The US Embassy in India has recently informed the public about the temporary shutdown of the visa application process, managed by VFS Global, a prominent visa application company. This interruption is scheduled to occur from 12th to 14th July.
According to the embassy, this temporary shutdown is necessary as they migrate to a new platform to enhance their services.
Temporary Suspension of Visa Services
In their official announcement, the US embassy clarified that during the specified period, the visa application process, including appointment bookings, calls, and fee payments, will not be available.
This means that individuals seeking to apply for visas during this time will experience a temporary disruption in accessing these services. However, the embassy assures the public that these services will resume from 15th July onwards.
US Embassy’s Twitter Announcement
To reach out to visa applicants and inform them about the temporary shutdown, the US Embassy in India utilized its Twitter handle. They posted a message addressing visa applicants, stating that their customer service centre, VFS, will be temporarily closed for calls, fee payments, and appointment bookings from 12th to 14th July.
The embassy further mentioned that these services will resume on 15th July, once the migration process to the new platform is complete.
Attention visa applicants! Our customer service center VFS is migrating to a new platform and will be temporarily closed for calls, fee payments, and appointment booking from July 12-14. These services will resume on July 15. For more information, please visit… pic.twitter.com/4ExqJ6QXii
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) July 10, 2023
Also Read: USCIS Launches New Self-Service Tool for Rescheduling Biometric Appointments
Role of VFS Global
VFS Global is recognized as the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions. This company is responsible for managing administrative and non-judgmental tasks related to visas, passports, and consular services on behalf of client governments. Their expertise in this area makes them an integral part of the visa application process.
Reduction in Visa Interview Wait Time
In June, United States Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, announced a significant reduction in the wait time for first-time tourist visa interviews in the United States. During his address at IIT Delhi, Garcetti highlighted the embassy’s efforts to process visas faster than ever before.
He expressed that the US Mission in India has set a goal to process at least one million visas in 2023, and they are already halfway towards achieving this target.
Also Read: 6 Tips to Get Your US Visa Appointment Faster
Increased Travel to the United States
The increasing number of Indians travelling abroad, particularly to the United States, has led to the accommodation of this new tourism boom.
In response, the United States plans to open two new consulates in India, signalling its commitment to facilitating travel and strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. This move aims to meet the growing demand for visa services and enhance convenience for Indian travellers.
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