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India
Indian Passport
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SF Passport Renewal - Normal Processing
This has been my experience
Background
1. Renewing passport (normal) before 6 months of expiry date
2. Address changed (US Address printed, Other address is India Address)
3. Added Spouse name
Status by date
20Feb23: Application Form submitted online at Govt of India site and VFS
24Feb23: Application package mailed to VFS using Fedex (VFS courier option)
27Feb23: Fedex delivered package to VFS
28Feb23: VFS confirmed receipt of application package and package "under process"
01Mar23: Package is processed at VFS. Forwarded to CGI SF
-- VFS trackng page shows that package is forwarded to CGI
07Mar23: Application Form status changed to "Submitted"
-- GoI tracking page status changed to "Under Review"
07Mar23: Granting Initiated
17Mar23: Application Granted on post-police verification
17Mar23: Print and PV Initiated
17Mar23: Print Initiated
-- GoI tracking page status changed to "Passport printed"
18Mar23: Email received informing initiation of police verification
21Mar23: Escalated to CPPF (Not done by me. It was done by CGI SF by themselves)
-- GoI website tracking status changed to "Under Review"
22Mar23: Passport printed
22Mar23: Passport QC done and dispatch initiated
-- GoI tracking page status changed to "Passport printed"
24Mar23: Passport dispatched from Delhi to SF using DHL. Expected to be delivered on 28Mar23
25Mar23: Police called and finished verification
27Mar23: Police approved and submitted verification clearance
-- GoI tracking page status changed to "Under Review" again and stayed same till passport delivery
28Mar23: DHL missed delivery schedule
29Mar23: DHL delivered package at CGI SF
31Mar23: VFS notification that processing is finished and package is sent via Fedex
-- VFS trackng page finally changed status
31Mar23: Fedex picked up package. Expected to be delivered on 03Apr23
03Apr23: Fedex delivered both the passports
Status shown on VFS package was absolutely useless. GoI tracking page's status was not very helpful to understand what was happening. But, I used API responses from https://portal3.passportindia.gov.in/Online/secure/trackStatusForFilledApplication to find granular status (Enabled developer tools, and used Network Monitor in browser). This helped me understand that it wasnt stuck. So, I never reached out to VFS.
Overall, it took 5 weeks (27Feb23 to 03Apr23) for the process
Background
1. Renewing passport (normal) before 6 months of expiry date
2. Address changed (US Address printed, Other address is India Address)
3. Added Spouse name
Status by date
20Feb23: Application Form submitted online at Govt of India site and VFS
24Feb23: Application package mailed to VFS using Fedex (VFS courier option)
27Feb23: Fedex delivered package to VFS
28Feb23: VFS confirmed receipt of application package and package "under process"
01Mar23: Package is processed at VFS. Forwarded to CGI SF
-- VFS trackng page shows that package is forwarded to CGI
07Mar23: Application Form status changed to "Submitted"
-- GoI tracking page status changed to "Under Review"
07Mar23: Granting Initiated
17Mar23: Application Granted on post-police verification
17Mar23: Print and PV Initiated
17Mar23: Print Initiated
-- GoI tracking page status changed to "Passport printed"
18Mar23: Email received informing initiation of police verification
21Mar23: Escalated to CPPF (Not done by me. It was done by CGI SF by themselves)
-- GoI website tracking status changed to "Under Review"
22Mar23: Passport printed
22Mar23: Passport QC done and dispatch initiated
-- GoI tracking page status changed to "Passport printed"
24Mar23: Passport dispatched from Delhi to SF using DHL. Expected to be delivered on 28Mar23
25Mar23: Police called and finished verification
27Mar23: Police approved and submitted verification clearance
-- GoI tracking page status changed to "Under Review" again and stayed same till passport delivery
28Mar23: DHL missed delivery schedule
29Mar23: DHL delivered package at CGI SF
31Mar23: VFS notification that processing is finished and package is sent via Fedex
-- VFS trackng page finally changed status
31Mar23: Fedex picked up package. Expected to be delivered on 03Apr23
03Apr23: Fedex delivered both the passports
Status shown on VFS package was absolutely useless. GoI tracking page's status was not very helpful to understand what was happening. But, I used API responses from https://portal3.passportindia.gov.in/Online/secure/trackStatusForFilledApplication to find granular status (Enabled developer tools, and used Network Monitor in browser). This helped me understand that it wasnt stuck. So, I never reached out to VFS.
