Update on Consular Services offered by CGI New York:
- Except Tatkal Passports, all other Consular Services (Visa, OCI, renunciation) are functioning normally.
- Normal Passport Service: Please apply online: https://passport.in.ckgs.us/ (Minimum Processing time is 10 working days).
- Tatkal / Emergency Passport Service: will be provided through the Embassy of India, Washington DC. Applicants having genuine emergencies (in case of death or medical emergencies or legal emergency) should visit CKGS New York Office, with documents including proof of emergency, for assistance.
Third Party Login
The Third party application submission hours has been changed to 9 AM - 11 AM all weekdays. This timing will be applicable from Monday 1st May 2017 onwards.
This CKGS website is best viewed in Mozilla Firefox version 18.0 and above or Google Chrome 24.0 and above or Internet Explorer (Windows) version 9.0 and above.
You must also have Adobe Acrobat Reader version 7.0 or higher installed on your PC in order to download and print the completed visa application form.
Notices
25rd March,2020
Due to the spread of Covid-19 and the shelter in place and other restrictions announced in these cities, CKGS Washington DC, CKGS New York, CKGS Houston, CKGS Chicago, CKGS Atlanta, and CKGS San Francisco will remain closed until further notice.
Applicants are requested not to send any OCI, Indian Passport and Renunciation applications until further notice.
24rd March,2020
Embassy of India
Washington DC
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PRESS RELEASE
In light of existing advisories associated with the coronavirus and movement restrictions in several States, the Embassy of India has taken the following decisions with immediate effect: -
- OCI applications will not be accepted, including by postal mail, until further notice.
- Passport applications will not be accepted, including by postal mail, until further notice. However, applicants requiring passports on emergency basis may kindly send an email to –
Washington DC - cons4.washington@mea.gov.in
New York - passport.newyork@mea.gov.in
Chicago - passport.chicago@mea.gov.in
Atlanta - cons.atlanta@mea.gov.in
Houston - enquiriescgi@swbell.net
explaining their emergency situation. Once the request has been approved, the applicant will be informed to complete the application process and send the papers by postal mail to CKGS for further processing. - Miscellaneous consular services shall continue to be accepted only by postal mail until further notice. Applicants should factor in that it may take longer and there could be delays in providing miscellaneous services due to the current situation.
23rd March,2020
Due to the ongoing COVID19 pandemic, our call center is not operational till further notice. In case of any urgent assistance required, please write to us at enquiriesusa@ckgs.com. Alternatively you can also send across your queries through our feedback page - https://www.in.ckgs.us/feedback/ and specify your jurisdiction along with the web reference number (if applicable).20th March,2020
Due to the recent ‘Shelter-in-place’ order passed by the New York Mayor, there would be a delay at the CKGS end to process and submit the Visa, OCI and Renunciation applications.
- Applicants are requested NOT to visit CKGS application center for over-the-counter services.
- Applicants are requested NOT to call CKGS center due to the delay in processing the applications.
Due to ongoing Coronavirus outbreak, it has been decided to render OCI and Renunciation services through regular mail/post/courier starting March 16th 2020 to March 27th 2020.
Applicants are requested NOT to visit CKGS application center for over-the-counter services.
Embassy of India Washington DC
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24/7 Helpline
For queries/clarifications regarding the recent travel advisory issued by the Government of India for travel to India in view of the spread of coronavirus
- For applicants residing in Bermuda, Delaware, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia, please send details at cons4.washington@mea.gov.in, Tel: 202-213-1364 and 202-262-0375;
- For applicants residing in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virgin Islands, please send details at cons.atlanta@mea.gov.in, Tel: 404-910-7919 and 404-924-9876
- For applicant residing in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, please send an email at visa.chicago@mea.gov.in, Tel: 312-687-3642 and 312-468- 3276,
- For applicants residing in Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado and Nebraska, please send an email at enquiriescgi@swbell.net, Tel: 713-626-2149
- For applicants residing in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont, please send an email at visa.newyork@mea.gov.in, Tel: 212-774-0607/347-721-9243;
- For applicant residing in Alaska, Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming, please send an email at oci2.sf@mea.gov.in, Tel: 415 483 6629
Update on COVID-19: Revised travel advisory
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
High level Group of Ministers reviews current status, and actions for prevention and management of COVID-19
Advisory on Travel to India
Posted On: 11 MAR 2020 10:18PM by PIB Delhi
In view of the rapid spread of coronavirus, the Government of India has issued the following instructions:
- All existing visas, except diplomatic, official, UN / International Organizations, employment and project visas, stand suspended till 15 April 2020. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT (0800 EST) on 13 March 2020 at the port of departure.
