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Thought I would post what I learnt from applying for an emergency Indian visa recently at San Francisco. The website and even calling BLS and Indian Consulate did not provide me with the right information. So thought this might help someone.
Plan to arrive at 9am when they open, so you have time to run around and fix any paperwork as needed, before 10.30am. They say that only applications submitted by 10.30 or 11am will be processed same day and be ready for pick up by the end of the day.
They gave us a printed list which I have reproduced below, but I had not found that particular list anywhere on their website
Required documents for urgent visa with renunciation:
1. Renunciation only BLS order form (http://blsindianvisa.com/orderform/services.php)
2. Visa only BLS order form
3. Visa application
4. (with most recent Indian passport) renunciation certificate form or
5. (without Indian passport) deemed surrender/RENUNCIATION DECLARATION and notary affidavit of loss
6. 2 copies proof of address document
7. 2 copies first 2 and last 2 pages of Indian passport copy
8. 1 copy front page US passport
9. 2 copies naturalization certificate (if naturalize thru parent, please write and sign a statement)
Apparently even if it is an emergency you have to have a renunciation certificate. But renunciation takes 1-2 months, so you submit 2 applications 1 for visa and 1 for renunciation. (Of course would have been great if all this was listed on website).
When I called BLS they said just tell them you will come back and apply for renunciation later. But when I went there, they said that is not an option!
And visa order form indicated that you have to apply for renunciation if passport is recent etc. So basically website indicated (apply for both), on phone call was told to apply for visa only and finally it turned out I had to apply for both simultaneously, but as separate applications!!! Phew!
For proof of address - only Drivers license, State ID, utility bill, lease agreement would work. If License/State ID doesnt show current address can go online to DMV to put in change of address and print that confirmation. (Bank statement, pay stub etc would not suffice).
We weren't even asked for proof of emergency. We volunteered to include it in the package and the person at the counter took it on our insistence!
We were told since it was 11am by the time we got back with all paperwork completed they would issue it only next day. After pleading/cajoling, we were told to speak to the Supervisor. She finally said yes, to come back at 5pm same day.
Went back at 4pm same day and it was ready!!!
Hope this helps someone.
Plan to arrive at 9am when they open, so you have time to run around and fix any paperwork as needed, before 10.30am. They say that only applications submitted by 10.30 or 11am will be processed same day and be ready for pick up by the end of the day.
They gave us a printed list which I have reproduced below, but I had not found that particular list anywhere on their website
Required documents for urgent visa with renunciation:
1. Renunciation only BLS order form (http://blsindianvisa.com/orderform/services.php)
2. Visa only BLS order form
3. Visa application
4. (with most recent Indian passport) renunciation certificate form or
5. (without Indian passport) deemed surrender/RENUNCIATION DECLARATION and notary affidavit of loss
6. 2 copies proof of address document
7. 2 copies first 2 and last 2 pages of Indian passport copy
8. 1 copy front page US passport
9. 2 copies naturalization certificate (if naturalize thru parent, please write and sign a statement)
Apparently even if it is an emergency you have to have a renunciation certificate. But renunciation takes 1-2 months, so you submit 2 applications 1 for visa and 1 for renunciation. (Of course would have been great if all this was listed on website).
When I called BLS they said just tell them you will come back and apply for renunciation later. But when I went there, they said that is not an option!
And visa order form indicated that you have to apply for renunciation if passport is recent etc. So basically website indicated (apply for both), on phone call was told to apply for visa only and finally it turned out I had to apply for both simultaneously, but as separate applications!!! Phew!
For proof of address - only Drivers license, State ID, utility bill, lease agreement would work. If License/State ID doesnt show current address can go online to DMV to put in change of address and print that confirmation. (Bank statement, pay stub etc would not suffice).
We weren't even asked for proof of emergency. We volunteered to include it in the package and the person at the counter took it on our insistence!
We were told since it was 11am by the time we got back with all paperwork completed they would issue it only next day. After pleading/cajoling, we were told to speak to the Supervisor. She finally said yes, to come back at 5pm same day.
Went back at 4pm same day and it was ready!!!
Hope this helps someone.
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