Needed their notary services. They only designate 1 day each month for their walk in notary services. Go to their website to check on which day notary services will be available. No luck in finding street parking, finally parked at a nearby municipal parking garage ($20 max) which was very close to the U.S. consulate building. Walk in notary is between 1300 to 1345 at the 360 University St. entrance. Got there at 1310 and approx 10 people were already in line, took 30 mins to get inside the building. No camera, phone, any electronics with GPS allowed during the security checks. Take elevator to 3rd floor, wait in another line for the service staff to check your documents and ID. Once completed go the the cashier line to pay your USD $50 equivalent. Once paid, go to the sitting area and wait for your name to be called. Finally named called and documents notarized, entire process took a little over an hour from waiting outside to completion of notary. All staff from security, service and notary were pleasant and helpful. Hope I never have to do this again read more

The American Consulate is Phenomenal! It's good to know that we have outstanding people working at the American consulate in Toronto to help Americans when foreign countries hassle law abiding Americans. Thank you American Consulate. USA USA USA read more

RATING FOR PASSPORT RENEWAL SERVICES - Wow! For a government office they were on the ball! Very impressed with the whole process. Everything will run smoothly IF you read and follow all instructions; they will email you reminders. You will need to make an appointment online. Bring the following to your appointment: - print out of your appointment confirmation page. -Proper form (they'll send you an email with the link) filled out with your passport picture attached. - a prepaid, self-addressed envelope (you can use a Canada Post Express envelope). You can opt to pick up your passort. - Payment in U.S. or Canadian cash or credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover and AmEx accepted). All credit cards are charged in U.S. dollars. They do not accept Interac/Debit Cards or personal checks. - Photo ID other than your passport Make sure to go to the building at 360 University Ave (the building at 225 Simcoe Street is for Visa services) The following items are prohibited inside the U.S. Consulate: -Food and beverages -Backpacks, bags, luggage, etc. -Weapons or tools of any kind -Electronic or recording equipment of any kind to include laptops, cell phones, tape/CD/MP3 players, pagers, etc. -Oversized strollers They will not hold any of the items above if you bring them; they'll ask you to leave it in your car or leave it with a companion who will wait outside. You will go through a security checkpoint; pretty intimidating but at least they're friendly. The whole process was quick and painless. Staff were friendly and helpful. They said my passport would arrive in two weeks but it arrived in one Woo-hoo! read more

United States Consulate General - Visa services and passport services are in two different buildings. - Embassy Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

This particular consulate office knows exactly what they are doing. When I came here for a passport renewal appointment, I was very impressed with how efficient and smooth-running everything was here. Staff were all very serious yet friendly at the same time. If you're worried about whether or not you'll have a good experience here and are perhaps even skeptical of some of the reviews, let me confidently tell you your chances of having a bad experience here are VERY low, as long as you follow all the rules and come prepared for your appointment. Since I had everything with me as necessary for my appointment, I spent a maximum of 30 minutes inside the consulate. Awesome! It's important to note when coming here that NO electronics of any kind are permitted inside the consulate, that even includes gadgets as simple as AirPods. Only bring what is necessary for the purpose of visiting the consulate, for example, your passport and supporting documents such as a passport application. You also need to clear security before entering. Not a big deal, this is normal across all US Government properties. You also should print out your appointment confirmation page and bring it with you to the consulate. I ended up forgetting to print this page and was still able to enter by stating my last name and appointment time, but to be safe, you still should carry this page with you. I also highly recommend you do NOT drive here. Parking is a pain to find, and is quite expensive too. You're much better off taking public transportation here. You'll thank me later. This review would be 5 stars if they offered lockers for people to store prohibited items such as electronics in. It is very inconvenient for people to have to find a location somewhere in Downtown Toronto to rent a locker for a period of time while they're at the consulate. There is a Staples store right across that has lockers available for you to rent, but just even thinking about having to do this causes a lot of unnecessary stress. If other consulate locations like the one in Calgary (at least from my understanding) offer lockers for you to store prohibited items in, why can't this particular one do so as well? ALSO IMPORTANT TO NOTE: DO NOT TRY TO CALL THE CONSULATE. It is impossible to get ahold of a live person working here, and all you'll do is end up being annoyed by a repetitive, robotic voice. But fear not, this consulate knows exactly what they are doing. Great, professional staff here. read more

