5.3 million Indians benefit as India opens new consular application center in the US

India has launched a new Indian Consular Application Center (ICAC) in Los Angeles, USA. The center, operated by VFS Global, became fully operational on December 15. 

According to the Indian Consulate in Los Angeles, the new center aims to provide Indian expatriates living in the region with easy and rapid access to consular services.

Many essential facilities will be available in one place

The new ICAC will bring together passport and visa applications, Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), renunciation of Indian citizenship, police clearance certificates, the Global Entry Program, attestations, and other consular services under one roof. This will save people time and eliminate the need to travel to different locations.

The number of ICACs in the US has risen to 17.

The opening of the Los Angeles center brings the total number of Indian Consular Application Centers operated by VFS Global in the United States to 17. 

Earlier in August, eight new centers were opened in Boston, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Edison, Orlando, Raleigh, and San Jose. These centers aim to make consular services more accessible and effective.

Changed system from August 1, 2025

Effective August 1, 2025, all consular services such as passports, visas, OCIs, surrender certificates, life certificates, birth and marriage certificates, police clearances, and attestations will be offered exclusively through VFS Global centers, streamlining the process.

53 lakh Indians will benefit

Amit Kumar Sharma, head of VFS Global's Americas, said that Los Angeles is an important hub for the Indian community. Opening a new ICAC here is part of the Indian government's vision to provide better and more convenient services to the approximately 5.3 million Indian diaspora. 

He added that return courier service is now included in the standard fare, and services such as photocopying and form filling are offered at no additional cost.

Reduction in pending cases

According to the company, weekend services and extended working hours have reduced pending applications for passport and OCI matters. New York, San Francisco, and Edison have recorded the highest number of applications. The new centers are expected to provide further relief to the Indian community in the future.

United States of America