On August 1, 2025, the Indian Mission in the U.S., in collaboration with VFS Global, announced the opening of eight new Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) across major U.S. cities.
These new centres are strategically located in Boston, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Edison, Orlando, Raleigh, and San Jose.
With this addition, the total number of ICACs in the U.S. will rise to 16, and an additional centre is planned to open in Los Angeles in August, bringing the total to 17.
The expansion is designed to provide essential consular services to the Indian diaspora, which numbers approximately 5.3 million people across the U.S.
The newly established ICACs will cater to a variety of needs, offering services such as India visa applications, Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), passport services, renunciation of Indian citizenship, Police Clearance Certificates (PCC), the Global Entry Programme (GEP), and Miscellaneous/Attestation services.
VFS Global serves as the exclusive service provider for these services on behalf of the Government of India in the United States.
Aimed at improving service delivery, the ICACs will feature several key enhancements.
For added convenience, these centres will be open on Saturdays, allowing applicants more flexible hours for submission.
Additionally, return courier services are now included within the standard service fees, streamlining the process for applicants.
Other improvements include services such as free photographs, photocopies, and assistance with form filling, which were previously additional costs.
These enhancements are designed to make consular services more accessible and efficient for users.
Mr. Vinay Mohan Kwatra, the Ambassador of India to the USA, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the expansion.
He emphasized that the new ICACs will significantly improve accessibility and efficiency, reinforcing the strong ties between India and the U.S.
Mr. Kwatra’s statement underscores the importance of meeting the needs of the Indian diaspora as well as fostering a robust India-U.S. partnership.
The recently inaugurated ICACs will play a vital role in accommodating the growing demand for visa and consular services.
With the expansion of services in cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington D.C., these centres are set to cater effectively to the Indian community.
Furthermore, this expansion will contribute positively to enhancing business partnerships, tourism, and trade relations between India and the United States.
VFS Global, the global leader in trusted technology services, is a key player in this initiative, enabling secure mobility for governments and citizens.
Since its establishment in 2001, VFS Global has managed over 3,900 Application Centres in 165 countries, processing more than 499 million applications.
The company has been providing services to the Government of India since 2008, effectively facilitating visa processes through innovative technology.
Moreover, VFS Global is recognized for its ethical practices and sustainable approach to technology development and deployment.
Headquartered in both Zurich and Dubai, VFS Global operates under the majority ownership of investment funds managed by Blackstone Inc., along with minority stakeholders including the Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation.
The establishment of these new Indian Consular Application Centres signals a significant enhancement in the consular services available to Indian nationals in the U.S., aligning with the government’s commitment to facilitate ease of access for its citizens abroad.
image source from：travelandtourworld