Accompanied my girlfriend to get her US visa this past February, she worked/lived in Dubai with a Philippine Passport and has now moved here on a landed immigrant status which is practically the same thing as a Canadian citizen with the only exception of not being able to vote. We both decided to take advantage of some free time to get her paperwork finished in time for our reunion in LA in November this year, ie. her US Visa. The initial process was to fill out a DS 160 US Visa Application Form, conveniently offered online which was uncomplicated as long as you follow the instructions carefully. She even saved her passport photos online, made a payment and within a few weeks she received confirmation for an appointment slot all in less than a month, all via EMAIL. No Phonecalls. The entrance of the embassy is behind the building, where a public parking lot is conveniently located. The thing is, if you don't have business inside the embassy, meaning your name is not on their intake list at the very first window, you won't be able to accompany even your ailing grandmother even if her oxygen tank depended on you pulling it as she clasps on to her documents. So I just dropped her off at the front (it was freezing, February chill) and even cellphones weren't allowed inside, so make sure you've got everything organized, prepped the night before as there will be no chance you can make a call once you're inside, unless you don't mind lining back up again and going through security which feels like 'orange is the new black' every time I'm sure. She was probably in there for 2 hours, got her approval and because her mental preparation for everything has always been naturally effortless, it was no surprise that the process from application to interview was executed the first try. In return, she took me out for some sushi and sake for being her executive chauffeur for the day. Not bad for 2 hours worth of work. The US Embassy is streamline with what you can expect as laid out clearly on their website. They give you enough instructions way beforehand and as with any application or interview, your job is to do the right amount of research and follow through with the requirements and you should have no problem being treated with the utmost respect and approval, yes even from an Americano! read more

I'm a US citizen living in Canada as a permanent resident (PR). On my last trip to the US my passport (and Canadian PR card) was lost or stolen, we still don't know which one. Canadian border guards let me come home to Canada (thank god). I immediately reported my passport as lost and began the process to replace it. Even though I have my old, expired passport from before, I still have to go in person to the consulate for a replacement. Which requires an appointment. They have no appointments. When I wrote to ask what to do, since I'm now a US citizen with no way to return home, or even leave Canada since PRs can't apply for Canadian passports, I was told I had to just keep checking and maybe I'll find an appointment eventually. If I book a flight, they'll process me with an emergency passport instead of having to wait 5-7 weeks, but you need an appointment for that. And there are no appointments available. Emergency passport replacement is a joke, the consulate staff via email (since you can't get anyone on the line) is not helpful, and I now can't return home to see family and keep multiple engagements planned throughout the fall and the holidays, or travel for my employer when requested. No idea what to do in the event of a family emergency, since you need an appointment for an emergency passport and the staff has been incredibly unhelpful via email. In comparison to my Canadian wife, who had a visit of a few hours to a Canadian passport office and will have hers replaced in a few weeks, this is disappointing. And why my expired passport is not sufficient proof of citizenship to apply via mail is wild. Why wouldn't you want to keep people out of your consulate and embassy and encourage them to work through the mail, isn't that easier for you? read more

Wait not too bad for US citizens... at least in the morning. Had an 8:30AM appointment, and was out by 9:30. Tips: -Remember to leave electronics at home. No phones, kindles,ipads or even the remote on your car keys apparently -I'd recommend making early appointments. Easier to get parking that way too -Speaking of parking, there was a lot on St Patrick right in line with the Consulate. However, the consulate is close to the TTC, so metro is much more convenient -The Staples across the street sells the ExpressPost envelope that you need for the passport renewal Main issue with this place is that you can't really take in much entertainment. That is the policy at all the US consulates worldwide though Also would be nicer if you could get seen AT your reservation time, as opposed to after read more

