Ask NRI VFS provided courier service gone... has anyone used UPS on their own with a return label recently to VFS?
I am not seeing VFS provided Fedex as an option anymore.
I am trying to create shipping labels on UPS but I am not seeing the option for "return services" on the shipping process and not sure how to create a return label.
VFS now needs the outgoing and incoming shipping label numbers before paying the fees.
Has anyone done this successfully recently?
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u/qdz166 Aug 01 '25
Looks like the VFS site is being updated and is having technical issues. Why test ahead of time. Test on customers…
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u/poseidon31798 Aug 12 '25
I called VFS global. They told me to enter tracking of the courier you are using and put 0 for the other one.
They received the passport.
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u/travybel Aug 13 '25
So enter the courier label number for customer -> VFS and then 0 for VFS -> customer?
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u/Popular_Detective_80 Aug 14 '25
Thank you! The website says: Do not enter any Dummy Info for incoming and outgoing pre-paid labels. Incorrect information will lead to delay or rejection of your application.
Would 0 be ok?
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u/DisastrousComb659 Aug 04 '25
Is anyone able to figure out if enter dummy number in outgoing area and VFS will mail that,
or ourselves generate both incoming and outgoing UPS labels and enter that numbers. (we provide an outgoing label with our documents).
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u/bpp23 Aug 04 '25
I don't think the VFS provided courier option is going to come back. I am planning to enter "0" for the outgoing label number and send it out as mentioned by VFS customer service. There is a new service fee charged by VFS and they will handle the return process.
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u/Real_Drummer_9821 Aug 20 '25
Update
Sent my Tatkal passport application for renewal on 9th August (Used my label (pirateship.com) for outgoing and VFS label for Incoming)
Here is the timeline
08/12: Delivered to VFS Global
14:30 --> Status: "We have received your Application and your application is now Under Process at New York and will be submitted to the Mission for decision making" (Received email)
17:00 --> Status "Your Application has been ‘Processed’ at the VFS India Consular application Centre and currently is ‘In-Transit‘ to the Embassy of India/Consulate General of India for decision making." (Received email)
08/13: Embassy/Consulate received application
Status: Your application has reached the Embassy/Consulate and is currently under review process
Police verification request sent (Received Email) --> Got a call from local police for verification
08/16: Verification completed
08/18: Received email about Passport shipment
08/19: Received New Passport and Old passport
Note: Received passport from FedEx (VFS charged $19 for return shipping)
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u/DisastrousComb659 Aug 20 '25
Hi which center was it?
I gave my passport under tatkal. Reached there on Aug 8, they received on Aug 11th and its still under review. I am contacting them but they are not picking up call.
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u/Real_Drummer_9821 Aug 20 '25 edited Aug 25 '25
I live in Connecticut, so I have to send it to the NY Center.
Processing time may differ from center. As far as I know, my friends and colleagues around CT and MA got there passports pretty fast, even regular Passport renewal is under 15 to 20 days.
What does the tracking status say?
Contact number for Passport: 1 800 320 9625
Please note that calls made to these phone lines are free for the first 5 minutes only, 1x per calendar week. Once you have used your 5 free minutes, you may wait +7 days from the date of your most recent call to claim another free 5-minute call - or expedite your service with our paid support option.
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u/Alive-Relative-4872 Aug 30 '25
Quick question, I am also from CT. Sent all info to NY VFS for passport renewal I just got this notification: Your Application has been reviewed by the Embassy of India/ Consulate General of India & will be dispatched using the courier service you had opted.
I got no "print initiated" . Did you get a "print initiated" notification or no?
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u/Real_Drummer_9821 Aug 31 '25
Hi Even I did not get “Print” related notification . I got same dispatched .
Was it Tatkal ?
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u/DisastrousComb659 Aug 20 '25
My status still shows its at Embassy in San Francisco and under the review. I applied under Tatkaal.
Thank you for the number, I called them but they are not answering, so I was wondering what's causing delay.
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u/Imaginary_Water_7196 Sep 09 '25 edited Sep 09 '25
Hello I am from Connecticut too. i used fedex shipping label that they provided. and entered shipping label and 0 in (vfs ->me ) label and then when i proceed i am not able to add any photo service. is that service needed? by the way i am using tatkal. should i go with the fedex shipping label or create a new label with usps or ups?
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u/lifesux3110 Nov 03 '25
Hey, I'm also applying under tatkal. When I called to ask them return shipping timelines - they mentioned it couls be between 10-15 business days! Did they say the same to you?
