FAQs

VISA SERVICE:

Q 1) How long does it takes to process my visa application?

Ans: Processing time varies from application to application and the sole discretion is with the High commission of India and its Consulates in the UK. We advise you not to book any travel arrangements before getting your visa.

Q 2) Do I require the clearance for a conference visa from the respective government authorities from India?

Ans: Yes. Conference visa requires the clearance from the government authorities.

Q 3) If my visa is issued, from when does the validity begin?

Ans: The validity of the visa begins from the date when it issued and not from the date of travelling mentioned on the application form.

Q 4) Can I make a payment online for my visa application?

Ans: No, you cannot make an online payment for a visa or any other consular services. You have to pay at one of the Visa and consular application centres itself when you come to submit the documents.

Q 5) Is there any walk-in service available for the submission of my visa application?

Ans: There is no walk in service available for visa and other consular services. You have to book an appointment to submit your documents.

Q 6) What happens if I am holding a Non –UK passport and I am unable to provide the last 2 years utility bills as a proof of UK residence?

Ans: You can fill a non UK form along with the online application, if you are applying for a tourist visa. Also please be noted that you cannot apply for any other visa categories, if you are unable to furnish the copy of utility bills for the last 2 years or if you are living in the UK for less than two years.

Q 7) Should I require an incorporation certificate from an organisation in India where I am going to visit while in India?

Ans: Yes. Incorporation certificate is one of the mandatory document along with the invitation letter from the Indian company and the UK employer letter for a Business visa.

Q 8) Can I submit a self-undertaking letter confirming my job profile, as I’m working as a director of a media company?

Ans: You have to provide an employer letter along with the self-undertaking letter stating the purpose of visit and the job profile.

Q 09) Do the applicant needs to be present in the centre to submit the application or an authorisation letter is enough to apply?

Ans: Applicants needs to be present in the centre for submitting the application. In case of minor under 16 yrs., one of the parent can come and submit the application on their behalf.

Q 10) Can I come and collect my passport, after the visa has been granted?

Ans: There is no option to collect the passport or other documents from the Visa and consular application centre. There is DX courier service which is available in the centre.

Q 11) Do I require biometrics for a person who is applying for an employment dependent?

Ans: Yes. We require the biometrics for the employment dependent visa.

Q 12) Can I submit my visa application In VFS London, even if my county comes under Birmingham?

Ans: Yes. You can submit your application in any VFS London with a prior appointment. Make sure that you select the mission UK-London” while filling the application form.

Q 11) Is it mandatory to include the tax clause in the employment contract from the Indian company?

Ans: It is mandatory to include the taxation clause in the employment contract. Some companies issue a separate tax liability letter along with the contract.

Q 12) Is there any form filling facility available in the centre?

Ans: Yes. We have a facility to fill the application form in the centre.

Q 13) I live very far from the visa application centre and due to some personal issues, I’m unable to attend my appointment. Is there any way my application can be submitted to the High commission?

Ans: We have a service called “Visa at Your Door Steps” and one of our representative will visit your place and collect the documents according to your convenience.

Q 14) If I Have a UK travel document with Sri Lankan nationality, what option should I select in the nationality column while filling the application form?

Ans: You have to select “United Kingdom” for the UK travel document.

Q 15) If I am holding a British overseas passport, what document should I submit along with the application?

Ans: Please check whether you have re-entry permit to the United Kingdom in the Bio- page of the passport, If not please provide the entry clearance documents from the UK home office.

SURRENDER OF INDIAN PASSPORT

Q 1) I have changed my name after acquiring my foreign passport so while filling the application form should I mention the new name as per my foreign passport or should I fill the form as per the details on the Indian passport?

Ans: The application form should be filled in with details as per the last held Indian Passport which needs to be surrendered.

Q 2) Do we require the English translation of the naturalisation certificate from certified translator if the document is not in English?

Ans: Yes if the Naturalisation/Registration certificate is not in English, then the same needs to be translated to English by a certified translator only.

Q 3) For Non UK passport holders who acquired foreign nationality and wish to submit the Surrender of their Indian passport application with any Indian Mission in the United Kingdom, do we require their UK visa status?

Ans: Yes the UK visa status is mandatory for any applicant who does not hold British nationality and needs to submit the surrender of their Indian passport application in the United Kingdom.

Q 4) For Minor child, does the parent need to sign the application form?