Overall, it took 5 weeks (27Feb23 to 03Apr23) for the process
All Replies (8)
SF Passport renewal normal processing - Tons of delay
Guys, Anyone in similar situation?
- Jan 12 - I sent my Package on VFS global.
- Jan 19 - No change in status with VFS so I had to talk to customer service and they finally sent the package on Jan 19th to the SF consulate so much for thinking that the processing will be faster in Jan.
Tracking Granular Status:
- Jan 24 - SF Consulate initiated the process and sent a request verification
- Jan 28 - Verified and granting initiated
- Feb 10 - EVENT_DESC: "Granting Status Set as 'Clear'', STATUS_DESC "Application Granted on pre police verification basis"
- Feb 10 - Police verification initiated
- Feb 21 - Police verification clear. Approved and Submitted as Clear by Police
- Feb 21 - Print initiated
No change since. No one in the SF consulate is responding to any of the emails and most people who applied after me are getting their passports. Also somehow @CGISF is picking and choosing on who to respond to on Twitter. So random. Anyone going through the same situation? Ofcourse VFSglobal is of no help.
- Jan 12 - I sent my Package on VFS global.
- Jan 19 - No change in status with VFS so I had to talk to customer service and they finally sent the package on Jan 19th to the SF consulate so much for thinking that the processing will be faster in Jan.
Tracking Granular Status:
- Jan 24 - SF Consulate initiated the process and sent a request verification
- Jan 28 - Verified and granting initiated
- Feb 10 - EVENT_DESC: "Granting Status Set as 'Clear'', STATUS_DESC "Application Granted on pre police verification basis"
- Feb 10 - Police verification initiated
- Feb 21 - Police verification clear. Approved and Submitted as Clear by Police
- Feb 21 - Print initiated
No change since. No one in the SF consulate is responding to any of the emails and most people who applied after me are getting their passports. Also somehow @CGISF is picking and choosing on who to respond to on Twitter. So random. Anyone going through the same situation? Ofcourse VFSglobal is of no help.
All Replies (3)
Indian passport Tatkal Sfo
I submitted my passport renewal application form with my Indian address to be printed on passport(which is not changed from the current passport). I forgot to add Aadhar or other form of ID with the documents. Would it cause any delay or problem. Was anybody in this situation and what happened in their case? Please reply on this if you are aware about this situation before.
All Replies (1)
Re-issuance of Passport
To apply for any service related to an Indian consulate, you need to register at https://portal3.passportindia.gov.in/Online/index.html and complete your application. It is important to enter the correct information and provide the necessary proof if you need any updates on the passport. Make sure to check your filled application word by word and avoid making any mistakes. Otherwise, your application may be sent back, resulting in a longer wait time and additional costs.
For error-free form filling you can pay VFS at https://vfs.mioot.com/forms/In/USA/FFS/ they will help you.
If you're in rush make an appointment with VFS at https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/eoi/login register and provide all information you go in person and the process will be much faster I believe, make sure you bring all necessary documents ( https://services.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/india/united-states-of-america/passport-services/#new-booklet )
After you filled your application you have to make payment here https://row4.vfsglobal.com/IHCUSPostalAppointment/Account/RegisteredLogin?ReturnUrl=%2fIHCUSPostalAppointment%2fHome%2fSearchAppointment
Once you complete the payment you have to print out the courier label and check the document list provided on the above link and make sure all documents are signed and attested as required. I had to attest my ID which is my US driving license, my I-20 which is proof of my legal status, and the Application itself.
01/18/2023 Sent Completed Application
01/19/2023 Recieved at VFS India
01/30/2023 VFS forwarded the application to the Consulate of India for decision making
02/01/2023 Updated on https://portal3.passportindia.gov.in and assigned a file number
On the VFS website, it is stated that the standard processing time is 3 weeks. I expected to receive my passport by February 21st, but even after 3 weeks, no police verification had been completed. I had already booked my flight for March 1st, which was two weeks after the expected passport delivery date. When I contacted VFS over the phone, they were unable to provide any updates because the process is controlled by the consulate, and they could only wait until they heard from the Consulate of India. As my departure date approached, my anxiety increased, and I prayed for a faster processing time to receive my passport by February 28th, so that I could still take my flight. Even after 4 weeks with no updates, I held onto hope that I could still make my flight if I received my passport on the same day as the scheduled flight. On March 1st, I received no updates. Throughout this entire time, I sent many emails to the Consulate of India and VFS India, but I received no response except for a contact us form (https://vfs.mioot.com/forms/In/USA/PS/ or https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/contact-us); which provided some response.