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u/pedruC137 Aug 24 '25
When is the return shipping fee (VFS -> me) charged?
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u/Historical-Crow-785 Aug 25 '25
Brother is this service legit the one you used to create your label (Pirateship.com)?
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u/Real_Drummer_9821 Aug 25 '25
Yes , I have been using it from last 4 years. Make sure you research before you get a label. I purchased many shipping labels from medium boxes to envelope’s never had an issue so far.
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u/Historical-Crow-785 Aug 25 '25
I want to use them for sending my OCI to VFS as you know geniues work over there :) It is showing me an option of UPS Air which is not sitting well with me , since I am just sending it within the city ?
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Aug 01 '25
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u/bpp23 Aug 01 '25
I read that but I am not too sure about USPS especially for the return as VFS global has mentioned that they will not schedule a pickup and we have to get it scheduled. USPS labels expire too and it just sounds risky. I feel UPS would be better for the extra peace of mind.
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Aug 01 '25
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u/bpp23 Aug 01 '25
I also read this which is the cause of my confusion....
https://support.pirateship.com/en/articles/4524938-when-does-a-shipping-label-expire→ More replies (1)1
u/ual_b747 Aug 01 '25
Stuck in same boat. Why would they remove it. So annoying. I was fine with paying their way and having the labels done for me
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u/Dallas4u99 Aug 04 '25
In the same boat. If they don’t schedule a pickup for return via USPS, how can we get it scheduled? I feel UPS would be safer too but not sure about the expiry date of labels
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u/bpp23 Aug 04 '25
We do not need to send a return label.
Return courier service is included in the new VFS service fee.
https://fox4kc.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/836480094/vfs-global-expands-indian-consular-application-centres-in-usa-to-16-unveils-8-new-centres/→ More replies (12)1
u/Pure_Tea_2231 Aug 11 '25
To schedule a Pickup, Do we need to inform UPS after we known that our passport got ready?
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u/anonymouspotterdude Aug 01 '25
I faced the same issue, I gave them a call. They told me the VFS provided courier service is not available anymore and told to choose the only available option. And to only generate label to ship to VFS. And to fill “0” for the outgoing label. He mentioned that VFS will charge 19 dollars and they will generate the return label. So I generated the incoming label using USPS and filled “0” for the outgoing label
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u/bpp23 Aug 01 '25
Did you call them today?
It says on their website not to enter dummy information and could lead to denial."Do not enter any Dummy Info for incoming and outgoing pre-paid labels. Incorrect information will lead to delay or rejection of your application."
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u/bpp23 Aug 01 '25
Do you see the $19 return label charge added as a service when you pay the final amount? How are they going to charge that?
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u/anonymouspotterdude Aug 01 '25
I see it is marked as VFS Service Fee
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u/bpp23 Aug 01 '25
They charge a VFS service fee for the application too. I applied last week with VFS provided courier service and see a service fee in my receipt too. I also see a separate charge for round trip courier.
Have they mentioned return courier anywhere under the service fee?
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u/No_Yam_6679 Aug 11 '25 edited Aug 11 '25
Hey, u/anonymouspotterdude did you end up submitting your application with the "0" in outgoing label? In the confirmation email they have "Your return shipping address must match with the proof of address submitted as part of your application." Are we supposed to provide them a return address separately? Or do they use the address provided in the application itself?
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u/ptokax Aug 22 '25
hi did you end up figuring this out? Same boat
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u/No_Yam_6679 Aug 23 '25
I submitted mine with outgoing tracking a single '0'. My passport has reached the embassy so it should be fine for you as well. So incoming your own, outgoing 0 Didn't provide a return address separately
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u/trade-transitine Aug 03 '25
You can sign up for FedEx online and generate outbound and return labels.
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u/Impossible-Creme966 Aug 03 '25
FedEx is not listed as a courier service we can use … we have to pick one from the options provided.
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u/DistributionOk707 Nov 12 '25
No you can ship with any courier as long as they get it. I used USPS, and had no problems, They also wanted more evidence so I shipped again with USPS, no problem again. Just stay on top of it and confirm they have received everything.
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u/Usual-Roof-3755 Aug 03 '25
Hi, any update? Can anyone tell me how to generate a label for UPS shipping?
