Indian Passport Renewal in US at VFS Global
NOTE: After 21st May, 2014 BLS-India is no longer the service provider. The new provider is Cox & Kings Global Services Pvt. Ltd.
NOTE: After 7th May, 2013 VFS is no longer the service provider. The new provider is BLS International.
Sometime back in April/May 2012 all Indian Consulates in US (New York, Chicago, Washington DC, Houston and San Francisco) has engaged M/s VFS Global as an outsourcing agency for facilitating the process of obtaining passport related services.
So these Consulate offices will no longer entertain any direct applications or queries related to passport services. You need to contact VFS Global.
VFS Global website: http://www.vfsglobal.com/india/usa/
I had a quick look at the website to see what and all has changed. Most of the process is almost similar to the one I mentioned here in my post – Passport Renewal at Indian Consulate in San Francisco – Basic Process but I will give a highlight of few things that have been changed.
Note: I am discussing mainly on Re-issue of Passport after 10 years.
Disclaimer: Information here is from my own understanding and reading. Always rely on the information provided on your respective consulate’s website.
Application Process Changes
Now you apply through the http://www.vfsglobal.com/india/usa/ website and not the individual Consulate’s website.
2: Applying in Person:
If you are planning to apply in person you need to go to the respective VFS Global office and not the Consulate office. This is what they say:
You are requested not to go by the appointment date printed on the application form.
After filling up your online application form, please call 202 800 7412 to book your appointment (9Am – 6PM) or schedule it online.
- 3:
Applying via Postal Mail
- :
If you are planning to apply via postal mail you need to submit the documents to the respective VFS Global office and not the Consulate office. Check the postal application procedure here.
4: Passport Return Service when applying via postal mail:
Now if you want VFS to return your new passport back via post, you will have to compulsory send the pre-paid return envelope. Previously I know with CGI-SFO you could send a separate money order of $20 as return mail service. This facility is no longer available with VFS. This is what they have to say:
Please Send your prepaid, return envelope if you wish, your processed application, is returned to you by post. Please do not send money / money order / include postage cost in the money order, we are not purchasing courier for the applicants on USPS. Applications expecting service of this nature may face infinite delays.
5: Application Fees:
For re-issue of passport after 10 years is $43(application fee) + $3(VFS Service Fee) i.e. total $46. This does not include any mailing fees as mentioned in my previous point. For more on fees check here.
6: Photographs:
Now they need 3 photographs. Before they asked for only 2 (at least for SFO).
7: Track your Application
Now you can track your application progress. This seems one of the good thing, though I don’t have any personal experience with it so I don’t know how efficient is it. Still definitely a step in right direction.
8: Customer Center:
You can call for information at +1-202-800-7412. I haven’t called them but from one of the comments in my other post, I think now you might be able to get hold of some person more easily than before (By the way at SFO, my call never went through).
Other general changes
I noticed following on VFS website news page:
4 June 2012: ‘Extension of Validity of Passport’ – Service, is no longer available: all applicants will have to apply for fresh passports.
They haven’t made any more clarification on that. So what I understand it if you have a passport issued under Tatkal Scheme(which has 5 years validity) will not be Extended for another 5 years. Instead you will have to apply for fresh passport(which is same as renewal).
4 June 2012: At Present, Only US Address will be printed on passport issued in USA, even if you desire to have Indian address as mentioned on the application form
I don’t know how much it matters to most of the people but it’s worth noting.
Another important point I noticed is:
Receipt Notice of I-797 and I-485 is Not accepted as proof of Valid Visa only Approval Notices are accepted
Say your visa stamp in your passport and your visa are expired. You have applied for extension and maintaining your status based on H1 extension receipt. On the top say now your passport is expiring. So now you cannot apply for passport renewal until your H1 is approved. I am not sure what happens if your H1 gets rejected and your passport is also expired. It is a very rare case scenario. That simply means don’t wait until last minute to renew your passport.
