The United States has significantly bolstered its outreach to the Indian diaspora with the inauguration of eight new Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) across major U.S. cities. This strategic expansion, a collaborative effort between the Indian Mission in the U.S. and VFS Global, elevates the total number of operational centers to 16, with an additional center slated to open in Los Angeles, further enhancing the accessibility of vital Indian consular services for millions.
These newly established centers, located in Boston, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Edison, Orlando, Raleigh, and San Jose, are poised to offer a comprehensive suite of essential services. Among the critical offerings are India visa applications, Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) services, passport renewals, renunciation of Indian citizenship, and Police Clearance Certificates (PCC). Additionally, they facilitate applications for the Global Entry Programme (GEP) and various Miscellaneous/Attestation services, streamlining bureaucratic processes for the 5.3 million-strong Indian diaspora.
Designed with convenience in mind, the new ICACs aim to drastically improve service delivery efficiency. Applicants will benefit from extended operational hours, including crucial Saturday openings, which cater to individuals with weekday commitments. Furthermore, the centers provide value-added services such as return courier options and on-site photo-taking and form-filling assistance, all offered at no additional cost, ensuring a smoother and more user-friendly experience for those seeking Indian consular services.
VFS Global, recognized as the exclusive service provider for the Government of India’s consular needs in the United States, plays a pivotal role in this expansion. Their long-standing partnership, dating back to 2008, underscores their expertise in managing large-scale application processes efficiently. The company’s global leadership in trusted technology services ensures secure and reliable handling of sensitive documentation, reinforcing trust in the application process for Indian citizens and those with ties to India.
Mr. Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Ambassador of India to the USA, expressed profound optimism regarding this development. He emphasized that the increased accessibility and efficiency provided by these ICACs are paramount for the Indian diaspora, directly contributing to their ease of living and strengthening the foundational bonds of the India-US partnership. This initiative reflects a joint commitment to fostering stronger bilateral ties through improved citizen services and fostering greater convenience for travelers and residents alike.
The strategic placement of these new centers is also expected to significantly contribute to strengthening business partnerships, tourism, and trade between the U.S. and India. By simplifying access to visas and other consular documents, these hubs will act as catalysts for increased cross-border interactions, facilitating economic growth and cultural exchange that benefits both nations. This directly supports the growing demand for diverse travel and consular services.
VFS Global’s global operational footprint is extensive, encompassing over 3,900 Application Centres across 165 countries, with over 499 million applications processed since 2001. The company’s commitment to leveraging technological innovations, including Generative AI, for secure mobility highlights its forward-thinking approach. By handling administrative and non-judgmental tasks, VFS Global allows client governments to focus on the critical assessment aspects of applications, enhancing overall productivity and security in the delivery of consular services.
With headquarters in Zurich and Dubai, VFS Global maintains a responsible approach to technology development and integration, prioritizing ethical practices and sustainability across its operations. Majority-owned by investment funds managed by Blackstone Inc., with minority stakeholders including the Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation, the organization remains a trusted partner to 69 client governments worldwide, consistently delivering high-quality, secure, and efficient solutions for citizens globally.