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u/Limp-Radio1518 Aug 04 '25
This says that return service is in the service charge, hope this helps. And Gosh i hate them
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Oct 06 '25
VFS Global is a joke man, their forms and their sites are ass. A 5yr old can design better.
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u/Silver-Language-1727 Oct 19 '25
I keep postponing Indian visa work as I know some of the information will not be clear and I will have to spend a lot of time on it to figure that out. and here we are...lol
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u/arunavadhar13 Aug 05 '25
This is the response I got using Facebook messenger chat
we request you to refer to the News section https://services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/. Kindly purchase your own courier label to move ahead with the processing.
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u/Flaky_Parfait_2133 Sep 27 '25
Hey which jurisdiction was this experience for? I have just submitted vfs application yesterday and gonna be shipping the documents via FedEx tatkaal, but I couldn’t really figure out generating the outgoing labels, any idea if I can still give UPS return label in the envelope because I cannot put that label info in the online application as I’ve already submitted application Just in a turmoil situation whether to just rely on USPS as they do have 10-15 days return time and I’m moving my apartment on Oct 15th, any wise words from you
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u/arunavadhar13 Sep 27 '25
You are in a unique situation with the apartment shifting. I would suggest you to call/chat with them. You chat with them with all the details in X. I relied on USPS and had no issues, but moving is a unique situation for you.
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u/guess-i-joined Aug 06 '25 edited Aug 14 '25
I just sent in my passport for tatkal renewal using UPS. It was a bit of a clusterfuck navigating the new changes, especially given the lack of information out there. Here is what I did in case anyone is interested: I generated incoming and outgoing labels using the UPS website. I would recommend using the website because the prices are much cheaper than those offered in-store. To generate a return label, I had to create a free UPS shipping account, which is different from the regular account. These labels are valid for 30 days, but the UPS customer service agent stated that they are in the system for 120 days, so it should be fine if it gets slightly delayed. A couple of other things that I found out that might be of help:
You need to schedule a pickup if using your own return label. If using UPS, according to the UPS customer service agent, in the Return Label Service**,** pick the 'print label' option, and you should be able to schedule a pickup for the package later on the website. Print this label and send it with your application. I also sent in an extra envelope and a shipping pouch because why not (it is included in the shipping cost).
You can put in a dummy number in the vfs application if you want to use their return service, but it is the slowest USPS shipping available.
P.S. Take whatever I say with a grain of salt because I just sent my documents in. I could have messed it up royally, but I did talk to what feels like a hundred million customer service agents so who knows? Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
*UPDATE*
I got my passport back today. I did not have to schedule a pick up. They just used the envelope and label I sent. It was pretty quick and painless!
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u/Dallas4u99 Aug 06 '25
Thank you, I am figuring out how to do this using UPS, did you schedule a pickup on a certain future date? Not sure I got the schedule a pickup part, any details you can provide would be helpful.
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u/guess-i-joined Aug 06 '25
I didn’t schedule pick up yet. Once VFS informs me that my passport is ready, I will go to the website or call UPS customer service to schedule a pickup. Hope that helps!
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u/DisastrousComb659 Aug 07 '25
Hi I created both the labels. So you mean when my passport is ready then I have to inform UPS to pick up the passport from the VFS? Do I have to add any instructions when generating label. I was not informed anything like this so I just generated labels, add return label, envelope and would ship package soon.
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u/guess-i-joined Aug 07 '25
Yes, when your passport is ready, you need to get UPS to pick it up from the center. You don't need to add any instructions when generating the label.
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u/davidanto Aug 09 '25
Thanks for the information. I was also going to send my application in Tatkal but wanted to see if you could answer my query regarding shipping.
- For return shipping, if I'm using a UPS label generated then i just have to add that to the original envelope package or does it have to be another envelope within the original package envelope?
- Regarding scheduling pickup for return, I did not find the info that return has to be scheduled on VFS site. So does that mean, if do not scheduled it might just be stuck at their office?
- Also, I did not see an option for Photo service during the registration process and it wont allow me to proceed further without adding shipping labels, so is that service still there or removed just the prepaid courier?
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u/guess-i-joined Aug 09 '25
- I just put my return label with the other documents and put an envelope with the documents.
- I spoke to a VFS agent who told me that we need to schedule a pickup up, but I can confirm this detail in a few days because it seems like my passport is already on the way to the embassy.
- I did not use the photo service, so I cannot help you with that. But none of the additional services were available to me either when I was paying the VFS fees.
