer money is being used to host these folk in USA and they can't even do the little job they have correctly . Very shameful!!!!! read more

If I could give them a negative rating, I would. The Consulate General of India in New York is notorious for being rude, slow and impatient to those who need help. I was optimistic, but their reputation ended up being reaffirmed in my mind! I was trying to obtain information regarding a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) as I need it for Canadian immigration. The general inquiry line didn't have an option to speak with anyone, so I tried the emergency line in hopes that someone could connect me with a staff member. This man picked up and was *extremely* rude. He interrupted me, talked over me and when I tried to repeat what I wanted to know. He then interrupted me again and told me to speak in Hindi - this is quite unprofessional. I completely 100% understand that not everybody is able to communicate in English. That said, this is a consulate in the US and the staff should be able to minimally communicate in English and/or multiple Indian languages. Not all Indians speak Hindi, and non-Indians who want to go to India may not speak Indian languages either. Anyway, I called him back to ask for a different number, and he gave me the general inquiry one. I discovered PRAMIT and submitted an online inquiry - folks, this is your best bet if you want a prompt response. I got a speedy and helpful reply. I still needed some info clarified, so I reached out again - and then received a call from a very impatient staff member. She ultimately helped, so all good. Indian Consulate, if you ever read this -- please train your staff members in courtesy and patience! *For F-1 students who need a PCC* -- if your F1 page in your passport has expired, don't worry - a self attested copy of your EAD (in addition to current passport, original and copies) will suffice as proof of valid US status. If you are on your OPT and don't want to travel to India simply to renew the F1 - you don't have to! Your status is valid, and you're all set as long as you have your EAD. I'm doing my best to save you the hassle of trying to get in touch with the Consulate. read more

I waited for 1.5 hours for my turn, mostly because there was only 1 employee working her way through the crowd. Kudos to her because I observed how she treated and worked with everyone waiting to get their papers processed. She was very accommodating. On the flip side, the place could use an upgrade, be more organized and punctual. I was told that I could pick up my passport in an hour, so stuck around the area and when I got back no one was in the office. I waited for 25 minutes and only when one of the other people waiting CALLED them up, did someone show up. This official was not polite or professional. read more

okay so, I am Getting tired of their lack of respect towards people who pays for their visa. 5 days ago I commented about my passport being lost at their embassy. I just got off the phone with the same rude lady and asked if they received my email that they asked me to send 5 days ago. not only she doesn't know how to talk to people but she goes on saying that they need 48 hours before responding to an email.. mind you I sent it last week July 13 so they had Friday and Monday to review it but yet again they didn't! I don't care about the visa anymore all I want is my passport back!! and for exactly 5 weeks and 4 days no body is telling anything but to wait. Your Previous Reviews 1.0 star rating 7/13/2017 Not only everybody is rude, they have my passport now for 5 weeks!! I emailed them and they sent me another email address, I emailed that new address and they also sent me another email address to use!! According to their tracking my passport it's under process at the embassy but when I called the embassy they have no idea where my passport is. they either lost my passport or just being lazy. the lady at the embassy also gave me another email address to send all my information to. still waiting to see what will happen. read more

I'm not Indian and after reading the negative reviews I was really worried about taking care of some paperwork at this place. Visa, Passport, OCI, birth certs, and all other consular services are downstairs (not through the main door). We showed up during a busy season and expected the worst. BUT, the workers were very polite and patient, they handled everyone's paperwork. Kudos to them, they deserve a raise! Ours was second to last because we showed up around 11:00AM and we were done and out by 12:30PM. My guess is that now they have a new Consular in charge, things have changed. The old consular lady was charged with some fraud and eventually sent back to India or something. A few tips: * Bring a book or some sort of entertainment with you, the wait time is anywhere between 1 hour to 3 hours. * They only take cash in $20 bills or money orders. No $100 bills. * Bring some snacks! You'll be there at least for 2 hours. * some paperwork would be ready after 12:30PM, you can walk to Central Park and play around until your work is finished (hint: avoid bitter cold days!) read more

I and my husband went to the consulate for our Police Clearance Certificate (PCC). The staff was efficient and very helpful. While we waited for our turn, we saw them arrange for staplers, pen, stationary for many applicants and they also helped them with the photocopiers without any visible sign of irritation. Despite a long line they were cordial and tried to help everyone within the purview of their jurisdiction. After our application got accepted, we were told the due time it would take to process it and we received the Police Certificates at the given time, two hours from the time we submitted the application. Our experience was hassle free and smooth. Applicants should however always factor in wait time ( depending on the queue) and processing time (2-3hr) while planning their visit and also carry cash because the consulate only accepts money orders and bills. read more