Conclusion
Overall I see VFS as a step in right direction. These are some of the changes I noticed. There could be more, which I will update as I come across.
I would like to hear about your experience on passport application with VFS Global. So feel free to leave your comments.
Resources
Desi Ways 
Hello,
I am in an urgent need to renew my passport as I need to be in India for filing a bigamy case against my husband. My husband has contracted a 2nd marriage without my knowledge and is currently living in India with his 2nd wife. I came to know about this fact recently. My advocate has advised me that the legal proceedings may take anywhere between a few months to 2 years and that I will have to make frequent visits to India in the interim. As my passport is expiring soon, I need to renew it as soon as possible.
Further, as my husband has stopped all communication from his end, he is not cooperating in sharing his passport copy with me which is a required document for renewing my passport. In this regard, can someone advise me how I should go about renewing my passport without his passport copy/ID proof. I can furnish an official copy of my marriage certificate and our pictures together. I also have his passport number, his parent’s name and his address mentioned in the passport.
Sonal,
You might want to contact your respective Consulate. May be make an appointment with a superior official.
Although I think marriage certificate should be fine as I wonder why a spouse passport is mandatory for renewing your passport.
This is from BLS website:
So I doubt that it is mandatory. In case they ask for it, you can write them a letter and explain your case.
i will be in hometownin the end of may first week of june & i applied last year in july police verification all is done what should i do
Priyanka,
If the police verification is all done, you need to go to the Passport Seva Kendra with your file number and a Photo ID.
hi my name is priyanka dutta acually i lost my file no paper but i know my file no just because of other document i just want to know is file no is sufficient to get the passport my file no is PA**********. ii enquired about it hen he told me its in maurya lok just because i have 2 address one of present college address nift hyderabad & other is permanent what should i do
@Priyanka,
Since you already applied for the passport and have file number, you can go to your nearest Passport Seva Kendra.
Did you take appointment online through their website? If so you will might be able to print the application form I believe.
You can track the status of your application here: http://www.passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/statusTracker/trackStatusInpNew
Also if you know which police station is the verification pending, just go there and talk to the person handling the Passport stuff.
Sometimes, those people won’t go out for verification and will think the applicant will come to the police station.
Note: Sorry, I had to mask your file number. I would suggest not posting your personal information on public websites.
you can get info on passport renewal in USA using BLS on the following blog
Thanks for sharing.
Hi,
Can you please give some information about ‘my sons passport RENEWAL’, it is going to expire on 09-28-2013(this month). Can I apply for renewal by mail or in person? If I apply by mail, do I have enough time to do that. I live in Pittsburgh, PA.
I called so many times, but nobody is taking my call, please provide information.
Prem,
The time varies from person-to-person. But I think if you apply before it expires, you should be ok.
If you can make it in person well and good. As you don’t want to waste time in mail in case they return the package for some document missing or any stupid reason.
I never expect them to answer phone or email queries.
I’ve applied thru mail on 7/19 and consulate ppl started the process on 7/29. Still I am seeing the status “processing in consulate general”. I am little worry & eagerly waiting for renewal passport. I am not sure how many days will take to process it.
Hi Haragopal,
I am also in the same situation.
I’ve applied thru mail and consulate ppl started the process on 8/14. Still I am seeing the status “processing in consulate general”. I am little worry & eagerly waiting for renewal passport. I am not sure how many days will take to process it.
Could you please let me know if you have any updates on your case?
Thanks,
Sridhar
Hello All,
I got my new passport with INDIAN ADDRESS printed on it. I submitted on Aug 2, I have collected today. So it took 8 working days to get in NORMAL mode. Hope this helps.
Hi Lakshmanan,
I am applying for reissue of passport at Bls-SFO in next few days.I also want to get the new passport with INDIAN ADDRESS so,please can you tell me which address did you write in the “address to be printed in passport” and what did you fill in “other address” area in the application form and what documents did you submit for the proof of residence ?