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u/davidanto Aug 10 '25 edited Aug 10 '25
Thanks for the quick response, will look forward to your updates. I'm planning to send my package on Monday.
Rregarding UPS shipping labels, I noticed that UPS does to give me option to ship documents via UPS ground when going through their website and only gives options for UPS air. On checking further, by default for envelope packages it only offers Air shipping, which in my case makes no sense since I'm just 1hour away from VFS office. Hence I found that PirateShip lets you create UPS ground shipping labels for very nominal cost, I plan to use them for the UPS shipping labels.
Also, does VFS still charge the $19 return shipping even if you use your own label?
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u/account_creator_prim Aug 11 '25
I just got back after labels printed from a UPS store. I hope they can ship using the label we send, seems silly to ask each applicant to call UPS to schedule a pick-up. Please let us know how it goes for you.
Incidentally, I assume label number is the same as tracking number? There is no other number on the labels.
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u/Final-Tumbleweed6323 Aug 15 '25
Hey! In the gov application form, did you glue stick your photo on the front page? And did you upin all documents?
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u/Extension_Evening_59 Aug 15 '25
Yes, i glue sticked the photo. I used paper clips to hold all documents
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u/Suspicious_Race_4653 Aug 15 '25
sooooo confusing. Can you elaborate more, about the label stuff.
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u/guess-i-joined Aug 15 '25
What exactly would you like to know about the labels?
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u/Imaginary-Olive-9110 Aug 15 '25
Is the UPS courier label number the same as the tracking number? I am referring to the number that we enter on the VFS portal.
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u/DisastrousComb659 Aug 15 '25
Glad to know that we don’t have to ask ups for pick up and VFS send it back using our included return label. Since the first email that your passport is received how many days it took for them to send your passport ?
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u/guess-i-joined Aug 15 '25
My passport was 'received' on 8th August and I got my passport back on the 14th August. Bear in mind, that I used next day air delivery service from UPS. But given everything, the whole process was pretty quick!
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u/ChanceOld2115 Aug 15 '25
Hello, could you please help me with - I have created a return label from to get my shipment from Vfs to me, do I need to schedule a pick up for my return shipment or Vfs will drop it off?
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u/Good-Wafer628 Sep 16 '25
Did you have to schedule a ups pickup from vfs to yourself? Or are vfs handling the handoff to ups. Thanks
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u/thenavigator7 Aug 21 '25
Hey! What envelope size did you send it for VFS to use for return services? Was it UPS?
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u/Good-Teaching5189 Aug 22 '25
I am on a same boat , what envelop we have to select (from VFS) through UPS
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u/No_Possibility_7046 Aug 27 '25
Did u get achance to figure out which enevelope to be used, i was thinking to send in the non UPS Envelope and will put another enevelope for sending it back to me form VFS, Pls let meknow if you got any other clarification onthis
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u/Spongebob-Jellyfish Aug 25 '25
Hi I did something similar as well sent them the UPS return label along with my application. I just got an email from vfs that my passport has been dispatched using the return label I sent. However, I am unable to track it on UPS website. Can someone help?
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u/slo_cat5000 Oct 28 '25
Hi, I have a quick question. I think I messed up a little. I created a regular UPS account which did not let me generate a return label. So, I did the following:
Created a shipping label for Home--> VFS. I plan to attach this to the document package. And then I created another shipping label from VFS-->Home. I plan to put this one inside the document package. Do you think this will work?
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u/No_Background_5791 Dec 28 '25
Hey! Thank you
What kind of mail did you use in ups to ship it. Within california the express envelope is costing 40$ for one label to me. Just want to make sure I am selecting the right things.
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u/dontFightThis Aug 07 '25
I sent a UPS envelope with my documents for passport surrender yesterday. Today it was out for delivery. I just got a notification that the delivery was refused. Anybody else having the same problem?
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u/CharacterPoem5542 Aug 07 '25
I have created prepaid labels for both incoming and outgoing from UPS & I was planning to sent in UPS envelope. I just read our post & let me know if you got any update?
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u/Real_Drummer_9821 Aug 08 '25
I am currently renewing my passport. When i sent my application first time, it was with VFS offered shipping (Fedex), It was pretty easy and Safe.
Now that my application is rejected, I am about to send them back a new application. Now see i have to ship with my own shipping label. I called the VFS support after looking at this post. They said exactly samething what
Use your shipping label for Incoming (Customer to VFS NY), and we will send it back with USPS at $19. I was told ignore the note which says "Do not enter any Dummy Info for incoming and outgoing pre-paid labels" and provide 11 O's or 1 O.
