Post
by quixote44 » Mon Apr 24, 2006 11:43 pm
I'm now in a position to answer my own question, so I post it here just incase the information could be of use to someone else.
My fiancee was called exactly 7 weeks and one day after making the application. She was told the visa was granted and she went straight there that day to pick it up. So the initial estimate of 6 to 8 weeks proved to be good.
During the wait I sent 3 short emails requesting progress information. They were promptly and politely, and very professionally answered. I get the impression the consulate staff are well educated and very professional.
However of my fiancees 3 emails in Portuguese, asking for progress info, 2 of them received no reply. I guess they are routed to locally hired staff who are less diligent .... anyway it all turned out well in the end.