Shanoor,
Check this comment by Mitila: https://desiways.wordpress.com/2012/08/07/indian-passport-renewal-in-us-using-vfs-global/#comment-1092
Hello All,
Thanks for everyone contribution. I have submitted passport (reissue) application to BLS office at Houston on Aug 02,2013. I went in person to submit the application.
Though I have booked appointment on Aug 9, I went earlier Aug 02 because I need to renew ASAP. I have went all documents and everything perfect and process completed in 20 minutes.
BLS personal was very cooperative and helpful. Process is very smooth and fine.
Few quick points (only main points) follow the procedure as per BLS web site.
a) Photo – I have taken in CVS 2×2 inch. First copy is 12$ and every additional copy 29 cents. I have taken 10 photos on safe side.
i) 1 photo -in Online application form
ii) 1Photo in Nationality verification form
iii) 3 Photos for submission.
So total 5 photos required. I have submitted appearance change document so I need one more. Only one copy of Nationality verification form is enough.
b) Coming to Affidavit – I have taken in our Office where one of the employee is Notary public. In Houston BLS office itself there is an notary public she charges 6$ per signature.
I saw many people filling the application there.
c) I have purchased USPS flat rate Express priority mail envelope is 19.95$. They will give an envelope, mailing sheet and stamp worth 19.95$. BLS personal filled all the details (I have filled To address) and pasted stamp.
d) For travel agent question – I have written my company name.
e) BLS person asked me to write a letter for signature change. My signature has changed in last 10 years. In white paper, I have written a simple plain letter to consulate general and provided the 3 specimen signature.
f) In case of applying for tatkal – please go with proper proof for tatkal. Either letter from office stating for quick renewal or reissue or in case of personal issue like marriage take a invitation card or booked tickets. Otherwise normal mode only.
g) You can pay in CASH. Take a exact change.
h) BLS personal give receipt and explain how to track the application.
I) For normal mode – she said 7 to 10 working days.
k) Please take glue, stapler etc.
l) For ECNR – they will take from current passport. I have provided a photo copy for degree certificate she said that is not required.
l) BLS personal enter all information in system and asked us verify. Please review this carefully she did spelling mistake for me, I have asked her correct the same.
Any other questions please let me know.
Regards
Lakshmanan
Lakshmanan,
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Just wanted to share few requirements for re-issuing child passport based on my recent visit to BLS NYC office.
1. Only one National identification form needs to be filled (not three)
2. Besides the three photographs (one each in application form, change of appearance form and national identification form) pasted, they need 3 additional photographs.
AP,
Thanks for sharing your experience.
The Links provided by you doesn’t open. Do you know the new links?
Devashis
VFS is no longer the service provider. You need to apply now through BLS-India. I updated the link on the top.
For notary I have figured that in Bank they will do it for free :). Coming to photo part – I already have set of photos which I took in india for VISA stamping, I guess that should meet the specifications. I need to double check that.
If I want to collect new passport does BLS give any date after 3 weeks or they will inform via mail or call once new PP is ready how it will be?
Lakshmanan,
Yeah I actually checked with BankOfAmerica but they said they would do free notarization only if documents were for some loan or stuff from their bank.
Do check the photo size as I remember the one we have in India are smaller. Not sure if they also changed it to 2×2.
When I did it in person, I dropped it off and they called me and then I picked it up. Again that was years back and BLS is very recent. So I don’t have much idea. But BLS do have a application tracking feature on their website.
Hope this helps.
Hi
Thanks for your quick response. Sorry to bother you much, but after your email, I have called BLS call centre, they insisted to get a notary for all documents mentioned in that site. For me I94, Address proof, College certificate, I797 , license (learners license) it costs me around 50$. Can you please confirm me?. I am confused on this subject. Please help
Lakshmanan,
If BLS confirmed they need it then yeah get it notarized. My visit was to the Consulate directly couple years ago. They have changed many things since then […except one thing – bad customer service ;)].
