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Processing Time
Processing times vary from application to application at the sole discretion of the High Commission of India and its Consulates in the UK, and some applications may take longer than others to get processed. Hence, confirm your travel plans only after obtaining the visa. Here are some estimates of processing times under normal circumstances:

Applications submitted in London, Birmingham and Edinburgh will take minimum 2 to 3 working days to get processed. Applications submitted in Manchester, Cardiff & Glasgow will take a minimum of 5 to 7 working days.(The same are for UK nationals only and would vary from case to case).
Applications in the following cases may take longer to be processed:
Non-UK passport holders residing in the UK for less than two years. (Minimum 10-15 working days).
Nationals or origin of Pakistan (Minimum 7-8 weeks)
Nationals of Sri Lanka, China, Bangladesh, Afghanistan (Minimum 15 working days)
Where clearance from India is mandatory.
UK Travel document holders.

In addition, if the High Commission or the Consulate General requires an applicant to attend an interview, the India Visa Application Center will contact the applicant and inform the date and time of the interview accordingly.

Please note VFS is not involved in the process of assessment of visa applications, or their grant or refusal. The assessment of visa applications is carried out by the High Commission of India or its Consulates, and the grant or refusal of India visas is at their sole discretion.

The processing times for visas are estimates only. These are based on information and experience of the Indian High Commission and Consulates.

The processing of your application is subject to the procedures and timescales of the Indian High Commission and Consulates, over which we have no control.

"Please note that the validity of visa starts from the date of issue and not from the date of travel"

Postal Applications

Postal applications need a minimum of 10 working days to be processed. This does not include the period they are in transit to and from the High Commission or the Consulate General. Application once sent in post can not be withdrawn unless there is an emergency for which documentary evidence shall be required. VF Services UK Ltd, shall not bear responsibility for any delays in postal transit or loss in transit owing to third party involved.
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VISA APPLYING
PROCESS

Step 1
Click, “All About Visas”. Confirm the visa type based on your reason for travel; do not make any confirmed bookings.

Step 2
Complete your application online. Please note that on and after 23rd November 2010, no previous versions or handwritten forms will be available on the website or accepted at any of the India Visa Application Centers.

Step 3
If the application has been completed online you must download & print all form/s, read and complete Checklist.

Step 4
Check fees payable, payment options and documents required. All such details can be found in the respective visa categories under the section All About Your Visas.

Step 5
Sign form/s at all indicated places.

Step 6
Ensure photos are strictly as per New Photo Specifications

Step 7
Check processing time to plan your travel accordingly.

Step 8
Attach all supporting documents required as per the Checklist. Make sure your application is complete. Incomplete applications cannot be accepted.

Step 9
Submit your Application along with the passport and required documents at any of our India Visa Application centres in UK by person to the respective Jurisdiction or by post to our centralised postal processing centre. Postal applications need a minimum of 10 working days to be processed. This does not include the period they are in transit to and from the High Commission or the Consulate General.

Step 10
“Track your application” online.

Step 11
Your passport will be returned to you by the mode of delivery opted by you when submitted. Allow for 2-3 days transit time for postal or courier return applications. Transit times differ by location and do not take into account any public holidays.