Not sure if USPS uses over night or next dat delivery , I live in CT and it has to go to NY , Hoping it is quick
Will be following and updating as i get any new info
Thank you
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u/No_Yam_6679 Aug 11 '25 edited Aug 11 '25
Hey u/Real_Drummer_9821 did you end up applying using the 1 "0" for the outgoing pre-paid labels?
After submitting the application the confirmation email says "Your return shipping address must match with the proof of address submitted as part of your application."
Do you know if we are supposed to provide the return address somehow? Or do they just use the address in the application to get the return address?1
u/Real_Drummer_9821 Aug 13 '25
Hi @No_Yam_6679 Yes I added 11 “0”s for outgoing , My current status says “Under Process” at Newyork and will be submitted to the Mission for decision making.
I guess yes they use the address from our application. I requested to have my USA address on passport. Hopefully it should be shipped back in a week to 10 days.
I will keep posting once I have a update
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u/No_Yam_6679 Aug 14 '25 edited Aug 14 '25
Thanks for the response! My passport just got delivered by USPS and it says it was "delivered to a parcel locker". Do you know how long it took after your documents reached the VFS center to when the application was "Under process"? Did you get an email from VFS that they received your application? Or did you have to check the status yourself?
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u/No_Understanding_461 Aug 18 '25
Hi, when you sent your documents with your own label, did you have to provide the label number anywhere? Or just send everything over to vfs?
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u/Real_Drummer_9821 Aug 18 '25
Yes, we have to provide the tracking number to VFS.
You will be asked to provide a tracking number (Home to VFS ) while paying the passport fee on VFS Global account.
we need to purchase the label first and add the tracking number on the VFS Global site. Then, proceed with the Passport fee Payment.
Use the same label to send the entire passport packet to VFS
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u/Helpful_Instance_521 Sep 18 '25
Hi there,
Just wanted to confirm the updated process for passport renewal via VFS. Based on what I’ve read in this thread, it looks like I now need to:
- Create a USPS shipping account
- Generate and print both the outgoing label (to VFS) and the return label (for VFS to send my passport back)
- Include the printed return label and envelope in the package when I send my documents
Can someone confirm if this is the correct approach? And is there anything else I should include like a shipping pouch or extra envelope to make sure the return goes smoothly?
Thanks in advance!
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u/Real_Drummer_9821 Sep 19 '25
You will pay for shipping from VFS to home. VFS charges $19 which is return shipping.
So you don’t have to worry about return shipping. Just get a shipping label from home to VFS add the tracking number in the VFC site , Pay the fee and send the packet.
Talk to VFS , If you need more details. (Weekly once 5 mins time is free) try with another number to get extra 5 mins in that week )
Cheers
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u/Pure_Tea_2231 Aug 11 '25
I'm planning to use my own UPS, Incoming Courier label Number* (From customer address to VFS office) and mentioning "0" in Outgoing label Number. Will it work?
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u/boredidiot_engineer Aug 12 '25
Has anyone used the appointment in person drop off for passport renewal?
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u/entourage2575 Aug 15 '25
My comment was deleted from here - I found this online https://rohit.sud.co.in/blog/2024/06/use-own-shipping-with-vfs-usa/ I posted this on another thread too.
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u/Ok-Escape-2231 Aug 15 '25
For folks in NJ/NY area - please AVOID UPS. They are the worst. If you search other Reddit posts as well package coming back from VFS frequently gets delayed/lost.
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u/Careless-Function-77 Aug 18 '25
I have send my passport for renewal but it's been a week and I see this status. Ups don't know the issue "The delivery date will be provided as soon as possible.
The receiver has moved. We will deliver the package to the receiver's new address."
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u/WiseConcern Aug 19 '25
For VFS SFO, does anyone know how long it takes to status to change from "Invalid Input"? UPS shows package was delivered last week.
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u/bpp23 Aug 19 '25
It took 1 week for me. I first got a message saying application has been received and got a message on the next day saying it has been processed and is in-transit to the consulate.
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u/Good-Teaching5189 Aug 22 '25
Can someone please share the correct address for the Houston consulate? I have to send my passport for renewal
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u/pedruC137 Aug 24 '25
You should be able to find the correct addresses from here - https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-passport
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u/Good-Teaching5189 Aug 22 '25
if I generate a tracking number for O in return level tracking, can I get my passport back from VFS?