I spent $40 on notarization when I renewed it via post.
Hope that helps.
Lakshmanan,
Just a note on your other question about Indian address. Read this comment above: https://desiways.wordpress.com/2012/08/07/indian-passport-renewal-in-us-using-vfs-global/#comment-1092
You will have to explicitly tell them to print Indian Address in the passport.
Hi
They never mentioned on their site I-94 document is required.
so you are suggesting me to send Latest I797 (Even though Petition number is different on Visa) and notarized Photocopy of I-94.
Thanks
Nitin,
Yes send notarized copy of latest I-797 and I-94. When you renew your Visa( i.e. not the stamp but actual visa), the new I-797 comes with I-94 attached to it. If you leave the country you hand that over to airlines and when you enter you get new one. So I think your I-797 was without an valid I-94 and they considered it as invalid.
They wouldn’t worry for Petition number or even the visa i.e. even if the Visa Stamp is expired in the passport as long as you have valid I-797 and I-94.
HI
I got my wife passport Back, saying Visa is not valid . Visa is valid till April 2014.
Also they say I797 is not valid. I have copy I 797 with petition number same as visa petition no and Valid from April 2007.till indefinite mention there on I797.
I asked my employer to give me new I797 which is valid from Dec 2012 but having different petition no.
Now I am planning to visit personally as lot off confusion going on postal application.
My question.
If I am not wrong Visa or I797 any one of doc required ?
They asked me Validate I797 from Indian consulate …
I am little bit frustrate with this BLS service
Nitin,
Valid I-797 should work. Valid I-94 was attached with the I-797 correct?
Nitin,
I think the confusion could be I-797 was not having valid I-94 attached to it. It’s the I-94 that really shows the status validity.
So you will need to give the most latest I-797 with latest I-94.
Visa cannot be considered as a valid status document.
Hi namaskar shar ji my passport is lost in new york 15/08/2012 and I report Embassy on september and application submitted on 01/11/2012 not not now ready I am every month visit Embassy. They say it’s not ready you come next months now going eight months.
Pawan,
It’s hard to say why they have took so long unless there is something specific in your case. You might want to contact one of these places:
– http://passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/online/ConsularOfficers
– Twitter accounts: @AkbarMEA / @ASCPV / @IndianDiplomacy
If I apply online, do I still need an in person interview. Or should I send my documents by post
Priyanka,
In person is not mandatory(unless if they have listed any special case). If you are doing by post of in-person you will still have to fill online application. The main difference via post is you will have to sent notarized photo-copy of the required documents and send fee via money-order or cashier’s check.
So I just apply online, send my original passport and other documents via post ( since I assume they will need it) and then there is no need for an appointment.
I am confused. It seemed like the appointment is needed no matter how you apply
Yes that’s correct. Don’t worry of that appointment. You can select any future date and then send the package via mail.
Thanks a lot. that really helped.
I am trying to call the SFo visa office and cant seem to get through
To tell you the truth, Consulate won’t answer or reply. You will have to do all through the blsindia only.
Thats correct. Thats where I was trying to call. the blsindia office in SFo.
Recently someone was complaining even they are not answering. I think these guys are really short on staff and very poor at customer service. Wish they can improve.
Hi, I sent my children’s indian passport for renewal in december 27 2012, almost six months no one replied.. they are not such good helper to our people in US.
vik,
Which Consulate? Not sure when will those people understand the term “Customer Service”…
Thank you for quick response that really helps
Sujatha,
Did you visit the blsindia? If yes, how did it go?
Thank you
Hi,
I am applying for a reissue of passport and visiting the bls office tomorrow. Can you please let me know how they accept the fee (cash or banker’s cheque or money order), I tried to call them but never get hold of them 😦
Appreciate your response.
