Just an FYI . . .the NY consulate is closed Mon, Dec. 26, Dec.27 and Dec.28. It looks as though they have no available appointments for the rest of Dec. You can, however use a facilitator to take your application into the consulate for you. They do not need appointments. It costs around $200-$250 and the britainusa.com site has a list of people that are registered to do such service.