03/02/2023 the police came for verification, finally, I thought the process will be faster from there, no it's not.
03/03/2023 Updated on https://portal3.passportindia.gov.in/Online/index.html Print initiated for the passport.
I suggest tracking your courier is the best way to track your passport. Keep all documents copied before you submit, handwritten applications are not accepted.
Even though I have provided details of the hardships I am facing and my travel plans, there has been no change in the status update of my application. They have not considered my request for a faster processing time
For error-free form filling you can pay VFS at https://vfs.mioot.com/forms/In/USA/FFS/ they will help you.
If you're in rush make an appointment with VFS at https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/eoi/login register and provide all information you go in person and the process will be much faster I believe, make sure you bring all necessary documents ( https://services.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/india/united-states-of-america/passport-services/#new-booklet )
After you filled your application you have to make payment here https://row4.vfsglobal.com/IHCUSPostalAppointment/Account/RegisteredLogin?ReturnUrl=%2fIHCUSPostalAppointment%2fHome%2fSearchAppointment
Once you complete the payment you have to print out the courier label and check the document list provided on the above link and make sure all documents are signed and attested as required. I had to attest my ID which is my US driving license, my I-20 which is proof of my legal status, and the Application itself.
01/18/2023 Sent Completed Application
01/19/2023 Recieved at VFS India
01/30/2023 VFS forwarded the application to the Consulate of India for decision making
02/01/2023 Updated on https://portal3.passportindia.gov.in and assigned a file number
On the VFS website, it is stated that the standard processing time is 3 weeks. I expected to receive my passport by February 21st, but even after 3 weeks, no police verification had been completed. I had already booked my flight for March 1st, which was two weeks after the expected passport delivery date. When I contacted VFS over the phone, they were unable to provide any updates because the process is controlled by the consulate, and they could only wait until they heard from the Consulate of India. As my departure date approached, my anxiety increased, and I prayed for a faster processing time to receive my passport by February 28th, so that I could still take my flight. Even after 4 weeks with no updates, I held onto hope that I could still make my flight if I received my passport on the same day as the scheduled flight. On March 1st, I received no updates. Throughout this entire time, I sent many emails to the Consulate of India and VFS India, but I received no response except for a contact us form (https://vfs.mioot.com/forms/In/USA/PS/ or https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/contact-us); which provided some response.
03/02/2023 the police came for verification, finally, I thought the process will be faster from there, no it's not.
03/03/2023 Updated on https://portal3.passportindia.gov.in/Online/index.html Print initiated for the passport.
I suggest tracking your courier is the best way to track your passport. Keep all documents copied before you submit, handwritten applications are not accepted.
Even though I have provided details of the hardships I am facing and my travel plans, there has been no change in the status update of my application. They have not considered my request for a faster processing time
All Replies (31)
Printing Mistake in Address during Passport renewal at SFO Consulate
Hello everyone,
I recently (In first week of Feb 2023) renewed my passport at SFO Consulate, the passport came back with the a printing mistake in my address in spite of submitting correct address proof. The address is US address. From then on I am trying to reach the SFO Consulate to know the process of how to change this printing mistake in the address. I raised a ticket in SFO consulate site, but didn't get any response. I called the VFS global customer service, but they told that passports are getting printed in the SFO Consulate only, so we will need to contact them. No Customer service/Phone numbers are available for SFO Indian Consulate. Please let me know if anyone of you faced same situation and what is the process to change the printing mistake? Any leads would be helpful.
I recently (In first week of Feb 2023) renewed my passport at SFO Consulate, the passport came back with the a printing mistake in my address in spite of submitting correct address proof. The address is US address. From then on I am trying to reach the SFO Consulate to know the process of how to change this printing mistake in the address. I raised a ticket in SFO consulate site, but didn't get any response. I called the VFS global customer service, but they told that passports are getting printed in the SFO Consulate only, so we will need to contact them. No Customer service/Phone numbers are available for SFO Indian Consulate. Please let me know if anyone of you faced same situation and what is the process to change the printing mistake? Any leads would be helpful.