- Visa free travel facility granted to OCI card holders is kept in abeyance till 15 April 2020. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT (0800 EST) on 13 March 2020 at the port of departure.
- Any foreign national who might need to travel to India for compelling reasons may contact the nearest Indian Mission / Consulate.
- All incoming travelers, including Indian nationals, arriving from or having visited China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain and Germany after 15 February 2020 shall be quarantined for a minimum period of 14 days. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT (0800 EST) on 13 March 2020 at the port of departure.
- All incoming travelers, including Indian nationals, would be subject to medical screening and can be quarantined for a minimum of 14 days on their arrival in India.
- International traffic through land borders will be restricted to designated check posts with robust screening facilities. Ministry of Home Affairs will separately notify these check posts.
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 : revised travel advisory
Posted On:10 MAR 2020
Subject: Travel and Visa restrictions related to COVID- reg.
In supersession of all earlier advisories issued on this subject BoI has issued the following instructions in pursuance of the meeting of Cabinet Secretary on March 10, 2020.
- All regular (sticker) Visas/e-Visa granted to nationals of France, Germany and Spain and issued on or before 11.3.2020 and who have not yet entered India stand suspended with immediate effect.
- All regular (sticker) Visas/e-Visa (including VoA for Japan and South Korea) granted to nationals of Italy, Iran, South Korea, Japan and which have been issued on or before 03.03.2020 and who have not yet entered India remain suspended.
- Regular (sticker) visa/e-Visa granted to nationals of China, issued on or before 05.02.2020 suspended earlier continue to be suspended.
- Regular (sticker) visas/e-Visas granted to all foreign nationals who have travelled to China, Iran, Italy, South Korea, Japan, France, Germany and Spain on or after 01.02.2020 and who have not yet entered India stands suspended with immediate effect.
- All aforementioned restricted category of foreign nationals may not enter India from any Air, Land or Seaport ICPs. Those requiring to travel to India due to compelling reasons, may seek fresh visa from the nearest Indian embassy/consulate. Italian and South Korean nationals, who are granted fresh visa issued after 05.03.2020 should carry ‘tested negative for COVID-19’ medical certificate from designated laboratories of Italy and South Korea.
- Indians and OCI card holders from Italy and South Korea should carry ‘tested negative for COVID-19’ medical certificate from designated laboratories of Italy and South Korea. OCI card holders of other countries are free from visa restrictions but shall need to undergo mandatory health check upon arrival in India.
- Visas of all foreigners already in India remain valid. They may contact the nearest FRRO/FRO through e-FRRO module for extension/conversion etc of their visa or grant of any consular service if they choose to do so.
- Holders of Diplomatic passports, Official passports, officials of UN and other international bodies and aircrew from above eight countries are exempted from such restriction on entry. However, their medical screening on arrival is compulsory.
- All foreign and Indian nationals entering into India from any port are required to furnish a pair of duly filled self-declaration forms (including personal particulars i.e. Phone number and address in India) and travel history to health officials and immigration officials at all arrival ports.
- These restrictions will remain in force till further orders.
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 : revised travel advisory
Posted On:03 MAR 2020 1:31 PM by PIB Delhi
In view of the emerging global scenarios regarding COVID19, in supersession of all earlier advisories the following advisories and issued for immediate implementation:
- All regular (sticker) Visas/e-Visa (including VoA for Japan and South Korea) granted to nationals of Italy, Iran, South Korea, Japan and issued on or before 03.03.2020 and who have not yet entered India, stand suspended with immediate effect. Those requiring to travel to India due to compelling reasons, may seek fresh visa from nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate.
- Regular (sticker) visa/e-Visa granted to nationals of Peoples Republic of China, issued on or before 05.02.2020 were suspended earlier. It shall remain in force. Those needing to travel to India under compelling circumstances may apply for fresh visa to nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate.
