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VFS passport renewal - timeline and experience
30-Nov-2020: Sent the application through fedex
04-Dec-2020: Received email notification from VFS saying "Application received"
10-Dec-2020: Received email notification from VFS saying "Processed" and "In Transit" to Embassy for decision making
14-Dec-2020: Received email notification from VFS saying "Received" you application.
14-Dec-2020: Received email notification from VFS saying "Document is dispatched via courier.
15-Dec-2020: Received my new passport and old passport.
It took exactly 15 days.
I applied renewal for me and my daughter(minor) as well. Both got the new passport on the same day.
Everything went smooth.
Tips:
Just two photo is enough(affix one in application and other one in change of appearance form). no need to send any extra photos with application.
Get Notary signature where ever mentioned in checklist. Other documents just self attest.
Get appointment from banks to get notary signature and also call the bank and check whether they are doing notary signature for photocopies(some banks are not doing that). I got it from wells fargo. Took my daughter with me to get the notary signature.
For minor, my daughter singed where self attest required and both parent signed with her in the self attest.
In Embassy application, parents should also sign in the 5th page under the kid's signature.
Added spouse name to my passport, sent my marriage certificate and spouse passport(both self attested by me and my wife)
04-Dec-2020: Received email notification from VFS saying "Application received"
10-Dec-2020: Received email notification from VFS saying "Processed" and "In Transit" to Embassy for decision making
14-Dec-2020: Received email notification from VFS saying "Received" you application.
14-Dec-2020: Received email notification from VFS saying "Document is dispatched via courier.
15-Dec-2020: Received my new passport and old passport.
It took exactly 15 days.
I applied renewal for me and my daughter(minor) as well. Both got the new passport on the same day.
Everything went smooth.
Tips:
Just two photo is enough(affix one in application and other one in change of appearance form). no need to send any extra photos with application.
Get Notary signature where ever mentioned in checklist. Other documents just self attest.
Get appointment from banks to get notary signature and also call the bank and check whether they are doing notary signature for photocopies(some banks are not doing that). I got it from wells fargo. Took my daughter with me to get the notary signature.
For minor, my daughter singed where self attest required and both parent signed with her in the self attest.
In Embassy application, parents should also sign in the 5th page under the kid's signature.
Added spouse name to my passport, sent my marriage certificate and spouse passport(both self attested by me and my wife)
All Replies (13)
VFS Passport Renewal Application Not Received by Embassy
Hello,
My passport renewal application was sent to Embassy per VFS, but Embassy responded after a month saying that they have not received the application. I have called VFS multiple times and they are escalating the issue. I saw many reviews on Google that seem to state the same. Anyone in the same boat and can suggest any way to track the application? This is really concerning.. Appreciate any inputs from people who are in the same situation.
My passport renewal application was sent to Embassy per VFS, but Embassy responded after a month saying that they have not received the application. I have called VFS multiple times and they are escalating the issue. I saw many reviews on Google that seem to state the same. Anyone in the same boat and can suggest any way to track the application? This is really concerning.. Appreciate any inputs from people who are in the same situation.
All Replies (17)
Time frame
The time taken for your application to be processed and passport being delivered depends on the application category...
Meaning...
your visa status, date of expiry on passport, where passport was issued(police verification takes different time based on where passport was issued), etc.
Go exactly according to documents checklist and arrange the documents in envelope in the same order they are listed on checklist(top to bottom).
It took 26 days for me to receive passport!
Courier itself took 5 days because of weekend, weather, etc.
It’s holiday season so don’t expect fast results and please be patient !
And email vfs instead of calling with complaints or questions! That way they have enough time to look at your application status and respond accordingly.
Be polite and respectful with your email and/or conversation on phone!
And make sure the email is in proper format(like an official letter)
Meaning...
your visa status, date of expiry on passport, where passport was issued(police verification takes different time based on where passport was issued), etc.
Go exactly according to documents checklist and arrange the documents in envelope in the same order they are listed on checklist(top to bottom).
It took 26 days for me to receive passport!
Courier itself took 5 days because of weekend, weather, etc.
It’s holiday season so don’t expect fast results and please be patient !
And email vfs instead of calling with complaints or questions! That way they have enough time to look at your application status and respond accordingly.
Be polite and respectful with your email and/or conversation on phone!