All Replies (2)
Passport Renewal in SFO Regular - Lot of Delay
Submitted documents to VFS Approx. in Last week of Jan, VFS processed the document and sent it to Indian Consulate in ~3-4 days.
When I check the Indian government website, passport is now stuck in state "Passport application is under review at Indian Embassy/Consulate" for the past 2 weeks. Patiently waiting for processing...Overall time spend now ~18 days and counting....
When I check the Indian government website, passport is now stuck in state "Passport application is under review at Indian Embassy/Consulate" for the past 2 weeks. Patiently waiting for processing...Overall time spend now ~18 days and counting....
All Replies (10)
Police Verification
Does anyone know if pre-police verification is required under Tatkal scheme? Or is the verification done after issuing renewed passport i.e post-police verification?
I found on the India passport gov website (https://passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/online/faqPoliceVerification); the below FAQ but looks like the SFO consulate still went ahead with pre-police verification in my case (despite applying via tatkal) and is awaiting response from the police for a week now.
Q21: Is police verification done before issuance of passport under the Tatkaal scheme?
A: No, police verification is not done before issuance of passport under the Tatkaal scheme. In case of the Tatkaal scheme, police verification is done on post police verification basis as per the case.
With all this delay, my tatkal application is now in processing status for almost 4 weeks!
Anyone experience this kind of delay with tatkal? Any idea how to expedite it or get the consulate to correct their processing steps if pre-police verification is not required for tatkal?
I found on the India passport gov website (https://passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/online/faqPoliceVerification); the below FAQ but looks like the SFO consulate still went ahead with pre-police verification in my case (despite applying via tatkal) and is awaiting response from the police for a week now.
Q21: Is police verification done before issuance of passport under the Tatkaal scheme?
A: No, police verification is not done before issuance of passport under the Tatkaal scheme. In case of the Tatkaal scheme, police verification is done on post police verification basis as per the case.
With all this delay, my tatkal application is now in processing status for almost 4 weeks!
Anyone experience this kind of delay with tatkal? Any idea how to expedite it or get the consulate to correct their processing steps if pre-police verification is not required for tatkal?
All Replies (5)
VFS- SFO delays in passport renewal normal processing
Kindly help group on what should I do? Any one else is in sane situation for normal processing?
I am experiencing a lot of delay in passport renewal from VFS - SFO using the regular/ normal processing method, my application reached/ delivered on Jan 17 to VFS SFO.
Published processing time on VFS site is 3 weeks and out of which 2 weeks have gone already and please note that it does not say 3 working weeks or so, it simply says 3 weeks and nothing is moving or has moved at all.
I sent out multiple status inquiries also to VFS, cgisf, but no response so far. Awaiting response on status update or positive response and action to get my renewed passport asap.
Please it is a matter of passport which is the most important document when overseas and this kind of unknown wait is not good, and now we cannot even take an excuse of COVID in the US at least.
Please help get my passport renewal done and get me back my OLD and renewed passport asap. Thanks in advance.
Please help on this matter asap. Thanks.
Below is the timeline of events -
1) Passport form submitted online on India Government website - Jan 12 2023
2) Package drop off at FedEx - Jan 13 2023
3) Package delivered by FedEx to VFS - SFO - Jan 17 2023, received at 9:18am, Signed by K.Kelvin
4) Tracked on VFS SFO site - invalid input - Jan 18 - 20 2023
5) Sent first status enquiry to VFS SFO using contact email as there was no status update - Jan 20 2023
6) Status changed on VFS SFO site after sending inquiry - application being verified and currently under process at VFS Indian consular application center - Jan 21 2023
7) India government site status still shows - Passport form submitted - Jan 12 - 29 2023
8) First status query response received from VFS SFO through email - application is verified by the VFS Center and will be submitted to the respective Consulate/ Embassy for further decision making - Jan 23 2023
9) No status changes thereafter on VFS - SFO - from Jan 21 2023 - Jan 29 2023
10) India government status still shows - Passport form submitted - from Jan 12 2023 - Jan 29 2023
Sent multiple inquiries to VFS-SFO, cgisf, posted on FB channel - Jan 28 2023
I am experiencing a lot of delay in passport renewal from VFS - SFO using the regular/ normal processing method, my application reached/ delivered on Jan 17 to VFS SFO.