Ans: For minor child below 5years old, the thumb impression is required on the application form, for child over 5years they may sign their name.

Q 5) For Minor child, is the birth certificate mandatory?

Ans: For minor child the birth certificate is not mandatory as the parents’ names are specified on the Indian passport.

Q 6) I have acquired foreign nationality post May 2010 and then lost my Indian Passport, can I still submit my application for the Surrender of my Indian Passport?

Ans: Yes you may apply for Renunciation certificate with the mandatory supporting documents. Please check the VFS website for the document requirements.

Q 7) While filing the application form regarding the column for date o f acquiring foreign nationality, should I fill in the date of my first foreign passport or the Naturalisation/Registration certificate?

Ans: The date of acquiring foreign nationality should be specified as per the naturalization/registration certificate only.

Q 8) I do not have a Registration/Naturalization certificate can I still apply for a surrender of my Indian passport in the UK?

Ans: Yes you may apply provided you have the relevant proof from the UK Home office eg. Right to abode stamp, Indefinite leave to remain, UK Home office letters etc.

Q 09) I have lost my Surrender certificate which was issued by the Indian mission in the UK, can I apply for a duplicate certificate from any VFS office in the UK?

Ans: You will need to submit the application for a duplicate surrender only in the same jurisdiction where you had first submitted the application for the Surrender of your Indian Passport.

CONSULAR SERVICE:

Q 1) Can I get the UK salary slips/ Bank statements or any UK issued documents, attested by HCI in the United Kingdom?

Ans: Yes, provided the UK based documents are apostilled first by FCO (Foreign Common Wealth Organisation), as it is mandatory to do so before presenting the UK based documents to High Commission of India for attestation.

Q2) How can I get attestation of Power of Attorney?

Ans: VFS can provide this service for attestation of Power of Attorney, provided the document is already apostilled by FCO. (Foreign Commonwealth Organisation).

Q3) Can I apply for Birth Registration of my child and Passport together?

Ans: Yes, provided you have booked an appointment for Birth Registration application.

Q4) Do I have to submit my passport (Indian) in order to get a PCC?

Ans: NO, but you have to present it in original and provide a copy of it, along with a printed application.

Q5) What is the time frame for processing Police Clearance Certificate?

Ans: The processing time for a Police Clearance Certificate is minimum 5 weeks.

Q6) Do I need to fill PPF (Personal particular Form) for a Police Clearance Certificate application?

Ans: No, PPF forms are not more required along with PCC application.

Q 7) Can I submit Tatkaal Passport application along with Birth Registration?

Ans: NO, we do not accept Tatkaal passport applications for fresh passports while applying together with birth registration service.

Q 8) If I have a made a mistake in uploading any of the documents for Birth registration, can I re-upload or edit it?

Ans: Birth registration application is created online hence, once generated it cannot be edited. You are advised to create another fresh application with correct details and uploads.

Q 9) Do I need to bring my child along with me for birth registration at the time of appointment?

Ans: No, Child is not required to come to the centre provided both parents have signed the application and on other required documents.

Q 10) Who is NRI?

Ans: A Non-resident Indian (Indian Passport holder) who has resided in India for more than 182 days during the last financial year.

Q 11) What kind of Marriage Certificate is accepted for Birth Registration?

Ans: A marriage Certificate issued by the Registrar of Marriage of a concern area/ state/ district where the ceremony was solemnized formerly.

(Please note: any religious marriage certificates are not accepted. In such cases please contact HCI to get your marriage certificate registered first, before getting birth registration done at VFS centre.)

Q 12) Can I get my Birth Certificate (issued in India) attested by HCI, UK?

Ans: Any document issued by Government authorities in India, have to be attested by MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) first.

Q 13) Do we have to submit the passport to obtain NRI certificate / NRI parity Certificate?

Ans: Yes, original passport has to be submitted at the time of submission of the application.

Q 14) Does VFS do Power of Attorney for any Financial/property matters?

Ans: NO, VFS do not do attest Power of Attorney documents. Please contact High Commission of India directly.

OCI SERVICE:

Q 1) I have turned 51 and I have now obtained a new passport, do I need to renew my OCI?

Ans: You may use the OCI Miscellaneous Gratis Option on the OCI website to link your OCI with your new passport.

Q 2) After how many years of marriage can I apply for an OCI on the basis of my spouse?