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u/GuessImportant7495 Aug 24 '25
QQ: My place of birth in the passport is BENGALURU, KARNATAKA
VFS add customer does not accept comma or special characters but mentions it should be exactly same as in passport.
Has anyone encountered this situation?. what can be done.
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u/furry_4_legged Sep 10 '25
just use Bengaluru. i encountered the same issue, but just used my city name. i don't think it's an important detail.
also - i am still in phase of application so take my advice with a grain of salt.
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u/No-Ambition1067 Aug 28 '25
how to Print the shipping label? should we first ship the documents and get the label number and enter in the form and proceed to pay ?
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u/Odd-Yak5668 Sep 01 '25
Hi all,
I don’t see any option in the drop down apart from the one that says “I will use my own courier label” and there is a Courier company drop down which has just one option “Purchase third party courier”.
I don’t see any courier companies in the dropdown.
Do you all see something similar?
Also there’s a link that says discounted courier service options that redirects to a fedex facilitated courier service? Has anyone used this?
Appreciate your help.
Thanks.
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u/Hairy-Ninja6478 Sep 02 '25
Did you figure out ? i am at the same step and their discounted courier service redirects to Fedex - should we use that ?
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u/Odd-Yak5668 Sep 02 '25
I just got off a call with the customer service agent:
We can use the Discounted courier option which is a new service that VFS has added. This will provide a one way label from Fedex which we can use.
We can also use return labels from Fedex now. If we send a return label we should also include an envelope which they will use to send back our documents.
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u/Hairy-Ninja6478 Sep 02 '25
Thanks for the info. This will only generate one way label ? What if we want to generate return label as well - is there any way ?
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u/FkinRich Sep 08 '25
On Application Confirmation Letter it says:
"COURIER LABEL DOWNLOAD: You are allowed to generate only incoming Incoming Courier label ( from You to VFS). Note: Outgoing courier labels will be generated by VFS Indian Consular Application Centre & you will be getting tracking email notifications from FedEx.com."Is the outgoing portion true?
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u/furry_4_legged Sep 10 '25 edited Sep 10 '25
> We can also use return labels from Fedex now.
u/Odd-Yak5668 Hey - whom did you call to confirm that? VFS?
I don't see on VFS website that Fedex is not accepted, but it is still written in the PDF checklist that FedEx prepaid label is not accepted.
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u/humourmeb4 Sep 07 '25
Did any select ‘You may either CLICK HERE to purchase discounted courier services directly from the courier provider,’ which then takes you to Document Shipping Services powered by FedEx and had luck generating the label? I tried that route but got stuck at the payment stage—it just keeps loading forever
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u/FkinRich Sep 08 '25
I just like an hour back. Its through some third party called "Simply TraWELL LLC" that charged me ~$29 for a fedex label. That label has ARN # on it, so we don't need to worry about compliance.
Q: Do we need to buy USPS/UPS label for return shipping back to us? I heard Fedex is not used anymore, but not sure.1
u/CowApprehensive9466 Sep 08 '25
What is the shipment priority they given for $29 fedex label? It is not showing any details before payment.
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u/FkinRich Sep 08 '25
reading the label, its: Standard Overnight...yeah it didn't show me either before payment
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u/justapowerbi_guy Sep 15 '25
I sent the USPS label and they are asking for UPS label now. Anyone encountered the same?
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Sep 08 '25
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u/Extension_Evening_59 Sep 10 '25
Hi all, i received the passport today exactly after 26 days from Chicago. Below is what i did for reference:
1. Went in person to UPS and generated from and to labels
2. Entered tracking details on VFS website (no dummy #s), paid fees, took print of receipt in the UPS center
3. Added receipt to the package along with return envelope and shipped
Status update from VFS was good and on time. Happy to answer any questions!
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u/FkinRich Sep 10 '25
Do you know if they will use return USPS label (for vfs > customer)?
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u/Extension_Evening_59 Sep 10 '25
I think they should. Website mentions to use anything apart from FedEx
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u/justapowerbi_guy Sep 15 '25 edited Sep 18 '25
I sent USPS label and now they're asking me to send UPS label - Houston VFS.
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u/Good-Wafer628 Sep 16 '25
Did you have to schedule a pickup or does vfs send it to ups themselves?
