Indian Passport renewal form in USA

[wait_2010]

I am in the process of filling out my passport reneal application form in US. Would appreciate clarification on following form + field if someone has recently done it after the process was turned over to VFS

1) Main application form

Q- How long has applicant continuously resided aborad-- My understanding is that it should be counted from my last visit to india onwards (hence continuous) and not the first time I came to US.

2) VERIFICATION OF NATIONALITY FORM
Q- Date of leaving India -- My understanding is that it is the first time I came to US (6 years ago).
Q- Period of stay abroad -- stay in US from my last visit to India (same as the main application form)

3) no need to notaize any document/form if submission is in person

I called the helpline, but the person didn't sound sure and swicthed his answer once..


Thanks

[bobby123]

q1) Yes, thats correct.
2) q) Date of leaving should be last time you left india.
q) Yes, that correct.

3) Not sure as I posted my application, but always better to get Notarized.

[seahawks]

Guys, please do your action items, it is very critical for you to do it. If you have already done it, please continue doing so everyday. Please also post it on the relevant thread each time you do it. We all need your support, we need to motivate people who have not done this. Sorry for hijacking this thread, but we need your help.

[vmb7]

Hey wait_2010,

Regarding the notarizing part, my experience is, if you are submitting in person at the Embassy then the docs doesn't need to be notarized but if you are mailing the docs or even submitting them in person at some agency (like VFS in Washington DC) to which the embassy has outsourced the job of collecting the Passport applications, then the docs need to be notarized. I had to get my 797 notarized. The helpline folks at the agency might say its not needed to get them notarized if you are submitting in person, but once you are there, they will not accept your application, its my experience..

Thanks,
-mb7

[wait_2010]

Bobby and VMB- Thank you guys for your prompt reply..

[Edison99]

Hi wait_2010,
I’ve renewed my Indian passport in Chicago by postal and received PP back in 2 weeks; based on my experience I can answer your questions…

1. Main application form – Since your first entry. If you have long break in continuous stay since your first entry to US then you need to check with help line. Customer support is improved a lot, you can send an email, and you can get answers in same day.
2. Verification form – Q latest leaving date and Q – same as main application form
3. In person – Notarized not required but Visa / green card copies should be COLOR Xeroxed
4. Your need 4 photographs not 3 even though documents required says 3.
5. Use Prepaid FedEx envelope for return. You can do this by creating account with FedEx because Vfsglobal is not accepting credit card payment

Hope this helps you and good luck!

Originally Posted by wait_2010

I am in the process of filling out my passport reneal application form in US. Would appreciate clarification on following form + field if someone has recently done it after the process was turned over to VFS

1) Main application form

Q- How long has applicant continuously resided aborad-- My understanding is that it should be counted from my last visit to india onwards (hence continuous) and not the first time I came to US.

2) VERIFICATION OF NATIONALITY FORM
Q- Date of leaving India -- My understanding is that it is the first time I came to US (6 years ago).
Q- Period of stay abroad -- stay in US from my last visit to India (same as the main application form)

3) no need to notaize any document/form if submission is in person

I called the helpline, but the person didn't sound sure and swicthed his answer once..


Thanks

[spven]

In-person also notarization is required. I went to DC VFS yesterday, 3 people before are sent to a near by bank for notarization.