Sujatha
Sujatha,
On their website they say: Cash/ Money Orders / Pay Orders / Cashier’s check / Banker’s check
Ref: http://www.blsindia-usa.com/howtoapply.php
Hi Desiways,
I have one more question.. As I am going in person, do I need to notarize the documents like visa, renter’s agreement etc. Again appreciate your response.
Thanks,
Sujatha
Sujatha,
No, for in person you just need to take all the originals. They will verify if the need. They will keep your original old passport but should return any other original documents they ask for. If they don’t just ask them why they are keeping original of any document.
FYI: I would keep one photocopy of each document so you don’t have to run to a shop to get it in case they need one.
HI
I am applying passport reissue for my wife.
I am going to submit by mail. I am not understanding how much I have to pay
Could you please let me know, how much I have to pay Postal applications (return courier charges): US$ ?
and for return courier I have to pay money or return envelope. If money then how much
Nitin,
Ah…so they have now moved to different provider but still haven’t improved their website and information pertaining to the process.
Did you try contacting their helpline? I am sure it would take ages for getting hold of a physical person to talk to.
You have two options:
1: Got to USPS and ask them what would be the charge for a mail from the respective source to your home with tracking. I would consider Priority Mail or ExpressMail. Then get the MoneyOrder for that amount and send it along with your application. Make a note that the amount is what Carrier and Type mail.
Or
2: Send a pre-paid self-addressed return envelop along with your application. I don’t see they mentioning it on their website though(http://www.blsindia-usa.com/howtoapplypostal.php)
Again this is just my understanding.
Thank you for the response! Will Indian notarized copies be accepted for the passport renewal in the USA?
Hi,
My wife is in India and for my passport renewal, I need to notarize the photocopy of my wife’s passport. Will my wife’s passport photocopy be notarized without having her original passport with me? Please help.
Sameer,
No, you will need originals to get the photocopy notarized. Ask her to get it notarized in India, scan and send it to you.
Then you take the color print.
Thank you for the response! Will Indian notarized copies be accepted for the passport renewal in the USA?
Sameer,
I think they will accept it. Also you don’t have any other alternative if you can’t wait until your wife returns.
Thanks for the response again! I got my wife’s documents notarized today. I told her that she is in India and that the passport is with her and requested her to consider it. She obliged. 🙂
Thank you for your prompt responses and help!!
Glad it worked out for you.
HI :
I have submitted my PP for renewal to SFO by mail. It has been 10 weeks and the status is still application was forwarded to consulate/General Embassy on Feb 02, 2013. My PP expires tomorrow. Does anyone know what can be done as VFS has no idea and are not able to provide any information on delay.
Hi:
Any experiences or suggestion would be helpful.
My H1-B is expiring Oct 11, 2013. My passport expired March 03, 2013 and I submitted the application for re-issue just seven days later of passport expiry. The application status says that the application was forwarded to consulate/General Embassy of India as of March 13, 2013. I have called the VFS center twice and they do not have any further updates outside of what is on the website. I am reading that people have got their passports mailed back in 7 days. So just wondering if something has changed in Chicago or is the process any different. I did mail in the renewal application at Chicago. Also, does anyone know if a renewed passport is a requirement to file for H1B extension?
Hi submitted my application. its been 3 weeks and there is no change in the status of the application. At the address in INDIA which i have provided in the application, my parents used ot stay there, but there in US trip right now. so, no one is there at that address. So, will this be a problem for my application to process?
Hi Mitila,
Thanks for your reply.I am applying for renewal of Indian passport via mail. I think, I need to write a letter to them then. Well, did you got Indian Address printed in your renewal of passport in 2013?
Hi Mitila,
Can you please reply to my post mention above?
Thanks
Jo, i already shared my experience. That i had applied in person, the steps and that it worked for me. Since you are mailing if you would like to write a letter, do so. I see no harm.
Hi Mitila,
Thanks Mitila for your reply..But my question is :
Did you got Indian Address printed in your renewal of passport in 2013, when you appear for in person interview for your case?