And make sure the email is in proper format(like an official letter)
All Replies (1)
Passport renewal
I have a doubt..
I have to renew my passport.. No one stays at address which i have on passport.. can i use spouse address as printed address and give address proof spouse n father in law.. ? I don’t any proof of my new address..
I have to renew my passport.. No one stays at address which i have on passport.. can i use spouse address as printed address and give address proof spouse n father in law.. ? I don’t any proof of my new address..
All Replies (1)
Documents
Guys just a tip.
It says in the Checklist to print color photocopies with a higher zoom for a photo id, visas, old passport scans, etc.
So please make sure prints cover atleast 60% of the page.
Return courier envelope can be sent inside the envelope that goes to VFS.Just make sure while sending FedEx does NOT scan both shipping labels.
Only 2 photos required with entire application.
Wait atleast 5 days after sending to get a status update on vfs website and use govt issued ARN from online passport application to track status and NOT the reference number from vfs.
Instead of calling them and wasting money,
email them for a status update at [email protected] and make sure you send the following in your email:
1. Application reference number(govt passport for)
2. Date of Birth
3. Fedx reference number(5 digit number on shipping labels)
4. Passport Number.
And make sure documents that do not need to be notarized are atleast self attested and signed.
I am available to answer Any other questions you guys have !
Be patient and stay safe!
It says in the Checklist to print color photocopies with a higher zoom for a photo id, visas, old passport scans, etc.
So please make sure prints cover atleast 60% of the page.
Return courier envelope can be sent inside the envelope that goes to VFS.Just make sure while sending FedEx does NOT scan both shipping labels.
Only 2 photos required with entire application.
Wait atleast 5 days after sending to get a status update on vfs website and use govt issued ARN from online passport application to track status and NOT the reference number from vfs.
Instead of calling them and wasting money,
email them for a status update at [email protected] and make sure you send the following in your email:
1. Application reference number(govt passport for)
2. Date of Birth
3. Fedx reference number(5 digit number on shipping labels)
4. Passport Number.
And make sure documents that do not need to be notarized are atleast self attested and signed.
I am available to answer Any other questions you guys have !
Be patient and stay safe!
All Replies (2)
VFS passport renew queries
DO I need to send 2 photos separately to VFS?Have already affixed 1 photo on passport online form and 1 on affidavit of change
All Replies (3)
Tatkal passport Renewal from VFS - terrible experience
Nov4th- Tried to create an application on VFS site after completing gov. application and was getting an error Invalid Customer something till Nov 8th.
Nov9th- Successfully created application and paid $282 tatkal fee. Amount was deducted from my account but on the VFS site it was showing invalid input after payment. Checked for 4 consecutive days.
Nov14th- Created a new gov. application and VFS application, paid $150 and able to download courier.
Nov15th- Tatkal application starts working. So I couriered my tatkal application to VFS, New York.
Nov17th- Package received by facility updates on FedEx but there was no update or response from VFS.
I started calling VFS customer service every day. Every call charged around $25-$30.
Dec1- Got an email from VFS signatures missing on the 1st and 4th page and format issue. I did a signature on the 1st and 6th page when I sent the entire package on the 15th and checked the checklist twice. But anyway there was no signature box on the 4th page. I called VFS customer service and they confirmed no signature is required on the 4th page and about the format they said just print again from the site and send.
Dec4- Document received by VFS.
Since then I have been calling VFS customer service, twice a day. And they replied the same they have escalated my application.
Dec-11 Entire day I spent on the phone with VFS customer service and in the evening got to know the format should be portrait. I have never touched the format button in whatever format it was printed from the site I have posted that way. This time default format was portrait mode, I have couriered the document again on 11th.
Nov9th- Successfully created application and paid $282 tatkal fee. Amount was deducted from my account but on the VFS site it was showing invalid input after payment. Checked for 4 consecutive days.
Nov14th- Created a new gov. application and VFS application, paid $150 and able to download courier.
Nov15th- Tatkal application starts working. So I couriered my tatkal application to VFS, New York.
Nov17th- Package received by facility updates on FedEx but there was no update or response from VFS.
I started calling VFS customer service every day. Every call charged around $25-$30.