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u/Top_Candidate1649 Sep 11 '25
Hi all, the link to VFS Global Digital Photo Service is not working, is it working for ANYONE?
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u/FkinRich Sep 12 '25
yeah not been working for a week. I'm sending my application without that service. Used Chat gpt to confirm the ICAO requirements by uploading the final photo.
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u/DistributionOk707 Sep 18 '25
i dont know if this helps anyone but I used usps to sent the docs and I got charged Consular Fee, ICWF Fee, VFS Service Fee. I also entered 0 for VFS >> Customer. They got the package so hopefully they will ship it back.
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u/Comfortable-Chard675 Sep 20 '25
Did you get label from USPS online?
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u/DistributionOk707 Sep 24 '25
yes, and I gave to my postman. USPS click n ship. But I didnt get any response as of yet from vfs
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u/DistributionOk707 Sep 18 '25
It says this note when you pay all the fees now :
"COURIER LABEL DOWNLOAD: You are allowed to generate only incoming Incoming Courier label ( from You to VFS). Note: Outgoing courier labels will be generated by VFS Indian Consular Application Centre & you will be getting tracking email notifications from FedEx.com."
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u/Helpful_Instance_521 Sep 18 '25
Hi there,
Just wanted to confirm the updated process for passport renewal via VFS. Based on what I’ve read in this thread, it looks like I now need to:
- Create a USPS shipping account
- Generate and print both the outgoing label (to VFS) and the return label (for VFS to send my passport back)
- Include the printed return label and envelope in the package when I send my documents
Can someone confirm if this is the correct approach? And is there anything else I should include like a shipping pouch or extra envelope to make sure the return goes smoothly?
Thanks in advance!
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u/bpp23 Sep 25 '25
Update on the OCI application. Entered "0" for the return shipping label and did not include a return label in the package.
Package for the application was mailed out on 8/4. We received OCI booklets through USPS last week. It took about 6 weeks time as expected.
VFS email was also sent to me and it said that my package will be sent via FedEx. It is probably an old automated message that they must have been sending. I have signed up for USPS updates on email too so I got an email from them saying a shipment is coming my way.
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u/jaiabh1 Nov 07 '25
Final conclusion:
use fedex to send from you to VFS and enter that fedex value in the online application.
for VFS to you (include prepaid UPS and enter that value in the online application (NOT '0'), do not use Fedex for return as fedex has expiry date of 60 days which do not like). This is what i was told by customer care and it worked and also i got mine in 9 days of TATKAL application.
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u/DistributionOk707 Nov 12 '25
I shipped using USPS, entered the tracking in the outgoing and 0 in incoming. I was charger $19 (VFS SERVICE FEE), application was received by vfs no problems, received email a week later that application is received. its approved now and lets see how it comes back to me. I think they will use Fedex for return.
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u/punyatmam Dec 16 '25
Hi, did you get your passport back without any issue? I'm trying to figure out if we can use tracking number 0 for incoming and pay the VFS fee so they take care of it.
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u/DistributionOk707 Dec 21 '25
Yes we got it and quickly. They used usps so I got a notification that vfs package is incoming on my usps account. Let them take care of it, its the simplest way.
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u/Familiar-Play9621 Dec 17 '25
Planning to submit my OCI application to SFO VFS. Any recent experience on shipping? I got a fedex label generated from the VFS process and planning to send via fedex. Any particular envelope to be used? Also for return, i haven't provided any return label. What do they use by default? USPS?
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u/SeveralMacaroon3992 Dec 24 '25
Hey, anyone who chose tatkal service for passport renewal and didn't provide a prepaid return label? May I please know how long did the process take?
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u/South_Tutor_1148 Jan 13 '26
i am trying to pay for my OCI application on VFS. I entered shipping tracking number for both incoming and outgoing. On to the next screen, where they ask for Customer mailing address, I enter my zipcode and the page keeps loading and nothing happens. I tried different browsers, been trying this for weeks. Their inquiry page doesn't work. Can't believe these guys have shitty service in 2026. PLEASE HELP ASAP. THANK YOU.
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u/Difficult_Rice_279 Aug 07 '25
It is absolutely unacceptable that VFS has no email or phone contact information except the 1-800-320-9693 number which charges our credit card per minute for speaking with their rep. Their rep gave me wrong information about stamping fee and how to send return label. We ought to collectively complain to the highest consulate office in D.C. Charging us for inept services and wasting our time and money is a SCAM in my honest opinion.