If you are looking for a place for storage/ locker near US consulate, go to a convenience store 3 min away. The store is located on the same street (Simcoe street) as the US consulate and right beside the Tim Horton's. 438 university avenue. The store is very close to the US consulate so if you forgot any materials from the your bag after storing, you can go back and grab them quickly! Oh they also have computers, and you can print any materials you missed for your consulate interview! Better than Staples where there are too many people and lineups!! read more

Had an early morning appointment for my niece so took the GO train instead of driving in the rush hour traffic. The consulate doesn't allow certain items like bags, smart watches, remote keys or cell phones etc that would need to be stored for the duration of the appointment. For ppl using the 360 University Avenue, there is a Staples across the street that provides locker services. There is also a small convenience store around the corner on Dundas and Simcoe that provides similar services. The consular service was great, people were friendly and we were able to get in and out pretty quick. Overall a pleasant experience. read more

The staff was excellent across the board. Helpful and knowledgeable with none of the grumpiness you might expect from people who sit behind bullet-proof glass and help people navigate through complicated exercises in paperwork. I am American and was going to file a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. Your experience may be different if you are going to apply for a visa to visit the U.S. The line was definitely longer for visas, and as one reviewer notes, if it's busy you may very well spend time waiting outside. A couple of things could be improved: 1. The list of things you can't bring inside that's posted on the web site is different from the one posted outside the building where you get in line. The web site specifically says no cell phones, but in fact they will allow you to check a cell phone at security and pick it up when you're done. The web site doesn't say anything about large purses or backpacks, but the sign outside says they are prohibited (although they did let me bring in my backpack full of art supplies to keep my five year old occupied while we waited). I should have snapped a photo of the poster outside that lists prohibited items. It's plainly visible from the street if you want to have a look in advance. 2. They have an interesting interpretation of the word "appointment." It doesn't mean come at a certain pre-agreed time and someone will see you at that time give or take a few minutes like it does in the rest of the world. It means come at that time, take a number, and depending on how busy we are we will call you in 1-2 hours. Tip: don't kill yourself getting your Express Post envelope before your appointment. You can duck out to the Staples across the street to get it while you're waiting for your number to be called. Just make sure you get a slip of paper giving you permission to re-enter without waiting in line again. read more

Tough security measures you can't bring ur phone or any electronic device even car keys remotes ,they don't have storage facility for electronics so I suggest store in public lockers ,leave it at home or bring someone with u to help . don't bring food or any liquids just itself and papers.went there by über it was fairly easy but u hvae to wait for ur turn beyond ur requested time . The staff was very helpful and understanding. read more

Visa service is very fast here, but just as Mike said, they are very imposing. Unless you have a lawyer in present / waiting outside, DO NOT BRING ANYTHING other than your paperwork, no food, drink, gadgets, phone, just yourself. Also, avoid winter time to visit this place at all cost. You have to wait in LOOOOOOOOOOOONG time OUTSIDE, sometimes for hours. read more

I went in for a simple passport renewal for my daughter - They make you make an online reservation for a very specific day and time... and then they escort you in, where you wait 2-3 friggin hours. So what do I do with a 1 year old who is getting squirrely after one hour in a hot, small room ? So why do they have you make a reservation if you're just going to wait hours and hours? duh... They also don't allow cell phones into the building, which they don't tell you on their website. The Canada passport office is so much more efficient - no reservations needed - just show up, wait 20 minutes and submit your documents. read more

If you have your cellphone with you, And they don't let you in. Go up north to the corner of dundas street. Right before Tim hortons still on simcoe street there is a convince store where u can deposit your cellphone and stuff for a charge of 5 dollars. read more

