Public Notice on visa outsourcing to VFS Public Notice on visa outsourcing to VFS
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Consulate General of India

Houston

Outsourcing of Visa Services to VFS Global

In continuation of our Public Notice dated 3 November, 2020 https://cgihouston.gov.in/listview/MTk3 regarding the appointment of VFS Global as the new Outsourcing Service Provider for Visa, OCI, Renunciation, Passport, Global Entry Programme (GEP) and Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) services for the Consulate General of India, Houston, it is informed that with effect from 13 December, 2021 VFS Global will start accepting visa applications. A service fee of US$ 15.90 (inclusive of all taxes) per application will be charged, in addition to applicable Government of India fees for these services.

2. Applicants are advised not to send any applications by post to VFS Global before completing an online application. Applicants residing within the CONSULAR JURISDICTION of the Consulate General of India, Houston may contact VFS Global as per details given below:

Suite 550,
1001 Texas Avenue
Houston TX 77002
Website:  https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind
Helpline: +1-800-320-9693

3. Pursuant to this:

Consulate will stop accepting direct visa applications w.e.f. 13 December, 2021 and the applicant will need to submit the visa application to VFS, details of which are available at  https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind

In view of ongoing Covid pandemic, while majority of visas have been restored, it has been decided that only a Single Entry Tourist Visa will be granted with validity for 120 days and a maximum stay permitted of 30 days within this 120 day period. In addition, Entry Visas are also being issued to US passport holders of Indian origin, subject to eligibility. The details of currently permitted categories are available at PERMITTED CATEGORIES FOR TRAVEL TO INDIA

4. Details of visa fees are available at Revised Visa fees for USA nationals In addition, the applicant will be required to pay US$ 3.00 on account of Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), apart from the VFS service charge and for any value-added services, like courier, etc.

5. Emergency Visa Service: VFS will accept in-person applications, with prior appointment, on working days as well as on weekends/holidays, from US passport holders of Indian origin and their family members required to visit India due to a genuine family emergency, such as critical illness or death of a family member. Documentary evidence will need to be provided and the applicant will be charged an emergency service fee. Applicant within the consular jurisdiction of the Consulate General of India, Houston may contact VFS as per details given below:

From Monday – Friday: Between 9 AM to 4 PM
Email: VFS_VisaHOU[at]vfsglobal[dot]com
Weekends and Holidays Only: Between 9AM to 4PM
Tel: 281-229-3071

6. For US diplomatic and official passport holders, please contact the Special Issuance Agency of the Department of State for procedure/guidance. For any queries in this regard, please send an email at info.houston@mea.gov.in

December 09, 2021