Edison, NJ | August 1, 2025 — In a historic development that promises to enhance access to critical consular services, the Government of India and VFS Global have launched eight new Indian Consular Application Centres (ICACs) across the United States. The announcement was marked by a community launch event in Edison, New Jersey, reflecting the significance of the expansion for the Indian-American population.
The newly operational centers are located in Boston, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Edison, Orlando, Raleigh, and San Jose, bringing the total number of ICACs in the U.S. to 16. A 17th center is also slated to open in Los Angeles later this month, further strengthening India’s consular outreach across the country.
Addressing the Edison gathering via video message, India’s Ambassador to the U.S., Vinay Mohan Kwatra, stated, “The opening of these new centers is a major step toward making our consular services more efficient and accessible. It demonstrates our commitment to supporting the Indian diaspora and enhancing people-to-people ties with the United States.”
The centers will offer an array of services, including visa applications, passport renewals, Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) processing, renunciation of Indian citizenship, police clearance certificates, document attestation, and the Global Entry Programme (GEP). VFS Global, the exclusive service partner for these functions, has introduced several user-friendly upgrades such as Saturday service hours, integrated courier return options, and free on-site support for documents and photographs.
At the Edison event, members of the Indian-American community, civic leaders, and VFS Global representatives gathered to celebrate the milestone. “This is more than a policy change—it’s a game-changer for families, professionals, and seniors who have long faced logistical hurdles accessing services,” said Dr. Aruna Kapoor, a community organizer present at the event.
Several Indian American community leaders spoke at the Edison Center inauguration, including Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold. He congratulated Ambassador Kwatra and Consul General Pradhan as well as VHF Global for the new consular offices, calling it “a great initiative”. He pointed out that there were more Indian immigrants in New Jersey than in New York City, and many times community members are apprehensive of traveling to NYC. In a post on X, following the event, Dr. Parikh called it a “Proud Moment for Our Community” putting the flags of India and the US. He added, “It was an honor to be invited as a special guest today at the inauguration of the new India Passport & Visa Services Center at VFS Global, Edison Square, New Jersey. Though H.E. Vinay Kwatra, Ambassador of India to the United States, joined us virtually, his presence and words were deeply appreciated by all in attendance.” Dr. Parikh went on to add, “As someone who has long advocated for accessible and efficient community services, I am proud to witness this milestone right here in Edison — home to one of the most vibrant Indian-American populations in the country. …Together, we continue to build bridges — for our families, our future, and our shared identity.”
Among other speakers at the event were Mayor of Edison, NJ Sam Joshi, and Chairman of Federation of Indian Associations-NYNJCTNE Ankur Vaidya.
Mayor Joshi, in a press release from his office, said, “We are proud to welcome the new Indian Consular Application Center to Edison. This center both improves essential services for our residents and will also support Edison’s businesses, which will benefit from the increased tourism as it serves individuals from New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.”
Vaidya in his speech said it was an honor and a privilege to be part of the opening ceremony for the new consular center. “It’s indeed a wonderful gesture, a very thoughtful gesture and one that will definitely support the community and ease the processes that the community need here in New Jersey and across the United States,” Vaidya said.
With over 5.3 million Indian-origin residents in the U.S., including more than 2 million Non-Resident Indians, the move is expected to significantly ease the consular burden on existing facilities while also improving turnaround times and service delivery nationwide.
The expansion comes at a time of deepening India–U.S. bilateral ties and reflects India’s strategy to strengthen global engagement through improved public service access abroad. The Indian Embassy has urged all users to stay updated through its official website and VFS Global platforms for operational details and appointment information.
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India announces eight new consular application centers in US