- Regular (sticker) visas/e-Visa granted to all foreign nationals who have travelled to Peoples Republic of China, Iran, Italy, South Korea and Japan on or after 01.02.2020, and who have not yet entered India stand suspended with immediate effect. Those requiring to travel to India under compelling circumstances may apply for fresh visa to nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate.
- Diplomats, officials of UN and other International bodies, OCI cardholders and Aircrew from above countries are exempted from such restriction on entry. However, their medical screening is compulsory.
- Passengers of all international flights entering into India from any port are required to furnish duly filled self declaration form (including personal particulars i.e. phone no. and address in India) and travel history, to Health Officials and Immigration officials at all ports.
- Passengers (foreign and Indian) other than those restricted, arriving directly or indirectly from China, South Korea, Japan, Iran, Italy, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nepal, Thailand, Singapore and Taiwan must undergo medical screening at port of entry.
- Indian citizens are advised to refrain from travel to China, Iran, Republic of Korea, Italy and advised to avoid non-essential travel to other COVID-19 affected countries.
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CHANGE IN BUSINESS AND TOURIST VISA FEES FOR US NATIONALS:
IMPORTANT - Government of India has revised the Visa fees for TOURIST and BUSINESS visas for U.S. nationals, effective from June 18, 2018
From June 18, 2018, US$160.00 will be charged for Tourist and Business Visas for U.S. nationals, irrespective the duration of the visa and number of entries.
Visa fees in respect of all other categories, except Tourist and Business Visas for U.S. nationals remain unchanged.
Third parties should keep their customers notified about the above mentioned notice.
For any applications for which payments are made by Money Order or deposited in CKGS on or after June 18, 2018, fees will be charged at the new rates, even if the form was filled up online earlier.
THIRD PARTY SUBMISSION HOURS
- The Third party application submission hours has been changed to 9 AM - 11 AM all weekdays. This timing will be applicable from Monday 1st May 2017 onwards
NOTE ON BIOMETRIC ENROLMENT
Biometric enrolment for VISA application is mandatory for Walk-In Applicants of San Francisco Jurisdiction.
Exemption cases:
The following categories applicants are exempted from biometric enrolment:
- Applicants of the age below 12 Years or above 70 Years.
- Applicants holding official passport, Diplomatic passport or UN passport.
- Applicants with no fingers
- Applicants with poor finger prints need to sign the exception form.
- Applicants with less number of fingers will be required to give biometrics only of the existing fingers and need to sign the exception form.
ADVISORY FOR INDIAN NATIONALS
Indian nationals traveling and / or residing in the United States are advised to be mindful of the laws of the United States, including those relating to treatment of young children. There have been cases brought to the attention of the Embassy from time to time, when children of Indian nationals have been taken into the custody of United States authorities (Children / Family Services) on reported grounds of negligence / maltreatment of those children by parent(s).
Visa Stickers issued from now on will not have the Round Seal on it. Please click here for Sample.
NEW VISA APPLICATION NORMS FOR APPLICANTS OF INDIAN ORIGIN
All applicants of Indian Origin with US Passports, applying for Tourist Visas are herewith advised to apply for longer term 10 year duration visas only.
Short term visas (less than 10 years duration) are only granted to applicants who
- Have already applied for PIO / OCI and are awaiting process completion;
- Non US passport holders
- Applicants applying for Emergency visas
- For Minors (5 years only)
- Any other category which the Consulate decides as per Government of India Regulations.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you ever held an Indian Passport, it is mandatory to provide proof of Renunciation of Indian Citizenship along with your Visa / OCI / PIO application. Please click www.in.ckgs.us/renunciation for document checklist, forms and fees.
VISA APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR [TIBETAN] IC HOLDERS WHO HAVE NORI
All IC holders with NORI can directly apply for a visa at the Consulate either in person or by post, by sending their IC in original, a print out of an online-completed visa application form, two photographs, copy of address proof and proof of current residency status in the United States, and a return envelope through a courier that is amenable to tracking. The visa will be issued on a gratis basis.
TRANSFER OF VALID VISA FROM EXPIRED US PASSPORT TO NEW US PASSPORT
The validity of an existing visa does not expire if holder acquires a new passport (if old passport has expired or is damaged), as long as personal particulars and nationality of the holder have not changed. The visa holder can travel carrying old passport with valid Indian visa along with new passport.