Thanks
thanks for your reply, yes i am going for my H1 stamping in May end. so that is why i am planning to apply in tatkal
Hi – I would like to know if i will be able to apply in Tatkal for my Passport renewal.
My passport is expring in Nov 2013 and i have to travel back to India in April end and want my renewal to be done and get my passport back. also i can’t postpone my trip.
can i rely on regular processing, website says 2-3 weeks but i dont want to take chances.
please let me know.
thanks
Ravinder
Ravinder,
When are you returning back? I wouldn’t rely on their processing times, Tatkal or regular if you can’t postpone your trip. Regular did take more than a month for me.
So if you can wait until you come back, I would suggest doing that. Unless you are going for stamping which I think need 6 months passport validity I believe.
I applied for my passport renewal via VFS normal processing just a couple of weeks back in New York and have received it back in 7 working days. You have a month ahead of you to travel and you should be able to get back a renewed passport if you have all the documents of proof as instructed in their website. Hope this helps.
Hi Mitila, I want to apply for passport renewal at NY VFS office.My passport is exping on Oct. 2013. I want to have Indian address on my renewed passport. I read your comment and I see that you renewed your passport recently. By any chance,can you tell me, if you got indian address or U.S. address on renewed passport ?
I also on rental basis on U.S. and I have permanent address in India.
Hi,
I am temporarily in US and need to renew my passport.
In the vfs application form should the “address to be printed in the passport” be indian address or US address? My current passport has my indian address and i would like it to remain so in my new passport. Has anyone renewed the passport through vfs and if so what was the proof submitted. Or is there a way to have the indian address also in the passport.
I have my interview this week and would like an earliest response. Thank you.
Mitila,
What kind of visa are you on? They say: “No services will be rendered on B1/B2 visa and to temporary visitors in USA.”
As per this[http://www.vfsglobal.com/india/usa/pdf/Sample-Application-Form-28.11.12.pdf] it says US address. I am not sure if Indian address can be included in that field. Try contacting their customer care(if you get lucky though to get timely response). For proof of Indian address I had bsnl telephone bill and gas bill though I didn’t have to use it. For US address, I used Driving License.
I had earlier contacted the VFS as well as consulate. They say it will be US address. In my case i m on rental here and hence not my permanent address whereas my indian address is permanent. A couple of years back they used to print the same address as in our current passport. My concern is passport is a valid photo id i use for opening bank accounts and such activities in India when i visit India.
Atleast they should give that option to us, asto what address we would like to be printed on the passport.
So i was checking if anyone has recently applied (2012-2013) and have their Indian address printed on their passport.
Thank you.
Indian Passport Renewal in Washington DC *
My passport was expired more than 6 months it expired in May 2012. I had my passport recently renewed at the Indian Consulate General in Washington DC on FEB 12, 2013. I got my passport back by mail after 3 days on Feb.16 2013 by express mail. I did apply in person. They are fast . Just prepare your documents properly before you go there..
Hindustani,
Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
Hi Desiways,
I have sent my passport application to the San Francisco Office. And I guess as my application documents were incomplete, they returned the package back to me. But as my mail box is under my husband’s name and not mine, They sent back my package to San Francisco. Now I am not sure what I am suppose to do. Is that the consulate will send me the package back again? Can You please help me in this regard ASAP.
Regards,
Swati
Swati,
You need to contact the VFSGlobal and they should be able to help you.
Let them know the situation and I would consider adding C/o: Your Husband’s name , to the address.
If they provide you the tracking once they re-send, you can contact your local post office and ask them to hold your package. Then go with your husband to pick it up.
Hope this helps.
