Expanded network aims to improve access, reduce waiting times and strengthen passport and visa services for the Indian community
India’s passport, visa and consular services in Australia have resumed through a newly expanded network of six Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) operated by VFS Global, following a 23-day suspension that affected applicants across the country. The upgraded centres became operational on 23 July and are expected to improve service accessibility and processing efficiency for the large Indian diaspora in Australia.
The new VFS Global-operated centres have replaced the previous service network and will handle applications for passports, visas, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards, police clearance certificates and other consular services on behalf of the High Commission of India in Canberra and the Consulates General of India.
-
According to VFS Global, the expanded network has been designed to provide greater appointment availability, shorter waiting times and a more streamlined application process
-
Applicants are now required to book appointments in advance before visiting a centre and are advised to check the latest documentation and application procedures before submitting their requests
The reopening follows a temporary suspension of Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) services from 1 July, which disrupted applications for thousands of Indian nationals and Australian residents seeking Indian travel documents and consular assistance. Services resumed after the operational transition was completed.
The six centres are located in major Australian cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra, and operate on weekdays, excluding public holidays. The upgraded facilities are expected to cater to growing demand from students, professionals, business travellers and families requiring regular access to Indian consular services.
The expansion comes as travel and people-to-people exchanges between India and Australia continue to grow, increasing demand for efficient passport, visa and related consular services.
