Indian Visa Application Center Explained

India is one of the world’s fasted growing economies as well as a much sought-after tourist destination. Scores of foreign nationals visit the country for tourism, business, employment, study, and medical treatments every year. To handle the ever-increasing demands for an Indian visa, the government of India has outsourced a part of the visa processing to a private agency.

What is an India Visa Application Center?

An Indian Visa Application Center (VAC) is a private visa processing agency hired by the Indian government. VACs accept and process applications for an Indian visa.  

Applicants can visit the center to apply for an Indian visa, submit necessary documents and biometric details, and pay the visa processing fee. These application centers streamline and expedite the online application process for an India visa.

What Does VACs Do for India?

Following are some of the visa and passport-related services offered by VACs for the Indian government.

OCI Card Issuance

An Overseas Citizen of India Card is a travel authority granted by the Indian government to foreigners who once held an Indian passport. India does not recognize dual citizenship. An OCI card holder can visit the country as many times as he/she wishes.

It is a life-long visa. To get an OCI card, the applicants need to renounce their original Indian passport and get a passport/citizenship from a foreign country.

Passport Renunciation Certificate

Indian citizens wishing to apply for citizenship or permanent residence in a foreign nation have to renounce their Indian citizenship and passport. They have to apply for a certificate of renunciation after surrendering their Indian passports in an Indian mission. They handle the issuance and application process for the renunciation certificate. This certificate is a mandatory document that OCI card holders should carry during their visits to India.

Global Entry Program Verification (GEP)

GEP is a program introduced by the US Customs and border protection force to speed up the immigration processes of low-risk foreign travelers.  The GEP applications of Indian citizens living in the US for work, study, business, or tourism are processed and verified in the VAC in various parts of that country. They have to first apply online and submit their online application to US customs. After that, they need to submit a request in the VAC for background verification in India along with the processing fee.

Visa Processing

Foreign nationals who wish to visit India for work, study, treatment, tourism, or business need a relevant India visa. There are two types of visas – eVisas or embassy visas. For an eVisa, the application process is completely online.

But for an embassy visa, the applicants need to first submit an online application form and schedule an appointment with VAC to drop off the documents and complete the biometrics. Both visa application processes are handled by India visa application centers.

Miscellaneous Consular Services

These VACs also carries out miscellaneous consular services like attestation of power of attorney and marriage certificates on behalf of an Indian mission. It also registers the birth and death of Indian citizens residing in foreign countries and issues birth/death certificates. 

Additional Services 

VACs also offer various additional services. 

Courier: Applicants can get their documents delivered to their doorstep if they opt for it and pay a small fee. The center offers courier services, and this helps applicants avoid multiple visits to VACs.

Photograph: At some VACs, applicants can get the services of professional photographers to take their passport-size photos. Thus, they can ensure that their photos meet all the quality and measurement standards required for an Indian visa. They also offer SMS and photocopy services. Through the SMS service, applicants can get regular updates about their visa status. 

Is Natvisa a VAC?

No, Natvisa is not your typical visa application center. Instead, it’s an innovative online service designed to assist you in navigating the complexities of electronic travel authorizations and online visa applications for various countries. With Natvisa, you get the advantage of a streamlined and user-friendly application process, complete with expert support and guidance. Think of us as your personal facilitator in the often complex world of visa applications, making the process smoother, faster, and far more accessible for your travel needs.

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