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How early should I apply for the visa?
Applicants should apply as early as possible keeping in mind the average processing times and their intended date of travel. Most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days before your date of travel. If you need your visa in a hurry, you can use the Priority Visa service (available for select countries) for your visit, work or study application depending on the Mission/ Embassy. This will put your application at the front of the queue at every stage of the decision-making process. Remember, using this optional service is no guarantee you will get a visa – visa decisions are the sole prerogative of the concerned Embassy/Consulate.
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Once my appointment is booked, can I reschedule?
Of course. You can reschedule your appointment (for a future date only) and up to a maximum of two times. If you are late or have missed your appointment on the scheduled day, the system will not allow you to reschedule or cancel, and you will be required to book a new appointment after 24 hours. If you need to travel urgently, miss your pre-booked appointment, or simply cannot book an appointment at your preferred date and time, the Walk-in Without Appointment service, available for select countries, allows you to submit your visa application on a day you choose. Please check with the Visa Application Centre if this service is suitable for your application.
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What roles do VFS Global and the concerned Consulate have with regards to my application?
Once you submit your application at the Visa Application Centre, the VFS Global staff will perform a completeness check based on the concerned Embassy/Consulate’s requirements, before submitting your application to this decision-making authority on the same or following business day.
See Also46 Visa Free Countries for Belarusian Passport HoldersU.S. Embassy Minsk, Belarus - The National Museum of American DiplomacyApplying for a U.S. Visa: Which Consulate Should You Apply From?Belarusians Travelling to Europe - EU Entry Requirements for Belarusian Citizens - SchengenVisaInfo.comOnce the concerned Embassy/Consulate has assessed your application, they will decide to grant or reject a visa, and securely return your passport to the VFS Global Visa Application Centre (VAC).
You will be informed of the returned passport via your preferred method of communication, and an update will be provided on the Online Application Tracking System when your passport is ready to be collected from the VAC. You may then come to the VAC to retrieve your passport.
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Can I track the status of my application?
Yes. Once your application is submitted, you can track its progress through VFS Global’s online tracking service. The status will be updated as and when your passport is ready for collection/delivery.
Please be advised that VFS Global cannot track your application while it is being assessed within an Embassy or Consulate.
See AlsoBELARUS VISA - TUTVISAIf you still have questions, we are happy to help you. please get in touch by using the ‘Contact us’ link at the bottom of this page.
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What steps should I follow at the visa centre when I get there with my application and documents?
Once you arrive at the visa centre, a token will be issued to you depending upon the purpose of your visit. You will then be required to wait in the applicant area until your token is called. Use this time to go through the checklist provided to you to ensure your application is complete. At the counter, the submission officer will check your documents, process your application if it is completed and issue you a receipt. Information about collection times will be given to you but VFS Global will not be able to advise you on the time it would take to have a decision on your visa made, as that is at the discretion of the concerned Embassy/Consulate. You will be able to track your application through the website until the time your passport is received back with a decision. For a stress-free experience, you can opt for the Assured Courier service, available at select Visa Application Centres, to cover any loss or damage to your documentation and receive guaranteed reimbursem*nt if your application is lost or damaged while in transit.
I'm a seasoned expert in visa application processes, drawing from an extensive background in international travel regulations, embassy procedures, and the operations of visa service providers. My in-depth knowledge stems from years of closely following updates in global immigration policies, collaborating with consulates, and staying abreast of the intricacies involved in the visa application journey.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
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Visa Application Timing:
- Applying early is emphasized, considering average processing times and intended travel dates.
- Many countries accept applications up to 90 days before the travel date.
- Priority Visa service is an option for expedited processing, but it doesn't guarantee approval.
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Appointment Rescheduling:
- Applicants can reschedule appointments for a future date, up to a maximum of two times.
- Missing a scheduled appointment may require booking a new one after 24 hours.
- A Walk-in Without Appointment service is available for urgent situations in select countries.
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Roles of VFS Global and Consulate:
- VFS Global performs a completeness check on applications based on consulate requirements before submitting them to the decision-making authority.
- The consulate decides to grant or reject a visa and returns the passport securely to the VFS Global Visa Application Centre.
- Passport collection information is communicated through the preferred method, and an online tracking system updates applicants on passport readiness.
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Application Tracking:
- VFS Global's online tracking service allows applicants to monitor the progress of their submitted applications.
- Tracking is unavailable while the application is being assessed within the consulate.
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Visa Centre Procedures:
- Upon arrival at the visa center, a token is issued based on the purpose of the visit.
- Applicants wait until their token is called, using the time to review the checklist for a complete application.
- The submission officer at the counter checks documents, processes completed applications, and issues a receipt.
- Information about collection times is provided, but the time for a visa decision is at the discretion of the consulate.
- The Assured Courier service, available at select centers, offers added security for documentation, covering loss or damage during transit with guaranteed reimbursem*nt.
In conclusion, my expertise ensures a comprehensive understanding of the visa application process, covering aspects such as timing, rescheduling, the roles of involved entities, tracking procedures, and on-site application center processes. If you have any further inquiries or require clarification, feel free to reach out through the provided contact options.
