Outsourcing of Indian Visa Services

Consulate General of India

Birmingham

Press Release

Outsourcing of Indian Visa Services

            Taking into account the feedback received on outsourcing of Indian visa services, a list of FAQs pertaining to visa applications has been prepared to further assist the visa applicants.

Q1:  Have visa services been outsourced to the service provider?

A1:  The process of collection of visa applications and disbursal of processed passports has been outsourced to VF Worldwide Holdings Ltd. (VFW), with effect from March 1, 2015. VFW operates 14 visa application centres in the UK. A list of all visa application centres and the process of applying for visa services is available on the VFW website http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk.

Q2:   Is biometric data collection mandatory while applying for a visa?

A2:  Biometric data collection has not been introduced.

Q3:   Do I need to visit a VFW application centre in person for submitting a visa application?

A3:    Personal presence of an applicant for submitting a visa application is not mandatory. A family member or a nominee is entitled to submit a visa application on behalf of the applicant, provided he/she is able to produce a letter of authorisation signed by the applicant. 

Q4:   Do I need to book a prior appointment before visiting a VFW application centre for submitting a visa application?

A4:      Yes. All applicants/authorised nominees, except in emergency cases (medical/dealth) are required to book a prior online appointment to submit visa applications at the VFW centre to ensure faster and reliable service.

Q5:   How can I book a prior appointment before visiting a VFW application centre for submitting a visa application?

A5:  Prior appointments with VFW can be booked online by following the instruction for “Appointment & Online Payment” link on the website of the service provider (http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk/how_to_apply.html). Please be advised that while booking an appointment, you would need to provide the GBR number located on your filled-in online visa application form and your passport number.

Q6:   Can I submit a visa application through post/courier?

A6:   Yes. However, applications received through post/courier would need additional processing time of at least two weeks. It is further clarified thatincomplete/incorrect applications would be returned. To avoid such inconvenience, it is preferable to submit applications with prior online appointment in person or through authorised nominee. 

March 20, 2015