The largest consulate in Toronto, the U.S. Consulate serves U.S. citizens residing and visiting Canada with consular assistance (passport renewals, birth registrations of children born to U.S. citizens in Canada, legal assistance in the event of an arrest, etc.). I have been here to get forms notarized and pick up a passport renewal form, and the consular staff are extremely helpful and informative. Non U.S. citizens can come for visa appointments or other immigration-related processes such as obtaining a Green Card (if married to a U.S. citizen). Due to this modern age of terrorism, do not bring any gadgets (mobile phones, iPods, etc.), food, drink and backpacks (not too sure about purses or messenger bags, but it's best to call the consulate before you head off to see if they are on the list of prohibited items) as doing so will result in being denied access into the consulate. Remember once you step foot into the consulate, you're on U.S. soil and Canadian law does not apply on these premises. While it does bite that you can't bring anything to kill time, you will have to abide by rules set by consular officials. Wait times can be lengthy, so it's best to arrive early in the morning, and most importantly, schedule an appointment if possible. For U.S. citizens looking solely to renew their passports, no need to come to the consulate as U.S. citizens in Canada are allowed to submit renewals via traditional postal mail. Please follow the instructions as provided on this website: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/renew.html and mail the forms, photos, photocopies, money order (in U.S. funds) and current passport to: Routine Service: National Passport Processing Center Post Office Box 90155 Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 Expedited Service (additional fee applies): Write "EXPEDITE" on the outside of the mailing envelope. National Passport Processing Center Post Office Box 90955 Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955 As for those coming here for notarization services, SKIP IT! They charge $50 for each document they notarize which is a MAJOR rip-off. Instead I went over to Toronto Notary Public ( https://www.yelp.ca/biz/toronto-notary-public-toronto?hrid=4T6dwISpXeEWsRfiAj9G6g ) instead where two notarizations cost me only $26. I have used his notarization many times in the past and they have been accepted by state governments in New York, New Jersey as well as a private business in Arkansas. read more

Similar to previous posts, I am writing to share my experience renewing my daughter's US passport. I had an 8:00 am appt. We live in TO and arrived via Uber so I don't have any feedback about parking. I did know in advance to leave my phone at home and I took only a small purse and my documents in a plastic bag - it was raining the day of our appt. ENTRY: I did not realize that my daughter would not be allowed to wear her FITBIT watch. They told me to put in my car (didn't bring a car) or leave with a companion outside (also not an option). They suggested going across the street to store with Staples for a fee. I didn't want to be late so I opted to hide it under a bush by a wall near the building (spoiler alert: despite my daughter's concerns, it was still there when we came out about 50 min later). PREPAID ENVELOPE: The line was not bad at all and I was seen right away at the drop off window to submit my documents and pay the fees. They did ask me for my "pre-paid" envelope. I knew I needed this envelope but I couldn't find detailed info about this on-line so I had just brought a regular envelope and stamps hoping for guidance. What they recommend is to buy a REGIONAL PREPAID ENVELOPE FROM CANADA POST - which is available across the street at Staples as well. If you don't have the envelope with you, they give you a slip and tell you to get the envelope after your interview and then use the slip to re-enter the building. We then went to the waiting room. While there I heard a father of an infant tell his wife he had hidden his phone in a coffee cup around the corner of the building because he didn't think he had time to run all the way back to the car. At least I wasn't alone! INTERVIEW: We had an 8 am appointment but interviews didn't begin until 8:45 am - I found it strange that they weren't calling any names and the waiting area was starting to fill up so I asked the security card around 8:30 am and he told me that one of the officers had just arrived so interviews would start shortly. We were the first name called at 8:45 am, so 45 min after our appt time. The interviews are conducted at a counter through a window not in a private room or anything. The officer who interviewed my 10 year old daughter was DELIGHTFUL. I mean absolutely awesome. Joked with her and put her at ease and just made the experience a lot of fun for her. STAPLES: After the interview, we took our slip and exited the building. First we retrieved her Fitbit from its hiding spot, then we crossed the street to go to Staples. First thing I noticed was all the familiar faces - all the folks I had seen on my way in or out of the Consulate or even up on the 3rd floor all doing the same thing - storing their items, picking up their items or buying their pre-paid envelopes. In my case, the pre-paid envelope cost $13.95 and was worth every penny. I asked the sales clerk and she said the cost is not marked up at all from the Canada Post prices. So that was a pleasant surprise. The cost to store my daughter's Fitbit so we could re-enter the building to drop off the envelope was $5. I asked the sales clerk about those proceeds and learned that 100% of them go to the Back to School "Fill the backpack" drive as a donation. I'm not 100% sure that's true but it made me feel better about paying $5 for them to hold onto my item for 5 minutes PROCESSING TIME: After Staples we walked back across the street and reentered the building with our slip, waited our turn in a short line and handed in the envelope to go with our application. Then it was back to Staples to pick up the Fitbit before hopping on the subway (OSGOODE STATION just one block south) to get my daughter to school. We were all done within an hour - it would have been maybe 10 min faster if I'd known about the Fitbit or the exact type of pre-paid envelope ahead of time (which is why I decided to write a review). The processing time varies I am sure but my passport just got delivered by Canada Post, exactly one week from our appointment date. That's only 4 business days! I am absolutely thrilled - it could have been more efficient, the website could be more detailed but the process was really easy and quick. read more

