we have assisted thousands of Indian travelers with successful visa applications for the US, UK, Canada, Schengen countries, Australia, Singapore, and more. One of the most common names that applicants encounter during the process is VFS Global.
Many first-time applicants often ask us: “What exactly is VFS Global? Why do we have to go through them instead of applying directly at the embassy?”
In this detailed guide, we explain what VFS Global is, how it operates in India, and why it plays the role of a middleman between applicants and embassies—based on our years of experience dealing with global visa processing.
What is VFS Global?
VFS Global (Visa Facilitation Services Global) is a private outsourcing and technology services company. It acts as an authorized partner for embassies and consulates around the world.
Instead of applicants rushing to embassies directly, governments outsource their visa processing services to VFS Global. This includes:
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Accepting visa applications
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Collecting biometric data (fingerprints & photographs)
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Scheduling appointments
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Document verification
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Passport collection & delivery after stamping
It is important to note that VFS Global does not make visa decisions. The embassy or consulate always has the final authority to approve or reject an application.
How Does VFS Global Work in India?
In India, VFS Global operates visa application centres (VACs) across major cities, including Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and others.
Here’s how the process typically works when an Indian applicant applies for a visa through VFS Global:
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Application Form Submission
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The applicant fills the embassy’s official visa form online.
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An appointment is booked at the nearest VFS Visa Application Centre.
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Visit to VFS Global Centre
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On the appointment date, applicants visit the VFS centre in Chennai (or their city).
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Documents are submitted and verified by VFS staff.
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Biometric details (fingerprints & photographs) are collected.
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Forwarding to Embassy/Consulate
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VFS securely transfers the documents and biometric data to the concerned embassy/consulate.
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Visa Decision by Embassy
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The embassy reviews the application, conducts background checks, and decides approval/rejection.
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Passport Collection
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Once processed, the stamped (or rejected) passport is sent back to VFS.
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Applicants can collect it from the centre or opt for courier delivery.
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At VisaAgentsInChennai.com, we guide clients through each of these steps, ensuring there are no errors, delays, or rejections due to missing paperwork.
Why VFS Global Acts as a Middleman
Many Indian applicants wonder why they can’t just go directly to the embassy. Here’s why VFS Global plays the role of a middleman:
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Efficiency: Handling thousands of applications daily is overwhelming for embassies. VFS Global streamlines the process.
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Accessibility: Instead of traveling to New Delhi or a foreign consulate, applicants in cities like Chennai can use VFS centres locally.
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Biometric Collection: Embassies outsource biometric data collection to VFS to maintain consistency.
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Security: VFS ensures documents are handled securely and transferred to embassies without risk.
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Convenience: Value-added services like courier return, SMS updates, and premium lounges make the process easier for applicants.
So while VFS acts as the middleman, it is essentially an authorized service provider, making the process smoother for both embassies and applicants.
VFS Global Services Available in India
From our professional experience, these are the most common services Indian travelers use at VFS centres:
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Visa application acceptance
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Biometric enrolment
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Document verification
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Courier passport return
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SMS/email updates on application status
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Premium lounge & form-filling assistance (optional, paid services)
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Travel insurance and photocopy services (available at select centres)
Common Misunderstandings About VFS Global
At VisaAgentsInChennai.com, we regularly clarify the following myths for our clients:
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“VFS decides visa approvals.” – Wrong. Only the embassy or consulate makes the decision.
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“Paying for premium services improves approval chances.” – Wrong. Premium lounges only offer comfort, not influence over the decision.
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“I can skip VFS and go directly to the embassy.” – Wrong for most countries. Embassies outsource these services, so VFS is mandatory.
How We at VisaAgentsInChennai.com Help Applicants with VFS Global
While VFS Global provides the platform, many applications still get rejected due to incomplete documents, weak financial proof, or incorrect category selection. That’s where our expertise comes in.
At VisaAgentsInChennai.com, we:
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Guide you on the right documents needed before visiting VFS.
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Prepare and review your financial proof (bank statements, ITR, salary slips).
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Assist with appointment booking at VFS centres.
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Fill forms correctly to avoid rejection due to small errors.
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Provide professional cover letters that explain your travel intent clearly.
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Support after rejection by helping you re-apply successfully.
With years of experience in Chennai, we know exactly what embassies expect and how VFS Global works in practice.
Final Word from VisaAgentsInChennai.com
VFS Global is not the decision-maker—it is the facilitator between you and the embassy. Understanding its role and preparing your application properly is the key to a successful visa outcome.
At VisaAgentsInChennai.com, we provide end-to-end guidance for Indian applicants—from filling forms to financial proof, from scheduling VFS appointments to ensuring your file is embassy-ready.
👉 For professional visa assistance in Chennai, trust VisaAgentsInChennai.com. We make sure your visa application is smooth, accurate, and stress-free.
Visit us at VisaAgentsInChennai.com and let our experts handle your visa needs today.
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