India Consular Support in USA
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) residing in the USA can access a wide range of consular services through the High Commission of India in Washington DC and the Consulates General in New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta and Seattle. Below is a detailed guide on how to get consular support, including the types of services available, application procedures, key contacts, and relevant links.
Key Consular Services for NRIs
- Attestation of Documents (Power of Attorney, affidavits, educational certificates, etc.)
- NRI Certificate / NRI Parity Certificate
- Life Certificate (for pension or other purposes)
- Registration of Birth/Death/Marriage
- Solemnization/Registration of Marriage
- Certificate for Transportation of Mortal Remains/Human Ashes
- Re-issuance of International Driving Permit
- Surrender of Indian Passport
- Miscellaneous services (PAN applications, OCI/PIO matters, etc.)
How to Apply for Consular Services
Step 1: Identify the Service Needed
- Review the list of consular services and determine which applies to your situation.
- For a full list and details, visit the Consular Information page of the High Commission of India
Step 2: Booking an Appointment
- Most services require a prior appointment.
- Book online via the appointment portal or direct appointment link.
Step 3: Preparing Documents
- Gather all required documents. Each service has specific requirements-check the [VFS Global consular services page] for detailed checklists.
- Bring originals and self-attested copies for verification.
Step 4: Submission
- Submit your application in person at the designated centre (High Commission or VFS Global application centre).
- Some services (e.g., Life Certificate, Power of Attorney) must be done at the High Commission/Consulate in person.
Step 5: Track Application
- Use the [VFS Global tracking tool] to monitor your application status.
Who Provides Which Services?
- High Commission of India, Washington DC: Handles attestation, Power of Attorney, Life Certificate, marriage registration, and emergencies.
- VFS Global: Processes most routine consular services on behalf of the High Commission and Consulates. Book appointments and check requirements at [VFS Global USA].
- Consulates in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle: Provide similar services for their regions. Contact details are available on their respective websites.
Emergency Support
Please note that these numbers are made available for the benefit of Indian Nationals in the USA seeking emergency support, and not for routine enquiries
- Emergency Visa Assistance: +1-202-258-8819. (Available during weekends and other Embassy holidays.)
- Indian citizens looking for Emergency Assistance other than (24/7): +1-202-550-9931(and WhatsApp)
Contact Information
|
Chancery-I Washington, DC 20008 Telephone: (202) 939-7000 Offices: Ambassador’s Office, Deputy Chief of Mission’s Office, |
Chancery-II Washington, DC 20008 Offices: Commerce Wing, Consular Wing, ISRO Wing, ITOU Wing, and Office of the Principal Director of Audit |
Important contact details
|
Consular Service |
Telephone No. |
E-Mail ID |
|
Miscellaneous Services |
+1-202-939-9888 (3 pm to 5 pm) |
|
|
Visa Services |
+1-202-939-9851 (3 pm to 5 pm) |
|
|
OCI Services |
+1-202-939-9889 (3 pm to 5 pm) |
|
|
Passport Services |
+1-202-939-9899 (3 pm to 5 pm) |
- Consulate General of India – New York Homepage
3 East 64th Street
(Between 5th and Madison Avenues)
New York, NY 10065
- Consulate General of India – San Francisco Homepage
540 Arguello Boulevard,
San Francisco, CA 94118
- Consulate General of India – Chicago Homepage
455 North City Front Plaza Drive, NBC Tower Building, Suite No. 850,
Chicago, IL 60611
- Consulate General of India – Houston Homepage
4300 SCOTLAND STREET
HOUSTON, TX 77007
- Consulate General of India – Atlanta Homepage
5549 Glenridge Drive NE,
Atlanta, GA 30342
- Consulate General of India – Seattle Homepage
1015, 2nd Ave, Suite No. 1100,
Seattle, WA 98104
Summary Table of Consular Services for NRIs in the USA
|
Service |
Who it’s for |
Where to apply / handled by |
What it typically covers |
Key notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Passport services |
Indian citizens in the U.S. |
VFS Global (India Consular Application Centres) |
Re-issue/renewal, fresh passport for minors, Tatkaal, lost/damaged |
Start via VFS; check centre/jurisdiction before applying. |
|
OCI card |
Eligible foreign nationals of Indian origin |
VFS Global |
New OCI, conversion (U-visa/PIO legacy), misc. updates |
Process and document lists vary; apply via VFS portal. |
|
India visa |
Non-Indian passport holders |
VFS Global |
Tourist, business, entry, etc. |
Use VFS visa flow for types, fees, and docs. |
|
Renunciation / Surrender Certificate |
Former Indian citizens |
VFS Global |
Surrender of Indian passport after acquiring foreign nationality |
Proof of renunciation is mandatory for OCI/visa; simple “cancelled” stamp alone isn’t enough. |
|
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) |
Indians/OCI needing background check |
VFS Global |
PCC for immigration/employment/long-term visa |
Apply by mail or at centre per VFS steps. |
|
Miscellaneous/Attestation |
Indian nationals/NRIs |
VFS Global + Consulate |
PoA attestation, life certificate, copy attestation, NOC, etc. |
VFS is the intake provider for misc. services (Embassy DC announced VFS handling). |
|
Registration of Birth (outside India) |
Child born in U.S. to Indian parent(s) |
Embassy/Consulate (some accept via mail; check site) |
Birth registration to obtain Indian passport for child |
Must be done within 1 year; requirements vary slightly by post. |
|
Emergency Certificate (one-way travel doc) |
Indian citizens needing to return to India urgently |
Embassy/Consulate (in person) |
One-way EC when passport expired/lost and urgent travel needed |
Issued case-by-case; some posts can issue within 1 working day/same day in extremes. |
|
Emergency consular helplines |
Indian nationals facing a genuine emergency |
Embassy/Consulate |
After-hours assistance (not for routine queries) |
Each post publishes its own number; check your jurisdiction’s page. |
|
Jurisdictions & centres |
Applicants in the U.S. |
Embassy DC + 8 Consulates; VFS centres nationwide |
Determine which mission handles your state; select nearest VFS centre |
Jurisdictions were revised in 2025; verify your state & choose a VFS centre accordingly. |
-
Most filings start on VFS Global’s India–USA portal; it routes you to the right checklist, forms, fees, and a nearby VFS centre if needed.
-
Jurisdiction matters. Confirm whether you fall under the Embassy (Washington, DC) or a Consulate (Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle) before applying.