NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Seattle, WA, July 14, 2024: VFS Global, 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, has launched a new centre in Seattle. This move is part of VFS Global’s effort to expand its service network and facilitate the Indian diaspora and other applicants across the U.S.
The Seattle Centre, located at Suite 240, 3131 Elliot Avenue, Seattle, 98131, is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities aimed at providing a superior application experience. It will manage applications for visas, Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), passports, renunciation of Indian citizenship, and the Global Entry Programme (GEP). Additionally, a drop-off location in Bellevue at Suite 100, 1400 112th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98004, will offer further assistance to the Indian community.
The Seattle Centre is expected to benefit the nearly half-million-strong Indian diaspora within the consular jurisdiction of the Indian Consulate in Seattle. This jurisdiction encompasses nine Pacific Northwestern states: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming.
Mr. Prakash Gupta, Consul General of India in Seattle, stated, “The opening of the Indian Consulate in Seattle is a reflection of the Government of India’s strong commitment to deepen our relations with the Pacific Northwestern states of the USA. Through these new visa application centres in Seattle and Bellevue, we aim to ensure a more convenient experience for all consular applicants preparing for their travel to India. Providing smooth and efficient consular services is a top priority, and we welcome any feedback and suggestions from applicants as we commence operations in the Greater Seattle Area.”
To enhance the customer experience, the new centres will have well-trained customer service representatives to assist at every step. They will also offer dedicated call-centre support from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday, along with email and Web Chatbot support for quick query resolution.
Amit Kumar Sharma, Head of Americas at VFS Global, expressed excitement about the expansion, stating, “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 centres in Seattle and Bellevue will play a crucial role in catering to the growing demand for visa and consular services to India. We are confident these centres will enhance the customer experience by making the application process smoother, thereby better serving travelers and the Indian diaspora.”
VFS Global, the first outsourced visa services partner of the Ministry of External Affairs (India), has been serving the Government of India since 2008. In the U.S., VFS Global has been providing passport, visa, and consular services on behalf of the Indian Embassy and Consulates since 2020. The company currently manages 52 Passport, Visa, and Consular Services Application Centres for the Government of India in 13 countries.
As the world’s leading outsourcing and technology service specialist for governments and diplomatic missions, VFS Global manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to visa, passport, and consular service applications. The company operates over 3,400 Application Centres in 151 countries and has processed more than 290 million applications since 2001.
For more information on the services offered at the new Seattle Centre, visit https://indiainseattle.gov.in.