Getting a service from CKGS website? Far from being user friendly, It's a lengthy and a frustrating procedure, exorbitant fees, numerous and many unnecessary documents required, (in original), no filing instructions, and very poor customer service. This is the worst website, time consuming and extremely annoying. If you can avoid it, please do. Wonder why the Indian government outsourced this service. Good luck on getting help from support. read more

Consulate General of India is sloppy and don't believe in timelines . I waited for 10 days and then started calling the consulate for my passport renewal. big mistake, they don't work until it becomes emergency for you. If you like your work done start calling on the emergency # 917 815 7066 from day-1 and then may be you will not have to cancel your flight tickets. this was my experience, there is no negative rating in YELP else my score would be -5 out of 5. read more

Nice customer service lady who works at visa section she's provides awesome customer service facilities are good I proud to be Indian origin

Stupid People, I just applied my passport re-issue via BLS , the BLS provided great services and got passport in 2 week with re-issue. i have same Indian address since last 25 years and it's same in all documents, like passport, birth , L.C, utility and all, since last 15 years i am using same my Indian address in all documents , i just applied my passport for re-issue because it was expiring, now i saw they made mistake in my Indian residence address, those guys don't look at all the address in previous passport, they don't care about to any spell mistake, rest looks good but not sure what should do about that address spell check. read more

I go with zero stars. Stuff doesn't talk to you properly and it's hard to find enough information about the requirements of visa and passport. I talked to CKGs more than 30 times in a week and asked 100 questions about visas on travel documents and every time they told me that consulate accepts US TRAVEL documents. I wasted my 200$ plus a week to apply for the visa and in a week they rejected my application and now the CKGS is telling me that they don't accept travel documents... Like seriously people.... They could have told me on a very first day... People are in desperate in of visa and help at least add the relevant information on your websites so that we don't waste our precious time and money... read more

On line OCi application is a joke. The software is very poor. I tried 10 time and every time telling me they can not find the temporary ID. I got tired and gave up. I took the photo of the temporary ID so I do not make mistake as it is too long. I gave up on it. Try to call for help and asking me to leave message which I did many time no call back. yet. you leave message and they say they will call back as soon as possible. I have not got the call back yet. read more

I had submitted my passport for renewal just a day before I got the unfortunate news of a death in the family. I reached out to the consulate directly (Pramit portal) and they handled my case excellently. - They called me immediately after the office opened (3 times, actually to discuss various options) - They gave me several different ways to deal with the situation - They cleared and issued my passport within hours - They guided me thru the steps to have someone else pick up my passport for me since I could not make it to NY from Cincinnati, OH in time Overall, they understood the sensitive nature of my request and responded accordingly. Honestly, I did not expect this level of professionalism and quick responses from a consulate, any consulate; but I was very very impressed. Big shout out to SAYALEE for staying in touch with me and helping me thru the very difficult time. Keep up the good work. -Ankur read more

I had to open a madad MADAD request with Ministry of external affairs in India to get the passport renewed. lazy morons.

Was having issues with CKGS online OCI application process. I submit to CKGS the application with all the listed documents, but CKGS would later request additional documents that are not even on their document list. The application was perpetually in limbo. Very frustrating. Decided to go straight to the embassy for help. Could not be any easier. Very helpful and professional. Checked, approved, and streamlined the entire OCI process. Dropped off the paperwork to CKGS that day and received the OCI in the mail about 3 weeks later. Cannot thank the staff at the embassy enough for their help. read more

Great Service. Keep up the good work. I have received call back within 30 minutes when i left the voice message.

