Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers cover the most common questions we receive from Australia-based clients preparing Indian passport, OCI, PCC, visa and consular documents. Use them to understand what private assistance can and cannot do, what documents are commonly reviewed and how to prepare before contacting our team.
No. VFS India is an independent private assistance provider. We help clients prepare, review and organise applications, but final decisions, document issue and official processing times remain with the relevant authority.
We assist with Indian passport renewal and re-issue, OCI preparation, PCC applications, Indian visa support, Power of Attorney/Notary Services, apostille preparation, life certificates, birth certificate matters, driving licence verification and other India-related documentation.
No private provider can guarantee approval by an official authority. Our role is to improve preparation, reduce avoidable errors, explain requirements clearly and guide you through each step with careful document checks.
Many enquiries can begin online or by phone. If your case needs in-person support, original document sighting or detailed form assistance, our team will explain the most practical appointment option.
Send us your current passport details, expiry date, location in Australia and the reason for renewal. We will confirm the checklist, required supporting documents and preparation steps before you lodge.
Yes. Lost and damaged passport cases usually require additional declarations, identity evidence and careful explanation of the circumstances. We help you understand what is needed before submission.
Yes. We guide parents or guardians on common minor passport requirements, including identity documents, consent-related paperwork, address evidence and appointment preparation.
We help with new OCI applications, OCI updates, renewal guidance after passport changes, name or personal detail corrections and document review for applicants in Australia.
Yes. We can review the return reason, compare it with your document set and help you prepare corrections or missing information before you try again.
A Police Clearance Certificate is commonly requested for immigration, employment, licensing, study and residency matters. We help Indian citizens in Australia understand the document pathway and supporting evidence.
Timelines vary depending on the official process, police verification, applicant history and workload at the relevant authority. We can help you prepare correctly, but we cannot control official processing speed.
Yes. We help travellers understand the correct visa category, prepare document details, review form information and avoid common errors before submission.
We can help organise urgent Indian visa information and documentation quickly. Emergency outcomes depend on official eligibility, evidence and authority timelines.
Bring your passport, visa status in Australia, proof of address, previous Indian documents, any official correspondence and case-specific records such as marriage, birth, police or name-change documents.
Yes. Document review is one of our main services. We check completeness, consistency and common formatting issues so you can correct problems before lodging.
Yes. Client information and document copies are handled with care and used only for the service requested. We also advise clients not to send original documents until the checklist is confirmed.
We provide form guidance and preparation support based on information you provide. You remain responsible for checking details and confirming that all information is accurate before submission.
Yes. We assist clients across Australia, including Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart and regional locations, using phone, email and online document review where suitable.
Yes. We help identify likely document preparation steps for attestation, apostille and notary-related matters, including personal, education and business document support.
Name differences, old spellings and changed personal details need careful handling. We help you identify supporting evidence such as affidavits, marriage certificates or official change records.
Refunds depend on the service stage and the terms agreed at booking. If preparation work has already started, fees may be partially or fully non-refundable under the stated policy.
We can guide you on available tracking steps and help interpret common status updates. Official tracking access and final updates depend on the relevant authority.
We aim to respond within 24 business hours. Urgent enquiries should clearly mention the deadline, travel date or official appointment date so the team can prioritise practical next steps.
Clients use us for clarity, careful preparation, reduced stress and practical guidance. India-related documentation can involve small details, and a structured review often prevents avoidable delays.