Dec1- Got an email from VFS signatures missing on the 1st and 4th page and format issue. I did a signature on the 1st and 6th page when I sent the entire package on the 15th and checked the checklist twice. But anyway there was no signature box on the 4th page. I called VFS customer service and they confirmed no signature is required on the 4th page and about the format they said just print again from the site and send.
Dec4- Document received by VFS.
Since then I have been calling VFS customer service, twice a day. And they replied the same they have escalated my application.
Dec-11 Entire day I spent on the phone with VFS customer service and in the evening got to know the format should be portrait. I have never touched the format button in whatever format it was printed from the site I have posted that way. This time default format was portrait mode, I have couriered the document again on 11th.
All Replies (2)
Vfs global passport renewal
I have a very strange issue.
I got an email to from vfs about my package being sent to courier but the FedEx tracking number for return shipping says it has been sent back to the shipper on the same day when I sent the package to vfs, on nov 19.
I called FedEx and they say no package has been sent by shipper(vfs) as of yet and told me wait 2 days coz of the weekend.
I don’t know if FedEx messed up or vfs did but there’s no way I can track my return courier and vfs helpline is not so prompt!
Any ideas?
I got an email to from vfs about my package being sent to courier but the FedEx tracking number for return shipping says it has been sent back to the shipper on the same day when I sent the package to vfs, on nov 19.
I called FedEx and they say no package has been sent by shipper(vfs) as of yet and told me wait 2 days coz of the weekend.
I don’t know if FedEx messed up or vfs did but there’s no way I can track my return courier and vfs helpline is not so prompt!
Any ideas?
All Replies (3)
VFS passport renew queries
I am filling the passport renew application for my 5 years old son through VFS. I have emailed my queries to them but didn't get any response. Its been 3 days. I have the following queries, will be helpful if someone can answer.
1. Do I need to hand fill all the documents mentioned in the checklist? I cannot see any option to fill them Online. Earlier in CKGS website, all these forms were filled and generated online.
2. For proof of address for my son, will my US driving license be accepted?
3. Do I need to notarize copy of passports for both parents, or only my son's passport copy needs to be notarized? Also, only front and back pages of passport is required for parents? Does it needs to be colored
4. Copy of I-797 approval notice needs to be notarized for both parents or only for my son? Does it needs to be colored?
5. I do not want to add/change the Indian address. Do I need to send a copy of Indian address proof? In case, I need to send it, will my(Father's) Aadhar card copy be accepted?
6. Do I need to provide self sworn affidavit for my son?
1. Do I need to hand fill all the documents mentioned in the checklist? I cannot see any option to fill them Online. Earlier in CKGS website, all these forms were filled and generated online.
2. For proof of address for my son, will my US driving license be accepted?
3. Do I need to notarize copy of passports for both parents, or only my son's passport copy needs to be notarized? Also, only front and back pages of passport is required for parents? Does it needs to be colored
4. Copy of I-797 approval notice needs to be notarized for both parents or only for my son? Does it needs to be colored?
5. I do not want to add/change the Indian address. Do I need to send a copy of Indian address proof? In case, I need to send it, will my(Father's) Aadhar card copy be accepted?
6. Do I need to provide self sworn affidavit for my son?
All Replies (3)
Tatkal passport renewal - timelines and experience
Day Date Time Milestone
Fri 20-Nov 10am PST Fedex delivers old passport to VFS SFO
Mon 23-Nov 12pm PST VFS website acknowledges receipt
Tue 24-Nov 07pm PST Status updated to processed at ICAC and in transit to embassy
Fri 27-Nov 12pm PST Passport received by consulate (thanksgiving holiday)
Tue 1-Dec 02pm PST Passport is under process (consulate closed monday for gurunanak jayanthi)
Wed 2-Dec 05pm PST Passport sent for printing
Thu 3-Dec 07pm PST Passport printed. India Police verification initiated
Fri 4-Dec 12pm PST VFS email confirming passport is ready for collection from embassy
Sat 5-Dec 01pm PST status updated on VFS site to passport has been sent to courier
Mon 7-Dec 11pm PST Fedex picked up passport
Tue 8-Dec 12pm PST Received new passport and punched old passport
Overall 12 business days and 19 calendar days since fedex delivered old passport at VFS.
- VFS site doesn't acknowledge receipt of document submission for roughly 2-3 days. Until then, if you try their tracking service you will see "Invalid Inputs" message. This message needs to be fixed as its misleading and given the sensitive nature of the docs, acknowledgement needs to be faster.
