Why is processing a visa so complicated?
Understanding how the consular system is setup explains how problems can occur while processing visas. The Consular system is similar in structure to the military for example: Ambassador, Consulate or Vice Consulate. There are ranks and responsibilities. With each order comes authority. Due to the size of the United States and it’s importance in the global economy many countries have found that it is necessary to have consulate and trade offices in several cities around the country. To balance the workload they have split the United States into Zones. States, in the same geographic regions usually are assigned to a consulate located nearest them. The exception to this rule is smaller countries who cannot afford to have numerous consulates therefore they have only one located in Washington D.C. or another city of considerable status.