This Consulate in New York is well managed and staffed by people who are willing to go the extra step to help in the right situations. We had an urgent requirement to get a no-objection certificate and passport cancellation for shipping the remains of my mother-in-law back to India. The documentation and remains arrived on a Friday noon at the New Jersey airport, which meant that we could only reach the consulate around 3 pm to present the items. The consulate usually processes documents that are presented in the morning so this meant we would have to wait until Monday morning. However, a call to their emergency line on the previous day (Thursday) and we got a quick response (thanks Mr. Upadhyay) and assurance that staff will be on standby to process the paperwork late afternoon. They delivered as promised! This enabled us to ship back the remains on the weekend and a timely cremation in Delhi on Monday. I am writing this with a lot of gratitude and thanks from the family and friends who appreciate the quick action and help provided. Special mention for the PRAMIT system that allows you to track all requests and submit documentation copies in advance. Anything to help make the process easier. Regards Milind read more

Consulate General of India, NYC - They are the Best Before I share my experience just one learning I got is "Never lose your hope and keep trying". I had a valid visa and my Wife's visa extension has been filed almost 5 months back, So looking at the rules for OCI (it needs at least 3 months valid visa of parents) I decided to go for Tourist Visa for my son(minor). I applied and sent all required documents through courier, it reached on very next day and I got email confirmation from CKGS. On the very same day I got another email saying that "Your application is on hold due to the missing or incomplete documents" because of "MISISNG MOTHERS VALID US VISA STATUS". And then my follow-up and explanation session started with them, every time I call to CKGS and they say okay send me available document we will see; and next day same story again that as per the policy you have to provide approved visa for mother then only we could process it or else your application will be returned to you after 30 days. I was more worried because I was not sure how long it is going to take for my wife's visa extension, so after a few days of follow up and frustration I decided to write to Consulate General of India, NYC. And believe me it worked like a charm, I got response from Consulate on very next day saying they contacted concerned team and my application should be processed soon. Exactly after 3 days I received my son's passport with Visa, I am still not able to believe that it happened. Many thanks to Consulate General of India, NYC. read more

Very responsive to concerns. A special thanks to the Twitter team and Mr. Shrikant Kumavat in the OCI division for their quick responses. Despite CKGS NY being closed due to the COVID-19 crisis, NY CGI processed my new OCI card and sent it across to me. Thanks to the team. read more

NIGHTMARE the third party company CKG website for India visa application is a nightmare. Crashes, freezes, dumps you off the site and forces you to restart the tedious process all over again. The temporary pass does not give you access back. After 5 days I finally was able to complete the application, but now cannot pay the fees and go forward. There isn't a way to contact a human being at CKG, there isn't any way​ to get help from a live person at India Consulate in NY. I'm stuck and cannot find a way to successfully submit the application and pay the fees with the third party company. I've tried calling, emailing, leaving messages, tweeting. Nothing. Is this India's way of getting back at us for Trump? read more

They deserve no star. The person who call me back was very unprofessional, rude and should not be working there. This is the Indian consultant. The worse customer service!!!!! Horrible experience!!!! She hung up the phone mid-conversation. I still did not get my question answer. read more

Extremely ineffective staff. Applied for a PCC from India. We were told that it would take 3 weeks. Has been over a month now. There is no timeline that they are able to provide. How can a consulate not have a timeline to provide important documents to a citizen?????? It seems that even abroad Indian government is infamous for its bureaucracy and inefficiency. read more

Prompt response from Suman. Happy to get quick help and guidance during Covid situation . Received my passport in 4 working days. Excellent planning and executions. Also very cheap as compared to CKGS service. No additional charges and very elaborative emails/ responses for the questions asked. Commendable job !!!! read more

I'm an Indian. I went there at 3 o'clock on Monday and I found nobody were working to get my Power of Attorney document signed. I don't understand how come nobody were working on a working day and the gate was closed at 4 O'clock. Then why did they have working hour between 9.00am - 5.30pm. I'm fed up with them since I traveled around 3 hours to get there and returned. read more

If you can avoid going there at any cost, don't go. The people that work there are more rude, less patient, less professional, and less informative than anyone or any organization I've ever come across, including companies in India. It's amazing that they are located in the US. It's poorly run, and they have no respect for anyone else's time or money. This place has caused me to lose thousands of dollars in flight fees, taxi cabs, expedited passport fees etc. Even something that sounds as easy as getting a document attested is a huge fiasco. It's so aggrevating to go there, and I don't wish it upon anyone. Even the lawyer my company hired had major issues getting in touch with them. No one ever answers the phone. It's really unbelievable how unprofessional the place is. It's a shame what a bad rep this place gives to people about India. read more

Every time I think of my experiences here, I cringe. Not only is it disorganized and terribly managed, but the people who work here are unhelpful and incredibly rude. It is laughable how bad it is here. read more