PRAVASI

VFS Global launches Seattle and Bellevue Centres for India visa, OCI and passport services

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VFS Global is the exclusive service provider for visa, OCI, passport, renunciation of Indian citizenship, and Global Entry Programme (GEP) verification services for the Government of India in the United States of America

VFS Global is the exclusive service provider for visa, OCI, passport, renunciation of Indian citizenship, and Global Entry Programme (GEP) verification services for the Government of India in the United States of America
VFS Global has launched the Seattle Centre to facilitate the Indian diaspora and other applicants across the United States of America
As part of its expanding service network for the Government of India, VFS Global has launched the Seattle Centre to manage visa, Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), passport application, renunciation of Indian citizenship and Global Entry Programme (GEP). Additionally, VFS will operate the Bellevue centre, to extend assistance for members of the Indian community.

VFS Office Location in Seattle: Suite 240, 3131 Elliot Avenue, Seattle 98131

VFS Drop Off Location in Bellevue: Suite 100, 1400 112th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98004

The Seattle centre will be equipped with world-class facilities aimed at providing an easily accessible and a superior application experience for customers and will make the application process more convenient for travellers. These services are expected to benefit the nearly half million-strong Indian diaspora community in the consular jurisdiction of the Indian Consulate in Seattle, which covers the Nine Pacific North Western States of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming. Customers can visit https://indiainseattle.gov.in/ for the latest information on the services offered.

Mr. Prakash Gupta, Consul General of India in Seattle, said, “The opening of the Indian Consulate in Seattle is a reflection of Government of India’s strong commitment to deepen our relations with Pacific North Western states of USA and through the opening of these new visa application centres (VAC) in Seattle and Bellevue, we hope to ensure for all consular applicants a more convenient experience to adequately prepare their travel to India. Providing smooth and efficient consular services is one of our top priorities and we would welcome any feedback and suggestions on further improvement from all applicants as we commence our consular operations in the Greater Seattle Area.”

These spacious facilities equipped with modern amenities and services will have well-trained customer service representatives to assist visa applicants at every step. To enhance customer experience further, India visa and consular applicants get dedicated call-centre support from 8:30AM to 5:30PM from Monday to Friday, along with an email and Web Chatbot support for quick query resolution. 

Amit Kumar Sharma, Head – Americas, VFS Global, said, "VFS Global shares a long-standing relationship with the Government of India since 2008 and we are excited to expand our partnership further. The new centre in Seattle and Bellevue, United States of America will play a crucial role in effectively catering to the growing demand for visa and consular services to India. We are confident that these visa application centres will enhance customer experience by making the visa application process even more smooth, thereby helping us serve the travellers and Indian diaspora better.”

VFS Global is the first outsourced visa services partner of the Ministry of External Affairs (India) and has been serving the Government of India since 2008. In the United States of America, VFS Global provides passport, visa and consular services on behalf of the Embassy and Consulates of India located across the country since 2020. At present, VFS Global manages 52 Passport, Visa and Consular Services Application Centres for the Government of India in 13 countries: Australia, Belgium, France, Iraq, The Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, the United States of America, and the United Kingdom. 

About VFS Global

As the world’s leading outsourcing and technology service specialist, VFS Global embraces technological innovation including Generative AI to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, increasing productivity and enabling them to focus entirely on the critical task of assessment.

With a responsible approach to technology development, adoption and integration, the company prioritizes ethical practices and sustainability while serving as the trusted partner to 68 client governments. Operating over 3,400 Application Centres in 151 countries, VFS Global has efficiently processed more than 290 million applications since 2001.

Headquartered in Zurich and Dubai and backed by majority shareholder Blackstone, along with the Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation and EQT, VFS Global is committed to creating value for all stakeholders and leading in responsible, innovative solutions making government services more effective and efficient.

 

CGI India Seattle Prakash Gupta, Mayor of Seattle Bruce Harell and State Rep Vandan Slatter at the inauguration of the India Consular Centre in Seattle

CGI India Seattle Prakash Gupta addressing the diaspora community at the inauguration of India Consular Centre in Seattle

Dignitaries at the inauguration of India Consular Centre in Seattle from left to right: CGI India Seattle Prakash Gupta, Mayor of Seattle Bruce Harell, State Rep Vandan Slatter, Shubhashish Ganguly, Western Regional Head- VFS Global, and Sam Cho, Post Commissioner, Port of Seattle

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