Does anyone know where the place is that has storage lockers? What's the name/address? I went to the building yesterday to ask if they know where the storage facility is nearby.. The only one he knew was at the Eaton Centre, however it isn't open prior to my morning interview. Help? read more

Not professional at all, they don't know what they doing, special the consuls even you have all your legal documents to re-enter to United States they will reject your request, I have my travel document to re-enter and my Temporary Protected Status, driver license my social security from USCIS, I showed him everything, I want to request for a visitor visa because I am planning to go to vacation with my hubby my documents are almost expired (22-07-2017). We both working and I am a student at Foubourg in Montreal, the consul told me I wasn't supposed to leave the country, are you serious! Is that a reason to be rejected? First of all it's not the first time I left the country I went to Mexico with my husband in 2015 I re-enter at the airport Miami without any problem, it's because that consul don't know what his doing he's not professional even he asked me for my documents from USCIS he told me they are not good really? They are original I showed him my social security my work permit. He was a trainer maybe they should review my files. That's unfair, I am a married woman, so you want me to live without my husband? Unfortunately I couldn't help him to be a resident of United States because I had TPS like I said before, but him he's a Canadian citizen He can help me to be legal in Canada and he has a very good job in Canada. Anyway the only thing I regret is the day I've been requested at work 1 month before and my $214 I wasted for nothing I should give that money to the sick children. This consul is very unprofessional there's no reason for me to be rejected because I am still legal to United States read more

Horrible service, made me feel like an unwanted guest even with an appointment. Went for a visiting visa, had to pass through 4 check points of people doing the same thing of checking my passport and appointment letter. Then went into a room full of people that were also booked for the same time as I; 49 people to be precise. With only 2 staffs to interview us you can imagine how long it took. As we waited in line, we could hear other people's private lives and business being discussed over the counter with the Embassy staff speaking on the microphone right in front of us. The Embassy did not care to respect the dignity of visiting visa applicants enough to give them privacy when being interviewed or at times scrutinized. It was shocking. By the way, one of the check-in staffs was nasty and outright rude. She looked like she was angry with me and I had no clue what I did wrong other than the fact that I showed up for my appointment. Eventually it was my turn and I got the visa approval so I never have to see them again. It's true guys you cannot take any electronic device inside including your remote starter. Good luck all. read more

This is not a really a review for the US consulate but information if you are like me who is looking to find out if you they have locker facility to leave your belongings for few hours till you go inside for the interview. You are lucky since I searched everywhere and could not find that information. So in short, as they tell you in the website - they do not allow phones/cameras etc inside. They do not have lockers at the entrance near the security or anything. However you can leave your stuff at one store next to Timhortins in the same lane, its not really a safety deposit box however you can leave it there since they seem to be doing this for a while now. They charge you $10 and they leave your belonging on the floor behind the counter or on a shelf behind the counter. They hand over a token number as a proof which you will need to pick up your item later. Also they take picture and print if you have forgotten to get them for the interview. This is not ideal however the only closest option available. read more

