I just want to add a little to this. I can't speak about Boston, but I live in the west, and LA is our consulate. Appointments there, the last time I checked, were 18 months or more out. In addition, they require more than other consulates, and they are slow on decisions.
I decided to go through a town in Italy. I found someone to help me, and the cost was not the $10,000 you mention above. It wasn't cheap, but I've submitted, and now I'm waiting for the decision. You can PM me for more information if you are interested.
It has gotten ridiculous
Re: It has gotten ridiculous
From my experience, it seems that last-minute cancellations aren't unheard of. About a month ago I logged into Prenota for Boston at a random time just out of habit and there were not one but TWO openings available for the following week! I pounced on the one my cursor was closest to and got the spot! (Within minutes the other spot had also been taken)
HELPFUL HINT if a last-minute opening presents itself: TAKE IT. It doesn't hurt to have your official face-to-face appointment before all of your paperwork is ready. I met with Mr. Corrao without having received my translations yet and he still accepted my application. He said I can drop them off in person at my convenience anytime in the next few months, since that's how long the files sit before they head to court anyway. He also said that while it's not required, printouts of additional federal censuses are encouraged. (I submitted the 1930 census along with the 'certificates of non-existence', so it was easy to also find the 1910, '20, and '40 ones.) I'll drop these all off... once I earn another day off from work.
HELPFUL HINT if a last-minute opening presents itself: TAKE IT. It doesn't hurt to have your official face-to-face appointment before all of your paperwork is ready. I met with Mr. Corrao without having received my translations yet and he still accepted my application. He said I can drop them off in person at my convenience anytime in the next few months, since that's how long the files sit before they head to court anyway. He also said that while it's not required, printouts of additional federal censuses are encouraged. (I submitted the 1930 census along with the 'certificates of non-existence', so it was easy to also find the 1910, '20, and '40 ones.) I'll drop these all off... once I earn another day off from work.