- I got email notifications from VFS at each stage, but for the period the passport is with consulate, you need to check for updates on the passport website. VFS will not show interim progress.
- No SMS notification was received. No email/sms notification from Indian passport site except for police verification initiation.
- VFS took a day to collect passport and almost 2 days to ship it even though there is no interim processing involved. Their website updated to shipped on saturday, but Fedex didn't update it until Monday night 10 pm. I was a bit worried that something was messed up with the return shipping.
- Police verification in India happened within a day. I got the email on thursday night and within a few hours a policeman called my father and went to my India home address to verify. Basic details verification, showed application copy and asked to verify if it is indeed me in the photo.
VFS positives over CKGS:
- CKGS website was terrible to use - too many instructions and notes and was confusing. You had to hop in and hop back in after going to Indian website, then do linking of ids, etc.
- No payment via credit card. You had to get a bankers cheque.
VFS negatives:
- Late acknowledgement
- Takes a lot of time to move from one stage to another - CKGS was faster
- Notifications from CKGS was prompt and was a single point of check. With VFS, you need to switch between VFS and Indian govt website
- VFS website for tracking and status updates are terrible
- VFS charges for customer service calls at $2.50 per min. This is atrocious. In IT terms, they are doing live testing in production and are billing the customer for the bugs introduced by them.
Fri 20-Nov 10am PST Fedex delivers old passport to VFS SFO
Mon 23-Nov 12pm PST VFS website acknowledges receipt
Tue 24-Nov 07pm PST Status updated to processed at ICAC and in transit to embassy
Fri 27-Nov 12pm PST Passport received by consulate (thanksgiving holiday)
Tue 1-Dec 02pm PST Passport is under process (consulate closed monday for gurunanak jayanthi)
Wed 2-Dec 05pm PST Passport sent for printing
Thu 3-Dec 07pm PST Passport printed. India Police verification initiated
Fri 4-Dec 12pm PST VFS email confirming passport is ready for collection from embassy
Sat 5-Dec 01pm PST status updated on VFS site to passport has been sent to courier
Mon 7-Dec 11pm PST Fedex picked up passport
Tue 8-Dec 12pm PST Received new passport and punched old passport
Overall 12 business days and 19 calendar days since fedex delivered old passport at VFS.
- VFS site doesn't acknowledge receipt of document submission for roughly 2-3 days. Until then, if you try their tracking service you will see "Invalid Inputs" message. This message needs to be fixed as its misleading and given the sensitive nature of the docs, acknowledgement needs to be faster.
- I got email notifications from VFS at each stage, but for the period the passport is with consulate, you need to check for updates on the passport website. VFS will not show interim progress.
- No SMS notification was received. No email/sms notification from Indian passport site except for police verification initiation.
- VFS took a day to collect passport and almost 2 days to ship it even though there is no interim processing involved. Their website updated to shipped on saturday, but Fedex didn't update it until Monday night 10 pm. I was a bit worried that something was messed up with the return shipping.
- Police verification in India happened within a day. I got the email on thursday night and within a few hours a policeman called my father and went to my India home address to verify. Basic details verification, showed application copy and asked to verify if it is indeed me in the photo.
VFS positives over CKGS:
- CKGS website was terrible to use - too many instructions and notes and was confusing. You had to hop in and hop back in after going to Indian website, then do linking of ids, etc.
- No payment via credit card. You had to get a bankers cheque.
VFS negatives:
- Late acknowledgement
- Takes a lot of time to move from one stage to another - CKGS was faster
- Notifications from CKGS was prompt and was a single point of check. With VFS, you need to switch between VFS and Indian govt website
- VFS website for tracking and status updates are terrible
- VFS charges for customer service calls at $2.50 per min. This is atrocious. In IT terms, they are doing live testing in production and are billing the customer for the bugs introduced by them.
All Replies (10)
Disclaimer: Please note that the experiences presented are submitted by visitors to our website. Individuals’ experiences may vary, and you should interpret each individual’s experience at your own risk. Do not make a decision solely based on an experience posted here. We do not endorse any individuals’ experiences, and we are not liable or responsible for consequences stemming from your use of the information presented within any individual’s experience.