First of all , The majority of stuff are rude and impolite, Second , the consulate was upset when I brought my child to the appointment, However, in the confirmation lettre , they told me to bring my child. Third, The consulate denied my visa without any reason!, I asked her why, she told me read the paper. Of course, she has no rationale except gaining more money!Despite the fact is that we are here in Canada for three years ,and I have a full time job. All in all, she intended from the begining not to give it to us. Last, the washrooms are dirty and need to be renovated. My suggestions are to train your stuff how to deal with human beings and how to handle people's applications read more

Very smooth procedure. Went in for a passport renewal, whole process took half an hour. Make sure you keep atleast- help an hour margin to find parking. Leave cell phones in car although car keys were allowed when we visited. read more

Very dissatisfied with the officers today. I had high hopes that I would come back happy today but instead came back home feeling as if I had been discriminated against. I thought we were past all discrimination and racism but guess not. Muslims will always be treated as terrorists. I do not understand why the officer said my ties were not strong enough as I know that the proof was sufficient. That was just a lame excuse to reject my application. I have been to so many countries and have never had an issue. I am a traveler of the world, I always go back to my home country. If I have an amazing job with a high salary why would I leave that and go to the States? How is that a red flag for you? I had my work permit and pay stubs as proof. The reason why I wanted to go was for a nice weekend before summer break is over for the kids and now because I got rejected, the kids can't go either. I feel as if I was mistreated today and that the officers were not fair with me, because I am a Pakistani muslim. Just because I am muslim does not mean I am a suspicious person. ISIS does not represent me. You don't see Muslims going around saying KKK represents all Christians. You don't see us discriminating against Non-Muslims. You say America is a multiculturalistic country.....well you certainly proved that today. However, I will not stop applying because I felt such dishonesty today, we need to put a stop to discrimination. I know my application was qualified for approval, sadly the officers were not on the same page... I just hope one day everyone will realize not all Muslims are the same. You can't generalize a whole race of people based on a group who's gone astray and have mental problems. Please understand that as I just want to enjoy touring the States. I am more than happy staying in Canada, I have a plethora of reasons why I am going to stay in Canada. The States is our neighbour and it would be nice to visit on weekends. Officer, you were wrong and I hope you understand that it is not okay to judge. Thank you. read more

I had lost my identification here in Canada (I'm a US citizen), and I am here under inland sponsorship (I'm married to a Canadian), and thus, cannot even leave the country. The embassy was helpful in getting me my passport, even though I can't travel and lost my only picture ID. I am so grateful for all of their help, because I don't know what I would have done otherwise. The security guards take their job seriously, but treat everyone with respect and try their best not to be overly invasive, while still keeping us all safe. They offer storage of banned items across the street at Staples, as well as selling the envelopes you need to get your passport mailed to you at that Staples as well. When the officer forgot to get my signature, they literally sent someone down outside to try to chase me down, and then called me twice so I could get back as soon as possible. I did wait for 2 hours passed my "appointment" time, but that's expected. Overall, a much better experience than I've ever had at any government office before. read more

Was just there to obtain a B1/B2 waiver. Very unimpressed. Staff was certainly not friendly , place looked like a dump. Thought I was going for a formal interview to obtain permission to enter the us after being denied entry one year ago due to a shop lifting charge almost 35 yrs ago. Instead the short interview was conducted at a wicket and now Im told I have to wait another 6 mths for the waiver. This will only be a temporary waiver up to a maximum of five yrs, then I have to repeat the process all over again. I can certainly understand why most Canadians choose not to bother with this nonsence and travel elsewhere. This is after paying a lawyer 2000 to assist in this matter. What a joke!!! read more