Ans: After completion of 2 year of marriage you can apply for an OCI on the basis of your spouse. Please ensure that you have a registered marriage certificate only.

Q 3) Is the birth certificate mandatory for an applicant born in India applying for an OCI on the basis of spouse?

Ans: Yes full version birth certificate is mandatory for all applicants applying on basis of spouse.

Q 4) Why there is no specific category for uploading the documents?

Ans: You can select any available category and upload the documents in any category. Alternatively you may also merge and upload the documents as long as the uploaded documents are clear and information is readable.

Q 5) Can a UK British subject passport holder apply for OCI ?

Ans: No. A British subject passport holder or overseas passport holder cannot apply for OCI. The Passport should clearly state British Citizen only.

Q 6) Can a UK Travel document holding person can apply for OCI ?

Ans: No. A person holding UK Travel document cannot apply for OCI.

Q 7) I am applying on the basis of my spouse however my parents do not have their passport. Can I fill the application form as per my birth certificate.

Ans: Yes applicant can fill the application form with details of the parents as per their birth certificate.

Q 8) I was born in India and I surrendered my Indian passport in 1999 after obtaining my foreign nationality. I do not have any surrender certificate, Is notary affidavit mandatory while applying for an OCI?

Ans: Yes you will need to make a Notary affidavit from the UK confirming the details of your birth in India and travel to the UK and what happened to your last held Indian Passport. Also kindly furnish an Indian issued document like Indian passport or nativity certificate as proof of your Indian origin. For applicants who held an Indian passport and acquired foreign nationality after 2010, surrender or renunciation certificate is mandatory while applying for an OCI.

Q 9) I was born in India and I obtained foreign nationality in 2012. Can I apply for an OCI without a surrender certificate?

Ans: For applicants who held an Indian passport and acquired foreign nationality after 2010, surrender or renunciation certificate is mandatory while applying for an OCI.

Q 10) For the OCI application of my Minor child, should I upload my signature online?

Ans: NO. For Child below five years old you will need to upload the child’s own thumb impression. For child over five years old may sign their own name.

Q 11) How many days does it take to receive my OCI once applied?

Ans: It takes 4 to 6 weeks and subject to clearance from the relevant authorities.

Q 12) Do I require an appointment to submit my OCI application?

Ans: Yes appointments are mandatory for submission of your OCI application and once appointment is booked you will receive a confirmation of your appointment. The service category selected should be OCI if you wish to submit any OCI application. You may add up to 3 family member names on one appointment.

Q 13) What is the photo size requirement for OCI while uploading online? Also do I need to submit the physical photograph along with the application?

Ans: As per the current guidelines photos size required for OCI is 2*2 or 50*50mm (with 80% of face coverage) and clear light background any other size photos will not be accepted. Yes, you will need to submit a hardcopy of the same photograph at the center.

Q 14) Can I apply for an OCI on my deceased parents?

Ans: Yes you can apply for an OCI on the basis of the Indian Origin proof of your deceased parents. Kindly furnish relevant documentary proof of their Indian origin documents along with their death certificates and your full version birth certificate to show link to your parents.

Q 15) Do I have to apply for a new OCI when I renew my new passport?

Ans: You may have to apply for miscellaneous OCI service depending on the age and different circumstances. Kindly visit the website of the high Commission of India, London or its respective consulates for further information on renewal of your OCI.

Q 16) Can I submit an application for Surrender of my Indian Passport and my OCI application on the same day?

Ans: No. In order to obtain an OCI you have to first obtain surrender certificate. Only once you have the surrender certificate than you can apply for an OCI.

Q 17) Can I submit my OCI application without uploading any document?

Ans: No. You will need to upload all documents online under any relevant category. The OCI application will not be accepted if the online uploads are incomplete.

INDIAN PASSPORT SERVICE

Q 1) Can I apply for a Tatkal passport application for a new born?

Ans: Yes If the Birth Registration for the child is issued then you can apply for a FastTrack (Tatkal) Indian passport application.

Q 2) Can I split my name when I apply for a renewal of my Indian passport?

Ans: Yes, you may apply. Kindly fill the application form accordingly and furnish a covering letter with an explanation addressed to the HCI or its respective Consulates as per the jurisdiction of application submission.

Q 3) Can I change my address in the passport to a UK address?