Hi Desiways,
Thanks for your reply i am not sending original passport of spouse as my spouse is currently in india along with her passport and here i am trying to add her name in my passport with marriage certificate.
also the checklist mention
http://www.vfsglobal.com/india/usa/addition_of_spouse_docreq.html
The following additional documents are required to be submitted with the application when applying for addition of spouse name:
1. Notarized Copy of Marriage Certificate
2. Notarized Copy of 1st and last Page of Spouse’s Passport
Correct me if i am wrong
Regards,
Raj
Raj,
Yes, then Spouse’s passport pages needs to be notarized.
In short any photocopy you send need to be notarized unless you are also sending the original document of the same.
Hello,
My Situation is as follow :
my wife is in India and soon we are expecting baby now to get minor passport i heard anyone of parents should have Spouse name endorsed in their passport since we both are not having either name we just have marriage certificate. it would be easy for me to add spouse name here being in SFO. so before applying to VFS in SFO i have below query
appreciate if you guys can guide
[1] how safe is sending passport and application via return repaid Fedex ?
[2] are they going to issue new Passport ?
[3] if yes than what will happen to my Old passport having visa’s what about new passport validity ?
Among required documents
1. Notarized Copy of Marriage Certificate
2. Notarized Copy of 1st and last Page of Spouse’s Passport
[4] Separate notarized copy is required in Spouse first and last page A4 size ?
[5] do i need to provide some address proof in US ?
Thanks in advance
Raj
Raj,
1) Renewal via Mail is fine. I used USPS to send my passport. Not sure if now they insist FedEx but renewal via mail is normal.
2) My understanding is yes, it should be a new passport.
3) You will get the Old passport back. You MUST carry both the passports with you in order to avoid any unnecessary issues at POE.
4) I don’t know about that but in doubt I would send it notarized to be on safe side.
EDIT: I think you don’t need to notarize the photocopy of your spouse passport(to whose name is to be added), since you are sending the original passport along with the copies.
5) Yes (and they say notarized copy)
See the Checklist
Hello,
My passport expired in 2008 but I never renewed it at the request of my immigration attorney since my Green Card application was in process. (My lawyer mentioned that sometimes the Consulate may revoke the expired passport and I may need it for my interview.) I acquired my GC in April of this year and submitted my passport for renewal in New York on April 21st.
On May 4th, my passport was “referred for clearance” and there have been no updates since then. I have contacted VFS Global several times and they are unable to tell me anything else other than to be patient. I’ve contacted the Consulate in NY several times and have not heard back. It has been 4 months since it has been referred for clearance and almost 5 months since I submitted the application.
I’m very scared since I’ve read that people are getting their passports back within one week and here, I have been waiting for 5 months. Is this the standard processing time? Is anyone else experiencing issues like this? Can anyone provide any advice?
Seeking help desperately.
Petra,
Three week time is for regular passport. Not sure how long it takes for an expired passport.
In this link they simply mention it will take longer. Don’t say how much.
Thank you so much. At this point I will try anything!
Hello again,
I am still waiting for my passport. I just visited the Indian Consulate in NY last Monday and they said they are still “waiting for police verification” in India. I know for a fact that police officers has already visited my residence in India back in August 2012. I already told them this and all they say is “we’ll send another letter requesting the information.” The Consulate won’t even provide me with a copy of the letter they’re supposedly sending. Is there anything I can do?
Please help.
Petra,
I don’t think you can do anything much except waiting. How long has it been since you submitted your application?
I submitted the application on April 21st 2012.
Petra,
May be you want to try these…
1: If you have anyone back in India, ask them to go to your respective Police Station and inquire if there’s anything pending there. They might take 300-400 rupees.
2: Try contacting this person on twitter: https://twitter.com/ASCPV He replies once in a while and not on daily basis.
Hope this helps.
Hi Petra, Exact same thing happen to my husband’s case and he recently got his passport after about one year. His father passed away one month back and he had to show his fathers death certificate at last which might have helped the process soon. Within four days he received his passport and he tried everything you did and they use to say the same. I guess it takes one year for this kind of process. Yours one year is near, so try out now and talk to the VFS. They will help you out. Let me know what happens! Best of luck!