I have a non-imm B visa that expires May 8. I will apply for a new one in New York consulate. I would like to apply as many days as possible before May 8 so I can leave New York to continue my US travel. Can someone advise how many days before May 8 can I apply: May 1? 2? 3?

Thank you, Peter

You can apply any time, but the FIRST ENTRY must be done within 90 days of the visa issue.

Usually the RTCG will issue a new visa to qualified persons whether the old one has expired or not. Some might cancel the old one if they issued it to avoid confusion