VFS Global Resumes Visa Applications For 25 Countries: All Details Here

As the various countries gradually opening their borders, VFS Global has started re-opening its Visa Application Centers in various cities of India and resuming visa application service for around 25 countries.

“Visa Application for around 25 countries have resumed at select centers across India” Said VFS Global in an update.

Information in the below table is as of 23 September 2020. As this information is fluid and being updated regularly, please visit the country-specific website on www.vfsglobal.com for the most current information pertaining to the city of application.

Visa application processes for students

While student visa applications have reopened for most countries, applications may be accepted only on some of the cities mentioned above. Customers are advised to check if applications for this category are being accepted in their city by visiting www.vfsglobal.com.

To aid students who have already started their foreign education or will be starting soon, but have not been able to reach their schools yet, UK has recently introduced flexibility in their student visa rules.  These updated rules allow students to apply for visas when they are able to travel to the UK, rather than at the start of their studies, as was the mandate earlier. Additionally, students completing their courses online will still be eligible to apply for the Graduate Route, provided they are in the UK by 06 April 2021. View the press release on this here.

Restart of other visa application processes

Please note that VFS Global Visa Application Centres can open only when the concerned Embassy / Consulate provides approval and directs it to do so. It does not decide on re-opening of any Centre on its own.

Some countries may have limited slots opened for appointments at present and only in certain cities. All appointments can be booked free of charge. Customers are advised not to fall prey to touts or fraudsters who offer false promises of appointments / visas / job / immigration in exchange for payment.

Health and safety precautions at the Centres

As an extra layer of caution to ensure the health and safety of customers and employees alike, VFS Global has established standardised protective measures to be followed across centres, including physical distancing and sanitisation, body temperature checks, use of masks and sanitizers, disinfecting high-contact surfaces, etc. Customers exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, including high fever, cough and difficulty in breathing will not be permitted to enter the centre.

Appointment booking service for COVID-19 testing

Anticipating customer needs further, VFS Global introduced online booking of COVID-testing facilities at the beginning of September. Being ahead of the curve with their operational excellence, the company has ensured the utmost comfort to customers by allowing them to avail this facility at their doorstep as well. This service has been rolled out in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Chennai, Pune and Kochi.

‘Visa At Your Doorstep’ service

As an optional service to customers wanting to complete their entire visa application submission process from the comfort of their home or office, VFS Global continues to provide the “Visa At Your Doorstep” whereby a customer can submit the application, enrol biometrics, and get the passport couriered back to their his/her location of choice.

Courier service

As a precautionary measure, customers may also opt for their courier services to get their passports delivered to their preferred address, after adjudication by the concerned diplomatic mission. This service may also be made mandatory by certain countries.

Also Read: 16 Countries Allow Visa-Free Entry To Indian Nationals: Centre