Ans: Yes, if you have a valid visa to remain in the UK and copy of the accepted form of UK address proof in your name.

Q 4) Can I apply for an Indian Passport in Tatkal service in Edinburgh Consulate?

Ans: No, Tatkal service is not available in Edinburgh. You can only apply for Tatkal service in HCI London and Birmingham Consulate.

Q 5) Can I change the name of my parents when I apply for the renewal of my Indian passport?

Ans: Yes, provided you have the required documentary proof i.e. your birth certificate showing their correct names along with your parents valid photo ID proofs confirming the said name.

Q 6) Can I change my Signature when I apply for the renewal of my Indian passport?

Ans: Yes, you are permitted to change your signature. You will then need to also provide also the sample of the old signature on the application form.

Q7) Can I sign the application form on behalf of my minor child?

Ans: NO, for children below 5years old, the child should put their thumb impression and for over 5years old the child needs to sign their own name in the box earmarked for the same.

Q 8) For renewal of Indian passport for minor child, is it mandatory to have the birth certificate and parents marriage certificate?

Ans: Yes, the documents have to be provided.

Q 9) As a legal guardian can I endorse my name on my adopted child’s Indian passport?

Ans: Yes, provided you can furnish the legal documents from the court.

Q 10) I am a single parent, and my spouse has deserted me. Can I apply for the renewal of my minor child’s Indian passport?

Ans: If you do not have the sole custody order from the court, you may provide the Annexure C in Original which is notarized by the Notary Public in UK and a notarized explanation letter.

Q 11) Do I need to pay for the Change of Appearance affidavit as my appearance is looking very different from my last passport?

Ans: There is no charge for the change of appearance form.

Q 12) My Indian Passport is going to expire in 2 years from now. Can I still apply for a renewal of my Indian Passport?

Ans: Yes if there is any changes in your personal particulars or if the passport has been damaged. For any other scenarios please contact the Indian mission.

Q 13) What procedure is to be followed for the issue of a first time passport for a new born child in the UK?

Ans: The birth of child is required to be registered with HCI London or its consulates, as a prelude to applying for an Indian passport. An application for passport can be submitted only after obtaining the birth registration from HCI London or its respective Consulates as per the jurisdiction.

Q 14) Until what time can the application for reissues of Indian passport be submitted for reissue before the date of expiry?

Ans: The passport can be submitted for reissue upto one year before the date of expiry.

Q 15) Can I apply for additional pages in my passport/additional booklets?

Ans: There is no facility to add more pages or avail an additional booklets. Applicant is required to apply for reissue of their passport due to exhaustion of pages.

Q 16) Is it essential to have a valid visa/stay rights in UK to apply for a replacement passport in lieu of a lost/stolen or damaged one?

Ans: This is an essential requirement depending upon the circumstances of each individual case. An applicant is required to satisfactorily convince the passport officer that grant of lost further extension would facilitate them in obtaining of landing permit/ stay rights in the UK.

Q 17) Does affidavit fee need to be charged if the passport is expired over a year?

Ans: No, you will only need to fill over a year form .

Q 18) Is Personal Particular form mandatory for minor and parents?

Ans: No.

Q 19) Can the passport for minor be reissued if both the parents are holding foreign passport ?

Ans: One of the parents should hold an Indian passport if minor passport needs to be reissued.

Q 20) What are the requirements regarding appending thumb impression of a new born child on the application form?

Ans: Yes. It is necessary. There is an earmarked space for the purpose. Left thumb impression for a male child and right thumb impression for a female child needs to be printed at this earmarked space.

Q 21) Is it necessary for both the parents to visit the centre to submit minor application?

Ans: No. One parent can visit the centre and submit the application if all the required documents are signed by both the parents. Also kindly ensure that the child has signed the earmarked box with thumb impression or signature as applicable and the child’s photograph is correct as per the specifications.

Q 22) What is the procedure to apply for an Emergency Certificate (EC) to travel to India?

Ans: The application form is the same form meant for passport services. The procedure followed is the same as the one meant for issue of a new passport in lieu of lost/stolen/damaged passport. The only difference is that in the case of EC, it is not necessary that the applicant should be in possession of valid landing rights/stay permit in UK.

Q 23) Which address need to be mentioned on Annexure E, D and other affidavits?

Ans: Applicants are required to provide current UK address on all the required forms.