India has launched a new Indian Consular Application Center (ICAC) in Los Angeles, USA. The center is being managed by VFS Global and has become fully operational since December 15. According to the Indian Consulate in Los Angeles, the new center aims to provide easier and faster access to consular services to Indian tourists living in the region.
Many important facilities will be available at one place
The new ICAC will provide a one-stop solution for passport and visa applications, Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI), renunciation of Indian citizenship, police clearance certificate, Global Entry Programme, authentication and other consular services. This will eliminate the need for people to wander from place to place and also save time.
The number of ICACs in America has increased to 17
With the opening of the Los Angeles center, the total number of Indian Consular Application Centers operated by VFS Global in the US has increased to 17. Earlier in August, eight new centers were opened in Boston, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Edison, Orlando, Raleigh and San Jose. All these centers aim to make consular services more accessible and efficient.
System changed from 1 August 2025
From August 1, 2025, all consular services like Passport, Visa, OCI, Surrender Certificate, Life Certificate, Birth-Marriage Certificate, Police Clearance and Attestation are being provided by VFS Global Centers only. This has made the process uniform and systematic.
53 lakh Indians will benefit
VFS Global Americas Head Amit Kumar Sharma said Los Angeles is an important hub for the Indian community. The opening of the new ICAC here is part of the Government of India’s vision to provide better and more convenient services to around 53 lakh Indian tourists. He said that now return courier service is also included in the normal fee and facilities like photo, photocopy and filling of forms are being provided at no extra charge.
Reduction in pending cases
According to the company, pending applications for matters such as passport and OCI have reduced due to weekend services and increased working hours. New York, San Francisco and Edison have filed the most applications. It is expected that the new centers will provide more relief to the Indian community in the coming times.