All applicants are advised to book their travel plan upon obtaining the appropriate visa. CKGS will not be responsible for any loss for any bookings made in anticipation of obtaining a Visa.
Applicants are not supposed to contact the Embassy / Consulate when their application is under process.
The India Visa Application Centre has received reports of Applicants being approached by persons(s) posing as an official of the IVAC outside the IVAC premises, attempting to provide visa application services. Applicants are strongly advised not to divulge personal information or provide payment to anyone claiming to work for the IVAC OUTSIDE IVAC PREMISES. You would not be approached outside the premises by anyone authorized to provide VAC services.
All applicants are advised that any services that they may choose to receive from any person / agency is at their own discretion and the IVAC will not be responsible for any misinformation or charges that they may choose to pay to such persons / agencies.
We strongly encourage all visitors to the IVAC to report any such incidents to the IVAC staff immediately.
Thank you for your assistance and cooperation in this matter.
ACCEPTANCE OF FEES VIA CREDIT CARD
In case of payments made via credit card, actual bank / agency charges will have to be borne by the applicant. CKGS will accept fees online via credit cards only.
RETURN COURIER SERVICE - FEDEX / UPS
You can now choose to receive your passport / document to home or office by choosing an optional courier service provided by FedEx / UPS.
TA's are advised to not send the applications using post as CKGS will not be able to process them.
If any application is received by pre-paid postal then application would be deemed ineligible and returned to TA to follow the correct process of sending by post.
CKGS - OFFICIAL PARTNER OF EMBASSY OF INDIA AND ITS CONSULATES IN USA
It is advisable that all applicants for Visa / OCI / PIO / Renunciation apply either in person or by post / courier directly at Cox & Kings Global Services Private Limited (http://www.in.ckgs.us).
In case applicants wish to apply for the above services through Third Party agencies, it is hereby notified that they will be doing the same at their own risk. Each application will be dealt with individually based on the documents provided and as per Government of India rules and regulations. Any query regarding such Third Party applications should be addressed directly with the concerned agency through which applicants have applied.
M/s Cox & Kings Global Services Pvt. Ltd. is the new service provider for Visa / OCI / PIO / Renunciation certificate support services with effect from May 21st, 2014.
All applicants who have opted for 'In Person' collection of their document/s are requested to note that failure of collection of their Passport / document/s after notification (Email, SMS, Call, Track & Trace) would result in their passport being returned to the Embassy / Consulate by CKGS.
EMERGENCY VISA SERVICE
For Details on Emergency Visa Service at Consulate General of India, Atlanta please visit https://www.indiainatlanta.gov.in/page-link/?page=emergency-services
Applicants should note that the Atlanta center shall open only at 9 AM EST. Applicants will not be allowed inside the building or in the building lobby prior to 9 AM EST. Applicants are requested not to arrive at the Application Center prior to this time as this is causing a lot of inconvenience to other tenants in the building.
All applicants who have opted for 'In Person' collection of their document/s are requested to note that failure of collection of their Passport / document/s after notification (Email, SMS, Call, Track & Trace) would result in their passport being returned to the Embassy / Consulate by CKGS.
Applicants should note that the Chicago center shall open only at 9 AM CST. Applicants will not be allowed inside the building or in the building lobby prior to 9 AM CST. Applicants are requested not to arrive at the Application Center prior to this time as this is causing a lot of inconvenience to other tenants in the building.
All applicants who have opted for 'In Person' collection of their document/s are requested to note that failure of collection of their Passport / document/s after notification (Email, SMS, Call, Track & Trace) would result in their passport being returned to the Embassy / Consulate by CKGS.
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR HOUSTON JURISDICTION
All 3rd party agencies who are registered with CKGS on behalf of the Consulate hereby confirm that they are dealing directly with applicants and not on behalf of any other 3rd party agencies.
CKGS has been instructed to suspend accepting applications from such defaulting 3rd party agencies and report this information to the Houston Consulate. Any reinstating of access to the module to the defaulting 3rd party agency and acceptance of applications by CKGS will be dependent on the discretion of the Houston Consulate.
Applicants should note that the Houston center shall open only at 9 AM CST. Applicants will not be allowed inside the building or in the building lobby prior to 9 AM CST. Applicants are requested not to arrive at the Application Center prior to this time as this is causing a lot of inconvenience to other tenants in the building.
