VFS Global opens new consular centres in Seattle and Bellevue

This development is expected to benefit the nearly half-million-strong Indian community across nine Pacific Northwestern states.

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. / Indian Consulate in Seattle

VFS Global, the exclusive service provider for Indian visa, OCI, passport, renunciation of Indian citizenship, and GEP verification services, has launched new centres in Seattle and Bellevue to facilitate the Indian diaspora and other applicants across the United States.

The Seattle centre was inaugurated by the Prakash Gupta, Consul General of India in Seattle, Mayor of Seattle Bruce Harell and State Rep Vandan Slatter. Shubhashish Ganguly, western regional head- VFS Global, and Sam Cho, Post Commissioner, Port of Seattle were also present on the occasion.

The centre’s establishment is expected to benefit the nearly half-million-strong Indian community within the consular jurisdiction of the Indian Consulate in Seattle, covering nine Pacific Northwestern states: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming.

Speaking on the occasion, Prakash Gupta, Consul General of India in Seattle, emphasized the significance of these centres. “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.”

CGI India Seattle Prakash Gupta addressing the diaspora community at the inauguration of India Consular Centre in Seattle. / Indian Consulate in Seattle

“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,” the CG added.

According to a news release, the Seattle Centre is equipped with world-class facilities to provide an easily accessible and superior application experience. It will be operated by well-trained customer service representatives to assist applicants at every step. Additional support will include a dedicated call centre and online services for query resolution.

Commenting on the expansion, Amit Kumar Sharma, head – Americas at 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,” Sharma added.

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. / Indian Consulate in Seattle

VFS Global, the first outsourced visa services partner of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, has been serving the Government of India since 2008. In the USA, it has been providing passport, visa, and consular services since 2020, operating 52 centres in 13 countries.