How to Know if Your Visa is Approved by VFS

When you apply for a visa, the waiting period for approval can be stressful. Understanding how to track your visa application status through the Visa Facilitation Services Global (VFS) is crucial. This article provides a detailed guide on how to know if your visa is approved by VFS, including what steps to follow, what information you need, and what to do in case of delays.

1. Understanding VFS and Its Role in Visa Processing

VFS Global is an outsourcing and technology services company that manages visa and passport issuance-related administrative tasks for various governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. VFS does not make decisions about whether your visa is approved or denied; rather, it facilitates the submission of your application and the collection of biometric data and documents. Once the decision is made by the relevant embassy or consulate, VFS will inform you of the outcome.

2. How to Track Your Visa Application Through VFS

Once you have submitted your visa application and supporting documents to VFS, you can track the status of your application through several methods:

a. Online Tracking:

• Visit the VFS Global website.
• Select the country where you submitted your application.
• Enter your tracking ID or reference number and your date of birth.
• The system will display the current status of your application.

b. Email Updates:

• Many VFS centers offer an email notification service. By providing your email address at the time of application, you will receive updates about the status of your visa directly in your inbox.

c. SMS Notifications:

• You can opt for SMS notifications at the time of application submission. This service will send real-time updates on the status of your visa application.

3. Common Status Updates and What They Mean

a. Application Received:
This status indicates that VFS has received your application and is processing it.

b. Under Process:
This means that your application is currently being reviewed by the embassy or consulate.

c. Approved:
This status means that your visa has been granted. VFS will notify you of the decision, and you will be asked to collect your passport.

d. Dispatched:
Your passport, along with the visa, has been dispatched to the VFS center where you submitted your application. You can now collect it or wait for it to be delivered if you opted for courier service.

e. Rejected:
Unfortunately, this means that your visa application has been denied. VFS will provide information on how to collect your passport and the rejection letter, which may include reasons for the denial.

4. What to Do If Your Visa Is Delayed

In some cases, your visa approval might take longer than expected. Here are some steps you can take:

a. Contact VFS:
You can reach out to the VFS center where you submitted your application to inquire about any delays. They may provide additional information or advice on what to do next.

b. Contact the Embassy or Consulate:
If the delay is significant, you might consider contacting the embassy or consulate directly to inquire about the status of your application. Ensure you have your application reference number handy.

c. Check for Public Holidays:
Delays can sometimes be due to public holidays in the country of application or the country processing the visa. These holidays can cause a temporary halt in processing.

5. What to Do After Visa Approval

Once your visa is approved, there are a few steps you should follow:

a. Collect Your Passport:
If you opted for in-person collection, visit the VFS center with the necessary identification to pick up your passport. If you chose courier delivery, ensure that someone is available to receive the package at your address.

b. Review Your Visa:
Before making any travel arrangements, double-check your visa to ensure that all the details (such as name, date of birth, visa type, and validity dates) are correct. Any errors should be reported to VFS or the embassy immediately.

c. Prepare for Travel:
With your visa in hand, you can start planning your travel. Make sure you have all the necessary documents for your trip, including travel insurance, flight tickets, and accommodation details.

6. Common Issues and How to Handle Them

While the visa application process through VFS is generally smooth, you might encounter some issues:

a. Lost Passport:
In rare cases, passports can be misplaced. If this happens, VFS will work with the embassy to locate your passport or issue a new one.

b. Incorrect Visa Details:
If you notice any errors in your visa, immediately contact VFS or the issuing embassy to rectify the mistake.

c. Unclear Rejection Reasons:
If your visa is rejected and the reasons provided are unclear, you can request more information or consider reapplying with additional supporting documents.

7. Final Thoughts

Tracking your visa application status through VFS is a straightforward process. By understanding the different status updates and what they mean, you can stay informed and prepared throughout the process. Remember that while VFS handles the logistics, the decision to approve or reject your visa lies with the embassy or consulate.

Always ensure that you follow up on your application, and if in doubt, reach out to VFS or the relevant authorities to clarify any concerns. This will help you avoid unnecessary stress and ensure that your visa process is as smooth as possible.