All applicants who have opted for 'In Person' collection of their document/s are requested to note that failure of collection of their Passport / document/s after notification (Email, SMS, Call, Track & Trace) would result in their passport being returned to the Embassy / Consulate by CKGS.
Applicants should note that the New York center shall open only at 9 AM EST. Applicants will not be allowed inside the building or in the building lobby prior to 9 AM EST. Applicants are requested not to arrive at the Application Center prior to this time as this is causing a lot of inconvenience to other tenants in the building.
Biometric enrolment for VISA application is mandatory for Walk-In Applicants of San Francisco Jurisdiction.
Exemption cases:
The following categories applicants are exempted from biometric enrolment:
- Applicants of the age below 12 Years or above 70 Years.
- Applicants holding official passport, Diplomatic passport or UN passport.
- Applicants with no fingers
- Applicants with poor finger prints need to sign the exception form.
- Applicants with less number of fingers will be required to give biometrics only of the existing fingers and need to sign the exception form.
NOTE ON WALK-IN MODE OF DOCUMENT COLLECTION:
All applicants who have opted for 'In Person' collection of their document/s are requested to note that failure of collection of their Passport / document/s after notification (Email, SMS, Call, Track & Trace) would result in their passport being returned to the Embassy / Consulate by CKGS.
URGENT / EMERGENCY APPLICATIONS
Please note that you can submit Urgent / Emergency Visa applications at our Center with $ 100 additional fees for this service between 9 am to 11 am on weekdays. We however do not guarantee that you will receive the visa on the same day as its dependent on various government emergency application procedures. Please only visit our center for pick-up after you have received an auto-email stating that your application is ready for pick-up. Our center closes at 6 pm.
Additionally, Students or applicants who are unemployed, it is mandatory to submit latest 3 month bank statement and One address proof when applying under this category. If you are not able to provide the bank statement, then Confirmed flight ticket has to be provided instead.
Applicants should note that the San Francisco center shall open only at 9 AM PST. Applicants will not be allowed inside the building or in the building lobby prior to 9 AM PST. Applicants are requested not to arrive at the Application Center prior to this time as this is causing a lot of inconvenience to other tenants in the building.
All applicants who have opted for 'In Person' collection of their document/s are requested to note that failure of collection of their Passport / document/s after notification (Email, SMS, Call, Track & Trace) would result in their passport being returned to the Embassy / Consulate by CKGS.
Applicants should note that the Washington DC center shall open only at 9 AM EST. Applicants will not be allowed inside the building or in the building lobby prior to 9 AM EST. Applicants are requested not to arrive at the Application Center prior to this time as this is causing a lot of inconvenience to other tenants in the building.
Need Help?
Important Note
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I have read, understood and accept the VISA Disclaimer, Declaration & Undertaking, Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy of CKGS.
- IMPORTANT NOTICE All 3rd party agencies who are registered with CKGS on behalf of the Consulate hereby confirm that they are dealing directly with applicants and not on behalf of any other 3rd party agencies.
- CKGS has been instructed to suspend accepting applications from such defaulting 3rd party agencies which will be reported to Embassy of India, Washington and respective Consulate. Any reinstating of access to the module to the defaulting 3rd party agency and acceptance of applications by CKGS will be dependent on the discretion of the Embassy of India, Washington.
- The Third Party will ensure that the Applicant's contact details - email, telephone and mobile numbers, current and permanent addresses filled in the Government Visa Application form (IVRFT) are reachable and contactable.
Do not substitute the applicant contact details with Third Party contact details. - The onus of data accuracy of an application is on the Third Party submitting the application. CKGS will not be liable for any delays due to incorrectness of data.
- CKGS normally communicates with the Applicants / Third Party. The responsibility of CKGS ends the moment it has made such communication to the Applicant / Third Party.
- All communication to the Third Party will be directed to the contact details as defined in the registration form on CKGS Third Party Module.
- Applications that have Incomplete / Incorrect / Missing Documents will be returned. Processing will only start once fully completed application has been submitted by the Third Party.
- No requests to expedite applications will be accepted. Any Applicants for emergency Visas have to deal directly with CKGS.
- PRC Applicants cannot submit through an Agency. They have to submit directly through CKGS.
- The Agency is advised to confirm the travel arrangements for the Applicants only after obtaining the visa.