Published processing time on VFS site is 3 weeks and out of which 2 weeks have gone already and please note that it does not say 3 working weeks or so, it simply says 3 weeks and nothing is moving or has moved at all.
I sent out multiple status inquiries also to VFS, cgisf, but no response so far. Awaiting response on status update or positive response and action to get my renewed passport asap.
Please it is a matter of passport which is the most important document when overseas and this kind of unknown wait is not good, and now we cannot even take an excuse of COVID in the US at least.
Please help get my passport renewal done and get me back my OLD and renewed passport asap. Thanks in advance.
Please help on this matter asap. Thanks.
Below is the timeline of events -
1) Passport form submitted online on India Government website - Jan 12 2023
2) Package drop off at FedEx - Jan 13 2023
3) Package delivered by FedEx to VFS - SFO - Jan 17 2023, received at 9:18am, Signed by K.Kelvin
4) Tracked on VFS SFO site - invalid input - Jan 18 - 20 2023
5) Sent first status enquiry to VFS SFO using contact email as there was no status update - Jan 20 2023
6) Status changed on VFS SFO site after sending inquiry - application being verified and currently under process at VFS Indian consular application center - Jan 21 2023
7) India government site status still shows - Passport form submitted - Jan 12 - 29 2023
8) First status query response received from VFS SFO through email - application is verified by the VFS Center and will be submitted to the respective Consulate/ Embassy for further decision making - Jan 23 2023
9) No status changes thereafter on VFS - SFO - from Jan 21 2023 - Jan 29 2023
10) India government status still shows - Passport form submitted - from Jan 12 2023 - Jan 29 2023
Sent multiple inquiries to VFS-SFO, cgisf, posted on FB channel - Jan 28 2023
All Replies (24)
Delay in Tatkal Reissue of passport - SFO Pending since Jan 18
Hey everyone,
Looking for some guidance on my situation. Any help is appreciated!
I applied through Tatkal process back in Dec.After some back and forth with VFS on missing documents, the docs/application was sent to the consulate. The last update was on Jan 18 with the status in both VFS page and the consulate page as "Passport application is under review at Indian Embassy/Consulate". On examining the request and response on the portal, I see the following progress/status: Application Form Submitted/Submitted > Sent to VO/Verification Initiated > Clear/Verified > Sent to GO/Granting Initiated
All the above actions occurred on Jan 18 with no updates since "Sent to GO/Granting Initiated". If anyone has a similar experience with SFO consulate, could you please help answer the below:
1. For a tatkal application, how long would it for the status to change from Granting Initiated to Printing and subsequently dispatching the passport
2. Is there anyway to follow up or expedite the process as I have a biometrics appointments coming up soon in first week of Feb
Looking for some guidance on my situation. Any help is appreciated!
I applied through Tatkal process back in Dec.After some back and forth with VFS on missing documents, the docs/application was sent to the consulate. The last update was on Jan 18 with the status in both VFS page and the consulate page as "Passport application is under review at Indian Embassy/Consulate". On examining the request and response on the portal, I see the following progress/status: Application Form Submitted/Submitted > Sent to VO/Verification Initiated > Clear/Verified > Sent to GO/Granting Initiated
All the above actions occurred on Jan 18 with no updates since "Sent to GO/Granting Initiated". If anyone has a similar experience with SFO consulate, could you please help answer the below:
1. For a tatkal application, how long would it for the status to change from Granting Initiated to Printing and subsequently dispatching the passport
2. Is there anyway to follow up or expedite the process as I have a biometrics appointments coming up soon in first week of Feb
All Replies (5)
Reissue passport - Tatkaal SFO - Pending from 13th Jan 2023
10-JAN-2023 Sent documents via Fedex
11-JAN-2023 Received by VFS
13-JAN-2023 Received at Embassy and review under progress
Still waiting. Any other experiences with SFO Tatkal renewal?
11-JAN-2023 Received by VFS
13-JAN-2023 Received at Embassy and review under progress
Still waiting. Any other experiences with SFO Tatkal renewal?
All Replies (4)
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.
